Cometonigeria vol 7 issue 03 2016

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 07 | Issue 03 | 2016 03

9

772044

193000

£5. €6. $8. R50. ₦1500 www.cometonigeria.com

Adventure: In search of Peace and Purpose One woman’s journey back home

Hot issue: Redeeming our future generation

SALLAH DURBAR

Wild,energeticandcolourful

REGULARS: REGULARS: SHOPPING

TRAVEL FASHIONNEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS TRAVEL NEWS INSPIRATIONAL FAMOUS FIRSTS NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS SHOPS, RESTAURANTS & BARS

10 Historical SitesLegacy this quarter Africa Some of the Fieldwork major sites in Adventure Nigerianathistory Holidays

that you can Sungbo explore.

Eredo

Sani Musa Danja The impeccable Multi-talented, styles and award-winning captivating singer, actor and musical designs of director.

Adebayo Jones

EXPLORE * SHOP * EAT *INVEST *ENJOY

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© Demi Olubanwo

CONTENTS

54

MUSIC OF NIGE-

C O N T E N T S

Regulars 18 Travel/Investment News 25 Next Issue 66 Gadgets Cover photography: Nigeria Durbar Copyright: Adeniyi Olagunju

26 32 66

07

Publisher’s statements

09

Editorial

10

Postcards

16 22 24 26

Travel images from Nigeria Tobi Oyedokun Southwest images Chukwuemeka Bright in the East

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Adventure

44

Famous firsts in Nigeria

46

Webpreneurs

48

Book reviews

50

Inspirational Nigerians

52

Music of Nigeria

What you should know

A brief look at what you need to know before you go

Hot Issue

Redeeming our future generation

Lunch time in Nigeria The making of Efo riro

Featured Story Sallah Durbar

54

One woman’s journey back home Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

60

My Nigeria

65

Letters and comments

aka Kayode Oyinbo

Featuring blogs and websites by Nigerians

Review of books by Nigerian writers

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Erejuwa Gbadebo .

Sani Musa - award-winning Nigerian singer, actor and producer

Nigeria Fashion

Featuring the art of Gele

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PUBLISHER’S MUSIC OF STATEMENT NIGE-

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Publisher’s Statement

Copyright 2016 CometoNigeria Magazine. ISSN 2044-1932

Editor

In the words of Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr, ‘Nigeria is unfortunately always in the news for the wrong reasons. Yes, I know that we have some internal challenges but I am of the opinion that international press usually focuses on the bad stories about our dear country. This is why I believe that this trip by Mark Zuckerberg is good for the ecosystem despite the fact that I know this guy is a die hard capitalist and if you know capitalists, it is about value but the value must make economic sense’. When the Williams sisters visited Nigeria some years back, they created interest among youths to learn more about lawn tennis. I think it is important for us to get more global role models to come to Nigeria regularly to further enhance our passion to perform against all odds forgetting the international press focusing on the negatives.

Graphics

This quarter’s issue of ‘Come To Nigeria’ contains a wealth of informative features for those planning to visit the giant of Africa.

Published By:

Jollof Limited The Old Saint Lawrence School Building, Westminster Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool L4 3TQ UK Tel/Fax: + 44(0) 151 9222911 Mob: +44 (0) 75 51574179 Email: info@cometonigeria.com Website: http://www.cometonigeria.com/

In Nigeria:

Newday Nigeria Limited, Tel: +234 (0)8146357485, (0)8023023710, (0)8025633323, (0)7062220505 and 08032877360

In America:

4930 Heritage Valley Drive, Douglasville, Atlanta, GA 30135 Tel: +1-678-732-7070, 678-637-7700, All editorial and advertising enquiries should be forwarded to: info@cometonigeria.com OR cometonigeria@gmail.com

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Oladimeji Adisa

Nancy Adegbenro

Associate Editors

Dayo Adeniran, Declan McSweeney, Gina Lisa Pate, Neil Peacock, Amanda Ushedo

Ranti Adisa

Adeyemi A. Adisa

Marketing

Dayo Adeniran Abdulhakeem B. Olanigan Yekinni Opeloyeru Morgan Okunnuga

Lanre Sangobunmi

Legal Adviser

Production Manager

Newsstand Agencies Ltd Tel: +234 709 8123 459 newsstand2008@gmail.com

Post Scriptum Tel: +44 208 526 7779 davidjones@postscriptum.co.uk

Tijjani Shehu Yahaya, Tobi Oyedokun, Orbit Imagery, Olori Olawale, Irene Becker, Devesh Uba Kunle Oladeinde, Adeniyi Olagunju Chukwuemeka B. Ikechukwu

Whether you are a Nigerian expat visiting loved ones, or someone of another nationality making a first visit or renewing old acquaintance or even you are a Nigerian in diaspora contemplating a visit, there is plenty to see in Nigeria.

Distributors in Nigeria

Distributors in UK

Photography

OLADIMEJI ADISA

Stories

Ekundayo Adeniran Nancy Adegbenro Dr John Y Osammor Tijjani Shehu Yahaya Tambra Raye Stevenson Atta Onoja Kayode Tijani

Editorial Board

Dr John Osammor, Ade Arogundade, Fatai Ogunribido, Tunde Oyinloye, Neil Peacock, Mohammed S Adamu, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Nancy Adegbenro, Amanda Ushedo, Bisi Ogunbadejo and Oladimeji Adisa

Religious tourism is a key feature of the Nigerian economy and in this context, this quarter’s feature on the Sallah Durbar, by Tijjani Shehu Yahaya, outlines an event of crucial importance in the Kano Emirate Kingdom, while the history of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria beginnings in Calabar is also outlined this month.

Likewise, Tambra Raye Stevenson’s account of how the discovery of her Fulani roots led her to visit Kano is a fascinating account of an American’s experience of the area.

Dr. Raphael James provides an insight into Nigerian zoological gardens, while the issue also profiles the award winning Nollywood actor, singer and movie director Sani Musa as well successful women like architect Marie Martina Erejuwa Gbadebo and writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

All in all, there is a wealth of reading for those intending to come to Nigeria, and we hope you enjoy the September issue.

Oladimeji Adisa Publisher/Editor in Chief

While the publisher of CometoNigeria Travel Magazine makes every effort to ensure that the content of the magazine is accurate at the time of going to press, it cannot accept responsibility for any error that may appear. The publisher strongly suggests all visitors to Nigeria ensure travel documents and vaccines are up to date before travelling.

The editor of the magazine is happy to receive contributions.

However, while every care is taken with materials submitted, neither the editor nor the publisher can accept responsibility for the material. All submitted materials must include the contributor’s name and address. CometoNigeria cannot guarantee the return of submitted material.

Copyright 2016 CometoNigeria Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored in any form on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher.

Keep in touch with us On Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cometonigeria On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/come.to.nigeria On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cometonigeriaTV On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cometonigeria

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LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 07 | Issue 03 | 2016 03

9

772044

193000

£5. €6. $8. R50. ₦1500 www.cometonigeria.com

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE @ http://www.cometonigeria.com/subscription

Adventure: In search of Peace and Purpose One woman’s journey back home

Hot issue: Redeeming our future generation

SALLAH DURBAR

Wild,energeticandcolourful

REGULARS: REGULARS: SHOPPING

TRAVEL FASHIONNEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS TRAVEL NEWS INSPIRATIONAL FAMOUS FIRSTS NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS SHOPS, RESTAURANTS & BARS

10 Historical SitesLegacy this quarter Africa Some of the Fieldwork major sites in Adventure Nigerianathistory Holidays

that you can explore.

Sungbo Eredo

Sani Musa Danja The impeccable Multi-talented, styles and award-winning captivating singer, actor and musical designs of director.

Adebayo Jones

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temming from the reality that Nigeria as a country has very intriguing and unique attributes, the CometoNigeria team has decided to share these attributes with the world.

This edition is packed with interesting stories and adventurous tales of Nigerians from all over the world.

Nancy Adegbenro Editor

The resilient nature of the average Nigerian has ensured that despite several challenges, the true zeal to portray our rich culture continues to drive us.

The fashion story specifically throws more light into an attire that is unique to the Nigerian people – the GELE. Like everything else that has continued to evolve in the country, the gele as an important fashion statement has been re-invented.

Furthermore, this edition explores the unspoilt and amazing nature and wildlife which can be found in Nigeria but more than that, the sumptuous culinary cuisine peculiar to the western people of Nigeria and many more is also discussed.

Therefore, on behalf of the CometoNigeria team, I implore you to carefully digest all the stories found in this edition and if you have not yet visited Nigeria, make up your mind to explore the beautiful heritage of this great country

Nancy Adegbenro

This edition Editor’s picks Music of Nigeria

Sani Musa Danja

Multi-talented, award-winning singer, Kannywood and Nollywood actor and musical director.

www.cometonigeria.com

Religious Tourism

Nigeria has become well-known in recent years for the growing international presence of its churches.

10 Historical Sites this quarter

Some of the major sites in Nigerian history that you can explore.

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MUSIC EDITORIAL OF NIGE-

Editorial

TRAVEL IMAGES

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Tobi Oyedokun

My Southwest Travelling images

T

obi Oyedokun is a passionate documentary and street photographer, as well as event photographer based in Nigeria. His love for travelling and adventure contributed to his will of telling Indigenous African stories with his lens. Tobi has taken up several assignment documenting people and places, he recently documented Osun-Osogbo Festival, Lagos carnival and Udi Uroko festival, Ado Ekiti just to mention a few.

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Landcape View of Abeokuta

2

Alagba-The Tortoise

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Erin Ijesha Waterfall.

www.tobioyedokun.blogspot.com

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Fascinating view of Abeokuta

The oldest tortoise in Nigeria is fondly called Alagba, Alagba in the Yoruba parlance refers to “the Elderly One”. This tortoise resides in the palace of the King, the Soun of Ogbomosho Oba Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagunbiade III, a city in Oyo state, Nigeria. Alagba is believed to have clocked 324 years old this year, it is arguably the oldest Tortoise in the world.

Olumirin waterfalls is popularly known as Erin-Ijesha waterfalls. It is located in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Nigeria. This seven step waterfall is unique in its own class as each level has its own water fountain, which makes it exceptional. Combined with the natural ambience, this waterfalls gives one a therapeutic feeling when the water drops on you.

Ikogosi Warm Spring

The Ikogosi Warm Springs is one of Nigeria’s most enchanting tourist resorts, located at Ikogosi, a town in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. The intriguing thing about Ikogosi resorts is that the cold spring meets the warm spring at a confluence, each of the spring still maintains its thermal properties. www.cometonigeria.com

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1 Chukwuemeka Bright Ikechukwu

Eastern Nigeria through my lens

Chukwuemeka is an event manager, wedding photographer, stage actor and a graduate of microbiology from the University of Maiduguri, Borno state Nigeria. Bright is a native of Obilohia Umuobilala Isuikwuato in Abia State Nigeria.

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Forget Rio Festival and get lost when you are in Calabar Carnival that takes over the festive period in Nigeria. The colourful exhibitions, stunning costumes and electrifying bands feature in parades that are out of this world and leave you breathless.

Food Market

The many food items are tempting and would leave a buyer salivate in this market. Food items are affordable and the jolly market women calling you to buy something is an experience you wouldn’t forget in a hurry.

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Vultures Market

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Women on motorbikes.

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Calabar Carnival

In the Elephant city (Enyinmba city), Aba, is the location of this famous abattoir called the ‘Vultures’ Market (Ahia Udele). Even if you are not ready to buy the assorted meats, you can view from the bridge the numerous activities happening at the abattoir.

No one does it better like the Nigerian women who ride motorcycles popularly referred to as ‘Ladies’ Machine’. If you think that you are adventurous, a ride behind these ladies’ riders will leave your adrenaline pumping. Come to Nigeria and see for yourself.

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TRAVEL IMAGES ADVERTORIAL

DAR AL EIMAN TRAVEL AGENCY LTD ‌‌Experience the joy of travelling

N

ot every wanderer is lost is a saying which most people are familiar with. And while this may be true in virtually every context, it is certainly truest in the case of the avid traveler, who spends time away from the comfort and familiarity of home, immersing himself in new lands and cultures on a regular basis and generally seeing the world through different eyes.

Whether as an avid or first time traveler, one finds that one is constantly searching for the best in quality and affordable services in terms of airfare, hotel reservations, and general tour packages that cover both basic and extra needs. This is usually where the questions of agents and agencies come to play: Which has the most customer service?

Which considers customers on a budget? Which is far reaching, has more connections, and can ensure a memorable vacation experience? In fact, which is the best?

This is where Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency comes in.

Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Ltd is a travel and tourism management agency specializing in the arrangement of personalized tour packages to suit the needs of every client.

The company is a Nigerian based corporation and affiliate of Dar Al Eiman Co, a leading travel and tours management company based out of Saudi Arabia specializing in hotel management, reservations, as well as Hajj and Umrah services.

Founded out of an imperative to diversify 35 years of experience into a stand-alone travel and tourism management agency, Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Ltd became operational in Nigeria, in November, 2015 and has since gained attention for its impeccable standards in travel and tourism management.

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TRAVEL IMAGES ADVERTORIAL

Under the dynamic management of Mr. A. I. Alufah and Mr. M. Z. Barnawi, Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Ltd is on its way to changing the face of travel and tourism in Nigeria. This can largely be attributed to its two-pronged approach to tourism management as both an outbound as well as an inbound agency. This means that their specialty is not just limited to Nigerians journeying abroad, but also extends to foreigners seeking to explore Nigeria.

