Cometonigeria vol 8 issue 04 2017

www.cometonigeria.com

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 08 | Issue 04 | 2017

£5. €6. $8. R50. ₦2000 www.cometonigeria.com

Bird Watching for Bird Lovers:

Afro Tropical Residency or Migratory

HOT ISSUE: Nigerians Arise

NIGERIA:

a destination worth visiting REGULARS: SHOPPING TRAVEL & INVESTMENT NEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS

Music of Nigeria

Adventure

Of Emese Afolabi a.k.a Naija White Girl

House of Wadot

Dolapo Anthony Martins (D Tone)

His music over the years has won him a lot of fans, not only in the Yoruba communities,...

Deals with both ready to wear and made to measure designs...

EXPLORE * SHOP * EAT *INVEST *ENJOY

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CONTENTS

36

Copyright: Ayo Williams

18 Travel/Investment News 24 Next Issue 66 Gadgets

CONTENTS

Regulars

Collection of Canoes on Sir Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Cover photography:

32 44 66

07

Publisher’s statements

09

Editorial

10

Postcards

16 22 25 28

Travel images from Nigeria Ayo Williams, Niyi Bernard and Boluwatife theSalt Komolafe

Nigeria Theatre

56

44

Lunch Time

58

46

Famous firsts in Nigeria

60

My Nigeria

48

Webpreneurs

61

Letters and comments

50

Book reviews

52

Inspirational Nigerians

What you should know

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

Hot Issue

Nigerians Arise

Entertainment

Otolorin Kehinde Peter: Kenny Blaq

Featured Story

Nigeria: A destination worth visiting

www.cometonigeria.com

Music of Nigeria

32

Sportlight on the Nigerian Stage Ayo Jaiyesinmi’s ITAN (the Story)

Pumpkin Soup: Miyan Taushe

Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello: Knight of the British Empire (KBE)

Featuring blogs and websites by Nigerians

Dolapo Anthony Martins aka Dtone Martins

Nigeria Fashion

Omonijo Tolulope (House of Wadot)

Dorien Oluwakemi Jacob aka Oyinbo Jesu

Review of books by Nigerian writers

Lukman Adeola Adetunji, Prof Alphonsus Ekwerike .

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Published By:

Change is one of the realities of life that can be uncomfortable and cause us to resist opening our minds to new opportunities. As Nigerians, we must take the time to read and talk about governance from different perspectives as well as contribute however little to make change a reality.

In Nigeria:

The poor shabby Nigerian current situation reverberates the traffic light analogy. Sometimes when one is driving along, the traffic light seems to change favourably to turn Green–green all along the way. At other times, the traffic light signals appear to go into red light at every junction approached– thus delaying one’s journey ironically, with patience, fortitude, endurance and positive thinking, it soon changes by embracing amber and inevitably to green, signalling motion again.

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/ 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

Editor

Associate Editors

Graphics

Oladimeji Adisa

Dayo Adeniran, Gina Lisa Pate, Neil Peacock, Koko Antigha

Production Manager Adeyemi A. Adisa

Marketing

Dayo Adeniran Abdulhakeem B. Olanigan Yekinni Opeloyeru Morgan Okunnuga Adewale Adenrele

Photography

Orbit Imagery, Kunle Oladeinde, Victor Ibeabuchi Chukwuemeka B. Ikechukwu Niyi Bernard Ayo Williams Boluwatife Komolafe

Henrietta C. Ikediashi Lanre Sangobunmi

Legal Adviser Ranti Adisa

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

Distributors in UK

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

Stories

Ekundayo Adeniran Henrietta C. Ikediashi Salamatu Sule Olivia Nneka Osueke Dr. Ike Chukwuka Elder Dipo Adegbite Andrew Fleming

Correspondents

Dare Alabi -Osun State, Nana Mohammed -Borno State Tijjani Shehu Yahaya -Kano State

Editorial Board

Dr John Osammor, Ade Arogundade, Fatai Ogunribido, Neil Peacock, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Bisi Ogunbadejo, Dr. Raphael James and Oladimeji Adisa 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.

OLADIMEJI ADISA

The moral lesson is that we must not despair about our dearly beloved Nigeria and her many pitfalls and shortcomings. How would you describe Publisher/Editor-in-Chief or expect any 50 year old mature human being to behave? If your guess is as good as mine, such being should have sound judgement, composure, maturity and articulated dispensation. Please take heart, dear lovely readers, we must believe the inevitable positive change of development for Nigeria must undoubtedly come. Let there be hope!

Upon critical reflection of our work in producing this Magazine, we want to reaffirm that we are still available for collaborations, partnerships with the Nigerian authorities, the multinational companies and the private sector. Indeed, we at “ComeToNigeria” represent the “Little Hinges that Swing Big Doors”.

We are determined, poise and focused on promoting the image of Nigeria, helping to improve the performance of our economy, enabling Foreigners and Locals to travel across the country to enjoy variety of the rich resources of the land. Like T.Y. Bello rightly articulated; the LAND is GREEN of a truth.

Change must come!

It may be very cold in the UK, US and other parts of Europe, but in Nigeria, it’s been hot on and off the field with the nation’s qualification for 2018 world cup in Russia that we are definitely going to talk about in our next edition. We extensively covered the 2010 world cup in South Africa and the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and our physical presence in Russia will be no exception.

Here we are again with a brand new edition. It has been a busy year. When it comes to choice, we like to cover a good range for our readers, with particular food focus in this edition on Miyan Taushe that can be accompanied with any type of solid staple ranging from semolina, eba, fufu to corn flour. The usual accompaniment for this pumpkin soup though is Tuwon Shinkafa, all of which may find their way to the table over the coming festive season.

Also inside this issue is Andrew Fleming’s chat. This edition has stories for everyone as it cuts across board.

Meanwhile, back home, there is little news on the tourist visa situation that is still conflicting. We hope to have clearer information about Nigeria’s stand when unarguably resolved on the issue in 2018.

May I use this leverage to express sincere heart-felt “Thank You” to our staff, Researchers, Contributors, Photographers and Printers to the dynamic innovative magazine of ComeToNigeria. Thank you so much.

I sincerely believe in us and believe in our efforts as a formidable team. Success is always undoubtedly achieved through three key vital elements: Inspiration–to–Action, Activity Knowledge, and Know-How. Inspiration-to-Action is the dream and hope that we had initially to start, develop and run this project.

Let us please continue to keep that flame of hope radiant and bright as we shall accomplish the dream that we started out with. Let us continue to look forward to the future benefits in due season. Forward ever!

Backward never!! Thank you All. To our readers, thank you for believing in us. We will see you in the New Year.

Oladimeji Adisa Oladimeji Adisa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief www.cometonigeria.com

Copyright 2017 CometoNigeria Magazine. ISSN 2044-1932

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 2017 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

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

www.cometonigeria.com

Publisher’s Statement

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 08 | Issue 04 | 2017

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

Bird Watching for Bird Lovers:

Afro Tropical Residency or Migratory

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

HOT ISSUE: Nigerians Arise

NIGERIA:

On Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cometonigeria

a destination worth visiting

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/come.to.nigeria

REGULARS:

On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cometonigeriaTV On Instagram: www.cometonigeria.com https://www.instagram.com/cometonigeria

SHOPPING TRAVEL & INVESTMENT NEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS

Music of Nigeria

Adventure

Of Emese Afolabi a.k.a Naija White Girl

House of Wadot

Dolapo Anthony Martins (D Tone)

His music over the years has won him a lot of fans, not only in the Yoruba communities,...

Deals with both ready to wear and made to measure designs...

cometonigeria Fourth Quarter 2017

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Death and the King’s grey hair! The import of this book title is overwhelming especially for those who have read Death and the King’s Horseman by Professor Wole Soyinka. Did the King succeed in upturning the ancient tradition of his people that forbids a King to last long on the Throne?

Denja Abdullahi and other highly talented and creative Nigerian Authors books are given in-depth reviews that will spur one into making them Collector’s item.

Bridging the gap here has nothing to do with bridging generational gap, rather, the Writer opens a world of the economic boost achieved through Henrietta C. Ikediashi the evolution of Bridge constructions. Ironically, it is not the much talked Editor about old wine having more value than new.

Myriads of negative stories have been peddled widely by International Media about Nigeria. I am not unleashing the arsenal of self defense here, but permit me to state that every Nation has her ‘bad Egg’. Does it erase the fact that one should not project giant strides made by majority of Nigeria’s Knight in shining armour? Lukman Adeola Adetunji is one of such that we pride in.

Hitherto, if I was cornered by some group of Hoodlums and asked that my ransom will be talking about Gadget, I would never have been able to save my dear life. My crave for Gadget saaviness increased after reading the topic travelling into the world of ‘smart lights’, Philips Hue’s novel innovation and many more.

Olivia Osueke, a Clinical Psychologist was pragmatic in her narration of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory with the acronym F.C.T. One of the numerous Hotels is her focus simple because “the taste of the Pudding is in its eating”. Hotel Rosebud is a home to all. The perfect blend of unforgettable aesthetics, food, drinks and many more is genuinely projected here. Get your curiosity heightened to know how it feels to be “home away from home”. Nigeria is a hospitable place to unwind and transact business.

Kenny Blaq is one of Nigeria’s most hilarious and most sought after Comedians. Did he have a date with luck or went through the rung of the Ladder to attain fame? Find out what makes him stand out and the relationship between Music and Comedy. Dtone Martins, an Afrik-Soul Musician carefully tells what makes him tick, what keeps him moving and how Music runs in his blood while the Founder of Thespian’s FamilyMrs. Jaiyesimi Ayodele narrates the inspiration behind her Theatre productions, especially ‘Itan’ and why the culture of Theatre must not be eroded but preserved.

I halt here! Enjoy the Roller Coaster ride of this quarter’s edition of Come to Nigeria Magazine.

Henrietta Chukwufumnanya Ikediashi

This edition Editor’s picks Music of Nigeria

Dolapo Anthony Martins popularly known as Dtone Martins is one of the most developed talents of Nigerian extraction..

www.cometonigeria.com

The Adventure of Emese Afolabi aka –White Naija Girl: Nigerians are very hardworking people with great attitude, I have total respect for a lot of Nigeria women who do physically demanding jobs like hawking on the streets of Lagos.”

Feature

Bridging the Gap Nigeria Historical Bridges -Bridges are stylish: from classical to modern, they are as much a work of art as they are marvels of engineering.

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EDITORIAL

H

ow does it feel to know that Nigeria is home to over 900 species of birds? Through my mind’s eye, your expression is as good as mine. This Edition of Come to Nigeria Magazine takes us on a journey of the elements involved in their preservation and how richly these elements boost Tourism in Nigeria.

A foreigner married to a Nigerian recounts her short stay in Nigeria using some colourful narratives patriotic Nigerians will never want to dissociate from. To live in luxury, one does not need an expensive lifestyle; Efe, this is not based on logistics but based on personal experience. She juxtaposes cost of hair in Nigeria with that of her Country inferring that less is more in terms of quality in Nigeria.

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Editorial

TRAVEL IMAGES

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1

The Girl Woman hustler...

A typical young daughter in some northern states in Nigeria sees it as her responsibility to contribute to the daily bread of the family by engaging in her own hustle. Most times as a vendor of local snacks or food e.g. fried millet locally called que-de-que.

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Woody Sunset

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The Savior Bridge Bungudu

4

The sunset over Gusau Zamfara state shot from beneath a dry woody tree. Zamfara state is blessed with very interesting views and the sun always have a way of giving a dramatic entrance and exit

The bridge situated in one of the farm settlement areas in bungudu local governmnt area of Zamfara state. it has been a life saver for both livesstock and farmers who want to commute to the end of the ravine

Hunger Boys You can easily spot them with their plates all around some states in the northern part of nigeria. They never get satisfied with whatever quantity of food you give them. They are always hungry on a steady note.

Ayo Williams

My Travel images My name is Ayoola Williams Ogunsakin, I have lived all my life and schooling in Lagos State.

I am a graduate, I studied Guidance and Counselling of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

I developed strong interest in photography after secondary school when I had the opportunity to learn how to create a photomovie and from there I followed the interest till I got to University when I could make a stronger decision for myself. My first camera was a point and shoot sony T110c and I have achieved lots of great shots with it. Now I use a Canon DSLR camera EOS 1100d to be precise.

I am a self taught photographer and I also learnt few things on the job by assisting more experienced photographers.

The name AyoWilliams Photography is derived from my full name with the help of a good friend of mine who helped me see the importance of branding my photography with my personal name and I have stuck to it till now. I have keen interest in landscape, nature and documentary aspects of photography, but presently I do portraits, weddings, products and events to make ends meet. Professionally 2017 is my second year in photography.

Photography has been very interesting for me and also challenging as well but its the challenges that drives me to stay with photography and to become better at the profession.

Apart from photography, I love to teach as I am a trained teacher, I love karaoke, dancing, cycling, cooking and adventures.

My general philosophy is to do to others as you want them to do to you, love and forgive freely.

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TRAVEL IMAGES

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Niyi Bernard

Ibadan through my lens

N

iyi Bernard, a photographer who specialises in architectural, fashion, landscape and portraiture Photography.

Born in Nigeria, in 1994, I first used the camera to document life in the City of Ibadan and later explored other states, I love to bring out the beauty in things, showing the people a different world through my lens, I run a client-friendly, service-oriented business.

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1

Street Market in Ibadan

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Femi Johnson Building Ogunpa Ibadan

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Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

4

University College Hospital Ibadan

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This is Ibadan 2

Also known as “Glass house� because of its amazing architecture mostly built of glass, the building is located at Dugbe, Ibadan built by late Femi Johnson Ogundoyin in 1982, It is ranked, the 2nd tallest building in Ibadan with 12 floors and 43m in height.