This is a system that targets foreigners curious about the tourism as well as investment opportunities that abound in a heterogeneous society such as Nigeria.

What makes Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Ltd stand out even more is its utmost dedication to customer service and satisfaction. Their clientele much like their services are varied and diverse, this is because they recognize the distinctness of every individual and group; whether a first time traveler on a budget or an experienced traveler seeking luxury and comfort at a bargain, DAETAL therefore seeks to find a middle ground between these two divides, bringing world class professionalism and services which are of the highest standard and quality while not necessarily breaking the bank.As a result, their primary services covers ticketing, visa application and obtainment, specialized tour packages, and pilgrimage.

As a Tourism management agency with a firm belief in the potential of the Nigerian tourism industry, Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Limited aims to sell Nigeria to the world through tourism. Indeed, with a vision to “become the leading name in tourism management in Nigeria”, DAETAL has set out to achieve this by making attempts to overhaul existing methodologies, and introduce innovative ideas that will garner foreign interest and investment opportunities which will see to the growth of the tourism industry and at the same time, inject a boost in Nigeria’s burgeoning economy.

Some of these ideas include www.cometonigeria.com

partnering with international tourism magazines and journals, hosting mini sporting events as well cultural days which showcase the rich and diverse cultures of Nigeria, and also, attending international exhibitions which will afford them the opportunity to export Nigeria and Nigerians to the world.

Little wonder then that Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Limited is already starting to command the attention of their peers and competitors both at home and abroaddespite being a new and growing company in Nigeria, and most recently received an award in Recognition for Outstanding Presentation at the Travel and Tourism Partners Forum held in the Middle East in January, 2016.

With all these innovations and ideas, perhaps the most noteworthy has got to be the agency’s strive and success at standing out in terms of modernizing its services to make the process and indeed the whole experience of traveling stress free and relaxing for every client - booking, reservations, agent liaisons and even consultations can all be achieved with the touch of a phone (the snap of a QR code actually); someone is always on the other end, directing your every move, sending you reminders and generally being your tour guide, making it so that wherever you are in the world, with Dar Al Eiman Travel Agency Ltd, you’ll always wander, but never be lost.

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ESSENTIALS

YOUGO BEFORE

When to visit!

Currency

Entry formalities

Nigeria can be visited all year round but the traveller planning a visit should take the following into consideration: rainfall, particularly in the south, between May and September. Rainfall can be heavy in June and can cause some inconveniences.

Temperature ranges from 23–31°C in the south, with high humidity and much higher in the north. A cooler, but dusty harmattan season usually stretches from December to January.

Nigeria’s currency is the naira (N) which is divided into 100 kobo. Currency notes are issued in denominations of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, N500 and N1000. Coins are issued in 10K, 25K, and N1. Except for hotel bills in some hotels, foreigners can do their shopping and other business in the local currency. There are a number of Bureau De Change and banks at each international airport where the visitor can convert from local to foreign currency, and vice versa.

Major banks with international branches operate electronic money transfer services, and it is safe to use your credit cards. It is safe to use your credit cards for your hotel bills and at other recognised outlets.

Visitors from the Commonwealth countries as well as other nations require an entry permit, obtained in advance, and the application should be supported by a letter of invitation and a return ticket for the journey. Processing will take at least two days.

HAUSA and FULANI

KANURI

MARGI KAMBERI

BORIM

Currency regulations

NUPE JUKUN IGBIRA TIV IDOMA

YORUBA IGALA LAGOS

EDO EKOI

IBO

IJAW

IBIBIO

Language English is the official language of Nigeria and it is used at all levels of administration, law, commerce and education. It is spoken with varying degrees of fluency by 50% of the population, making Nigeria the largest English speaking country in Africa. However, there are three major ethnic languages: Hausa - mainly spoken in the North; Yoruba - spoken in the West; and Igbo - spoken in the East. Another widely spoken language in Nigeria is the Pidgin English (though with varying regional influences on dialect and slang). Other Languages include Kanuri, Edo etc.

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There are no restrictions on importation of foreign currency. A currency declaration is, however required both on arrival and departure, for large sums of money in excess of US$5,000.00. Import or export of Nigerian currency is strictly limited to N5.000 (five thousand Naira only). Hotel expenses or bills may be paid for in foreign currency. Personal baggage up to 20 kilograms and belongings such as cameras and laptops for the use of bonafide visitors are admitted free of duty. In addition, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grams tobacco are allowed. The importation of illegal drugs is punishable by a jail term.

Health regulations An international vaccination certificate against yellow fever (10 years) is required.

Cholera (six months) is also required if coming from an infected area. Prophylactic anti-malaria and TB inoculation are recommended. Nigeria is a tropical country and therefore, it is necessary to protect yourself against malaria. It is advisable to take recommended medication from your country of departure. The most recommended drug for use in Nigeria is Chloroquine Phosphate taken once a week.

To be started two weeks before departure continued throughout the stay here until two weeks after returning.

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ESSENTIALS To enter Nigeria, a valid passport and visa are both required for nationals of virtually all countries. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the period of intended stay. All visitors to Nigeria must hold passports or ECOWAS travelling documents (for nationals from ECOWAS member countries). Citizens of countries for which Nigeria requires visas must obtain entry information and visas in advance from Nigerian embassies or consulates abroad. Visas cannot be obtained aboard planes or at the airport. Check your nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate for more information on travel requirements.

SEPT

Reaching Nigeria

Baggage Examinations

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

By Air: There are international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt Domestic flights operate between all the major cities. Some airlines that fly to Nigeria include Arik Air (London, New york - Lagos, Abuja), British Airways (London - Abuja, Lagos), Virgin Atlantic (London Lagos), KLM (Amsterdam - Abuja, Lagos, Kano), Air France (Paris- Lagos and Port Harcourt), Alitalia (Milan -Abuja, Lagos), Turkish Airline (Istanbul -Lagos), Lufthansa (Frankfurt - Abuja, Lagos), Iberia Airlines (Madrid-Lagos), North American Airlines (Baltimore/Washington, New York - Lagos), Delta Airlines (Atlanta - Lagos). Others include China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Middle East Airlines, Qatar Airways etc.

International airports in Nigeria are staffed

by Customs Officers who conduct normal checks of baggage on all international arrivals. Standard security checks are in operation at all Nigerian entry ports.

1 Jan: New Year’s Day 26 Feb: Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) 25 Mar: Good Friday 28 Mar: Easter Monday 1 May Workers’ Day 29 May: Democracy Day 1 Oct: Independence Day 06 Jul Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) 10 Sept Eid al-Kabir (Feast of the Sacrifice) 25 Dec: Christmas; 26 Dec: Boxing Day

Getting around Public Transport: The entire country is well connected.

Getting around is relatively easy, except that there could be delays owing to traffic jams in some cities. As usual, there are multitudes of coaches and buses that will take you to any part of Nigeria you wish.

Self Drive / Hire Cars: Road conditions in the cities are good.

Petrol is very cheap in Nigeria. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. Car hire is available in Lagos, Abuja and other major cities.

By Boat:

MUSLIM FESTIVALS

GIFT SHOP Airport customs Visitors to Nigeria are allowed 4 litres of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Visitors may export souvenirs, although some articles (e.g. animals skins and antiques) require an export permit.

Illegal drugs of any description are not allowed into Nigeria. Please check with a Nigerian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission nearest to you for current information before departure.

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Kabir (Eid al-Adha) may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Time Zone Nigeria is 1 hour ahead of GMT, meaning that during daylight savings, it would be 12:00 in London, 1:00pm in Nigeria and 8:00am in New York.

Transport by boat is not widespread unless you venture into Lagos and other riverine areas of Nigeria.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Travel

Federal Government Signs MoU With British Council to Revive Festivals

AU Passport Will Boost Nigeria’s Tourism Sector

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igeria’s tourism and hospitality industry might overtake oil sector by 2021 if the recently launched African Union (AU) passport is adopted by the legislators. The PanAfrican passport would allow free movement of domestic tourists into the country. The opportunities presented by the unified African passport supersede the threats, especially now that Nigeria’s mainstay which is oil might not be sufficient to grow the economy; if the country’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be achieved.

The reality of the dwindling oil prices as a result of the fall in foreign exchange is now being felt across all sectors and as such, many industry experts are daily brainstorming on diversification

Federal Government to resuscitate Presidential Council on Tourism

T

he Federal Government is to resuscitate the Presidential Council on Tourism and set up Tourism Satellite Account to give tourism a new lease of life. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this during a two-day meeting with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on development of the nation’s tourism in Madrid, Spain. The meeting was to conclude the framework for the UNWTO 18

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opportunities to prevent the country from going on recession.

“In Nigeria, industry leaders have highlighted the hospitality industry among the sectors with the most opportunities for growth in the next five years. Breaking the barrier of free travel for other African countries to come to Nigeria is a potent way of enhancing the growth of the hospitality industry.

“Although, there is no gainsaying that the unified AU passport will also have some demerits such as unmonitored inflow of migrants and perhaps criminals from one country to another,” said the country manager of Jumia Travel Nigeria, Mr Kushal Dutta. development of a two-year program of technical assistance for the nation’s tourism sector. The minister said he had written to President Muhammadu Buhari asking for a speedy resuscitation of the Presidential Council on Tourism adding that its revival is key to the development of the sector. The minister said that the memorandum he wrote requested for a special intervention fund to empower Nigerians in the tourism sector and build capacity. “We want to create an all-female tourism centre where we will impact skill and knowledge for women.

“We also asked in the memo for resources to be made available to undertake the tourism satellite account. “It is an ambitious project which will create a data bank of how many people come into the country by road, rail, sea and air and their mission in the country. “The data will be useful for us to plan and to boost and encourage

T

he Minister of Information and Culture, has signed an agreement with the British Council, to revive the country’s major festivals and prevent its traditional games from dying. Alhaji Lai Mohammed signed the agreement with the Chief Executive of the British Council, Sir Ciaran Devane, in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the sidelines of the ongoing 2016 Edinburgh International Festival Summit, a statement by the minister’s special assistant on media, Segun Adeyemi said recently.

The Minister who described the MoU as the height of the “spirit of cooperation that has taken us thus far” adding that it must put more emphasis on substance rather than form.

investors into the tourism sector,” he said. The meeting with the UNWTO was a fall out of the conference of all African Ministers of Tourism held in Cote d’Ivoire in April. He said following the return of the country to the UN world tourism body after many years, the organisation promised to assist in the development of the nation’s tourism sector.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Med-View Airline commended, for its giant strides

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takeholders in the aviation industry have lauded one of Nigeria’s flag carriers, Med-View Airline, for its giant strides, especially on the international front.

The commendation is not unconnected with the airline’s acquisition of a new Boeing 777200, shortly after taking delivery of a super jumbo 747 as additions to its fleets.

The feat, stakeholders said, was most “courageous” particularly at a time the sector is buckling due to pressure of economic recession.

While the 747 has since been deployed to the Lagos – London Gatwick route, the triple-seven aircraft on Monday airlifted pilgrims from Lagos to Saudi Arabia for the commencement of the 2016 Hajj operations. No fewer than 150 flights operations are expected to be carried out while the Hajj exercise lasted.

Regional Manager of British Airways, Kola Olayinka, said the Med-View management had again demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit to survive all odds.

Olayinka said: “Nigeria is very active country of people that cannot be put down. No matter what is thrown at us, we will struggle and make a come back.

“That is why I salute the courage of Nigerian Airlines. Notwithstanding what is happening to us on all fronts, Med-View is still able to bring in a 747-400. I feel proud to see a 747 aircraft that is not borrowed, with Nigerian flag on it at Gatwick, London. That is enormous joy for me as a Nigerian,” he said.

President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bernard Bankole, also congratulated the airline, urging www.cometonigeria.com

other local airlines to emulate its spirit.

Bankole, during a courtesy visit to the Med-View management, disclosed that the association would in September organise an eminent persons’ lecture in honour of the MedView boss whose airline now ferries passengers from London Gatwick three times weekly into Nigeria with a Boeing 747 aircraft.

NANTA boss told an elated Med-View airline boss and his top managers that Nigerian travel agents and Nigerian travelling public are happy at his airline’s intervention on the London route and prays the airline develops others destinations.

“NANTA is proud of you not just as a local investor but your background as a travel agent before breaking forth into the airline business’’ Bankole said, adding that the association will help drive its commercial expectations and also “brand” it as national carrier.

Executive Director (Technical) for Med-View Airlines, Lookman Animashaun, said that the aircrafts were acquired as part of the airline’s route expansion programme. He said that aside London and Jeddah operations, service to Dubai would soon commence after the conclusion of Hajj operations.

Lagos plans to grow tourism

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agos state government has designed a road map towards achieving the goals of making the state foremost in terms of richness in tourism through the “One Lagos” initiative. The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in the state, Mr. Folarin Coker, stated this at the official closing of a three day musical and film entertainment, tagged: ‘One Lagos brand,” at the Bar Beach. He said the state government through the ministry is working towards sustaining the impressive growth recorded so far in the state tourism sector by introducing other new initiatives to draw global attention to its tourism potentials. According to Coker: “We are using entertainment to drive hospitality and tourism. You can see the philosophy behind the One Lagos event. It is a tourism initiative to drive tourism, using entertainment”.

“This is entertainment, we are in Lagos, it is music, it is dance, it is culture and where best to hold this than the Bar Beach? At night the weather is cool and traffic is down and this is the best time people want to enjoy themselves.” According to him, the global economy has a huge problem, adding that the nation has no choice than to invest in an alternative economy to generate more income internally. Folarin said, “What do we have here, we have music, film, our film industry is number two in the world, we have a population of 22 million He maintained that Lagos is rich in culture, values and has all that any nation could possess to develop its economy base and that was why the state embarked on “One Lagos” campaign to reverse the negative conversation about Lagos. The 3-day event, which recorded over twenty thousand attendants on a daily show, paraded top rated musical artistes’, veteran comedians and cultural displays to the delight of the guests. Other side attractions included Dancing Competitions, Fashion Runway and Kids’ entertainment segments.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Investment Nigeria remains investor’s destination – MAN

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U.S. to Help Nigeria Diversify Economy

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he U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, says that his country will do everything in its power to help Nigeria diversify from single to multiple resources dominated economy.

This is contained in statement from the information Unit, U.S. Department of State, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reently in Abuja.

promise you. And we will also do everything in our power to help to adjust the economy to a change.

“No country should be single-resource dominated in its economy, and the lesson is you have got to diversify,” he said.

Kerry said that unlike most country he visited which had transitioned, “Nigeria is a country yet to fully transition.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kerry held a meeting with the workers and families of U.S. Embassy in Abuja, where he made the statement.

Kerry commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to moving the country forward by dealing with corruption, economic challenges and the challenge of Boko Haram.

He told the workers that they were really part of a critical moment of transformation, and it’s a wonderful thing to be able to work in an embassy.

Kerry said they were working in a place where U.S. policies were geared to try to help accelerate that transformation and shape that transformation.

The secretary noted with concern that Nigeria was a single-resource dominated economy.

According to him, the reduction in the global price of oil, which is a major driver of Nigerian economy, is a huge challenge to it.

He commended the efforts of more than 500 local workers at the embassy whom he said had helped to change lives.

The U.S. secretary of state lauded them for making a choice to better the lots of people by choosing to work at the embassy.

“We are making enormous progress in pushing back against Boko Haram, and I came here now to reaffirm the promise of the United States to stand by Nigeria, to help Nigeria.

“We will win this battle against Boko Haram, I 20

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he President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Frank Jacob, says in spite of the current economic recession in Nigeria, the country is still an attractive investors’ destination. Jacob made the statement in an interview in Abuja. He said that the problem of Nigeria was that it practised a mono-product economy, which solely depended on crude oil revenue. Jacob said with the current drive by the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy, the fight against corruption and insecurity, “I believe we will make progress.

“Nigeria’s rating in the global economy is not that bad because Nigeria has a lot of untapped resources, which if harnessed, will add more value to its economy. With all its potentials, what we are suffering is because of our currency fluctuation which is a temporary setback.”

According to 2015 report of International Monetary Fund, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Africa was 301 billion Dollars at the Rand’s current exchange rate, while that of Nigeria is 296 billion Dollars.

The report noted that Rand had gained more than 16 per cent against U.S. currency since the start of 2016, while in contrast, Nigeria’s Naira had lost more than a third of its value. It added that Rand firmed more than a percent against the dollar, to R13.29, adding that Nigeria and South Africa were facing recession, having contracted in the first quarter of the year. Nigeria’s economy shrank by 0.4 per cent while South Africa’s GDP contracted by 0.2 per cent.

He said that they could also make a difference in the life of people, a country and help the planet to be a better, safer, more prosperous place.

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TRAVEL IMAGES

10 Multi-Billion-Naira Construction Projects For Lagos In 2016

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espite the ongoing economic hardship in the country, Lagos state is expected to witness a beehive of activities in building construction, as 10 new projects have been earmarked for 2016 by private developers.

New Telegraph gathered that the projects, which include the developments of Orange Island, Lorenzo De’ Medici, Oasis Centre, Chelsea Hotel, Lagos Urban Rail Blue line, Marriott Lagos Waterfront Hotel, Atlantic Resort, Wing Office Complex, Kingsway Tower and No 4. Bourdillion, are expected to change the skyline of Lagos in the next 10 months.

Already, works have commenced in most of the sites. Orange Island, which is a small city, is located in the Lekki area of the metropolis and covers 150 hectares of land, while Lorenzo De’ Medici, a residential development, covers 42,000 metre squares. Full completion of both developments is expected in 2018. Oasis Centre, a retail and hospitality development, situated in Ikeja, covers 6,100 metre squares, while Chelsea Hotel is a commercial luxury development in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Munachi Okoye, said that the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy had not changed, pointing out that this would positively impact the real estate space going forward.

“Nigeria still has the huge demographic base of consumers coupled with the growing economy and a positive gross domestic product (GDP).

There are a lot of opportunities waiting to be plugged; we are still seeing very good returns.

There is a very strong demand for residential market,” said Okoye.

According to research by Pam Golding Properties, South Africa’s leading estate agency, a combination of a growing economy, rapid expansion of the emerging middle classes, continued urbanisation and a younger generation with high aspirations help to explain the growth and increased level of investment in Lagos, Nigeria’s expanding real estate sector.

He added that the burgeoning middle-class urban population in Nigeria, especially Lagos, would need more housing.

Marriott Lagos Waterfront Hotel, Wing Office Complex and Atlantic Resort are being developed for commercial and hospitality respectively. Already, foreign and local investors in Lagos have completed a few office and commercial developments including Civic Centre Tower and Nestoil Tower in 2015.

Justifying the new building developments, the Managing Director, MCO Real Estate,

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HOT ISSUE

Redeeming our future generation

By Dr Ike Chukwuka

Many of us are oblivious of the reality of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, which we suffer or unaware of. We find that as a people and nation, we have an exaggerated compensatory behaviour which masquerades as boldness or aggression.

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any first and perhaps second generation Nigerians in the Diaspora either overtly or covertly express some degree of anxiety about the future relationship of their children to their ‘fatherland’ – Nigeria.

It is obvious that many Nigerians, have either lost the traditional cultural philosophical base or wallow in some confused perception of who we are. This, in my view, is as a consequence of our hidden traumatic legacy from the Slave Trade or a Legacy from our Colonial past, to a mix mash of our religious heritage and idolatry.

Many of us are oblivious of the reality of the symptoms of Post Traumatic Salve Syndrome, which we suffer or unaware of. We find that as a people and nation, we have an exaggerated compensatory behaviour which masquerades as boldness or aggression.

Colonialism made many of us feel that education, as is offered from the West, is the salvation for the individual and for the future generations.

Consequently schools and parents unwittingly discouraged their children from learning and acquiring traditional languages or their mother tongue; this was in the erroneous belief that the ability to speak good English was a mark of intelligence or scholarship. In fact some parents in strategic, governmental positions of authority undermined the development of quality, state funded educational institutions, only to use their privileged positions to send their children to England and America to acquire ‘quality’ education. The consequence is a dislocation from traditional philosophical education and native intelligence, only to

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subsequently acquire confused foreign philosophies.

The development and growth of Islamic and Christian religions also has its controlling influence, which as practised by many Elders, was seen as suspect by the younger generation. Religion as introduced was either in Arabic or Shakespearian English. This gave rise to various interpretations and misinterpretations.

In the eighties, the airwaves of Nigeria were thrown open and all manner of information and ideas were allowed free access into our homes, through Television and the Internet. Those who sucked this in were primarily the affluent, who were positioned to become the present and future leaders of Nigeria.

With such onslaught of historical realities, it is no wonder that our Elders and leaders remain disoriented. There is therefore no clear agreed vision for the future of the nation. Governments undertake projects designed to impress their past colonial masters, rather than focus on the basic and primary needs of those ruled. In this confused state, best practice and governance is thrown overboard and often seen as an intrusion. Corruption and nepotism becomes rife and the order of the day. Those children of ours, whom we sent abroad to receive better education usually excel in their various disciplines, because of the high need to achieve.

These children, having acquired their ‘quality’ education, visit or come back to a society, where there is disorder and no rule of law, in complete contrast to the environment that they have become used to. They find it

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HOT ISSUE

difficult to adapt and accept the status quo they are meant to return to and call home. They think differently and speak differently.

Many conclude they are in the wrong place and want to go back to ‘organised and disciplined societies’ they grew up in.

To redeem our future generation we need to now begin to rethink and renew our minds, to release and heal our minds of the negative historical past, so that as a free people, we can confidently look inwards and appreciate who we truly are.

We use our resources to develop our people, our lands and take decisions and actions that are relevant to our realities and our people’s needs. The mindless tendency to loot the national budget and deposit huge sums of money in foreign lands and banks must stop, for it does not help the ‘Looters’ nor the ‘Looted’.

With this renewed mindset, our children can begin to respect us, be proud of their heritage and their fatherland. They will then begin to see and visualise a successful future and no one will need to canvas to them to come home.

We must reject idolatry, so that we can begin to see the abundant blessings in our people and in our lands.

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LUNCH TIME

Èfó Rírò

by Atta Onoja -

Executive Chef at Lolos Foods and Chief Executive Officer at Rycat , Instagram: chef_lolos, Facebook: attascake

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Nigerian soup prepared by the people of the South Western states of Nigeria.

It is a very a delicious soup, prepared with a lot of vegetables called shoko in the Yoruba dialect.

This soup can be prepared with any protein of choice and eaten with any starch popularly called swallow.

Ingredient • 1/3 cup of palm oil • 1 Onion • 25g of Iru • 500g of Tatashe • 30g ata rodo • 30g of shombo • 1kg of washed Shoko leaf • Dry Fish (preferably kpanla) • 2 Table spoons of crayfish • Cat fish or any fresh fish of choice.

• Salt • Season cube.

Direction: 1. Wash and deseed tatashe, 2. Cut onions into cubes, 3. Wash and blanch shoko leaf in hot water to remove color, 4. Wash dry fish and fresh fish to remove dirt and slim.

5. In a food processor, blend the tatashe, ata rodo and shombo.

• Heat and bleach red oil, • Add the onions and fry for 3min, • Add the blended mixture from the food processor to fry for 15 minutes, • Add your iru and fry for further 5min, reduce heat • Add dry fish, you can add very little water if sauce is too thick. Add your crayfish, seasoning cube and salt to taste.

• Add fresh fish and continue cooking for 10min.

• Add your shoko leaf and cook for another 5 mine. Taste for seasoning.

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NEXT ISSUE ? logger b l e v Tra Hot Issue: our y d n e Rising to stardom – Nigerian women making big gains in their professions.

S le to c i t r Music of Nigeria a / story igeria@ My Nigeria: Interview with Lynne R. Baker, PhD, assistant professor,American University of Nigeria on Books! Books!! Books!!! Books By Nigerian Writers c omet l.com Top 10 Favourite Budget and Tourists Hotels gmai The next edition of CometoNigeria will be covering the following topics and many more:

Made in Nigeria brands working hard to improve the Nigerian Economy Religious Tourism continues Plus States/City in focus: STATE TOURISM COMMISSIONERS: 1Year Score Card Highlighting tourist sites, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs Other Top Restaurants and Hotels in the country, Featured Sites, Festivals and Resorts Striking photos and many more!

For adverts placement in the next issue of CometoNigeria Magazine, please contact: Neil Peacock, Ekundayo Adeniran or Morgan Okunnuga on +44 (0) 151 922 2911, Email: info@cometonigeria.com If you would like to contribute stories and images, please send your materials to info@cometonigeria.com.

Some of the Previous editions

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Sallah Durbar story by: Tijjani Shehu Yahaya

and colourful costumes. Nigerians like to party , we love tocelebrate; there is hardly a day will pass without one or two celebrations somewhere in the country. But are we making use of our cultural attractions to generate much needed revenues for both the government and the hosting communities?

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“Durbar festival is celebrated much in Kano every year, it is usually a week of fashionable parade of horsemen in their full regalia. This involves adorning both the horses and the men mounted on them.”

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t will be an oversight to talk about Sallah Durbar without mentioning the Kano Emirate Kingdom itself. As a tourist attraction the Kano Durbar stood out because of the Emirs that ruled the Kingdom for centuries right from Sarki Sulaiman (Emir Sulaiman), the first Fulbe Emir, to the Muhammadu Rumfa who built the imposing current Emir’s Palace to the present Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, known as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi when he was the Governor of Nigerian Central Bank.

Kano State itself is located in Northwestern Nigeria. It became known to the outside world after the visits of the Leo Africans in AD 1513. Tradition has it that the earliest settlers found in the area were the Abagayawa, whose ancestor, called Kano, was said to have migrated from Gaya in the vicinity of Kano town in search of Iron-stone and charcoal. The small settlement evolved some sort of matrilineal organisation structure at the apex of Kofar Matar Dyeing Pits, known by most of the tourists that visited Kano, the most populace city of Northern Nigeria.

The Kano indigo-vegetable dyeing pits are one of the most fascinating aspects of the old city. Various designs are folded into the material before dyeing and the fabric is often beaten to achieve the shiny, indescent appearance. The techniques employed to obtain this look are unmatched around the world. Although the methods they use are ancient, these lush works of art on fabric always remain extremely popular and continue to be in great demand.

Kano was established from the Dala Pyramid. A man called Barbushe - a hunter, a priest, an able leader and a man of enormous stature, built it. Tradition credits him with so much prowess and strength, he was, according to oral tradition, able to kill an elephant with a stick and carry it on his back. Barbushe was the high priest of the supreme deity, Tsumburbura, around whose worship this small peaceful community was built. The shrine of this deity is sited at a tree on the Dala Pyramid.