Cocoa house located in Dugbe, the Ibadan Business District, not far from the Femi Johnson building and is the tallest building in Ibadan and the 6th tallest building in Nigeria with 26 floors and a height of 105m, the building was completed in 1965.

UCH (University College Hospital) was founded in 1948, and is affiliated with University of Ibadan, the first University in Nigeria, The hospital currently has 850 bed spaces and was the first institution in Nigeria to produce sterile products for patients.

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TRAVEL IMAGES

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Boluwatife TheSalt Komolafe

B

My Travel images

oluwatife was born and raised in Kwara State but now lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

He is a natural photographer with unique artistic style and love for candid captures! He specialises in street photography and styled model photos. He also dabble into wedding, and studio work, so don’t be afraid to ask for something outside of the box!

His personal goal is to preserve time, make memories stay put to gaze upon a moment and feel the raw emotions rising from within that image. So picking up a camera gives him an opportunity to capture a specific vision to share with others.

Ultimately, a well-captured image represents a moment in time that is expressed infinitely, and that’s enough of a reason for him to hang a camera around his shoulders wherever he goes.

For Boluwatife, it was an old hobby that became a profession.

After graduation from the University in 2014, he took a decision to plunge into this wonderful new world – doing workshops, studying photo processing, technics and investing in equipment that showcased his style. The acceptance and encouragement from people around him and from other professionals make him feel that he is on the right path.

“My inspiration began with my love for art and the beautiful nature! I am now based in Lagos. Oh la la, what a wonderful city to inspire me…

Talking about style, I love natural light photography! I need to thank many photographers who gave me the inspiration to this delightful way of photography. Natural light photography is so interesting. It gives you the authenticity of any particular picture and makes you see deep beauty in them.”

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1

Children playing at Aboye Ketu, Lagos.

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A busy day at Ojota, Lagos

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Canoe transport at Aboye Ketu, Lagos

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Fishermen in CMS, Lagos Island. Lagos.

Although the people of Agboyi Ketu in Lagos State are not accustomed to most of the privileges we enjoy, they still demonstrated a deep sense of contagious peace and happiness.

Struggles and hustles of Lagos from a major road in Lagos

In a way to promote and encourage the hard-work of Small and Medium scale Businesses, I took the picture of these fishermen on a canoe at the CMS Bus stop, Lagos

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ESSENTIALS

BEFORE YOU

GO

Currency

When to visit!

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 for your hotel bills and at other recognised outlets.

Entry formalities

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.

Currency regulations

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.

Vaccination

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 and continued throughout the stay here until two weeks after returning. www.cometonigeria.com

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.

Oct/Nov 2017

REACHING NIGERIA

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.

Baggage Examinations 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.

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.

By Boat: Transport by boat is not widespread unless you venture into Lagos and other riverine areas of Nigeria. www.cometonigeria.com

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

MUSLIM FESTIVALS

Getting around

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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

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.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Travel

the Minister said. He said while Government will play its part in the development and management of tourism and in making it more sustainable, the real key to making Nigeria’s tourism industry flourish lies with the industry itself and the businesses and organisations at its heart. ”Governments use a number of mechanisms to encourage greater private-sector engagement, capturing its expertise in ways that will be beneficial to the companies themselves as well as population.

Tourism can’t achieve its potentials without sustainability – Lai Mohammed

T

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that sustainability is absolutely necessary if tourism is to achieve its full potentials, which include being a catalyst for economic growth and poverty eradication.

Lai Mohammed in a statement issued in London to mark the 2017 World Tourism Day, the Minister said without sustainability, tourism cannot generate benefits to all stakeholders, solve serious problems such as extreme poverty, and preserve precious natural and man-made resources on which human prosperity is based. Referring to the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, which is ‘Sustainable Tourism – Tool for Development’, he said Member States of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are encouraged to make sure that their policies and actions for tourism development and management fully embrace the principles of sustainability. ”The sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and sociocultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established among these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability,” Alhaji Mohammed said also that in the context of the universal 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations General Assembly 18

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designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, underscoring its power to help eradicate poverty. “Tourism was singled out in three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable economic growth and decent employment, sustainable production and consumption, and the conservation and sustainable use of oceans (Goals 8,12 & 14)”. Today, tourism generates 10% of the world’s GDP, one in every 10 jobs, and 30% of world trade in services. It is key to many countries’ economies and livelihoods.

The private sector, on the other hand, has an opportunity to work collaboratively with government to yield unprecedented returns in both economic and human capital, and fulfilling the promise of a more equitable, productive, and prosperous global community,” Alhaji Mohammed said. Overall, he said, sustainable tourism requires the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders, as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building.

The idea of World Tourism Day was initiated by a Nigerian, the then Secretary General of the Nigeria Tourism Association (NTA), now Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), and Chairman of Africa Travel Commission (ATC). It was adopted at the 22nd General Assembly of the International Union of Official Travel Organisations (IUOTO) in 1971.

The 27th of September of every year is marked as the World Tourism Day to create awareness for tourism as a tool for economic growth and promotion of international peace and understanding.

It has evolved from an industry engaged in and patronised only by the rich and elites of the society, to an industry enjoyed by all with significant impact on the nation’s economy. ”As an invisible export, tourism creates a flow of foreign currency into the economy of a nation through public revenue which comes in the form of taxes, duties, licenses etc; business revenue derived from services provided by restaurants, hotels, transport, shops etc and from local resident revenue which come in the form of wages, salaries, rent, interests in investments e.t.c Most of these revenues especially those that accrue to the business establishments and the local residents are usually ploughed back into the economy to create additional business thereby generating grater revenues and increasing employment opportunities,” www.cometonigeria.com

UPDATES/NEWS

Oloibiri Oil Well No. 1 renovated by the Army

T

he 16 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Yenagoa, recently said it had renovated and opened to tourists, the Oloibiri Oil Well No. 1, where commercial oil production commenced in 1958.

Captain Jonah Danjuma, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations and Spokesman of the Brigade, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Army provided free bus rides for tourists to Oloibiri from its base in Yenagoa for three days.

Danjuma explained that the gesture was a community relations and confidence building component of the ongoing military training operation to build the combat readiness of troops deployed to the Niger Delta region.

“In line with the ongoing Operation Crocodile Smile II, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army has undertaken a renovation of the iconic Oloibiri Oil Well.

“This is part of the Brigade’s Community relations activities aimed at enhancing effective civil-military relations in its Area of Responsibility.

“The oil well is located at Otuabagi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, which has set the trajectory for oil economy in Nigeria, hence the Brigade is signposting the tourist value of this iconic Oil Well to the public.

“The historical site was opened to members of the public for three days in October, 2017. The general public is enjoined to visit and appreciate the historical value this oil well has ushered to Nigeria.

“The public may wish to visit on their own

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or take advantage of the buses provided at the Brigade Headquarters to transport potential tourists to the site.

“The expected time of departure from the Brigade Headquarters to Oloibiri is 10 a.m. daily,” he said.

NAN reports that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, launched the operation which involved intensive patrols, movement of troops with heavy military hardware in the Niger Delta region.

The Army Brigade had also donated medical equipment to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, as well as conducted environmental sanitation in some neighbourhoods in Yenagoa as part of the military exercise scheduled to last for one month.

Senate Enacts Enabling Laws For Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation

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he Nigerian Senate has enacted an enabling law that will fundamentally position the country’s tourism industry to contribute more to the treasury.

With the new act, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has now given way to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority NTDA) After an extensive clause by clause consideration, the senate repealed the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, act and replaced it with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority act, 2017.

The NTDC act was passed in 1992 to promote tourism in Nigeria but the extant law has not been able to revolutionise the tourism sector. The law appears no longer relevant in dealing with existing realities, especially at a time when Nigeria hopes to diversify its economy from oil.

Nigeria has huge tourism potentials, but the choice of making it a tourist destination would depend largely on an enabling legal framework.

Tourism contributed 4.8% of Nigeria GDP in 2016 with huge employment potentials. It’s a figure Nigeria hopes to improve on through legislation.

The proposed bill contains 45 clauses, most of which were retained.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Investment

Non-Oil Revenue Forecasts In MTEF and FSP Aligns with ProRata Earnings to Date

Nigeria, US Plan Fresh Investments in Energy Sector

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igeria and the United States of America are planning fresh investments in newer technology to further grow the nation’s oil and

gas potential.

This came as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, recently met with the Secretary of Energy of the United States of America, Mr. Rick Perry, on the sidelines of the 24th Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

Speaking at the meeting, Perry commended Nigeria on the significant steps it has taken in the oil and gas industry, stressing that the key message and thrust of the United States administration was to be strategic partners with Nigeria. Perry pointed out that the United States government holds Nigeria in high esteem, even as he pledged to encourage US companies to invest in the nation’s oil sector.

The meeting, Perry added, comes as a follow up to a previous one hosted by the office of the Secretary of Energy earlier in May 2017 at the United States Departments of State and Energy in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).

In his remarks, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, said the Federal Government of Nigeria has clearly set out the choices that have to be made and steps to be taken in the next four years to grow the country’s oil and gas industry.

Part of it, he noted, was through the continuous implementation of the 7BigWins – the Nigerian Petroleum Roadmap; which focuses on stabilising the business environment, enshrining 20

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openness and transparency, and developing and entrenching new policies and regulations.

These laudable achievements have contributed greatly to helping Nigeria claw back from recession.

Kachikwu however restated the positive role the government has played via the Joint Venture cash call payment agreement, ensuring adherence to due process in the sector, promoting accountability, encouraging sanctity of contracts and reviewing the fiscal policy to provide incentives for investment in the sector while optimising government revenues.

He also hinted that plans were afoot to reduce government’s role in the sector in order to increase private sector participation.

On infrastructure, the Minister noted that a comprehensive and holistic infrastructural map, currently being developed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, would be launched in December 2017.

He highlighted the local content growth which the Nigeria oil and gas sector had experienced, revealing that it has moved from five per cent at the inception of the Buhari administration, to about 40 per cent local content compliance as at today.

Kachikwu also used the opportunity to invite the US Secretary of Energy and his team to participate in the forthcoming maiden edition of the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) scheduled to hold in February, 2018 in Abuja, Nigeria.

I

n view of the weak performance Year-To-Date, we can see why nonoil revenue is forecast as broadly flat next year (N1.39trn vs N1.37trn). The framework assumes an unchanged standard rate of VAT but leaves open the possibility of a rise in the medium term. It has high hopes of efficiency gains.

It has FGN revenue from fines, recoveries and the tax amnesty combined at N600bn in 2018, compared with N570bn in the current year’s budget. This is a grey area in which analysts would appreciate rather more colour. We know that recoveries and fines are regularly challenged in the courts, and that the monies cannot immediately be “banked”. We would, however, like to be told the basis of the projected tax amnesty proceeds of just N90bn.

We hear criticism that the presidency has submitted the documents to the assembly only four months after the sign-off of the 2017 budget. There are set procedures and the FGN should not be faulted for following them in the hope that the 2018 budget might be approved at, or at least nearer, the start of the new calendar year.

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UPDATES/NEWS

Private Investors Shows Interest in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries With $2bn

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he Nigerian government said it is finalising the process for private partners to revamp three existing refineries, located in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt. The deal is expected to lead to an investment of $2 billion even as 26 private firms have indicated their interest in them.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu who stated this at an oil and conference in Cape Town, South Africa, said that the three refineries with a total of capacity of 450,000 barrel per day (bpd), will reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

Kachikwu further revealed that the government could announce its selection by January or February. “We are almost at a threshold of finalising the process of selection,” he said.

Speaking on the Dangote refinery which has the capacity to process 650,000 (bpd) of oil being built in Nigeria, the minister said the refinery will come onstream by the end of 2019.

According to him, the new refinery should be enough to meet local needs.

Referring to the Dangote refinery, the minister said, “That should be enough to meet local needs.”

It will be recalled that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) last year said it has launched bidding to find partners to overhaul its ailing refineries which has been producing skeletally in recent time due to decades of mismanagement and widespread graft leaving the country as an OPEC member that is reliant on imported oil products.

Similarly, the government has previously said it was in talks with Chevron, Total and ENI with the intent of allowing them to take over the management and operation of the ailing refineries.

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On the country’s crude production and the prospect of adhering to a ceiling agreed with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Kachikwu said Nigeria aimed to lift oil output in January to 1.8 million bpd from about 1.6 million to 1.7 million bpd currently, but stressed that it would not breach a ceiling agreement.

“If we get to 1.8 (million), then we need to say ‘hey, close off the taps, because we need to comply,” he said.

He also said oil prices were now encouraging but OPEC had not ruled out further cuts to shore up the market.

“The market is balancing fast …. But do we need to see more cuts? We’ll see,” he said.

OPEC, Russia and other producers cut oil output by about 1.8 million bpd since January. The pact runs to March 2018, but they are considering extending it.

In a similar development, NNPC had in September inaugurated eight committees charged with returning the refineries to their nameplate capacities by the year 2019.

While inaugurating the committees Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, charged them to deploy “out of the box solutions” to ensure that the refineries return to their good old days of top class performance.

“I am convinced that the teams we have selected here today will give the necessary direction towards returning the refineries back to their optimal levels of performance,” the GMD told members of the Committees.

The GMD explained that in executing the assignment, the Committees were expected to deliver well and within schedule as according to him, time was of the essence.

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HOT ISSUE

Nigerians Arise By - Dr Ike Chukwuka.

We were led to believe that we were cadres destined to become engineers, doctors, architects, lawyers, true professionals. Political leadership was never presented as an option. In fact, it was said that work in the ministries were made for those, who could only attain third class degrees from the Universities.