Kano consists of wooded savanna in the south and scrub vegetation in the north and is drained by the Kano-Chalewa -HadejiaRiver System. The state’s light sandy soils are excellent for growing peanuts (groundnut) a major export. Other crops include cotton, onions, indigo, tobacco, wheat, gum Arabic, sorghum, beans, cowpeas and maize. Cattles, horses, goats and sheeps are grazed and hides and skin are exported.

Most of the State’s inhabitants are Hausa and Fulani, but there are also Nigerians form other parts of the country, Arab traders and Europeans.

RELIGIOUS TOURISM Although the annual Durbar in Kano has been done for centuries, it has grown to become a Festival that marvels the eyes of tourists since when we were kids.

It was a moment for us kids to have a glimpse of Europeans and Arabs, who we had only seen on televisions then.

Sallah Durbar festival, an annual festival celebrated in several cities of Nigeria, gets its name from Sallah, a period of celebration for Muslim communities.

Like Diwali of India, it is also celebrated annually not only in Kano but across the major cities of Northern Nigeria. Even for the locals it is now a time to reminisce about the History of Hausa Bakwai (literally means the seven original Hausa Kingdoms).

It is celebrated at the culmination of Muslim festivals Eid-El-Fitr and Eid-El Kabir. It begins with prayers, followed by a parade of the Emir and his entourage on horses, accompanied by music players, and ending at the Emir’s palace. What makes the Durbar of Kano special is the legacy built by the Emirs, right from Emir Muhammadu Rumfa centuries ago that moved the old Kano Emirate Palace from its old location at Gwammaja to the present Kano Traditional and Historic Museum known as Gidan Makama (The House of Makama) to the present beautiful Kano Emirate Palace, where the horse riders converged.

Durbar festival is celebrated in Kano every year, it is usually a week of fashionable parade of horsemen in their full regalia. This involves adorning both the horses and the men mounted on them.

Durbar festivals are organized in cities such as Kano, Katsina and Bida in Niger State, where the city of Zungeru, a birth place of Ojukwu played an important role during Nigeria’s colonial era. While all are tourist attractions, the one in Kano is such a spectacle.

The Durbar festival has been in Hausa land for more than 500 years. Sarki Muhammadu Rumfa introduced it in the late 14th century, as a way of demonstrating military power and skills before going to war. The festival is also an opportunity for local leaders to pay homage to the emir throughout

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the jahi cheering.

DURBAR! – NIGERIAN STYLE Roaring muskets flash salutes as thousands of warrior horsemen race onto a dusty parade ground in front of the Emir’s palace to mark the start of the annual Durbar festivals in Northwestern Nigeria. Horsemen clad in colorful robes, indigo turbans, ostrich feathers and glistening swords honor their Emir who enters the parade shielded from the sun by a massive twirling parasol.

IT IS THE SEASON FOR THE DURBAR! In the northern reaches of Nigeria lies two cities, Kano and Katsina, both famous for Durbar festivals. Kano is the oldest city in West Africa, settled over 1000 years ago by the Hausa people. Today, it is the second largest city in Nigeria. A massive 11th century mud-brick wall that extends 17.7 kilometers surrounds the old city of Kano. The wall still stands and must be navigated by a series of sixteen gates. Not to be outdone, Katsina is surrounded by 21 kilometers of a mud-brick wall and is Nigeria’s northernmost city. Both cities are predominantly Muslim, comprised mainly from Fulani and Hausa ethnic groups.

Often we think that goods and ideas travelled one-way into Africa and overlook the fact that the ancient trade routes were a two-way street. Camel caravans carried luxurious and rare commodities in both directions along the transSaharan trade route creating a thirst for highly prized items and curiosity for new beliefs. Out of Africa, went indigo, gold, ivory, kola nuts, cowry shells, salt, and ostrich feathers. From Timbuktu, Katsina and Kano were the crossroads of trade with flourishing markets. Arab traders brought Islam. The Hausa and Fulani groups converted to Islam in the eleventh century and remained under Hausa leadership until 1804 when the area was engulfed in bloody wars and fell to the conquering Fulani armies under the Islamic reformist, Usman Dan Fodio.

The Durbar itself in Kano is usually a weeklong Festival, with each day allocated for a particular Hawa, in Hausa the word represent Ride. The names of such rides include HawanDaushe and HawanNasarawa. Of all the Kano State Durbar or Hawan Sallah or Hawan Daushe, as it is locally called, is a royal parade of thousands of men on horses adorned with garments and regalia. It is a colourful

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It is celebrated at the culmination of Muslim festivals Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

It begins with prayers, followed by a parade of the Emir and his entourage on horses, accompanied by music players, and ending at the Emir’s palace.

The Durbar festival dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the various regiments for a Durbar (military parade) for the Emir and his chiefs.

During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate. Today, Durbar has become a festival celebrated in honour of visiting Heads of State and at the culmination of the two great Muslim festivals, Id-el Fitr (commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan) and Eid-el Kabir (commemorating Prophet Ibrahim sacrificing a ram instead of his son).

Id-el-Kabir, or Sallah Day, in Kano begins with prayers outside town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house takes their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.

The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass just few feet away from the Emir, and then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords.

The procession is strictly men only, dressed in magnificent turbans, many with one ‘ear’ or two sticking out, denoting their royal linage. Young and old participate

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display of culture full of pomp and pageantry. It is a spectacular traditional concert and bazaar of African music.

RELIGIOUS TOURISM to ensure that tradition is observed through the generations. All approach the viewing stands raising their fist and shout “Ranka ya Dade”, proudly proceeding to line the sides of the parade ground. Rhythms of the talking and traditional drums fill the air with the shrill of trumpeters and flutters. Acrobats flip and catch one another, musicians and warriors riding brightly armored horses make their way to assemble along the parade grounds. When hundreds of horsemen are on the parade grounds, the Emir’s procession begins down the centre, including his guards, his sons, and rider-less horses for his wives, and camels. Finally, the Emir himself rides among his guards and servants amidst the shooting of flintlock muskets. The Emir is immediately recognized, veiled and clad in white with a huge fanning parasol lifts up and down over him. After he pays respect to the governor, the horse regiments race up to the Emir at a gallop to demonstrate their courage, agility, and respect.

The Emir gives an Eid el-Kabir address to the crowd’s approval The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household and regimental guards, the Dogari. After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace, and enjoyment of the occasion reigns. Drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of Fulanis performing shadi, a fascinating sideshow to behold, intensify this fanfare.

THE UPCOMING SALLAH DURBAR (HAWAN SALLAH BABBA) EID-EL KABIR The Durbar festival is not only in Kano but also in the other emirates across the northern states, to mark the religious festive period, the last one was done to mark Eid-Fitr, locally known as Hawan Karamar Sallah.

The next one will then be Eid-El-Kabir Hawan Babbar Sallah, in September.

It is a bigger spectacle than the previous one and will be a delight for all tourists, to experience the rejuvenation of the festival by the current Emir, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who is seen as a man of glamour, judging by the new innovations and the revival of the old ancient elements done by his grandfather, the great Emir known as Sarkin Kano Sir, Muhammadu Sanusi I who reigned between 1953 – 1963, a well respected religious and traditional ruler revered even today. This makes it the most anticipated spectacle, now that his grandson is on the throne.

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Northern Bound:

IN SEARCH OF PEACE AND PURPOSE One Woman’s Journey Back Home

by Tambra Raye Stevenson

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ome may have thought I was crazy! For the past two years, I have been telling people that I am visiting northern Nigeria. I heard their concerns and fear for me. And this was from Nigerians!

However this was no vacation but a purposedriven journey. For in 2010 I took a DNA test from AfricanAncestry.com which revealed my Fulani heritage from Nigeria and Niger.

Though I traveled to other parts of Africa, Nigeria held a special place for healing for me.

So I connected with Diasporas from northern Nigeria in Washington, DC and monitored the news of Boko Haram, Ebola and the Presidential transition.

With a great airfare deal on Emirates, I booked my flight for Abuja! For my first time on Emirates, flying long distance was an enjoyable experience with great food, pleasant staff and a global media selection. Plus my return flight included a 24 hour stop in Dubai which gave me the chance to sandboard, ride the camels, and have dinner in the desert while meeting new people.

When I arrived in Abuja, I didn’t realise I needed to have proof of a returned ticket to enter the country; I thought my visa was enough! After a 45 minute standoff, let’s just say I broke down--after a long fight, low powered phone, and no WiFi--with the thought of coming this far to only return. I didn’t have this issue in Ghana, Ethiopia or South Africa but oh my beloved Naija! Finally with the aid of my neighbouring passenger and airport workers, they came to my defense with a phone and a printed schedule for the immigration officer. And off I went to find my driver who waited more than hour for me!

Traveling with a purpose is why I became National Geographic’s Traveler of the Year.’

As a nutritionist I looked within and asked myself: ‘What can I do?’ So I planned a crowdfunding campaign to support creating a ‘Made in Nigeria’ book series called “Where’s Wanda?” while providing nutrition workshops, donations to the IDP camps and

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school supplies. So the clock was ticking to launch my new initiative, Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA) to fulfill a need in Nigeria and America.

During my meeting with the UNICEF nutrition chief and the First Lady of Kebbi State, I learned that more than 30% of the children suffer from malnutrition. An ambitious journey was ahead of me on a personal and professional level. I had done my research and connected with friends in Nigeria who would accompany on my journey.

After a few days in Abuja, my friend Jumoke and I set out for a six-hour road trip like the American movie, “Thelma and Louise.” We paid a driver N10,000 to take us to Kano with the windows rolled down, the dry air of the Sahel blew in our faces. While working on my presentation at Kano Teaching Hospital in the back of the car talk, meet with farmers and take part in a ceremony welcoming back into the community. We made a stop along the way on the side of the road filled with merchants to take photos and buy dates, tigernuts and other sun-beaten delectable treats.

Finally we made it to arid and bustling capital of Kano! We took in the sites such as a mustdo visit to the Kurmi Market, which was renovated in 1909 serving as major trade hub for agricultural produce, cloth dyeing, leather making and pottery. There we stopped along the corridor of Islamic medicine shops filled with spices and herbal remedies.

Walking through the market, I was in heaven seeing the freshly picked produce from leafy greens, okra, onions, peppers and sun-dried tomatoes were in abundance. Also known for its sale of slaves, the original Kasuwar Kurmi market was founded by Muhammad Rumfa, a King of Kano in the 15th century. A later learned those who were indebted were lured into the trade to pay off their debts.

Next stop: We visited the 500-year old Kofar Mata dye pits. A guide shares the process of dying indigo that has not changed in centuries which involves water and ash to give the dye www.cometonigeria.com

While driving on the streets of Kano, we came across a herd of cattle led by a Fulani boy. I hopped out the vehicle to join the trek.

Coming from a family of livestock wranglers, I was transported in time to a small all-black town in Rentiesville, Oklahoma where they actively compete in rodeos to this day. I had to take a snapshot with the cattle of course.

Invited for dinner by the ‘real housewives’ of Kano, I enjoyed an outdoor dinner with a group of local leading ladies including university professors, entrepreneurs, magistrate judge and scientists. We spoke about my initiative in addressing women and girls in nutrition, how they were helping the community and myths of Muslim women in the north. Under the mango tree, we ate a variety of homemade dishes while washing my

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a glaze then mixed with potassium to fix the color while adding dried indigo twigs. Lastly a skilled craftsman crotched down stirs the mixture in a six-meter deep where its fermented for four weeks. Of course I didn’t leave without having my own handcrafted brilliant fabrics!

RELIGIOUS TOURISM ADVENTURES palate with fresh lemongrass tea and zobo (hibiscus) drink. It was a nice way to end the night before the big adventure the next day.

Rise and shine! We were headed to join in a ceremony with the women farmers cooperative, Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) headed by Mrs. Salamatu Garba. The group is unveiling a new ‘Made in Nigeria’ rice product where I also presented WOFAN certificates to the ladies. I was able to help extract the oil from groundnut to make the traditional Hausa snack ‘kuli kuli’ made from groundnut. I was graciously presented traditional Fulani wear and bowls from WOFAN’s founder. Between the excitement, hand clapping, and sharing my story, I couldn’t hold back the tears of joy to be embraced so kindly by the women. My heart was filled with such gratitude and joy in that moment. I had such as wonderful time but we had dash to the Green Palace hotel where I received henna art on my hands and feet in preparation for the evening ceremony.

My Dan’uwa (brother), Ashiru, accompanied me on the trek.

After the car overheated on our way, we stopped to get help and continued our two hour trek on the back roads of Kano. In the 34

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silent darkness we came to the ‘ruga’ (settlement) of a Fulani community where my ceremony was to take place. To quench my thirst, I was presented with the yogurt-like tangy ‘fura da nono’ which translates as ‘ millet and milk.’ This traditional drink of Fulani people is prepared with fermented milk from their cattle and served in the signature bowls made of calabash.

Coming from surrounding communities, the women and children welcomed me into their homes. As we sat, I shared the story of the first American they had met of finding my Fulani heritage and making the journey to come back home. They invited me to stay over night and to braid my hair. Oh so would have enjoyed a starlit night in the ‘ruga’ with them. However I had a plane to catch the next day.

After my Kano memories in the northwest, it was time to head “East”. I travelled in the friendly skies to Yola. On the Azman Airlines flight, the flight attendant greeted passengers and the ‘Your Royal Highness’ en route to Yola. Leaving on time I had a smooth straight flight from Lagos to Yola with a snack pack to crave a hunger attack. Once on the tarmac, a procession of men in bold red “babban rigas” (robes) holding umbrellas came to escort who www.cometonigeria.com

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RELIGIOUS ADVENTURES TOURISM

I presume is the wife of the Emir off the plane.

You know you are in Yola when you see the arches greeting you with “Jabbama,” which means “welcome” in Fulfude, the language of the Fulani people. Home to American University of Nigeria, Yola is known for the open air Jimeta Market where you can finds everything from food, fashion and homegoods. Adamawa State has the largest group of Fulani people in all of Nigeria and Sukur, Africa’s first cultural landscape to receive World Heritage designation. So a great place to find Fulfude language books, distinct music, and videos.

Beautiful scenic landscapes and large homes dotted the winding road to one ‘ruga’ with the view of the river in the backdrop. Greeted with warmth and hospitality, the ladies in Yola’s Fulani ‘ruga’ prepared ‘miyan kuka’ (baobab leaves soup) with ‘tuwo’ (rice fufu) while I fed the cattle and patted the baby goats.

Seeing the dry lands with little to no grass; I understood why the herdsmen began migrating wherever they could find feed from the cattle. On the way out, I stopped to view the baobab tree where they create the signature landscape of northern Nigeria. For me the baobab is a symbol of home, strength and memories. What started out as a dream turned into a reality beyond my wildest imagination.

And for that the journey to northern Nigeria meant a place of healing for a restless soul, being the first line after six generations to return and find purpose in my path to peace. After returning to the States, I felt home sick. I already missed the simplistic life, the beautiful people, the weather that changes with the thick rain forest of the south to the plain savannah region of the north. Nigeria surely 36

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BELGRAVIA HOUSE OF GIFTS (BHOG) are a gift and gift packaging company that offers a luxurious range of hampers and Gourmet Gift Boxes inspired by visions from the four corners of the world. Our bespoke service allows you to select from our broad range of products and tailor a box specifically for your loved one or client, which are then packaged in the community, offering business skills and creative therapy to socially isolated women and providing them with a safe place to meet. So by sending a BHOG Gift Box to a loved one, you’re also sending a gift to the wider community.

www.belgraviagifts.com

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www.wheretogoinmerseyside.com

ADVENTURE WILD LIFE

Exploring nature through wildlife viewing By Dr Raphael James

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n 2014, I commenced a self motivated, self sponsored trip across Nigeria, visiting and documenting tourist sites. Some people have called me names like ‘Ajala-Travel’ after the first Nigerian globe-trotter: Mashood Adisi Olabisi Ajala. Ajala has been described as Africa’s greatest traveler, after he visited 87 countries in six years and mostly on his bicycle.

A blogger, (www.bulkybon-periscopes.blogspot. com), recently described me as the “King of Tourism in Nigeria”, in all things, I thank God Almighty. It has been capital intensive, doing the tour without sponsorships, but I thank God for guidance, protection and love throughout my journeys. For me, tourism has an important place within the world economy and represents a basic branch in many countries with tourists locations.

It is a known fact that the Christian pilgrimages to Israel and Islamic faithful pilgrims to Saudi Arabia have contributed to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in those countries. If the government of Nigeria can invest in tourism, I am very convinced that it will improve our GDP a whole lot. My tour to 18 states so far covering: Abia State, Imo State, Anambra State, Rivers State, Kwara State, Ekiti

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State, Oyo State, Ondo State, Kogi State, Edo State, Delta State, Osun State, Ogun State, Zamfara State, Lagos State, Enugu State, Taraba State and Abuja will be part of my new book project.

Plateau; Kainji National Games Park - Niger State; Kano Zoological Garden - Kano; Kyarimi Park Borno; Obudu Cattle Ranch - Cross River State; Ogba Zoo - Edo; Zugurma Park - Niger.

Before and during my tour, I researched and discovered that contrary to speculations that there are no zoos in Nigeria, we still have among the followings: Omu Resort at Eti Osa, Lagos State; the University Of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Ibadan North West, Oyo State; The Children Zooman, Eti Osa, Lagos State; National Park Service, Garki, Abuja; National Children’s Park and Zoo, Asokoro, Abuja; Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos; Tijany Wild Life Technology, Gwarimpa, Abuja; Falcorp Mangrove Park, Warri South, Delta State; Barnadwa Paradise Parks and Gardens, Kaduna South, Kaduna State; Calabar Drill Ranch, Nsefik Eyo Layout Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar; Nekede Zoological Garden, Old Nekede Road, Oppo Imo Songhai Farm, Nekede, Owerri; Agodi Zoological Garden - Oyo; Calabar Zoo - Cross River State; Chammah Park; Gashaka-Gumpti National Parks - Taraba; Isaac Boro Park - Rivers; Jos Wildlife Safari Park -

During my tour, I visited the ‘Nekede Zoo’ the biological garden complex located at old Nekede in Owerri, Imo State. The zoo has a rich stock of different animals, including lions, pythons, monkeys, ostriches, crocodiles, cattle egrets, gorillas and different birds.

I also visited the ‘Agodi Botanical Gardens’ located close to the Government Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Mini Zoo and Animal Park, has two lions, many monkeys and birds of different types.

While in Ibadan, I was also at the University of Ibadan Zoo, the animals are grouped in different sections including the Avian, Herbivore, Carnivore, Reptile, Primate and small animal sections. They have about 8 to 10 lions in different cages, some are indoor and others outdoor, but well protected. They also have monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees, birds and reptiles that are protected behind heavy transparent glasses.

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ADVENTURE WILD LIFE

In Lagos, I was at the The Lekki Conservation Centre, a conservation initiative to protect wildlife found in the southwest coastal environment of Nigeria in the face of sprawling urban modernization, it covers a land area of 78 hectares with a large tract of wetlands set aside for wildlife viewing. Tortoises, birds, monkeys, antelopes are sighted all over the area. They also have a beautiful fish pondswith the most beautiful fish I have ever seen.

During my visit to Benin, I visited the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park - an extensive multi-purpose recreational centre built on 750 acres of land. It hosts lions, chimpanzees, giant tortoises, rock pythons, pea fowls, etc. with extensive landscaped grounds, picnic areas, as well as horse, camel and donkey rides.

At the FCT, Abuja, I visited the National Children’s Park and Zoo, off The Central Business District. One unique thing about this zoo is that despite the fact that it has a well laid out infrastructure, it has no wild cats, such as lions and tigers, which make other zoos attractive to fun seekers, but they have donkeys, zebras, camels, goats and most domestic animals.

If you ask me, what is my observation so far after visiting six zoos across the nation, I will say that inadequate maintenance and illegal killing of the animals are some of the major setbacks to the development and sustenance of zoos and this I plan to take care of as I work towards starting my own Zoological Garden in Ogun State.

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INADVENTURE DIASPORA

YORUBA AFRICAN VILLAGE

(An institution for Cultural-Tourism)

Y

oruba people are distinctive people whom, are bound together by a common language with different dialect, they also share rich culture, traditions and value extensively.

46 years ago, the village called Oyotunji was founded by His Royal Highness OBA Ofuntola Osiejeman Adelabu Adefunmi I in Beaufont County, South Carolina.

Baba Adefunmi was proclaimed Alase (Oba-King) of the Yoruba of North America at Oyotunji Village in 1972 after his priesthood encounter with the Olowo of Ijeun at Abeokuta in August 1972.

Oyotunji African Village is the first international community based on the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa founded in the United States of America.

Oyotunji African Village has been sustained based on traditional Yoruba sociology and values, it has brought to the Low-country and global community the depth of culture, art, grandeur of customs and resilient history of the New world YORUBA. The Yoruba African village is positioned as the pinnacle centre for learning, exploring and celebrating the ancient traditions and culture of the Yoruba people of the West Africa. The vision of this unprecedented 40

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ADVENTURE IN DIASPORA

institution lends itself to flowering into the national and international ethnic, cultural, resource and service-based community.

With goals to cultivate media production (print and media) facilities, ongoing sustainable agricultural initiatives, importing and exporting entertainment conglomerate business ventures.

Oyotunji African Village has been serving and elevating the humanity understanding and appreciating of the genius, highly technical, social and royal hierachy of African people .

His Royal Highness Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II was born and raised in the kingdom of Oyotunji in December 21,1976. His father, OBA Ofuntola Osiejeman Adelabu Adefunmi was the founder of Oyotunji Kingdom and the first Alase (Oba-King) in the Oyotunji Africa Village.

Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II’s childhood began in the kingdom and he started drumming as a teenager and as an extraordinary listener and attentive history student. The young vibrant king, under his father, was entrenched in the traditions and culture of his ancestors, the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria and Benin.

He was rooted in the traditional lifestyle of Oyotunji African Village settlement in North America. Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II witnessed thousands of Africans in America that came to his father’s Kingdom for learning and acquiring broader knowledge on cultural and traditional values.

By the time of his graduation from the Yoruba Royal Academy, King Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II was an initiate of several sacred African societies to name a few: Egbe Egungun, Egbe Onilu Ayan, Egbe Akinkonju.

Traveling throughout the United States and the Caribbean in the entourage of his Father, King Adejuyigbe reflects: “It was an amazing opportunity to observe my Baba, the Alase of Oyotunji, in all the commands and demands of being a King. I also observed, through his service to www.cometonigeria.com

Africans in America and the undertaking of spiritual responsibilities to the tribal family within the village, and the toll it took on him.” As a young man, King Adejuyigbe followed his first love of drumming and touring nationally, and internationally.

King Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II became the King of Oyotunji on July 3, 2005 thus continuing a legacy of Yoruba Kings in America that has been confirmed and supported by the Ooni of Ile-Ife (the King of the Holy city of Ife) thousands of Yoruba Americans came to celebrate the Royal Coronation. Following the Royal Coronation, HRM traveled to The Holy city of Ile-Ife and was crowned by the Ooni of Ife. HRM further aspires to increase to all peoples and cultures of the world the practical value for ancient traditions today!

Long-live OBA Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II Long-live OYOTUNJI KINGDOM Long-live Yoruba Nation

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ART ADVENTURE

ARAISM MOVEMENT a new form of African painting technique

A

rt is a diverse range of human activities in creating visual, auditory or performing artifacts (artworks), expression or application of human creative skills and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power, also expressing the author’s imaginative or technical skill, intended to be appreciated.

In their most general form these activities include the production of works of art, the criticism of art, the study of the history of art, and the aesthetic dissemination of art.

Araism derives its connotation from a Yoruba root word, ara (wonder). It also enunciates an artistic application, which clearly spells out the acronym, A.R.A. translating to Aesthetically Rich Art. It is, therefore, the fusion of ara (wonder) and ARA that forms the philosophical base for Araism.

Araism is an authentic African painting technique created and developed by Mufu Onifade.

Its strength is firmly rooted in Yoruba culture as knowledge dissemination remains a tool to the growth of one’s cultural heritage, the artists of the Universal Studios of Art, through various means of communication and effective commercialisation,

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have sold many works that identify Nigeria’s cultures and traditions.

The Founder, Araism/Araism Movement; Mufu Onifade was born October 5, 1966 at Oyo, Nigeria.

He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria; African Art Museum and Training Institute, Debre-Zeit, Ethiopia and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Mufu Onifade is an artist, by training and practice. He is a professional artist,a“multi-media communicator”, a cultural promoter, a performer per excellent in all areas of art–visual, literary, performing and reproduction.

Araism Movement was established and formally launched on Saturday, July 22, 2006 with an exhibition of paintings in Araism and since then Araism movement has been in the fore front of modern painting and team of professionals.

ARAISM MOVEMENT TEAM are Mufu Onifade (Founder), Abiola Martin Akande, Oludotun Popoola, Oluwanbe Amodu, George Egunjobi, Kesa Babatunde, Bolarinwa Olowo, Jonathan Imafidor, Adeniran Odumbo, Tope Adebayo, Oluwasegun Phillips, Olabode Olaoluwa and Emmanuel Eweje.

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ADVENTURE ON A TRIP

PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY minute because you might forget- you don’t want to be half way around the world only to realise that you have forgotten your medication.

T

GOING ABROAD? ravelling abroad can be a fun experience but for some people the thought of packing for their journey can be distressing. It becomes even worse when you think you are done packing for your holiday only to realise that there is still “something” that you need that won’t fit in the luggage any more. So as the holiday season is upon us, I have decided to share these easy steps that would help you pack for your holiday more efficiently.

GET A REASONABLY SIZED LUGGAGE:

This is important because on many occasions you tend to want to fill up your luggage. So if you have a big one, you end up lugging about unnecessarily while on holiday. In order to do this, consider how long you will be away e.g. two weeks = small luggage, two months = slightly bigger luggage etc. Again consider if you would prefer a wheelie suitcase or a holdall. Bear in mind that a durable suitcase gives you peace of mind because no one wants to have to gather spewed belongings while navigating through the airport.

PACK YOUR ESSENTIALS FIRST: This usually includes your passport, holiday insurance, foreign currency (if applicable) and medications. Don’t leave this for the last

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PACK YOUR CLOTHING AND SHOES: This is usually considered the dreadful part but it really isn’t. Just pack the clothes and shoes you know you will definitely wear. Don’t bother packing formal clothes like shirts- you might never wear them except you will be attending a business meeting. The trick is if you have to think twice about a dress before packing it, you probably don’t need it. So pack what you need bearing in mind the weather conditions and fold them neatly to avoid creases.