W

hat a mighty Country we have!

When I was a child, in my early years in the primary school, I remembered the visit of Queen Elizabeth the Second to the town we lived in. I remembered the struggle to huddle into the back of an open truck, with no benches or any form of seating. We were all excited and eager to get to the Aerodrum, as the air strip was referred to, only to catch a glimpse of the young Queen.

Not quite sixty years later, many of these children, from ‘village’ primary schools, have travelled the world; have become Engineers, Physicians, Surgeons, Lawyers, Pilots, Artist,z Lecturers, Professors in different disciplines, in different languages of the world, (languages foreign to our maternal languages) and so on and so forth. Who would have looked at us then and rightly guessed what would become of us? I have studied in and travelled to different parts of the world and I am viewed as an enigma and a wonder. This experience, I dare say, is true for many of us; sons and daughters from this great land of a people – called ‘Nigerians’. I am told that in the United Kingdom, the government agencies, secretly, classify Nigerians separately from other Africans.

I recently met an old friend, who told me that his father, an Igbo man, had married his mother, a Fulani woman, way back in the 22

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forties, in the Northern part of Nigeria. His story got me thinking: how could an illiterate Igbo man, in the forties, marry a Fulani lady, with, I understood, a royal ancestry? I became very intrigued and I began to research into the history of the Igbos and the Fulani people.

To cut a very long story short, I discovered that the Igbos, the Fulani and some of the Yoruba people, have common ancestry! I discovered that these peoples are of the Semitic race in the Bible; they are all Hebrews, of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were the same people that lived in Egypt in the days of the Black Pharaohs, before Egypt was conquered by the Assyrian’s. They were the same people that Moses led out of bondage from Egypt. At that time, there was no Judaism, but the worship of one and only true God. As is written in the book of Deuteronomy, the slaves that were taken from the West Coast of Africa, in ship loads, to distant lands, to a land of a people, whose language they do not understand, were from these Semites that habited and continue to habit this land now called Nigeria. I see Nigeria as the country of sanctuary for the original and true Semitic peoples of old, the HEBREWS, living in ‘the land flowing with milk and honey’.

It now made sense, when I read the report of one Lord Macaulay, addressing the British Parliament on 2nd February, 1835, saying thus: “I have travelled across the length and breadth of Africa and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief such wealth I www.cometonigeria.com

HOT ISSUE

have seen in this country, such moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage and therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Africans think all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they lose self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation”.

I tell this story, perhaps to help us know who we really are; where we came from and why we are where we are. Such clear understanding would enable us to know where we are going and to have better understanding of what is our destiny, as a people.

Such understanding should inform our mind set.

Like it or lump it, I believe that by divine orchestration, the country Nigeria, became a reality in 1914. The then British colonial rulers, found it expedient to create the country we now called Nigeria, by amalgamating the Northern Protectorate with the Southern Protectorate.

During the years before the attainment of Political independence from the British rule in 1960, many things happened that still has

The founding fathers of this ‘new country’ (Nigeria) were full of enthusiasm in wishing and wanting the best for the country, but I dare say, with different mind sets. Consequently, many of the flagship and strategic institutions, like the then government colleges (structured like the Eton college of ‘Great Britain’), produced students, who were made to avoid or distance themselves from or aspire to assume leadership positions, especially from the www.cometonigeria.com

the Igbos, “ the Fulani

and some of the Yoruba people, have common ancestry!

“

repercussions till this day. The Northern Nigerians became deeply Islamised. The Jesuits from the Roman Catholic Church entrenched the Catholic religion in the heartland of the Igbos. The Western part of the country continued with the vestiges of the Egyptian religious worship of firmaments (God of thunder, God of Iron, blood sacrifices, etc). The country was flooded with imported goods from Britain that adorned the houses, tastes and palates of the future ruling elite. The strategy of Lord Macaulay was being played out.

We learned English language and characteristically became good at it. Our brothers and sisters in the Americas were referred to as ‘Slaves’. They, on the other hand, were taught that we ‘bundled them up and sold them as slaves to the ‘White man’. This was intended to create a psychological gulf between Africans (Nigerians in particular) and our brothers and sisters in the Americas.

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LUNCH NEXTTIME ISSUE

NEXT ISSUE The edition that will be the 1st quarterly issue of CometoNigeria in 2018 will be available from end of March and we will be covering the following topics and many more: Hot Issue: What the Western leaders think about todays Nigeria - Changing the mind-set Music of Nigeria My Nigeria: Interview with Niki Tall (Oyinbo Boy)

? gger o l b el Trav yoculer to d n Se /arti y : o t s r ria@

Books! Books!! Books!!! Books By Nigerian Writers Top 10 Favourite Budget and Tourists Hotels

ige n o t e m com mail.co g

Top 10 Nigerian Brands Plus States/City in focus: Sounds and Beats of Aba 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 advert placement in the next issue of CometoNigeria Magazine, please contact: Henrietta Ikediashi, Ekundayo Adeniran, Abdulhakeem Olanigan 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

24

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ENTERTAINMENT

OTOLORIN KEHINDE PETER

a.k.a. KennyBlaq

By Henrietta Ikediashi

O

tolorin Kehinde Peter also known as KennyBlaq is currently the most sought after comedian in the Nigerian comedy industry. He delivers amazing performances with a unique blend of music and word play. To his credit are Naija FM comedy awards Winner in the category of upcoming comedian of the year 2015 & comedian of the year 2016 & 2017 and Best Comedy Act Nigeria in Egypt at the MEAMA Awards 2016(Middle East Africa Music Awards).

KennyBlaq has been an active member in the Nigerian comedy industry and serenaded his audience at Carnival Calabar Laffmattaz II in 2011, with a repeat in 2012 due to his outstanding performance at his first show, this gave him a major break in Comedy and has since then been at every major comedy event locally and internationally with other Industry’s big players. His debut comedy show tagged ‘The Oxymoron Of KennyBlaq’ won best comedy show of the year at the Naija 102.3 FM Comedy Awards.

The depth of his comedy and versatility has made him the toast of all comedians, ‘Comedians favorite comedian’ and many more appellations. KennyBlaq has shared the same platforms with Mc Abbey, Gbenga Adeyinka, Ali Baba, Mc Amana, AY, Basket Mouth and lots more and has performed at their events but not without leaving the Audience in stitches of rib cracking coat of many colours.

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To further hone his skills on presentation and highly sought after Compere, he enrolled at FRCN Training school Lagos after he had a stint with SMA FM; a College Community based radio station as a Presenter on the Music Comedy Café Talk show.

KennyBlaq is the last born in a family of seven siblings. He was born to the family of Elder Moses and Late Mrs. Eunice Otolorin.

His family is blessed with two sets of twins.

His project, Making A Difference (M.A.D) Concert, which he organizes in his community in Ejigbo, is aimed at giving back to the society, and also inspires budding talents to achieve all they can be. Despite his affluence, he still resides in Ejigbo because he does not want to distance himself from the Community that had his back through thick and thin on his journey to fame.

‘THE OXYMORON OF KENNYBLAQ’ is aimed at revealing his multifaceted talent, which is not limited to stand up comic act exclusively, but also projects his ability to transform stories into an entire art form that is laced with values that cut across with the aim of correcting Society.

This year, he has toured some countries in Europe, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States Of America. KennyBlaq intends to tour the Continent in the coming years. A man who wears humility like a garment and full of integrity. He enjoys giving his Fans value for their money.

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HOTTHEATRE ISSUE NIGERIA

continued from page 23 institutions based in the southern part of the country. We were led to believe that we were cadres destined to become engineers, doctors, architects, lawyers, true professionals. Political leadership was never presented as an option. In fact, it was said that work in the ministries were made for those, who could only attain third class degrees from the Universities. It is therefore no wonder, that after attaining political independence from the British, there were no disciplined and trained personnel to manage the Public Services and Parastatals. Many of the Political elite at the time, were quick to assume the positions vacated by the Colonials, without the skills to shoulder the responsibility and discipline that was expected and demanded from such positions. Understandably, English language was very much a foreign language at that time, as was the adopted constitution of the country.

We should not therefore be surprised that many of those, who found themselves in leadership positions, had no capacity for critical thinking, (as was expected of them in English), felt it a hindrance and lacked the understanding for the need to follow protocols, procedures and processes required for governance and law. Mediocrity and nepotism was the order of the day and some would argue is still rife, even today. This reality must be seen in its true light. Leaders chose, either by omission or commission, to work with those, who understand their language and think like them.

This is a natural response of the average human. We do however,

need a greater enlightenment to be able to think differently in our quest to build the Nigerian Nation.

Brothers and sisters, in 103 Years you (Nigerians) have adopted very alien cultures and languages, (English Culture and perhaps Arabic), made these cultures to a large extent your own, whilst at the same time maintaining your indigenous languages and cultures and rebuilding an almost lost common ancestry and heritage.

You (Nigerians), are seen as ‘A Wonder’ in various parts of the world, but there has been a VEIL covering your/our eyes all these years.

The good news is that Our Father in heaven, is slowly, but surely removing the veil. I announce to you that the internal struggles that we have witnessed since 1960 are struggles of REBIRTH! 26

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This is why certain powers and principalities no longer find it expedient to allow Nigeria to become a truly United, Strong and Prosperous One Nigeria.

Isa or Jesus Christ, whilst he was on earth said: “In the world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”.

This message is for us. Most of the people alive in Nigeria today, were born into the geographical entity called Nigeria, that is after 1914. We are therefore NIGERIANS! We are a blessed people, living in the land flowing with Milk and Honey. The time has come for us the totally destroy Lord Macaullays www.cometonigeria.com

you that the internal struggles that we have witnessed since 1960 are struggles of REBIRTH!

‘‘

proposal. We MUST renew our mind set now. The core of our belief is that: • We believe in one, almighty God, who is our Father.

• We love our neighbour as ourselves.

• We must teach, meditate on and put into practice our Traditional Parables, for they inform our ‘Native Intelligence’ and our traditional Philosophy.

We did this before and we can do it again. We were born into the world naked and we will leave the world naked! We must STOP worshiping money.

Those who aspire to become Leaders or are presently leaders MUST rededicate themselves to the service of the people. You must know that the national wealth, which is stolen and deposited in foreign lands is LOST MONEY! Haba! Haba! Out of these same deposits, money is taken and given back to African countries as loans, with compounded interest payments, by European Banks and Governments. If it was, that you looted the treasury to make Minna or Abeokuta or Daura model Cities, as your counterparts in Arabia have done, you would have had the peace to lie on your beds in your twilight years, with a smile on your faces.

The Bible says: righteousness exhaults a nation, but sin is a reproach.

The agitations we see all around the country is a manifestation of unrighteous leadership. The people, your children, feel very unfulfilled and see no future. Our Leaders of today must not lack vision, for where there is no Vison there is no Mission and the people perish.

If you find yourself in a leadership position and you know you cannot deliver, please get out of the way and do not be a stumbling block. Let your able brothers and sisters serve you instead, for they will make your life better. There are more than enough resources to make Nigeria Great. We just need to manage these resources well.

There is an Igbo parable that says: ‘Sleep does not spoil the eye’!

Brothers and Sisters, the population of Nigeria today, is larger www.cometonigeria.com

than that of Russia. But Russia is a World Super Power nation; and Nigeria is an underdeveloped country. Nigeria is aspiring to become a properly managed developed country, say within the next 20 years. By this, we mean, the appropriate and balance provision for the entire population in terms of good roads, hospitals, education system, healthy and well being life for all it’s citizens. Appropriate development means excellent quality of life for all citizens. No negotiations, no tolerance for embezzlement, corruption, bribery, maladministration, nepotism, tribalism and disloyalty to natiohood.

We must nurture this young country – Nigeria, so that she can become the promising ‘adult’, manifesting all its full potentials, and citizens can be proud to belong.

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HOTNIGERIA ISSUE THEATRE

‘‘ I announce to

FEATURE STORY NIGERIA THEATRE

Nigeria: A Destination worth Visiting Story by:

Andrew Fleming

Former Deputy Head of Political Section, British High Commission Abuja Nigeria. Currently Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Padesh, India Heading the UK office in Hyderabad.

I

am Andrew Fleming. I work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (the UK equivalent of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs) and I concluded a posting in Abuja Nigeria. My next assignment is as the Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana - if after reading this article you are interested to know more you will find me @Andrew007Uk on Twitter or andrew007uk on Instagram.

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

Well, I don’t like to generalise but in this case ‘fantastic’ is a good word. My three years in Nigeria was probably the best three years of my life and the reason is almost entirely down to the Nigerian people and the rich culture. It is of course a culturally diverse nation and I was blessed to travel to 20 States (mainly southern and central). Without exception, the openness, hospitality, warmth and willingness to engage was there for anyone who sought it and in my job, people are everything. As a nation and with remarkably few exceptions Nigerians made my job a real pleasure and Looking back I realise I had at least one friend or close contact from each and every state. I learned something from each and every one of them which enriched my experience incredibly. But a word of warning to anyone who goes to Nigeria, all of these positives abound but they are not usually handed out on a plate. You have to go with the right attitude.

Is Nigeria ready for tourism?

The short answer is yes and the hashtag #visitNGsoon was partly created with the intention of conveying this message to the world.

Yet there are some caveats to my statement. There are certainly parts of Nigeria of immense beauty and parts of Nigeria where security is no worse (or better) than other parts of the sub continent (West Africa). I have travelled safely in 15 of the 16 ECOWAS countries (16 with the addition of Morocco) over the past decade but I always take advice from @FCOtravel and for Nigeria there is dedicated information here http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria.