DON’T PACK BOOKS, GADGETS OR TOILETRIES: The reason is simple- packing for holiday reading will only take up more space and you might end up not having time to read. Use ebooks if you must. You do not need a laptop, ipad and ipod because a good smartphone will easily perform most important functions like taking pictures, sending emails etc. and you will save yourself the stress of packing so many chargers. Also the world is a global village so you are likely to get your regular bath gel, shampoo in most super markets around the world.

WEIGH YOUR LUGGAGE: This is important because you need to know if it is over the limits. If it is, you might have to wear the heaviest item of clothing or better still check again to see what can be removed.

Don’t forget to put a lock on your luggage and stickers for identification.

If you have achieved all this, please give yourself a pat on the back for your accomplishments and remember to have fun while you are away.

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FAMOUS FISRT

Famous firsts in Nigeria

Obafemi Awolowo Stadium

T

he Obafemi Awolowo stadium was built in 1960 during the tenure of the then Premier of the Western Region – Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is situated in Ibadan, Oyo state and is a 25,000 capacity football stadium that was patterned after the Wembley stadium London.

It used to be known as the Liberty stadium but was renamed on November 12, 2010 after a courtesy visit to the late sage’s widow – Mama HID Awolowo by the then president of Nigeria; Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The Obafemi Awolowo stadium was not only the first stadium to be built in Nigeria but was also the first to be built in Africa. Many major tournaments have been played at this stadium. In 1980, during the African Cup of Nations some of the matches were played there including the semi-final match between Algeria and Egypt. Also in 1999, it was selected as one of the venues for the FIFA World Youth Soccer Championship.

However, over the years the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium has been a venue for various functions other than sporting events. It has hosted government inauguration ceremonies, private parties etc.

Therefore, these and many years of neglect has robbed this magnificent edifice of its glory days.

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FAMOUS FIRST

Presbyterian Church of Nigeria

I

n April 1846, a team of missionaries from the Church of Scotland Mission, led by Rev. Hope Masterton Waddell, arrived in Calabar, where they set up the first congregation of what is now known as The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. The church attracted many worshippers, which led to its expansion. In 1858, the Presbytery of Biafra was formed which later evolved into the Presbyterian Synod of Biafra in 1921.

In 1945, the administration of the church was handed over to Nigerians by the white missionaries and this led to continuous growth of the church throughout its environs. In 1952, the Presbyterian Church of Biafra became the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Nigeria. Integration was completed in 1960, and the church changed its name to the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

In 1985, the Synod met in Afikpo and agreed to create Regional Synods with the General Assembly as the highest decision making body. This decision materialized on the 22nd August, 1987, when the General Assembly was inaugurated at the Duke Town Presbyterian Church, Calabar. After the creation of the General Assembly, two regional Synods were created in 1988. These were the East and the South-East Synods.

Today, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has nine Regional Synods which are; Synod of Awka Synod of Calabar Synod of the East Synod of East Central Synod of North Synod of South Central Synod of Upper Cross River Synod of West Niger Delta Synod

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WEBPRENEURSHIP

nigerian Webpreneurs

st Sugge an i r a Nigeor send e t i webs urs to yo igeria@ on comet .com gmail

A few years ago, some writers said Nigeria was lost in Cyberspace, because no worthy websites were found in the country. But today, Nigerians presence on the Internet is overwhelming. Not for the wrong reason though, the majority of today Nigerians are setting up websites that are not only appealing to a Nigeria audience but to global traffic.

www.stelladimokokorkus.com

www.myschoolgist.com.ng

Stelladimokokorkus.com is an entertainment blog that started in

Created by Fapohunda Olusegun. He loves sharing education news from various sources. Fapohunda created MySchoolGist to serve as a platform to disseminate quality, credible and dependable information regarding various happenings in Nigeria’s education system. He strives to keep Nigerian youths and students informed.

2013. The blog is a one-stop place where you find all the juicy gists you need to know about nollywood and Nigerian celebrities, fashion, entertainment and gossip.

www.wivestownhallconnection.com The wives connection blog, (wivestownhallconnection.com) probably gives you a pretty good clue about what you can expect from this family. It focuses basically on Nigerian Recipes. They work together for the success of marriages, share relationship, family living and parenting tips. The site is freely available to share, discuss and express different opinions and sometimes sweat it out like every other family does.

Whether you are just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of relationships, learning to cook better Nigerian food, or an experienced Nigerian spouse, they’ll have posts for you. They aim for a balance between the new and experienced with entertainment news to keep you up to date with topics that women love to read. If you are a gentleman or lady with questions on how to start or keep a relationship, you might want to check out the site.

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BOOKS

BOOKS

by Nigerian writers

Most of the books here are selections from the Literary Hub Bookshelf known for smart, engaged, entertaining writing about all things books. One thing that I know now is the greatness of Nigerian writers. The unique approach of Nigerians attitude to whatever they do. In every profession, writing included, we are good and special and the whole world is testifying to that. We have moved a bit ahead with this quarter’s books by Nigerian writers. - compiled by Ekundayo Adeniran.

Author: Jowhor Ile Title:

And after many Days Jowhor Ile was born in 1980 and raised in Nigeria, where he currently lives. His fiction has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly and Litro Magazine.

An unforgettable debut novel about a boy who goes missing, a family that is torn apart, and a nation on the brink.

And After Many Days introduces Ile’s spellbinding ability to tightly weave together personal and political loss until, inevitably, the two threads become nearly indistinguishable. It is a masterful story of childhood, of the delicate, complex balance between the powerful and the powerless, and a searing portrait of a community as the old order gives way to the new.

“One rarely finds ‘page-turner’ and ‘poetry’ in the same sentence, but And After Many Days is a rarity indeed…

An achingly tender portrait of family life, a brilliantly executed whodunnit, a searing critique of Nigerian politics, a meditation on love. The Utu family will stay with me always.” —Taiye Selasi, author of Ghana Must Go

Author: Adrian Igonibo Barrett Title: Blackass

Born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and the Jamaican novelist and poet Lindsay Barrett. Adrian Igoni Barrett studied agriculture at the University of Ibadan. In 2007 he moved to Lagos, where he met his wife, the Dutch journalist and writer Femke van Zeijl.

Blackass is a story of Furo Wariboko, a Nigerian man, who wakes up one day to discover that he has become white on the morning of a long-awaited job interview. Rushing out of the house to avoid being seen, Furo ends up trekking across Lagos’s traffic-choked sprawl, sans phone, money, or an explanation for why he looks white and sounds Nigerian. But as he soon discovers, being an Oyinbo, or light-skinned person, comes with significant perks.

For foreigners unfamiliar with Nigeria, Lagos functions as another character in the book, a fascinating and chaotic megacity populated by people trying to move up in the world—some honestly, some less so. It’s no coincidence that Furo’s new job is selling self-help books.

Claire Fallon said in the Huffington Post: “Blackass is a blunt, transparently written novel — the kind that makes the reader feel as though they’re standing inside the skin of the character, going about his day with him”.

Adrian was invited as a participant to various literary festivals, He was a guest reader on the opening night of the PEN World Voices Festival in 2013. He was the founding organiser of the BookJam reading series in Lagos, Nigeria, which featured the writers Jude Dibia, Michela Wrong, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Binyavanga Wainaina, Helon Habila and Tsitsi Dangarembga, among others.

Barrett’s work has appeared in many publications, including AGNI, Al Jazeera English and Electric Literature.

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Author: Chris Abani

The Face: Cartography of the void

BOOKS

Title:

Chris Abani is a novelist, poet, essayist, screenwriter and playwright. Born in December 27, 1966 in Nigeria to an Igbo father and English mother, he grew up in Afikpo, Nigeria, received a BA in English from Imo State University, Nigeria, an MA in English, Gender and Culture from Birkbeck College, University of London and a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Southern California. He has resided in the United States since 2001.

He is the recipient of the PEN USA Freedom-to-Write Award, the Prince Claus Award, a Lannan Literary Fellowship, a California Book Award, a Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, a PEN Beyond the Margins Award, the PEN Hemingway Book Prize and a Guggenheim Award.

The Face: Cartography of the Void, gave us a brief memoir that is, in the best tradition of the genre and an exploration of the very nature of identity. Chris meditates on his own face, beginning with his early childhood that was immersed in the Igbo culture. The Face is a lush work of art that teems with original and profound insights into the role of race, culture, and language in fashioning our sense of self. Abani’s writing is poetic, filled with stories, jokes, and reflections that draw readers into his fold; he invites them to explore their own “faces” and the experiences that have shaped them. Abani reveals that behind his—and every— face are unseen scars.”

No wonder Dave Eggers, author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, describe Chris Abani as “the most courageous writer working right now. There is no subject matter he finds daunting, no challenge he fears. Aside from that, he’s stunningly prolific and writes like an angel. If you want to get at the molten heart of contemporary fiction, Abani is the starting point.”

Author: Helen Olajumoke Oyeyemi Title:

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours Helen Oyeyemi was born in Nigeria December 10, 1984 but moved to the UK at the age of 4. She is the author of five novels, most recently Boy, Snow, Bird; a finalist for the 2014 Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She received a 2010 Somerset Maugham Award and a 2012 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. In 2013, she was named one of Granta‘s Best Young British Novelists. “The stories in this enchanting new collection are linked by recurring characters and themes. From Cambridge to Prague, through secret societies and gardens, an exclusive spa where dieters sleep themselves thin and a hotel no one ever checks out of, the breadth of Oyeyemi’s imagination is impressive, teetering, as ever, on the edge of magical realism. Her use of fairytales, folklore and ghost stories is distinctly reminiscent of the work of Angela Carter, but the writer’s messages here can be somewhat harder to decipher. Apt, then, that images of locks and keys – both actual and metaphorical – are threaded through each of the tales, reminding us that there’s always more than meets the eye. Admittedly, some cast a less powerful spell than others, but as a rule any impenetrability is counterbalanced by inviting, luscious prose”, says the Guardian. But surely, Oyeyemi’s writing makes her a real Nigerian woman with rich Yoruba heritage that will continue to influence her writing in many years to come.

“Flawless. . . another masterpiece from an author who seems incapable of writing anything that’s less than brilliant.“ —NPR A Vulture (New York Magazine) best book of 2016 so far A Time Magazine best book of 2016 so far One of the Washington Post’s 37 books loved so far in 2016 One of Apple’s best books of 2016 so far

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INSPIRATIONAL

Inspirational Nigerians

Inspirational Nigerians showcases Nigerians home and abroad who have been a source of inspiration to Nigerians in their respective professions.

It is an avenue to celebrate their achievements and showcase their success stories to inspire other people.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

C

himamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian novelist, nonfiction writer and short story writer. Born in Enugu, south east Nigeria, on the 15th of September 1977, she is the fifth of six children.

Adichie enrolled to study medicine and pharmacy at the University of Nigeria in a bid to please her father but she had often said that she dreamt of being a writer. A year and a half later, she left medical school.

She travelled to the United States at the age of nineteen to study communications and political science at Drexel University in Philadelphia; she transferred to Eastern Connecticut State University to be near her sister, who had a medical practice in Coventry. She received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern, with the distinction of summa cum laude in 2001.

In 2003, she completed a master’s degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and in 2008, she received a Master of Arts degree in African studies from Yale University.

Also in 2008 she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. She has also been awarded a 2011–12 fellowship by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University and In 2016, she was conferred an honorary degree Doctor of Humane letters, honouris causa, by Johns Hopkins University.

Her work has been translated into thirty languages and has appeared in various publications, including The New Yorker, Granta, The O. Henry Prize Stories, the Financial Times, and Zoetrope.

Adichie has written famous novels, amongst which are; Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, The Thing Around Your Neck, Americanah, to mention a few. She has also won numerous awards, like the Orange Prize for Fiction, Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and Half of a Yellow Sun, was a National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist, a New York Times Notable Book, and a People and Black Issues Book Review Best Book of the Year. Her latest novel, Americanah, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction and The Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Fiction; and being named one of The New York Times Ten Best Books of the Year.

Adichie has, in recent years, given powerful speeches at prestigious events and has lent her voice to the feminist cause.

She is happily married to Ivara Esege, a medical doctor, with a baby daughter. She describes him as Nigerian, American and British. She is therefore recognised as an inspirational individual, who has made a positive impact, not only on Nigeria but the world as a whole.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Marie Martina Ereomajuwa Gbadebo

BSc MSc MBA RIBA

W

omen are actually surpassing men in several important positions in today’s world. It is interesting to note that this is a global affair from the United Kingdom to United States of America. Could it signal the “end of men”? Probably not, but they point toward an important societal shift worth knowing. So when we say that the best man for the job is a woman, we are establishing a fact about Mrs Marie Martina Eromajuwa Gbadebo.

A Registered and Chartered Architect, member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Erejuwa Gbadebo has over 30 years of Nigerian and international experience in strategic and executive management, project design, and on-site project and programme administration, in both the construction industry and the property and real estate industry. She is surely an inspiration to Nigerians both home and abroad.

Erejuwa is a graduate from the University of Jos where she obtained a BSc and an MSc in Architecture, graduating at the top of her class, as well as a graduate from Henley Management College UK, (now Henley Business School, University of Reading), where she obtained an MBA majoring in Project Management, Strategic Finance and Marketing.

Whilst in the UK, in addition to the practice of architecture, Erejuwa was a member of the Validation Panel of the RIBA – a panel set up to ensure the quality of architectural education in the UK, and to encourage experiment, innovation, and contemporary relevance in course delivery and teaching methods. She also sat on the panel of the Association of Consultant Architects – a professional body representing architects in private practice throughout the UK – examining and helping to inform new ways of project procurement.