You will see that there are some places where we caution British nationals against travel but this is constantly evolving and only in 28

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NIGERIASTORY THEATRE FEATURE

May it was pleasing to see Jos become green once again (green means it is relatively straightforward for a British Citizen going on holiday to get travel insurance). This was formally popular with visitors to Nigeria and its of course the gateway to Plateau State. But my message is, take advice of your government on where you go and wherever you go never be complacent about your safety or security.

Secondly there is the question of infrastructure. In respect of tourism this is limited in much of Nigeria. When I started travelling alone in the 80s, countries with limited tourism structures were my biggest draw because of the sense of adventure. Nigeria was not easy to visit at that time - visa policy then (and I am sorry to say even now) does not really encourage tourism but changes are afoot with visas on arrival being fully rolled out. But some people, including an immediate former colleague of mine, took truck journeys across Africa including Nigeria. I started full time work at 17 and so never had the 5 or 6 months at one time to do that so I needed to do trips to specific countries or regions.

Nigeria today is one of a far smaller number of countries to which travellers can get a sense of being pioneering and many people still crave that. But there are still few places offering real luxury and even where these exist, the standard of service and hotel hospitality is generally not comparable with international standards. In between all this there are a small but growing number of tour operators who are trying to open up Nigeria. There is also a growing awareness and interest in the Ecotourism model where by communities directly benefit from environmentally friendly tourism. Get this right and many lives could be transformed for the better.

Ultimately though, Nigeria offers the visitor so much from both a cultural perspective (discussed above) and from the sense of its natural beauty. It is ripe for a variety of special interest itineraries (music, dance etc) in addition to trips for the intrepid traveller.

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

Nigeria by virtue of its population more so than its landmass is unquestionably an African giant. In the context of tourism it is punching well under its weight. I hope that the Government will recognise the potential and seek to develop the tourism sector. This is a huge task.

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

I don’t know who ‘they’ are or what the tourism belt is. But yes, as discussed few people come to Nigeria purely for the purpose of travel and a lot of this is down to perception. There is no getting away from the fact that for many in the world, the perception of the country is poor. This urgently needs to be challenged and both Nigerian Government and possibly even more so the Nigerians in diaspora (in some cases among the most vocal in highlighting the negatives) have big roles to play in this, not only to ultimately develop tourism but more urgently, to attract trade and investment in a host of other sectors. Even when business people visit Nigeria very few go beyond Lagos or Abuja.

copyright osioke-itseuwa www.cometonigeria.com

But the fact is for tourism or business many don’t come at all. My father who is 85 usually follows me wherever I am posted and he wanted to come to Nigeria. But the story of colleagues who sought a visa for their parents and cost (£220 for a single entry stay of a month) put him off even trying. Reform to fully deliver visa on cometonigeria Fourth

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FEATURE STORY NIGERIA THEATRE

arrival will ultimately simplify the process and cost. From a tourism perspective nearly all countries serious about tourism have visa on arrival for that category or a very effective on line application process. Those serious about attracting the inward investment that Nigeria so clearly needs have similar processes. And here too Nigeria has recently introduced reforms that can make real difference.

What do you think about this project – Cometonigeria Magazine and the website?.

It is great to highlight and promote Nigeria so I am a big fan. My support is demonstrated by giving this interview. I urge everyone reading this who has not checked out the web site to do so and hope it will inspire you to subscribe to the magazine.

How often will you be visiting Nigeria from now on?

It is hard to say when or even if I can visit in the next 3 or 4 years.

My new position is full on and I intend to give it all my energy and passion but I have so many wonderful Nigerian friends I have no doubt I will return. I am in touch and interacting with so many thanks to social media. If the proposed direct flights between Nigeria and India promised by the likes of Air Peace take off (pardon the pun) or if Emirates resume to Abuja I may come sooner than later.

And who knows in the future I may take up another post in Nigeria.

What are the most important things you miss when you left Nigeria?

The people, I have spoken about friendships and they mean everything plus the walking in the hills around Abuja (stunning). I also found the political aspect of my work fascinating; I had access to some remarkable people. Working with them in an effort to make small differences was immensely motivating.

Your interests include Football, Travel, Food, Photography and also Architecture. How do you relate all of these to Nigeria that you lived and worked in for few years?

Well, all are available in abundance in Nigeria. Food is everywhere, 30

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new tastes and experiences (problem is I am not much of a fan of meat and don’t eat egg so I was slightly limited). Still, it was good to see the regional specialities. Football was everywhere too though I struggled to find games advertised. I would go out driving round until I found one going on. Abuja does not have a top level team of course but I did see a top flight match in Enugu before I left; I took my Oga - British High Commissioner Paul Arkwright.

Photography, if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you will see the answer. And as for architecture - it is mostly architecture of football grounds and other sports grounds and that was a little lacking but I had the odd highlight.

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Also just as for tourism, services must improve. People in this sector don’t just need to invest in fancy infrastructure, they need to seriously invest in personnel. That is one of the big differences that is visible to see here in India where I am now based.

Second, I will say Obudu. The destination is also for natural beauty and walking but this is in a rural setting and is simply stunning.

People would pay a lot of money for hiking holidays in this kind of terrain. And Obudu is far from unique in this regard, indeed from all I have seen and heard locations like the Mambilla Plateau are even more stunning. Accessibility is the issue with both - Obudu was a 12 hour bus journey from Abuja.

Do you think Nigeria Policies could actually move us to the level of making Tourism replace Oil as a foreign exchange earner for the country?

I recently made a friend in India who defines herself as a die hard

optimist. I like that label and think I am something similar as the answer is yes. It is possible, pretty much anything is possible, but it will be a generational change requiring long term leadership to realise such a vision. It also needs positive progress on security, fighting corruption and many other aspects. But for inspiration look at Dubai - it was built on oil but I am told that tourism is now a bigger source of revenue and that journey has pretty much all happened in my lifetime.

You have many friends in Nigeria and also very sympathetic to the Nigeria CAUSE. What do you think Nigeria can do to attract more investors that will enhance the common people on the street?

I believe responses above have touched on most of the answers to this question but in summary top three things are: The image has to change - slowly this is being realised but more needs to be done, both in terms of positive messaging and recognising the sources of criticism and negative press (security and corruption top this list).

More business friendly policies - the visa point for tourism equally applies if you want to attract business. But this is just the beginning, the Government must be creative in policies that pro-actively seek to make Nigeria business and investor friendly. www.cometonigeria.com

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NIGERIA THEATRE FEATURE STORY

Please describe extensively around three best destinations/ attractions you ever visited while in Nigeria and enjoyed and could suggest to others to visit?

Walking in the hills around Abuja is totally underrated. The city, or more specifically the area surrounding it. I rank Abuja among the top 10 of any cities I have visited for it’s scenic beauty and I have visited over 1000. People laugh but that is my view - if in doubt come and explore for yourself.

NIGERIA THEATRE

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NIGERIAN STAGE Ayo Jaiyesimi’s ITAN (the Story)

Ayo Jaiyesimi’s ITAN (the Story) performed by THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions is any theatre lover’s delight! We had a chat with Ayo Jaiyesimi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions.

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Q: What makes ITAN spectacular?

Ayo: We have had several shows and had great reviews. ITAN is a total theatre production with a rich blend of drama, dance and music. The full play showcases a very talented 75-man cast and crew.

The abridged productions however are done with a 35- member cast. The blend of cultural and contemporary dance and music, the lighting and special effects, costumes and the sheer energy of the cast makes the production very intriguing.

Q: What is your motivation for writing ITAN? Ayo: My trigger for this play is the crossgenerational tensions that are prevalent around us. There is so much youth restiveness and communal disharmony around us and this should not be overlooked. There is a need to provide a framework to handhold our young to empower them and to channel their energy, vivaciousness and digital savviness positively. We also need to formally capture our KnowledgeInformation- Historical Assets in a generationfriendly medium to enable them to glean off the experience and wisdom of the older generations.

The older generation also needs to come to terms with the evolution of a new culture that can only be influenced if it is understood.

Q: Tell us about THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions Ayo: THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions was set up 15 years ago to inspire a positive change in society and to use its platforms to engage the community and generate conversations around values that define humanity. Our mission is to ‘develop the community through the performing Q: Hello Ayo! Great to meet you. We have heard so much about ITAN. What does ITAN mean and what is the stage-play about?

Ayo: ITAN in the Yoruba dialect means ‘Story’ and it is a play performed in English despite its title. In ITAN, TIME (personified as Asiko) is sent on a quest by Isembaye (the sovereign moderator of the universe) to put an end to the constant wrangling between people of different generations and cultures.

This quest takes Asiko to the earthly realm where he meets the warring duo of the hot-headed- ‘old school’-village elder, Pa Latinwo and his newly discovered ‘city-frolicking’ grandson, Diekola.

To settle their scores, Asiko takes both on a journey into their past and future where they discover dark secrets that had been shrouded by the veil of time.

Through the various stops in the journey, Asiko tells their story by revisiting the past, which shows the root cause of the old man’s travails and gives the younger man an appreciation of www.cometonigeria.com

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his culture and roots. The picture of the future is also painted and the older man then understands the evolving youth culture. The younger man, Diekola, has a preview of what growing old would be like. Asiko intends that this will mend fences and bridge the generational divide.

NIGERIA THEATRE NIGERIA THEATRE

arts’. We are members of the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA), International Theatre Institute (Nigeria) and the Arterial Network. We also have seasoned professionals in stage, movies and business on our Board of Directors.

Q: How can theatrical performances boost tourism in Nigeria?

Ayo: Theatrical performances go hand- in- glove with the tourism industry and are part of the structures and platforms that should be infused into it to make it robust. Stage plays are very often educating, engaging and entertaining and these elements attract people who are curious to learn about the culture of other people, engage with new environments or just have a good time.

In recent times local and international theatre festivals are very vivid tourist attractions and sources of revenue generation. Also, because the stage flaunts other arts such as music, crafts from set and prop designs, costumes, cuisine, makeup and hair styles etc., it further draws the attention of Tourists towards the community or country.

Q: How would you describe yourself? What are your parting shots?

Ayo: I have had an exciting career in the most seemingly unrelated spheres – Accounting… Human Resource Management…

Entertainment…

I would say I like probing, re-inventing and creating. I also love telling stories that shape lives and my community. Accountants tell financial stories behind the scene, Human Resource Practitioners tell Stories that mentor and build the team. Entertainers can however tell diverse stories to mixed audiences. I am happy to be able to tell stories… to engrave stories on the tabloids of people’s hearts, especially stories that bring hope, mend rifts and create an envisioned future or aspiration.

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My parting shot: Life is a stage. Play your role well and act with passion Q: Apart from ITAN what else do you have to showcase?

Ayo: We have staged other plays including Ola Rotimi’s Gods Are Not to Blame, Soyinka’s Trials of Brother Jero, Lion and the Jewel, Zulu Sofola’s Wizard of Law, Femi Osofisan’s Midnight Hotel, Altine’s Wrath. Plays produced also include Ayo Jaiyesimi’s Five Maids of Fadaka, Mad King of Ijudiya, Beyond the Garb, Under the Orombo, Crystal Slipper and Adesewa amongst others.

We have a lineup of plays at our Entertainment venue the ‘THESPIAN SPACE’ at 1 Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa Lane, Lekki. We also have some television productions.

Thank you, Ayo, it’s been fun hanging out with you! We will come over the ‘The THESPIAN Space’ to watch some of your exciting productions.

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ADVENTURES NIGERIA THEATRE AFRICA FASHION RECEPTION

Africa Fashion Reception 2017 Lit Up Addis Ababa

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he African Union Commission hosted the 2nd African edition of the Africa Fashion Reception in its headquarters in Addis Ababa recently. It was a glamorous event attended by 600 select guests made up of African and non-African Ambassadors, leaders of the various international organizations, top government functionaries, captains of industries, local and international media and top fashion practitioners from around the African continent.

The African Union Commission’s Chairperson was ably represented by the Deputy Chairperson, His Excellency, Quesi Quartey. The welcome address was delivered by Her Excellency, Mrs Amira Elfadil, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union. In his address, Lexy Mojo Eyes, CEO of Legendary Gold Limited, co organisers of the Africa Fashion Reception enumerated the aims and objectives of the event as follows; •To build bridges by creating free trade and partnerships among fashion practitioners throughout the African continent •To attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the social economic growth of the continent’s garment/textile industry.

•To expand the potential power of fashion as a tool of fighting poverty in Africa by creating wealth through the empowerment of women and youths in the various fashion vocations through training, capacity building schemes, workshops and setting up

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AFRICAN FASHION RECEPTION

of medium/small scale businesses thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

•To bring about self-reliance as this initiative will create millions of jobs across the continent for Tailors, Creative Directors, Textile designers, Models, Cutters, Pressers, Fashion Photographers & Writers, Hair Stylists, Make-up Artists etc •To contribute in bringing the much desired peace and stability to our continent by positively engaging the youths as stated above.

It was a colorful evening as fashion designers representing each participating African country took their turns to showcase the best their country have to offer. Only one designer is nominated by the Executive Board of the Africa Fashion Reception to represent each participating country.

The African edition of the Africa Fashion Reception 2017 opened with an exhibition which went on for 2 days. It also had the 2nd Africa Fashion Business Summit (AFBS) which is one of the activities that takes place during the AFR. The Keynote Speaker for the AFBS was the world renowned fashion consultant, Anton Dell. He spoke about “Best Export Practice – 100% practical guide on selling African fashion successfully in the global market” Some of the participating designers includes; Hava from Angola, Forest Spirit from Cameroon, Broe Creation from DR Congo, Niamien from Cote d’Ivoire, Ejig from Ethiopia, Skyfall Creation from Kenya, Signature Secret Africa from Nigeria, Thabo Makhetha from South Africa, Kokonut Stylist from Swaziland, Bobbin Case www.cometonigeria.com

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FEATURE AFRICA FASHION RECEPTION

Clothing from Uganda, TZM from Zimbabwe etc Partners for Addis Ababa event includes Ethiopian Airlines, Design Essentials, Heineken, Debredamo Hotel, Getfam Hotel, Gusto Restaurant, Castel Winery, Ebony Life Tv, African Independent Television, Studio 24, Instiute Francais, O.C designs & Talkstuff.

After the African edition, all roads will be leading to Paris for the global edition of the AFR. 38

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FEATURE VISIT TO ABUJA

OLIVIA NNEKA OSUEKE visits

Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

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his quarter, we present Olivia Osueke, artist and clinical psychologist account of her visit to Abuja, Nigeria Federal Capital Territory and stayed in a hotel that confirms the beauty of the city.

Entering the grand lobby of Hotel Rosebud is like entering a secluded and quiet environment with beautiful flowers. No wonder, so many are using the hotel as their second homes.

My journey from Texas was superb. I was well looked after by the crew and as it was the first time I flew Business Class, I had champagne and tasted, excellent five star foods. I slept well and was pampered like a baby from Texas to Abuja. When I arrived the hotel driver was anxiously waiting for me outside the Nnamid Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. Settling into the car, we embarked on a journey to the Abuja Central district. It was an amazing journey with the roads that are similar to the highways of Atlanta. The thought of the hotel came to my mind all the time, but the driver, Mr Emanuel, kept me busy with the description of various small settlements along the airport road into Abuja city. We passed several settlements, like The Air Force Estate, Lugbe, Federal Housing and the Big Gate.

I feel like a family guest being welcomed by the host ushering me into their magnificent home. Pretty receptionists in a mixture of traditional costume tops known as Ankara worn over dark materials, 40

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FEATURE VISIT TO ABUJA

furnished. The four-poster bed is luxuriously decked in fine cotton sheets and fluffy pillows to ensure a goodnight sleep. The bathroom has a curtain, and everything that makes the place homely for you.

With a good magazine like Come To Nigeria and a cool drink, it is very tempting to just laze about on the bed and enjoy the ambience of the room.

In the evenings, the restaurant is parked full with live music and the buffet is world class. The night atmosphere gave me a warm welcome with a live band and champagne that kept me awake past midnight. In the morning, I had a walk round the busy streets; the ritual I repeated everyday throughout my stay. In the evening I make sure I spent sometime in the bath before having a cocktail.

Abuja is the administrative Federal Capital of Nigeria, with no travel problems. My daily journey to the International Conference Centre takes only few minutes.

greeted me warmly.

Large jars of coconut sweets and preserved peanut cookies are placed around the lobby and guests can help themselves to the snacks. These are the traditional treats that I enjoyed as a child and it brings back happy childhood memories. I feel like a child in a sweet shop dipping my hands into the jars sampling the lovely treats.

Hotel Rosebud Abuja, offers stylishly designed and comfortable rooms, ranging from standard rooms to mini suites LX, complete with butler services, personal chefs, barman, personal shopper and chauffeur.

Standing proud on the skyline of Abuja, the hotel has an impressive landscape located in a serene, good and clean environment.

Evidently, from a few people I interviewed while having a drink, this was one of the indeginous owned hotels in Abuja. Owned by the immediate past president of FTAN, Chief Akinbogun working hard and trying everything possible to keep the standard and make it one of the top hotels in the now crowded hospitality market of Abuja.

A guest relation personnel escorts me to my room on the fourth floor carrying my two bags on a gold plated trolley. In the room, he pours me a cup of cold water from the fridge, a traditional African way of welcoming a visitor.

The bedroom is superb, very bright, spacious and elegantly www.cometonigeria.com

Abuja is a city that should be explored. It is a man made city. All over the world, there are only a few countries that managed to build a capital city from scratch in this modern era. If it is possible, the planners and administrators of Abuja would like to create a man made river round the city to provide luxury water transport too.

I am sure Nigeria is rich to do that. Going to the market in Wuse and Garki, I enjoyed several Abuja specialties like Fura, Kilishi and even the rich ice cream at Hatlab Plaza cooled me down at the peak of the smiling sun.

What I liked most about my journey to Abuja centred around how I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Rosebud. What stood out for me about this hotel among other things is the friendly service and I also cherished the excellent food. The artworks displayed around the hotel mesmerised me. From my hotel room, I was able to view the easy flow of traffic. The hotel is reasonably quiet and feels safe for travellers.

Prices start from ÂŁ50/â‚Ź56/$66 room only.

How to get there?

From the airport, rent-a-car or take a taxi. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the city.

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FEATURE

Bridging the Gap-

Nigeria Historical Bridges

Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge

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e’ve come a long way in bridge building since crossing a river on a fallen log. The first bridges were built with wooden planks, ropes and stones.

Soon, stronger material, were required. Wood and stone bridges gave way to iron, then to steel ones. Bridge building techniques also evolved: beam, cantilevered, cable-stayed, and suspension bridges - each with advantages that made it the right choice for a particular location.

Political fortunes and wars have been made or lost by bridges.

Throughout history, bridges had been built by engineers and burned by warriors, and crossed by kings and commoners alike. Millions of people owe their livelihood to bridges, as most require them to commute; and yet the world over, unfortunate things do happened on bridges.

Onitsha BridgeBridge

Eko Bridge

Bridges are stylish: from classical to modern, they are as much a work of art as they are marvels of engineering. To celebrate the beauty, wonders and memories of “Nigeria” bridges, here are ComeToNigeria’s picks for the Top 8 Most iconic Bridges in Nigeria: Third Mainland Bridge, Onitsha Bridge, Carter Bridge, Majidun Bridge, Lokoja Bridge 42

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The bridge which was constructed under the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, was named after the former Head of State General Murtala Mohammed who was assassinated in a bloody coup in February 13, 1976.

Murtala Mohammed Bridge is located in Jamata district in Lokoja Local Government area of Kogi State. It is 1.76km long and 20m wide. The facilities on the bridge include: pedestrian walkway at both sides measuring 2.0m wide, it has two demarcated lanes measuring 8.0m wide in each lane. The bridge also has 44 electric poles with 22 poles on each side. The bridge lies between latitude 08002’30’N and 08004’10’N of the equator and between longitude 06044’00’E and 06046’50’E of the Greenwich meridian. It links Lokoja and Koton Karfe Local Government of Kogi State, and it is a major link, connecting the South-western Nigeria with the Federal Capital, Abuja and the Northern parts of Nigeria.

Engr. Saka Odufuwa said the major reason for installing the light on the bridge is for safety purpose and that when the installation was initially done, the light was powered with solar panel. He stated further that in order to forestall the initial problem of using solar panel, the ministry deem it fit to power the light with generator.

Two power generating sets with capacities of 60kv and 40kv were procured with the aim of working alternatively between the hours of 7.00pm and 6.00am on daily basis.

Third Mailand Bridge copyright Oshomah-Abubakar

Again, Engr. Odufuwa said that, government has arrangements on how the following bridges would be provided with light. The bridges are: Jebba Bridge in Kwara State, Makurdi Bridge in Benue State, Katsina Ala Bridge also in Benue State and Numa Bridge in Adamawa State. He added that as soon as those bridges are being installed with lights, the commissioning will immediately take place.

Some motorists interviewed after the bridge was lighted commended the government initiative, “while approaching the bridge, the light signaled that I am moving closer to the bridge, unlike before when no one knows that the bridge is ahead” said one of the drivers that ply the road almost on daily basis. He called on government to extend the gesture to other parts of Nigeria where necessary. Others urged the government not to relent in its efforts by making lives easy for the citizens.

Jebba Bridge

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Jebba Bridge The old threepenny stamp shows the first Jebba Bridge in 1910. The bridge built across the River Niger made it possible to travel for the first time by rail from Lagos in the far south, to Kano in the north.

A narrow gauge steam locomotive engine runs along the bottom of the stamp and British imperial rule is reflected in the crown of Queen Elizabeth II, floating on steam from the engine.

The commercial success of the British Empire was powered by the railways that carried agricultural produce, and heavy minerals to the coast for export. Personnel and smaller volumes of manufactured goods travelled in the opposite direction.

The island at the centre of the stamp, is the original settlement of Jebba, hub of the kingdom of the Nupe people, which flourished in the 1500’s . Today most of the town is built on the south bank of the River. cometonigeria Fourth

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In its efforts to ensure safety of lives on Nigerian roads, the Federal Government has embarked on lighting of bridges with Murtala Mohammed Bridge (MMB), in Lokoja, Kogi State. The lightening ceremony was performed by the officials from the Ministry led by the Deputy Director (Electrical and General Services), Engr. Saka Odufuwa, at the bridge site Lokoja recently.

FEATURE LUNCH TIME

Pumpkin Soup

Miyan Taushe

By Nana Mohammed

THE MAKING OF MIYAN KARKASHI Nigerian pumpkin soup recipe: How to cook Miyan Taushe

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umpkin is a versatile vegetable or fruit used for preparing different dishes like pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie and porridge. You can never run out of pumpkin uses, even the pumpkin seeds are packed with lots of benefits, and you can even slice the yellow pulp for chips just the way would have done with potato chips. Even though it is sometimes hard to come across this lovely vegetable, it is still wise to pick it up whenever you are lucky to find one.

Many, don’t known that the northern parts of Nigeria have quite a high number of healthy dishes including: kunu rice, gote acha, miyan kubewa (dried okro soup), miyan karikashi, miyan taushe, miyan kuka (baobab soup), tuwo masara, tuwo acha and alebo; This quarter’s recipe, describe how to make miyan taushe, a popular soup in Northern Nigeria but not commonly known to the southern people. The Nigerian or Hausa pumpkin soup is mostly prepared during Ramadan. That is why it is called miyan taushe, meaning pumpkin soup, but other people have borrowed this dish, and it is often prepared in very few homes of those who enjoy Northern foods. The good thing about miyan taushe (Nigerian pumpkin soup) is that it can be accompanied with any type of solid staple ranging from semolina, eba, fufu to corn flour. The usual accompaniment for this pumpkin soup though is tuwo shinkafa (mashed Arborio rice).

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Miyan taushe is a light thick soup prepare with a mashed pumpkin pulp, it is usually garnished with assorted meat and seasoned with local seasonings like African nutmeg and locust beans and other few seasonings. One important thing to consider when preparing miyan taushe is that the vegetables doesn’t have to be much, a little amount is just needed to complement the orange colour of the soup. Also, the soup should not be allowed to become very thick during preparation because it gets thicker even the next day. Miyan taushe is a tasty soup with a distinctive aroma which is a must try for everyone.

In the preparation of pumpkin soup palm oil is not usually included since red bell peppers and tomatoes are used to add to the orange colour of the soup. However, one can still include palm oil as a matter of preference.

INGREDIENTS FOR PREPARING NIGERIAN PUMPKIN SOUP (MIYAN TAUSHE) •1 Cup mashed pumpkin or pumpkin pulp 1 Kg assorted Namaa - (lamb chops), Goat meat and cow leg •Assorted Offals - (cow intestine - saki, fuku, heart and kidney) • 1 piece smoked fish •½ Cup grinded groundnut •2 Tablespoons ground crayfish •Traditional ingredient or locust beans (Dawadawa) •1 Cup sorrel leaves and spinach, chopped (yakuwa and alehu) www.cometonigeria.com

LUNCH TIME

•1 Big soup spoon palm oil (optional) •3 Pieces scotch bonnet peppers - atarugu (ata rodo) •½ teaspoon garlic powder •2 pieces red bell peppers - jan tatasei – tatashe •2 pieces ripe tomatoes, •3 seasoning stock cubes, mashed •1 albasa – onion, chopped •Seasoning Cube •Salt – Gishiri to taste •1 1/2 cups of Arborio/Paella rice – for the Tuwo shinkafa JUST BEFORE THE PREPARATION OF PUMPKIN SOUP Roast groundnuts in a pan till slightly brown (this should take about 3-5 minutes and not more than that, since it is few), and leave it to get cool.

•Wash; season your meat with 1 stock cube, onions, pepper, salt and ginger or garlic if you are using any. Place on heat to cook.

•While the meat is cooking, cut pumpkin into two, take one side, deseed it and remove just about a cup of the orange pulp into a bowl containing water to rinse.

EASY STEPS ON HOW TO PREPARE PUMPKIN SOUP (MIYAN TAUSHE) 1.Add more water to the meat to increase the meat stock More water should be added to the soup to increase it content 2. When the water starts to boil, add groundnut paste and smoked fish, let the content simmer for 5 minutes for the groundnut to dissolve.

3. Add other seasonings like crayfish, bouillon cubes, onions, and taste for salt.

4. After 5 minutes, add the tomato and pepper blend and reduce the heat. Let this cook for 10 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes and red bell peppers blend into the soup to give the soup some nice redish looking colour Let the soup bubble for aboout 5-8 minutes for the tomato mix to incorporate

•When the meat is almost done, add the pumpkin to the pot containing the meat and cook until soft and almost falling apart.

You can add more water and seasoning to the pot while cooking this.

5. Add your shredded vegetables and stir, still leave it on a low heat to simmer for 3 minutes.

•When you notice the pumpkin soft; directly mash them inside of the pot, leaving about two pieces inside the pot, try mashing them or use a hand blender to blend it into a smooth paste. The un-mashed pumpkins would allow you to have some chunks of pumpkin in your soup and if you do not like the chunks, just mash all the pumpkins inside the soup pot.