Successful with stakeholder management, engaging teams and collaborating on projects, Erejuwa has led numerous project teams on commercial real estate projects including research and real estate advisory, redevelopment, new construction, and refurbishments. She has also been a key member of various capital expenditure (CAPEX) committees, which oversee these expenditures.

In 2008, Erejuwa returned to Nigeria to head up Broll Property Services

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Ltd., Nigeria as their Chief Executive Officer. During her 5-year tenure to September 2013, she positioned the company from a little-known real estate firm, managing 2 retail properties, into the foremost, all-inclusive property services firm in Nigeria managing over 6 retail malls, 3 schools, a number of high-brow residential estates and over 20 commercial buildings all over Nigeria in Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Kano and Ilorin.

After a period of time as the managing partner of PDI in 2014, a boutique real estate advisory and consultancy firm, Erejuwa is now the founding Chief Executive Officer of Cluttons International Ltd. – the Nigerian office established in January 2015 of Cluttons LLP, a 251 year old, all-inclusive property services company headquartered in the UK with a 40 year presence in the UAE. In the year and a half since its inception, Cluttons International Ltd. now manages 4 retail malls in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja, as well as a couple of high-brow residential properties in Lagos.

In addition to her passion for the built environment, Erejuwa is an accomplished swimmer, having swam for her schools, university and Lagos State in her youth, as well as a member of the Cycology Riding Club – a not-for-profit cycling club established in 2011 to promote cycling as a lifestyle, create awareness about social issues and seeking to develop cycling as a competitive sport in Nigeria. She is also an active supporter of Special Olympics, (set up to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and opportunities for athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports), and Benola – the not-for-profit organisation committed to change and progress for persons living with Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria.

An executive member of The Ebola Containment Trust Fund, (a non-profit body set up in 2014 created to galvanise the necessary resources to contain the Ebola Virus Disease from spreading in Nigeria), Erejuwa is also a non-executive director on various company boards.

Erejuwa is happily married with 3 grown up children, and enjoys music and decorating cakes.

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA

The Celebrity

Sani MUSA An Abuja based multi talented and multiple award winning Kannywood and Nollywood actor, singer and movie director, a very prominent and popular personality in Nigeria, and beyond.

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Sani Danja has undertaken notable projects like: 1. The directing and production of the award winning United States Agency for International Development (USAID) film titled Jan Kunne (The Awakening) funded by (USAID) and managed by FHI/IMPACT Project. The feature film, which was in three editions, was aimed at persuading Nigerians to avoid risky lifestyles. The film was seen by over 60 million people in and outside of Nigeria and was well received by the audience in Northern Nigeria. It also received wide publicity including a review by the Wall Street Journal, as well as one in the Financial Times.

2. The production of TUSHEN ARZIKI, a film on a Wire House Receipt Financing, sponsored by Abuja Securities and Commodity Exchange Commission. The production is aimed at increasing awareness among farmers of the need to patronize the facilities and services of the Commission for the development of their profession.

He is a UN Peace Ambassador; an ambassador of SAVE THE CHILDREN UK, GLOBACOM Ambassador, Adron Homes & Properties Ambassador and RHYTHM N’ PLAY (an initiative of the Nigeria Academics Sports Committee (NASCOM).

He has toured and performed in over 15 countries like Niger Republic, Sudan, Cameroon, Egypt, Mali, Ghana, Chad, South Africa, Benin Republic, UK and Malaysia, among others.

S

ani Danja is one of the most celebrated and most decorated all round entertainers to ever emerge from northern Nigeria, little wonder why his teaming fans refer to him as King of the North in entertainment; his versatility has also led many to refer to him by the sobriquet “Jack of all trade and master of all”.

Sani Musa, a.k.a Sani Danja was born April 20, 1973 in Fagge Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. Sani Danja attended Kano Capital Primary School, Government Junior Secondary School Kawaji and Rumfa College for his primary and post primary education.

He attended Federal College of Education, Kano, where he obtained an NCE certificate and an Advance Diploma in Public Administration.

He is currently the Chairman of Guild of Hausa Film Artiste and a board member of the National Film Corporation of Nigeria as well as Northern Youth Mobilisation Officer of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

Sani Danja has numerous awards and recognition at home and abroad.

He is a recipient of awards like the Afro Hollywood award for Best Actor 2009 in London, Star of Islam in Ghana 2010, SIM award for Best Actor 2010, National Arts and Culture awards for best Entrepreneur of the year 2013, won two City-people Magazine award for best producer and best Director, he was honoured by President Goodluck Jonathan as Rhythm n Play Ambassador etc.

Sani Danja is happily married to former Kannywood actress Monsura Isa and the marriage is blessed by three lovely children, Khadijatul Imam Musa, Khalipha Musa and Yakubu Musa

An Abuja based multi talented and multiple award winning Kannywood and Nollywood actor, singer and movie director, a very prominent and popular personality in Nigeria, and beyond, Sani Danja cut his teeth in the Hausa movie industry in 1999 starring in a hit movie titled Dalibai (students), a film he also co- produced and directed. It was indeed as a singer at age twelve (12) that he began his journey to stardom as an entertainer, when together with four of his friends they founded a musical group called Young Kiddies Voice (YKV) in 1985.

Sani Danja continued his musical career as a solo artiste when the group broke up with the release of a hit song in the early 90s titled Yaki-tahoyaki, a song that was rated the best selling Hausa song at the time. The massive reception and patronage accorded his debut movie (Dalibai) paved the way for him to again star in two hit movies, Adon kishiya and Kwarya tabi Kwarya in 2000. Since then, it has been a steady climb to stardom for Sani Danja as he has now been involved in well over six hundred and fifty (650) movies and counting.

In 2013, Sani Danja teamed up with Terry G and recorded a single tiwww.cometonigeria.com

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA

tled Basu Iyawa as part of the compilations for his new guy in town album, which was released in early 2014. Danja has been in the studio working on various songs for his new album title “Jack Of All Trade”.

Some of the singles that have been dropping from this hits maker are; Ruwa guba, Mairo and Alhaji currently enjoying massive airplay across the country and recently drop AFRICA featuring J Martins and Pan African Song.

NIGERIAN FASHION

THE NIGERIAN GELE – A RE-INVENTION OF STYLE In its elaborate form, the gele is worn for special events like weddings, birthday parties, coronation events, or church programmes.

Hakeem Oluwasegun Olaleye aka Segun Gele

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he head tie popularly known in Nigeria as GELE pronounced as (gay lay) has been a fashion statement for many years. The gele is usually adorned by women in most part of Nigeria and could be worn in many forms, which could be either casual or a more elaborate style.

In its elaborate form, the gele is worn for special events like weddings, birthday parties, coronation events, or church programmes. But the more casual gele could be tied by older women when going to the market, going about their normal duties in the neighbourhood, or just even while staying at home.

However, in the past there seemed to be a general acceptance that the gele should be tied when wearing certain traditional attires like the Iro and Buba (usually worn by the Yoruba), the Ukwu Ogodo Abuo (a two wrapper style usually worn by the Igbo) or the Zani Da Riga and Dankwali (wrapper, top and head gear by the Hausas). But with the evolution of fashion in recent years, the gele has witnessed a glorious re-invention.

It can now be worn with various traditional styles made with the Ankara fabric like skirt and blouse, gown, pant suits etc. It also comes in various bright colours, fabrics and when combined with a nicely sewn Ankara style, it gives the wearer a unique and complete look. Also the gele is complemented with beautiful costume neck pieces and earrings which can be beaded or 54

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metallic. Little wonder it has now attracted both the young, the old and fashion enthusiasts.

The most popular types of the gele are; Aso oke, Damask, Ichafu, net gele, grand Swiss gele etc. With the varieties of gele in the Nigerian market, its sales have helped to boost the textile industry and created thousands of jobs for both young and old who have good creative imagination. It is now commonplace to have people who tie the gele professionally for a fee at any event and of course the demand for these services has continued to increase over the years.

Prominent among these gele experts is Hakeem Oluwasegun Olaleye aka Segun Gele. Segun Gele is a Nigerian based in Houston, USA, who became known for his creativity in tying the gele. He has often shared his amazing story of how he ventured into the trade as an experience he had after helping some women tie their gele at a friend’s party.

Segun Gele has carved a niche for himself in a hitherto female dominated industry having been featured on the CNN and has helped to bring the limelight to this unique feature of the Nigerian woman’s attire.

The gele is no longer seen as an old fashioned style for older women rather it has come to signify an important addition to the modern day fashion statement of people who love to look good and show case their unique style. www.cometonigeria.com

NIGERIAN FASHION

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MY NIGERIA

My Nigeria My Nigeria showcases friends of Nigeria who have either been to the country or have interest in Nigeria. It is an avenue for them to tell the world their thoughts and views and Nigeria and her people. This edition of My Nigeria features Kevin Barry.(Kayode Oyinbo )

ground to help with logistics. Particularly, as a foreigner, Nigeria can be difficult to visit 100% on your own, and will most likely result in spending an exorbitant amount of money for what would be considered mediocrity by western standards.

Nigeria is rife with headache-inducing situations, and these situations are often exacerbated when one appears to not know what is going on. Having someone who knows the lay of the land can help you mitigate and avoid many of these situations.

As a business destination, Nigeria provides some

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

at the same time; Everything is possible and

very lucrative opportunities, but again, having the

impossible at the same time. It all depends on

right trustworthy relationships is critical here

My name is Kevin Barry. I am sometimes referred

“how you play your cards,” who you know, and

to as Kayode Oyinbo. I am originally from the

dare I say luck (or God’s Grace if you are truly

Is Nigeria ready for tourism?

state of Wisconsin in the United States, and have

Nigerian). Conventional logic or “common sense”

Yes and no. Nigeria already has vast and vibrant

been coming to Nigeria for seven years now. I first

as an American or European would define them

places that one can visit as a tourist, both natural

came as a student in an exchange program and

do not exist in Nigeria-in fact, the polar opposite

and manmade. I think that Nigeria is ready for

studied at the University of Ibadan for one year.

of these notions is what pragmatically takes place

domestic and possibly regional tourism, but not

My undergraduate degree is from the University

on the ground in Nigeria. Perhaps a better way to

quite ready for international tourism. There are

of Wisconsin-Madison in International Relations

encapsulate this ideal is that Nigeria has its own

currently quite a few places (some better known

and African Studies. I have spent the last few

unique forms of logic and procedure.

than

years working in consulting, communications and

others) that one can visit for leisure

business development all over the world, with a

Nigeria’s people, as anywhere in the world, are

focus on the Middle East and Africa.

products of their environment. There are all kinds

Ranch, Erin-Ijesha

of people in Nigeria - with over 250 ethnic groups

Waterfalls, Olumo

I have always had a place for Nigeria in my heart

and cultures, it is hard to truly answer the question

Rock, Old Oyo

and can’t seem to stay away. I speak Yoruba

“what do I think of her people?’

National Park, Ilase

fluently, and also have a great interest in bata and

Just like any former colony, there is a constant

Beach, La Campagne

talking drum traditions. Aside from the beautiful

antagonistic dance between traditional culture

array of languages and cultures in Nigeria, there is

and contemporary culture which has been heavily

tremendous unrealised economic potential. Nigeria

influenced by the British, as well as western pop

is blessed with an incredible population and wide

culture. Overall, Nigerians are extremely

array of natural resources, and the country is

welcoming, hospitable and jovial. I

hungry for investment. Nigeria is a somewhat

have always appreciated and been

difficult place to understand for outsiders, as it

inspired by the widespread sense

is not simple and nothing is straightforward. An

of humour that is prevalent within

image problem (sometimes well deserved, other

Nigerian culture, and this is my

times not), also often serves as a hindrance to

number one “coping mechanism”

foreign investment and tourism flows. Now that

for dealing with stress or adversity

I’ve invested a great deal of time and energy into

in Nigeria. Nigerians are extremely

understanding Nigeria better, I am able so see it for

entrepreneurial, resourceful, bold and

what it is which has opened many doors for me.

quick on their feet. These qualities

What do you think about Nigeria and would you advise anyone to visit?

Nigeria is a complicated, unique and special place.

including Obudu

Tropicana, Lekki Conservation

contribute to a very intense and robust society, and even sometimes contribute to a less than desirable image of Nigerians abroad.

Aside from obvious characteristics on the surface, it is completely different in its culture, attitude

I would absolutely encourage anyone

and worldview from any western country I have

and everyone to visit Nigeria - it is

ever visited. Therefore, it is easy and tempting to

a powerful place and there is a lot

quickly formulate opinions about the country, but I

one can learn from visiting.

believe it deserves a closer look that is as complex

However, I would only

and multi-faceted as the country itself before one

recommend that one

can truly understand the place for what it is.

visit if they know and trust someone

Nigeria is first and foremost a land of paradoxes;

personally on the

It is a country that has everything and nothing

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Centre, and Ayikunugba Waterfalls, to name a few.

Some of these places are more developed than others, but all are very beautiful in their natural

MY NIGERIA

state. Many Nigerians are even surprised to discover that some of these places lie “right under their noses.”

I think there is a big cultural component that keeps many Nigerians from enjoying these beautiful treasures. Life in Nigeria is not always easy and it can take a lot out of you. Many Nigerians prefer to spend their leisure time sedentarily watching television or attending parties (funerals, weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies…let’s face it, the owanbe concept heavily blurs the lines between these) instead of strapping on their hiking boots and getting out in nature. Furthermore, many

delivery of services in return. Although there have

Nigerians embody an image and wealth-driven

been some changes in the last year and a half, the

complex that would favour travel to Dubai, South

situation is still laughable. This keeps international

What do you think about this project - Cometonigeria.com and the website?