After the vegetables have been added into the soup, stir to combine properly

•By now, your groundnuts must have been cold and ready to be peeled and blended. Peel off the skin and grind them in a dry mill into a smooth paste and keep aside.

Roughly blend the red bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers and tomatoes together. If you love to chop your tomatoes into chunks instead of blending them, you can simply do that.

•Wash and chop your yakuwa leaves and spinach (sorrel) into pieces and keep aside.

•Blend crayfish, pepper, ginger and locust beans (dawadawa) and also dress the smoked fish, chop onion and keep all aside.

Shredded yakuwa and spinach being added to miyan taushe (pumpkin soup)

Now you have your orange coloured miyan taushe well cooked.

Miyan taushe (pumpkin soup) can become very thick while it cooks, adjust the liquid if need be.

6. You can add more water to the soup if it is too thick. Taste for seasoning and salt, adjust accordingly. Serve with tuwo shinkafa.

Scoop pumpkin soup into a serving dish and serve Enjoy your miyan taushe with tuwo shinkafa while it is still hot

Most of the pumpkin soup ingredients already prepared and kept

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FAMOUS FISRT

Famous firsts in Nigeria

ALHAJI SIR AHMADU BELLO: Knight of the British Empire (KBE) born on June 12, 1910

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n his book, My Life, Sir Ahmadu Bello said: ‘I am not unaware that I have often been a controversial figure. I have been accused of lack of nationalism and political awareness because I considered that independence must wait until a country has the resources to support and make a success of independence. I have been accused of conservatism because I believe in retaining all that is good in our old traditions and customs and refusing to copy all aspects of other alien civilisations.’

He also held the title of Sardauna of Sokoto. Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were major figures in Northern Nigeria pre-independence politics and both men played major roles in negotiations about the region’s place in an independent Nigeria. As leader of the Northern People’s Congress, he was a dominant personality in Nigerian politics throughout the early Nigerian Federation and the First Nigerian Republic.

The late Sardauna was born on the 12th of June, 1910 in the village of Rabah, some 20 miles from Sokoto - His father, Ibrahim Bello, was the Head of the District and also prince of the Sokoto Caliphate as his great-grandfather was the legendary Sultan Muhammed Bello who was the father of Sultan Abubakar Atiku. www.cometonigeria.com

FAMOUS FIRST

At the age of six, his father died. He was the only surviving son of his father and mother, Mariyamu. Young Ahmadu first schooled at the Sokoto Provincial School, which happened to be the only modern school in the entire province of Sokoto. - He finished at the age of 16 top of the class.

- He attended the Teacher’s Training College, Katsina (later became the famous Barewa College) (1926-1936) where he was a School Prefect and Class Captain and graduated as a Teacher in 1931. He was appointed by the Sultan of Sokoto to work as a teacher at the Sokoto Middle School.

Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello, was thought by many to be then one of the most powerful figure in Nigeria. The descendant of the great reformer, Shehu Usuman dan Fodio, the Sardauna grew up in the atmosphere of the Muslim and aristocratic tradition of the Fulani conquerors of Northern Nigeria.

In the 1940s, he established the Jamiyya Mutanen Arewa which would later become the NPC in 1951. In 1948, he got a government scholarship and was off to England to study Local Government Administration, which broadened his understanding and knowledge of governance. By 1943, a drama played out when he was thrown before the Sultan’s court for misappropriating jangali (cattle) tax for the Gusau region where he was the Councillor. He was sentenced to one year in prison. There was a rivalry simmering below the robes between him and the new Sultan. But with the aid of the other ‘Barewa guys’ like Shehu Shagari, Aminu Kano and Ibrahim Dasuki, he filed for an acquittal after he had already spent three months in jail. Upon arriving from the United Kingdom, he was nominated to represent the Sokoto Province at the regional House of Assembly. When the first elections were held in 1952, he won a seat in the Northern House of Assembly and was appointed a Minister of Works in the Regional Executive Council.

In 1954, Sir Ahmadu Bello became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria and in 1955, he made his first pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. And five years later in 1959 federal elections, he led the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to victory in the parliament. And later, his party formed an alliance with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) headed by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and they came up with the very first indigenous federal government in 1960, which eventually secured Nigerian independence from the British colonial masters.

In 1959, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight of the British Empire (KBE), He chose to remain the Premier of Northern Nigeria and gave the position of Prime Minister to his hand-picked candidate, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who was his Deputy. He never sought the leadership of Nigeria, once stated that he would rather be the Sultan of Sokoto than to be the leader of Nigeria. In ensuring that the North would not be sidelined, he sponsored the Bank of the North (now Unity Bank), the Northern Nigerian Development Company and capped it all by establishing the 16,000-seater Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna, The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. www.cometonigeria.com

He was more preoccupied with the agenda of a more united North but, this does not diminish his contributions in ensuring Nigeria became free from British imperialism.

One big difference between Sir Ahmadu Bello and many other leaders around the country is his exceptional brand of altruism. For instance, of all the institutions established by Sir Ahmadu Bello, including the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (the first university in the north); none was sited in his home-town or province of origin.

He was killed on January 15, 1966, in a failed military coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. The tensions in country afterwards gradually accumulated and resulted in a full-blown civil war the following year.

One can still draw a major lesson from his life - HUMILITY AND SELFLESSNESS. Sir Ahmadu Bello was a Nigerian leader that had the audacity, momentum, zeal and focus to lead his people to highest heights. He established the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; the Kaduna Polytechnic, New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN); Bank of the North (BON); Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC); and the Broadcasting Corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN).

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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, Nigeria’s 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.techcityng.com

www.misspetitenaijablog.com

TechCity is Nigeria’s sole and premier technology blog that is dedicated to the review and reporting of Technology stories.

It is a place where people using technology are entertained/educated and emerging technologies are showcased; all in simple non-robotic language and in any format.

With a dedicated team led by Olawale Adeyina, they have reported breaking technology stories of leading brands in Nigeria while being trusted by leading technology brands like Samsung Electronics Nigeria, Microsoft Nigeria, Google Nigeria and Konga.com to review their latest products or cover their press events.

Ms Emeh Achanga left her Juicy job as a Lagos State Governor’s correspondent deciding to be independent, by starting www. misspetitenaijablog.com few years ago, which she undertook with finesse, dedication and professionalism.

Though she studied Law, she saw her career path tilting towards creative writing and media production and have attained vast experience till date.

She was winner Best New Blog at Nigerian Blog Awards 2012 She also was Nominee for Eloy (Exquisite Lady of the year Awards) 2013 and in 2014 as Most Promising Female Blogger YNaija Super blogger.

www.that1960chick.com That1960chick.com managed by Lateefah Adesanya, aims to be your premium source for Nigerian; African & Urban pop culture, featuring music, fashion, photography and celebrity news.

Lateefah had become well-acquainted with the proliferation of UrbanEntertainment websites and blogs in the UK & US, and felt the need to fill the gap in the market for a site focusing on Nigerian/African entertainment & pop culture. Her aim is to share her thoughts and opinions on the latest happenings in the world of Nigerian Pop Culture.

With that in mind she set out to find a suitable name, of course she had to think of the bigger picture, she wanted this site to be a reference point for all things to do with Nigerian entertainment. That 1960 chick simply represents Nigerian/African pop culture told from the view point of an ordinary Nigerian girl, living in the UK, with a thirst for all things Nigerian especially Entertainment, Fashion & Photography. She hoped this site reflects her humour, & ‘no holds barred’ attitude.

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WEBPRENEURSHIP For more information please contact:

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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 SALAMATU

SULE

Author: Olunesen Louisa Ibhaze Title: Authentic Mama

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lunesen Louisa Ibhaze is a new voice in the Nigerian literary industry. The author who holds two masters, one in Medical Sociology from the Royal Holloway University of London and another on Globalisation and Development from the Institute of Common Wealth Studies, London.

Her writings revolves around women’s experiences, culture and traditions and this is vividly captured in her debut novel, Authentic Mama.

Authentic Mama published (2017), is a satire that ridicules the lives of local mistresses and their hustle. Through the eyes of Paulina Omoregbe aka Iye Baby, we are introduce to how she rules Nimbe town Beer Parlour with her society connection and magic touch.

This novel goes far to tell us about the contradiction between the church and prostitute like Iye Baby that gives it offerings and all forms of gifts while the church frowns at her lifestyle but recieves such gifts.

The novel discuses migration issues which many Southern Nigerians sees as the heaven or land of promise. They will do all it takes to travel abroad for greener pastures.

Author: Denja Abdullahi Title: Death and the

D

Kings Grey Hair

eath and the Kings Grey Hair is an experimental play written by Denja Abdullahi.

The play which was first published in 2014 by Kcraftgriots shows the playwright’s passion as a performer and culture enthusiast. Set in ancient Junkun society, where custom demands that all kings reign within a short period of time. In this play, King Esutu outlives the expectation of his kingmakers as he deploys all manner of strategy to keep him on the throne for as long as he wishes even after the ploy to have him drink from poison failed.

Abdullahi in this play subverts the tradition by moving the story from the normal diatribe on transition from one reign to the other to interject a clamour for change to tradition when he infuses the play with pro-democracy activism.

Like a typical traditional Nigerian society, the play is laden with amusing proverbs, dramatic ironies and well developed characterisation. It is rich in the Jukun culture, songs and dance.

Denja Abdullahi is a poet, Playwright, theatre director and culture technocrat. His first published poetic volume Mairogo: a Buffon’s poetic journey around Northern Nigeria (2001) received honourable mention for the ANA /CADBURY 2001 Poetry Prize. Denja has since published various works to his credit. He is the current president, Association of Nigerian Authors.

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Author: Yejide Kilanko

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Daughters who walk this path

BOOKS

Title:

ejide Kilanko was born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1975. She is a voice to reckon with in the literary industry. Her celebrated novel has been defined by a critic at the Orpheus literary book chat as a thesis. “This book is a thesis because it fuses together all the issues around Rape” says Dr. Lizi Ben Iheanacho.

Unlike other books, Kilanko advocates for the girl child, the relationship between a mother and her daughter. The novel shows that the society of Morayo and others who walk this path is culturally oriented to silence as rape is never discussed in the open and justice for it is more often than not hard to prove.

Spirited, intelligent Morayo grows up surrounded by school friends and a busy family in modernday Ibadan, Nigeria. An adoring little sister, her traditional parents, and a host of aunties and cousins make Morayo’s home their own. So there’s nothing unusual about Morayo’s charming but troubled cousin, Bros T, moving in with the family. At first Morayo and her sister are delighted, but in her innocence, nothing prepares Morayo for the shameful secret Bros T forces upon her.

Thrust into a web of oppressive silence woven by the adults around her, Morayo must learn to fiercely protect herself and her sister; a legacy of silence many women in Morayo’s family share.

Only Aunty Morenike—once protected by her own mother—provides Morayo with a safe home, and a sense of female community which sustains Morayo as she grows into a young woman in bustling, politically charged, often violent Nigeria.

Author: Ad’Obe Obe Title:

Yunhouse

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he creed for the Yunnis is the motto: “We shall never be pacified”. At the heart of the novel, is the Berlin Conference of 1884 where representatives of major European nations gathered for what is to be known as the greatest feast of all time- the imperialistic banquet in the history of mankind. Yunhouse is founded by Africans whose personal experience of the pacification of the natives is the Europeanisation of their minds through education. A question for the curious minds is what happens where you are neither African nor European?

Yunhouse is a narration of the evolution of an establishment dedicated to managing intellectual emissions on Africa, be it ideation, invocation, incitation, excitation, expiation, agitation, agonisation, lamentation or jubilation, or you name it, as long as the subject is OUR AFRICA. It is a weave where the threads are the characters, who- themselves- are really the tales in the Assorted London Tales about the Africa.

This novel takes us back to history, time space and place and the question about how it all happened.

The author, Ad’Obe is a Nigerian writer. He has been resident in London since the Easter of 1974. He studied Chemical engineering in Germanyand Philosophy in London and has taught Mathematics in Kenya, has lived in Gambia, Ghana, and Tanzania… He has worked as Executive officer in the British Civil Service for decades. He operated as London based journalist, writer and broadcaster making scores of contributions to the media organs worldwide.

Obe has interviewed numerous African presidents. Aside from being member of the campaign team for Obasanjo in 1999, he designed and launched the articulated SERVICOM; Nigeria’s service delivery programme.

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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 and careers.

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

Lukman Adeola Adetunji

L

ukman Adeola Adetunji was born in June 1971 at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Oyo State. He attended Maryhill Convent School Idi Ape Ibadan from 1974 to 1979 and then proceeded to Oba Akinyele Memorial High School Bashorun, Ibadan for his secondary school from 1980 to 1985. He then left for Government College Ibadan for A ‘level studies from 1985 to 1986.

In 1986, he was given admission into the University of Ibadan to Study Zoology and was one of the youngest students within the set of entrants. Upon graduation in 1991, at a very young age, he went to Sokoto State where he completed his National Youth Service Corps assignment for the nation in the same year.

Between 1991 and 1998, Adeola worked for Union Bank Plc as a Banking and Agriculture Officer where he gained valuable knowledge about business, banking and agriculture.

In 1999, Adeola incorporated a private limited company, Sally Nigeria Limited, and started a new career as an entrepreneur, businessman and a philanthropist.

He founded the Ibadan Society for Youth Development in 2000 and used this medium to sponsor, encourage and empower some young entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into workable businesses.

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INSPIRATIONAL

During the dotcom boom, Adeola saw the potential in the Information Technology (IT) industry and decided to diversify his business. He studied and qualified as an IT consultant and then joined a consultancy company in the United Kingdom where he started consulting for various clients across several industries.