Africa, London or Malaysia to engage in more

airfare very high year-round. The bureaucracy, red

Nigeria can be a complex knot to unravel, and

traditional consumerist activities rather than

tape and costs surrounding the tourist visa process

Come To Nigeria Magazine is a laudable attempt.

enjoying natural wonders that exist at home.

are alone enough to drive potential foreign tourists

The visibility and insight it provides as a one

Come To Nigeria Magazine is a great example of

to neighbouring countries instead.

stop shop is extremely useful to prospective

an initiative that is creating more awareness about

visitors, as it is a much more dynamic medium

Nigeria’s domestic tourism sites so that people may

Once you arrive in Nigeria as a foreign tourist, you

than traditional printed guidebooks. It is a great

enjoy them more. Or, as the Yoruba proverb goes,

couldn’t easily just rent a car, grab a map and go

starting point to providing the kinds of resources

“Naani nàànì naani ohun a ni là a naani” which

straight from the airport. Internationally reputable

Nigeria needs to strengthen and develop its

basically means you should appreciate and not

guide services to curate Nigeria’s beauty and keep

tourism industry, as well as providing credible and

overlook assets or attributes that you possess.

foreign tourists safe are few and far between,

up to date logistical information. Africa is not yet a

and bespoke services like this catered to western

place where one can easily and comprehensively

What do you think about Nigeria as a giant of Africa?

visitors are exorbitantly expensive. Not to mention

find credible answers to everything on Google, or

Nigeria’s image abroad, driven both by global

even by talking to individuals on the ground. Come

This is unequivocally true. Whether you view

media and negative experiences foreigners have

To Nigeria plays a critical role in helping to shift

Nigeria through the lens of population, economy,

had doing business in the country. Furthermore,

this paradigm.

resources or art, Nigeria is a giant, not only of

Nigeria notably lacks a “customer service culture,”

Africa, but increasingly in the global context

and acumen of this sort is extremely rare. While

How often do you visit Nigeria

Nigerians are inherently hospitable, the western

I come to Nigeria several times per year and have

They often say that Nigeria is not on the tourism belt, what do you think Nigeria can do to change this?

notion of corruption trickles down into nearly

spent over two and a half years total on the ground

every facet of society, and this has a substantial

in the country.

Nigeria has a long way to go here. A substantial

service and hospitality-focused businesses. This

infrastructure for foreign tourism is completely

culture can be changed, but it will take time,

lacking, and the existing beautiful places for

patience and a willingness to invest time and

What are the most important things you miss when you are away from Nigeria?

leisure (albeit they are abundant) are very costly

resources in its development. In short, you could

I tend to miss the chaos, unpredictability, care-free

to access, particularly when looking at the cost

travel pretty much anywhere else in the world

lifestyle and special organisation of time and

to travel from other continents. Other African

much easier, for the same or a lower cost, and with

priorities (as opposed to the linear western method

countries have much more competitive tourist

substantially more utility than traveling to Nigeria

of organisation). It is always exciting to arrive in

sectors. You will get much more “bang” for your

for leisure.

Nigeria as everything about it is so different from

Dollar, Euro or Pound in Morocco, Senegal, Egypt,

I realise this perspective sounds cynical, but when

the United States. I think this contrast is what I

Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa or

looking at it purely from the angle of a vibrant

really enjoy about existing in both places.

Mauritius than you will likely get in Nigeria when

tourism sector gearing towards first-time foreign

traveling from abroad. Even if you are already

visitors, I believe it is an objective and honest

in Lagos, costs would be comparable to go to

assessment. I in no way mean to advocate that

What do you miss when you travel away from your country of origin?

both London and Obudu Ranch for a few days

Nigeria should mimic any other country in its way

Nigeria is not my country of origin, so when I am

when considering all costs. Once there is more

of doing things, but at the same time, if you want

in Nigeria I tend to miss a wide variety of fresh

of an actionable political will, more substantial

foreigners to come and enjoy the country, you

food, climate, a pedestrian-friendly environment

investment and more competition in the market

need to “meet them in the middle” at minimum.

& culture, and the general unrestricted freedom to

space, I think this could absolutely change in

Obviously, more ad-hoc tourist excursions by

move and do as you wish that exists in countries

Nigeria, but it will not happen overnight.

foreigners (i.e. going for a Nigerian friend’s

with more security, and particularly the United

The biggest inhibiting factors to foreign tourism

wedding, enjoying some leisure time attached to

States. I have a hard time sitting still, though, and

in Nigeria are cost and logistics. The Nigerian

a business trip, going to investigate art or music)

traveling enables me to better appreciate different

government collects exorbitant fees from

can still yield incredibly enjoyable and meaningful

characteristics about every place I visit.

international airlines to operate at their airports

experiences for those who have a personal

and provides an embarrassingly inadequate

connection in the country.

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negative impact on the consumer experience at

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GADGETS

HISTORICAL SITES

Nigeria’s Historical Sites Nigeria is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, several hundreds of tribes, dialects and languages. There are lots of other attractions that can woo tourists to the country but specifically, this quater we want to introduce some of the historical sites that we hope will show our readers that Nigeria need to thrive on tourism.

When next you visit the country, please consider sampling out the following historical attractions:

NIGERIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM, LAGOS:

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rguably the largest collection of Nigerian art and artefacts. Here you can find woodcarvings, bronze statues from the Bini kingdom and exhibits from the Nok culture which dates all the way back to 550 BC.

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NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM, ABIA:

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he museums houses relics from wars waged in Nigeria through the years including the Nigerian Civil War, Niger Delta conflicts and depictions of weapons used in battles fought in old Nigerian empires.

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HISTORICAL SITES

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4 www.cometonigeria.com

FIRST STOREY BUILDING, BADAGRY: s the name suggests this is the first ever storey building built in Nigeria, and it was built by Reverend Henry Townsend

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GADGETS

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SLAVE HISTORY MUSEUM, CALABAR: alabar was a major slave port, during the Slave Trade days and this museum houses numerous artefacts from the slave era, including remnants of ships and their cargo.

HISTORICAL SITES RELIGIOUS TOURISM

5 MBARI CULTURAL AND ARTS CENTRE, IMO:

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he centre showcases the history and tradition of the Igbos including sculptures, which were once dedicated to gods.

Mbari centre is situated at Ikenegbu in Central Owerri. It is being housed by the Imo State council for Arts and Culture.

Mbari is an open air museum that houses monumental arts that depicts peace, prosperity and social life in Igbo land.

6 BADAGRY HERITAGE MUSEUM:

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his is another museum dedicated to the slave trade era with 8 galleries inside taking visitors through different periods of Badagry history, including the pre-slave era, the slave era, and the post-slave era.

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HISTORICAL SITES RELIGIOUS TOURISM

SUKUR KINGDOM, ADAMAWA:

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his is one of Nigeria's 2UNESCO World Heritage sites

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and is located above the village of Sukur on Mandara Mountain. It is an ancient settlement with a long history of iron work, and strong political institutions dating back to the 16th century.

8 HOUSE OF MARY SLESSOR, CALABAR:

M

ary Slessor was a missionary credited with stopping the killing of twins in Calabar in the 1800s. Her house still stands as a historical attraction in Calabar till date.

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HISTORICAL SITES RELIGIOUS TOURISM

9 OSUN SACRED GROVE, OSOGBO:

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nother UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the most sacred locations in Yoruba culture and one of the only remaining examples of the once-widespread Yoruba settlement design

10 EMIR OF KANO PALACE, KANO:

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ano boasts an ancient culture and civilisation and the Emir's palace is one of the elements of this ancient culture.

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YOUR PASSION FOR THE NIGERIA IS SECOND TO NONE I am currently studying for a degree in tourism and I am doing a project on tourism in Nigeria that I would like to be able to include a range of brochures, tourist guides, maps, regional information, culture and travel tips as part of my presentation and to allow me to promote the country in the most interesting and factual manner possible. Your passion for the Nigeria is second to none.

LETTERS

Your Letters, Comments & Photos

send your comments to cometonigeria@googlemail.com Disclaimer: Images featured on this page are not the properties of CometoNigeria; they were posted on our forum by users and visitors.

I must thank you immensely therefore for the useful materials that you sent to me. I am extremely grateful for the relevant information that I used in my project.

N Lipscombe Bournemouth United Kingdom Editor’s Response: Thank you for the complement and we are happy that the materials sent to you are useful for your project. Thank you also for helping to promote Nigeria in that manner and we wish you good luck in your carrer.

THE RICH AND HANDY INFORMATION I stumbled upon Come to Nigeria when I was looking for information about Nigerian culture and lifestyle. It has always been my dream to visit Nigeria, the rich and handy information I got on cometonigeria.com made my stay in Nigeria and I will love to visit over and over again. After my return back to the states, I have been following the beautiful West African country through this Quarterly magazine. I can’t believe the magazine is so affordable with such amout of information. I implore anyone who plans to visit Nigeria to get a copy of this magazine before they travel. Keep the good work going guys. I suggest that tourist should be able to book flights and accommodation on the website. This can even make their journey easier.

Chantel Hughes -New Hamsphire USA

First Secretary at our Embassy in Ottawa requesting they support projects like yours. I told them that your work on tourism should be supported since they want to use Tourism as agent for economic diversifications.

The email was copied to some of the Nigeria state chambers of commerce and some email addresses in Abuja.

Once many more people can see and appreciate what you have done you do not need to beg, they will subscribe to it.

I believe everyone of those who got my email about your webpage will go and check it out as soon as they can and also check to see if there is anything you can do to enhance the website because from today many of them will be going to it. God will announce you himself, the same God that gave you the vision.

Mercy Yakubu -Toronto, Canada

Editor’s Response:

Thanks a lot Mercy, we so much appreciate your interest and your love for the country. The project surely need support from everyone and we think it would enable us do more once we start getting the expected lifts from the public

Hello Chantel Adepoju. Thanks for your feedback.

We started Come to Nigeria for people like you and we are glad that you were able to get all the necessary information you required before your visit. Furthermore, we will work on the suggestions you gave and soon tourist will be able to book flights, hotels and transportation on cometonigeria.com.

Regards.

TOURISM AS AGENT FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATIONS Thank you for the magazine. It is lovely.

I have just sent your webpage address to the www.cometonigeria.com

take you home. Thank you.

Ihya Nemlioglu Douglasville Georgia USA Editor’s Response:

Please try and subscribe to the magazine and copies will be delivered to youevery edition. This is important because the cost of sending the magazine is very high and you can only help us by paying for such. We are hoping to link with new operators for the live cameras. Please keep check the website for updates.

Editor’s Response:

AS A TOOL TO ENLIGHTENED OTHERS.

I will highly appreciate if you can send a complimentary copy of the “Come to Nigeria” magazine or one of your brochures to me. I have followed your website for years and used it as a tool to enlightened others.

Kindly link back to the Lagos live cameras that you had before because they instantly

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GADGETS

Gadgets this quarter 2. 5000MAH POWER BANK

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1. FOOT MASSAGER TREAT YOUR FEET!

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f you’re trekking up a mountain, camping in the middle of nowhere, off to a festival or have a busy work schedule, but still want all your favourite devices with you then say hello to this perfectly proportioned 5000mAh capacity Power Bank!

Providing you with more than enough power to charge your devices a few times over, this rapid charge charger provides fast and easy charging on the go! Styled with a super sleek aluminium casing and LED power indicator, this 5000mAh Power Bank is the perfect travel companion for your smartphone, tablet, games console, satnav or camera.

This 5000mAh Power Bank comes with a USB to Micro USB cable included, and features universal connectivity for multiple devices.

f eyes are the windows to the soul, then the feet are the holistic window to the whole body! Give your foot a little bit of much needed, tender loving care instead of a pretty hard time.

Give them a treat with this perfectly proportioned foot massager! Just like having a spa experience at home, this massager is fitted with a hexa of small vibrating cogs and non-slip rubber feet that sit happily on the floor while you rub away all your aches and pains.

This battery powered Foot Massager stimulates all the key areas and pressures points found in the foot to help ‘heel’ your whole body, and is the perfect accessory to sitting on the sofa and enjoying a nice hot cuppa.

4. 3 IN 1 UNIVERSAL CLIP CAMERA LENS

S 3. UNIQUE MAGNETIC AIR VENT CAR MOUNT HOLDER FOR ALL MOBILE PHONES

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ew Unique Magnetic Air Vent Car Mount Holder for All Mobile Phone Smartphones on sale at reasonable prices.

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cometonigeria

Third Quarter 2016

ince the evolution of social media, and the development of mobile phones coming with cameras, more and more of us are taking pictures every day. Since the rest of the world is taking the same pictures, it’s about time we made our pictures stand out from the masses of photos uploaded to the internet every day.

The 3 in 1 Universal Clip Camera Lens allows you to take remarkably high quality photos using your phones camera. Three lenses are included in the set to give your photography a variety of new options. The Wide Angle Lens will extend your photos with an extra 180° getting into your shot, perfect for shooting landscapes and big group shots. The Fish Eye Lens is similar to the Wide Angle Lens as it gets more in the shot but adds a curved effect to the image. The third lens is arguably our favourite as the imagery is so sharp and clear. The Macro Lens is used to achieve extremely close up shots, showing the incredible detailing of your subject.

Each of these lenses are easy to attach to your phone and don’t need any special cases fitting or apps to be downloaded. www.cometonigeria.com