In 2013, in a bid to invest in and help in developing his native homeland, Adeola acquired some acres of Land in Ologungun village, Moniya, Akinyele LGA where he has now established Ryte Valley Farms for Poultry, Fishery, Heli culture, and Livestock Farming.

Adeola has a dream of seeing the chain of Agriculture from harvesting, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and marketing flourish across the Nation.

Adeola was a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, British Computer Society, and presently, Oyo State Indigenes UK, Ibadan Indigenes UK, Akinyele Group of Farmers Association Oyo State and politically All Progressives Congress.

As part of his quest for knowledge, he has excelled in the participation of the following courses: The Enterprise Shed – Making Ideas Happen – Newcastle University UK Water for Liveable and Resilient Cities – Monash University Australia Introduction to Cyber Security – Open University UK Contract Management: Building Relationships in Business – University of Southampton UK Heart Health: A Beginners Guide to Cardiovascular Disease – University of Reading UK Our Hungry Planet: Agriculture, People and Food Security – University of Reading UK AFRICA: Sustainable Development For All – University of Aberdeen UK INNOVATION: The Key to Business Success – University of Leeds UK Global Food Security – Lancaster University UK SOILS – Lancaster University UK Managing My Investments - Open University UK In March 2017, Adeola was nominated to the Senate for the appointment as a non-executive director of the Central Bank of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He is married to Dr Lara Salako-Adetunji and they are blessed with children.

In a bid to serve the people of Oyo State and the nation at large, Adeola has declared his intention to run for the position of the Governor of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress Party banner in 2019. He believes that his knowledge of business, banking, information technology, education and international exposure will allow him to contribute effectively to the development of Oyo State and the Nation in general.

His proposed plan is to build on the existing innovative framework of the present state government and introduce more developmental projects and policies that can further create employment and drive the state forward making it the leading state for development, infrastructure, employment and safety.

Oyo State is a pacesetter state in the nation, and Adeola intends to make Oyo state live up to its name. Although he was fathered by a very well-known Ibadan indigene and philanthropist, his father instilled in him the value of discipline and hard work. He was raised without the trappings of wealth and had to work for all his accomplishments. He considers himself to be an ordinary hardworking Ibadan child rather than a golden spoon boy. He is, therefore, an inspirational Nigerian.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Inspirational Nigerians Prof Alphonsus Ekwerike A NIGERIAN AMERICAN NEUROSCIENTIST

P

rof Alphonsus Ekwerike, a Nigerian American Neuroscientist became the first Nigerian and African to innovate and introduce a study course/profession called Invention Technology Program, which train individuals to become Professional inventors, otherwise called Invention Technologists.

This study course is also called Cognitive Neurosquatemetry, a new discipline in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology of the Neuroscience course study. With the knowledge of this innovative oriented profession, which is the very first in the world to specially train the common men to become professional inventors, Prof Alphonsus Ekwerike got involved with National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) IASC space exploration project and discovered two main belt asteroids (2010TL78 and CHF 1472) and found, calculated and confirmed many activities of comets and other space orbital bodies to his credits, making him again the First Nigeria to discover Asteroids.

Invention Technology Program (ITP) is classified as a cumulative outcome program in the STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Maths) course hence it is called STEM-Invention Technology Program.

Professor Alphonsus Ekwerike was a mentee of the famous Nigerian educator and the former Deputy Director Of World Health Organisation, the late Prof Thomas Adeoye Lambo, the former Vice-Chancellor Of University Of Ibadan and the founder of Aro-Mental Hospital (WHO centre of excellence in Mental health), Abeokuta Ogun-State and the founder of the famous WHO medical centre in Nigeria, Lambo Foundation for Medicine, Nervous Disorders and Acupuncture Clinical & Neuroendocrinological research Centres, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria, where he served the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and was retained/employed as a research fellow/medical Officer to originate the Cognitive Neurosquatemetry as his research Neuroendocrinological study dissertation under Prof Thomas Adeoye Lambo supervision.

He won many awards and grants while at the Lambo Foundation, WHO Research Centre, Lagos.

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INSPIRATIONAL

Prof. Alphonsus Ekwerike is a Harvard Medical School trained Clinical Researcher and Georgia Technology Institute trained Professional in STEM-Robotics, systems Engineering components and the online learning/teaching techniques, sponsored by NASA. He is also trained in Aviation/Space Medicine (Hyperbaric Medicine) and becomes the First Nigerian Hyperbaric Physician.

His education cuts across all the continents and he had an academic exchange program at the Neuroendocrinology and Rheumatology Department, Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith, Imperial Medical College, School of Medicine, London University under the supervisions of Drs. Murray Hilary, Glenda Gillies and Prof. Buckingham in 1999.

Professor Alphonsus Ekwerike is the founder and Research Director at the NASA-IASC indexed asteroids discovery Institute, Science Medicine Research Institute, (Neurosquatemetry & Science Medicine Inc) Dallas, Texas USA and he teaches the Invention Technology Program & Clinical Research there. He specialises in Clinical Research and became the First Nigerian to discover and name a Neurodermatological disorder called NeuroToxic Spongy Fibrous Syndrome (NTSFS).

He has invented many products, devices and ideas among them are: a cheap electricity source called Fluorocell Technology agricultural improvement devices called Landplate and S2 technologies heart Pain medicine called Isoprin C, Global education standardisation pattern called SUPREP & PUSREP ™ MODEL LEARNING (FULL TIME ACADEMIC EXCHANGE PROGRAM), BRAIN FUNCTION SQUATEMETRY™ A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC & THERAPEUTIC DEVICE, STAINOFFwww.cometonigeria.com

STAINENZIME™ CLEANING AGENT, A UNIVERSAL STAIN/RUST REMOVAL, CLINICAL DERMITREAT™ CREAM, A DERMATOLOGIC CREAM.,SCIEMEDFLEX ™CAPLETS, A NEUROENDOCRINOLOGICALOSTEOLOGIC MEDICINE. Netfussion Device that removes cyanide poison from cassava, etc.

“We are like them that dream dreams now but watch out tomorrow, we will be called the blessed wise ones.”

Support and join him on the mandated Nehemiah Project to rebuild Imo State. Focusing on 2019, Prof Alphonsus Ekwerike felt we should not allow another mistake in the nation’s building. We must use the essence of our education to build a great nation. He is soliciting for supports of the Good People of Imo State.

For the state to progress further, he believes that we must forgive one another and project the State’s unity first above party lines, and seek for the best brains to govern IMO regardless of party affiliation. His ambition is to be the next Governor of Imo State.

Professor Alphonsus Ekwerike travels around the world doing research and teaching Invention Technology Programme and clinical research courses. He is indeed an inspirational Nigerian.

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Dolapo Anthony Martins Dtone Martins

He is one Musical Act from Nigeria who has got the world in perspective with a teeming population of amiable Fans in different parts of the world. Suffice it to say he has an enviable relationship with a lot of believers in his kind of Music.

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA

olapo Anthony Martins popularly known as Dtone Martins is one of the most developed talents of Nigerian extraction.

He attended NEPA Nursery and Primary School and proceeded to Ikene Community High School in Ogun State. Dtone Martins is an O.N.D Graduate of Business Administration and has Certificate in Music from the prestigious MUSON School of Music.

If asked, he is Music personified. He drinks it, eats it, lives it, teaches it and has in-depth knowledge of it. Like a Snail that carries its shell everywhere, Dtone Martins carries his Guitar with him, which he uses to mesmerise the minds of his Audience on Stage. He prides himself as a devout Guitarist that performs in sync with the Guitar.

He is one Musical Act from Nigeria who has got the world in perspective with a teeming population of amiable Fans in different parts of the world. Suffice it to say he has an enviable relationship with a lot of believers in this kind of Music.

His style of music is AfrikSoul; laced with traditional folk colouration, well-versed lyrics, seductive melodies, use of Yodels and highly inspirational. He is indeed in a class of his own (he combines an enviable prowess in departments where he garners his abilities and roles as an Artiste, Performer, Composer, Songwriter, Story Teller, Motivational speaker and a Poet).

Dtone Martins’ talent, passion and intellect enthrone him as a worthy and prospective ambassador of Nigerian Arts and Culture. His work tenets are also hinged on values rooted in professionalism, excellence, integrity and hard work. “When you are turned down, keep working to actualise your dream. Never underestimate the power of consistency. Originality is my mantra, bringing out the best in me through my craft is paramount.”

I was born in Lafiaji Isale Eko (Lagos Island). This is seen in the way I deploy the use of English and Yoruba in the promotion and preservation of my Culture.” Mysticism is a vital part of my writing. Music runs in my blood; my late father was Francis Adetunde Martins, a Guitarist and was Bobby Benson’s Bandleader in those days. He played with Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunny Ade to mention a few and travelled the world with his Band known as ‘The Spiders’.

Rhythm Unplugged, MTN Campus Jam, Felabration, Coca-Cola Road to 2010 World Cup, an evening with Chimamanda Adichie, British Council, Hennessy Artistry Night and lots more are places he has serenaded his audience through performance.

Presently, Dtone Martins is in the studio working on some songs with Cohbams Asuquo. It feels good knowing Henrietta C. Ikediashi have taken you into the world of Dolapo Anthony Martins one of Nigeria’s finest export.

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NIGERIAN FASHION

HOUSE OF WADOT House of wadot deals with both ready to wear and made to measure designs… We make Unisex wears and we are very creative in our designs and finishing.., Omonijo Tolulope

How did you start your fashion career?

I have always been a lover of art and colors and while I was in school I did some modelling jobs, after school I attended a fashion school where I acquired skills to setup my business a year later.

What inspires you?

The joy in waking up everyday to know that life is a gift and my inspiration is that I use this gift to create positive influence both for personal growth and also to the society.

How do you think Fashion can contribute to tourism development in Nigeria at all front?

Nigeria is a country with diverse cultures and all the various cultures have common characteristics of being very colorful. There are usually many colorful events and festivals that take place in Nigeria such as Osun Oshogbo Festival, Carnival Calabar, Durban Festival to mention a few. These events have the opportunity of exhibiting several and varying colorful and artistic fashion that exists in several parts of Nigeria. These activities and events should be further enhanced as tourism opportunity in Nigeria Fashion and beauty: Can they be differentiated?

Beauty is a characteristic of an object (animal, idea, person, writing, sound, place etc) that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction, e.g., a beautiful song In the context of physical appearance, beauty is a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

Fashion is the area of activity that involves style of clothing and appearance. It can be said to be a popular style or practice, especially in clothing, footwear, accessories, makeup or body.

Basically beauty is a perception while fashion is an activity. Fashion is usually used to enhance beauty.

Many foreigners and Nigerians in Diaspora are believing the myths surrounding the security situation and infrastructural failure in Nigeria. How can we use fashion to attract more people to come to Nigeria?

If fashion products are made in commercial quantities for export there will be more revenue for the country and unemployment reduces leading to less crime rates and safer country.

Also fashion can be developed as a tourism highpoint for Nigeria and this will lead to people visiting Nigeria and increase the potential of increased foreign investment 58

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NIGERIAN FASHION

Tell us about your background.

I am a Nigerian with BSc in Industrial Chemistry from Covenant University Ogun State.

Any down moments?

Raising capital to start an SME business in Nigeria is usually a huge challenge and I had to take loan from a microfinance bank, which I paid back in installment that implied I had very little profit in the early stages after starting my business Tell us about your Ajegunle Project.

I would be showing urban, formal, Afrocentric designs and also showing the world some of our made in Nigeria produce.

Advice to aspiring Fashion Designers.

Focus on your passion and the satisfaction provided to clients from high quality products rather than just the monetary gain.

What’s your philosophy of life?

Key to success in life is hardwork and perseverance. Channeling positive attitude into actions will help to achieve personal visions and purpose Do you have a Fashion School like some of your Contemporaries?

House of Wadot run a 6 month fashion programme that deals with pattern making, fashion illustration and fashion design.. Our students are groomed to be fashion entrepreneurs and to be the best at what they do.

Tell us a little bit about your Brand.

House of wadot deals with both ready to wear and made to measure designs‌ We make Unisex wears and we are very creative in our designs and finishing..

What opportunities do you crave for?

Seeking for a platform to show my designs and products to the world (outside Nigeria) and also to meet with other international Designers to share ideas and connect. www.cometonigeria.com

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MY NIGERIA

My Nigeria Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Dorien Oluwakemi Jacob known as Oyinbo Jesu I am married to Abiodun Jacob, a musician/ composer and a lover of the Yoruba culture and we have three children.

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

I always love to be in Nigeria. People are always very welcoming and warm towards me. The culture is very rich. I always advise people to travel to Nigeria and promote it.

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 about Nigeria and her people. This edition of My Nigeria features

Dorien Oluwakemi Jacob known as Oyinbo Jesu

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Is Nigeria ready for tourism?

It would be good for economic reasons to invest in tourism. In some areas infrastructure has really improved but it depends in which area. Lekki, Victoria Island, Abuja and Ikeja are fine but other areas not necessarily. Tourist resorts are good but don’t forget that travelling to certain areas is not safe and tourists do not necessarily realise that they cant just travel or go out at any time during day and night as they please. Holiday packages that include safe travelling to the resorts might be an idea to promote.

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

Nigeria is a big influence in Africa but this could be improved. Nigeria is a very rich country but corruption destroys the beautiful image of the country to the rest of the world. If that image improves, tourism will improve. Although much better than it used to be, tourism has improved in Africa but a lot of people still find it scary especially if they hear about kidnappings/ Boko Haram etc. Although the people might not even come close to the areas of danger and will be safe, tourists do not know the country and have no knowledge of how close or far they are away from danger.

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

They need to change the mentality and professionalism in the running of the government to make the necessary impact.

Tourism must improve the economy of the country and this must result in a better way of living throughout Nigeria including the local areas.

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

Absolutely beautiful. Nigeria has much tourist potentials. The website looks really appealing.

How often do you visit Nigeria?

2-3 times a year. As part of the family, I love to blend with the local people and facilities like the okada and danfo anytime I am in Nigeria.

I have traveled several times to places like Ile-Ife, and Ekiti State.

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

Suya! (haha). Also the atmosphere and warmth in the culture and people that you can’t describe.

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

The kids!

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LETTERS

Your Letters, Comments & Photos Dear Editor, OUR PATRIOTISM HAS BECOME LAZY I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you. I am a Nigerian Civil War veteran, although it is not my intent to offend any of my fellow veterans or other patriotic Nigerians, too many of us have become lazy and indifferent and won’t stand up or be vocal in defence of the unity of our great nation. Today, because we have lost a lot of our patriotism and willingness to work together for the benefit of all Nigerians, we must be more vocal and condemn anyone trying to divide what we have all worked for.

By not speaking up, we are giving wrong messages to the younger generation to think that a second civil war is right for Nigeria. We must always remember those who lost their lives and limbs and bled to keep our nation strong.

Why are we allowing this to happen? Well, it’s no surprise because most of us want to sit back and rest on our laurels for a job well done and let others handle the problems that we all should have been participating in.

I truly believe that most Nigerians are patriotic and believe in God and country. We should embark and talk more about peace and not keep quiet.

— Akamnachi Azuka, Enugu, Nigeria Editor’s Response: Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and we appreciate the hard work of all our service men and women and founding fathers that kept Nigeria together till now and we also agree that Nigerians must continue to speak out against any action that will undermine the unity of our nation.

YOUR MAGAZINE INSPIRED ME

I read one of your editions on religious tourism at a library in London. The librarian confirmed that somebody actually paid for subscription that allowed the library to have copies every quarter. It really inspired me to pay for mine too. I love your contents and I think it is a great idea to let the outside world learn more about the other side of our country that you don’t see on television. Thanks you so much because I am actually taking my children to Nigeria this Christmas for the first time in 15 years.

The question that people ask us abroad today is: How can priceless lives be better protected and saved in our country? When a government slacks off and is weak in its duties for truth and righteousness, it is a serious offense against Almighty God and our people.

I give thumb up for the government successes in defeating the Boko Haram insurgents. It would be good thing that we pray intensely for our leaders, our country and all our defenses so that righteousness will exalt our people and our nation and that we and all the nations will be blessed.

— John Orimolade, South London, UK Editor’s Response: We welcome you to ComeToNigeria readers’ community that is constantly expanding. We have some good foreigners in the US too that are subscribing for local libraries. It is exciting that many people out

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there are interested in learning more about Nigeria.

KUDOS TO OUR VICE PRESIDENT I was very impressed with how the country came together early this year to support the works of the Vice President in his capacity as the Acting President during the sick leave of the President Muhammadu Buhari. This further confirms that there are great men and women out there that could make a difference if giving the chance to lead Nigeria.

— Hajia Yasmin Wali, Abuja, Nigeria

send your comments to cometonigeria@googlemail.com

Nigeria”. I suggest we keep in mind that not all of us who count Nigeria as our country belong to one ethnicity. We must love and respect our unity in diversity. Love, intelligence, reason, tolerance, cultivation of more inclusion (certainly not less) will always overcome hate, intolerance, hypocrisy and bigotry. Period.

— Munir Saliu, Bauchi, Nigeria Editor’s Response: It is very important to respect our secular nature and embrace all irrespective of ethnicity or religion. As a matter of fact, one of the key elements of Nigeria’s beauty is the uniqueness of our diverse cultures. It should never be taken away.

A FAN OF THE ESIE MUSEUM I had the opportunity to volunteer in the US at a local Museum. Over 20000 people attended the event I pioneered and organised. It was so much fun to see them experience the museum.

What a great time!

I love to replicate same opportunity in Nigeria after I read about the issue one, 2016 of your magazine story on Esie Museum, the first Museum in Nigeria.

It will be great if you can signpost me to the right department on how I could be involved in helping to further put the museum on the world map. I want to be proud to say I volunteered there helping to turn the museum into a living, breathing piece of history.

— Lola Balogun, Chicago, USA Editor’s Response: Our main aim is to continue promoting Nigeria positively, so anything that can help that course is welcomed from our readers. We will therefore signpost you to the right department as requested.

Editor’s Response: He is our Vice President and he is capable.

Internationally, he made us all proud to be a Nigerian with his precise responses to issues that showed him to be in control of the country.

WE MUST LOVE AND RESPECT NIGERIA My beliefs in Nigeria as a country are well thought out, guided by a lifetime of study, writing, prayer and meditation, as well as the loving guidance and instruction of our ancestors. While I would never expect anyone to put in the mud the chance to keep Nigeria as one, I do expect us to treat everyone with respect and kindness, especially in a largely self-identified “secular system we have in

Maimalari, Yobe State, Nigeria: Desert Safari copyright Irene Becker

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GADGETS ADVENTURE

THE ADVENTURES OF EMESE AFOLABI A.K.A. WHITE NAIJA GIRL

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hen on a winter day in 2015 my husband told me to accompany him to Nigeria, I thought he was joking and didn’t believe him until I realised he wasn’t. He bought his tickets and was already getting ready to travel in a couple of weeks when he asked me to come with him. It was unbelievable but equally exciting for me. Apart from visiting the African continent, this was opportunity for me to meet my lovely mother in law and for her to meet me and more importantly for her to meet her two grandchildren, our children. Before long we found tickets for the whole family and we were set to invade Nigeria. WOW! My name is Emese Afolabi aka White Naija Girl, I am originally from Hungary. I have lived in the United Kingdom since 2008 where I met my Nigerian husband, Gbenga Afolabi. We currently live in a quiet area of Manchester with our two adorable children Barede and Bukola.

In 2012, I started recording my experiences as the wife of a Nigerian filmmaker on my blog www.whitenaijagirl.com The blog has grown to become a resource for a lot of white people from continental Europe and beyond looking to marry Nigerians.

Our arrival in Nigeria on the 15th of November coincided with my 29th birthday and I was in a bit of a festive mood. As the plane landed and we alighted at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, I was intrigued as throngs of people slowly walked towards the immigration checks. Although the airport was not as shiny and hi tech as the Manchester airport or even Schipol in Amsterdam where we had a stopover, the magic was however in the faces of the people, their smile speaks volumes and made me feel at home.

Soon we were out of the airport and outside was crazy as there was quite a lot of people doing all kinds of business. Taxi drivers looking for passengers, recharge card sellers, phone call vendors, mobile bureau de change; everyone was present outside the airport. I was relieved when we were picked up by my mother in law in her big white 4WD SUV. It was great to finally meet her and more importantly my children meeting their ever-doting grandmother. The AC was on full throttle inside the car and made me feel at home. The journey home was amazing as the traffic 62

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On our return to Lagos, we met up with another of my husband’s friend who is a returnee from the UK. Jide schooled in the UK and like many Nigerians decided to move back to contribute to the development of his country. While his life is far different from the lives lived by the children in Oke Arowa. Jide magnanimously took us to some of the highbrow places on Lagos Island. To say that I was blown away by the flamboyance and beauty of some of the places on Lagos Island is an understatement. The highlight of our time with Jide was the going to Afropolitan Vibes and international music and cultural event at Freedom Park.

My fond memories of Lagos include the sight of Danfo buses, the Lagos bus and even the Marwa that valiantly negotiates the Lagos traffic. I can clearly remember sitting in a Danfo and thinking there is no way that more than twelve people can travel in the bus. Boy I was wrong, we ended up with 24 people at the end that confirmed again that in Nigeria nothing is impossible.

Nigeria has so much to offer that it should be a place to visit on all travellers ‘places to visit’ list. It is a place with full of excitement and fun, people are very kind and I am more than sure everyone can find their own adventures in Nigeria.

While in Nigeria, I wanted to try out as many things as I could during the 6 weeks. My husband is a filmmaker and that gave me the opportunity to meet one of Africa’s greatest filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Nollywood actress Adunni Ade. We worked on a few music videos for Nigerian and American artist in Lagos.

was also a market place where you can literarily do your shopping.

However, I wish children didn’t have to run after vehicles trying to sell their wares.

Although in her mid-sixties, my mother in law was very proactive.

She wakes up when the nearby mosque’s call to prayer starts which is very early. I knew my time in Nigeria wasn’t going to be that long, so with the help of my mother in law we hit the ground running. Before we arrived in Lagos, my mother in law had arranged for a hairdresser to come to the house to help braid my hair. I was shocked to find out that it cost the equivalent of 6pounds to have my hair done by the lady. In Manchester, it would have cost at least Fifty pounds to have my hair braided. Sitting on the balcony, it was intriguing to see how residents of Akute responded to me sitting on my mother in law’s balcony having my hair done. Although it is funny but it is also understandable especially because my husband received similar treatment when he visited my grandmother’s village in Hungary.

Every day was an adventure, no dull moment at all. The weather in Lagos in November is quite hot even though Harmattan is supposed to be around the corner, so I followed my doctor’s advice and pilled on the sun cream and wore my sun glasses. On one of the days, my mother and I went shopping at Mandilas Building area on Lagos Island. Probably one of the biggest shopping areas I have been to with row and rows of shop owners selling fashion wares, beads, food, anything you can think of. It was there that I got the inspiration to www.cometonigeria.com

Nigerians are very hardworking people with great attitude, I have total respect for a lot of Nigeria women who do physically demanding jobs like hawking on the streets of Lagos.”. On one occasion in Ikeja, after seeing two women carrying the heavy plastic bowl of bottle water and soft drinks. I was moved to try lifting on of such and wow how heavy it was, I was so shocked after learning that some of the women carry these heavy things for up to 8 hours a day. One positive thing that I learnt from these women was the fact that they were able to focus on the bright side. In the UK like many other western countries, people will be depressed doing that kind of job but these women are buzzing and I really don’t understand where they get their strengths from.

While in Lagos I picked up a few Yoruba sentences ,“E ku ise (well done), disciplinary ones like; “Sho fe je gba” (Do you want to be flogged?) and so on.

I am happy to hear about magazines like ComeToNigeria because I always thought Nigeria had to invest in tourism and encourage foreigners to discover the wonders of the country. The magazine is a very useful medium to do that.

I miss all the lovely people that I met, including cashew sellers and the little children singing Oyinbo pepper and the brave entrepreneurial women. It has been over a year since we visited Nigeria now but since coming back I have learnt about newer and more exciting places to visit not only in Lagos but in Calabar, Ekiti and so on. I am also hoping to open up a stall for my White Naija Girl Range at the international trade fair or even collaborate with other businesses in Nigeria. To be honest, I am so in love with Nigeria I would consider moving my whole family over. cometonigeria Fourth

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ADVENTURE GADGETS

start exporting local fashion items for my White Naija Girl brand working with local women. While in Nigeria, we also found time to travel to Abuja to spend some time with my husband’s friend.

I found Abuja to be a lot more relaxed than Lagos, the roads are bigger and there are quite beautiful place to visit there.

My mother in law is from Ogun State and I have heard a lot about the place and it’s historical significance. So it was only right that we visit Ogun, we went to Oke Arowa, although it is a very small town but the people made my experience worthwhile. For a small town, their industry is unrivalled. There, they produce garri, oil palm, grow plants and even have a lovely school with a large field.

The local church right next to the mosque and because of their tolerance people of different faith and ethnicities live side by side peacefully. There were Hausas living next to Ibo and Yoruba families and everyone gets along. It was in Oke Arowa that I learnt the true meaning of a community. In that village, everyone is everyone’s brother’s keeper.

FEATUREWILDLIFE STORY

Bird Watching for Bird Lovers

Adewale G. Awoyemi and Olufemi Olubodun Home to over 900 species of Afro-tropical residents of Migratory Birds

Urban Raptor, Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) perches on a portico on the IITA campus, Ibadan, southwest Nigeria.

Photo: Olufemi Olubodun

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rom the heart of the lush evergreen rainforest down south to the impressive plains of the north, Nigeria is blessed with stunning natural features. Her scenic landscapes and different kinds of vegetation zones and habitats enhance huge biodiversity. The Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) of Okomu National Park, Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) of Cross River National Park and Lion (Panthera leo) of Kanji Lake National Park, among many others, make the country a desired destination for tourists. While you enjoy basking in the serenity of nature, punctuated by trumpeting elephants and roaring lions, the flapping of colourful feathers and the melodious songs of birds are hard to ignore. Nigeria is

home to over 900 species of birds, which may be either Afro-tropical residents or migratory.

The perfect blends of natural vegetation and water bodies that stretch the country lends credence to her numerous bird species. The Lake Chad Basin and HadejiaNguru wetlands in the northern part of the country are important stopover sites for migratory waders immediately they cross the Sahara desert, constituting scenic sites for bird watching during winters.

In the south are different kinds of hornbills and picathartes, majorly found in both Okomu and CrossRiver National Parks. Interestingly, one of the most positive sites to find the country’s most rarest endemic www.cometonigeria.com

WILDLIFE

Group photo of the Ibadan Bird Club during its record meeting on 26 August 2017. Photo: Ademola Ajayi.

The Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster) The Black-and-White-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) perches on a tree

The Ahanta Francolin (Pternistis ahantensis) watches keenly after it was ushed from its nest on the IITA campus, Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. Photo: Olufemi Olubodun.

bird, the Ibadan Malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis) is the campus of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. The campus is also the seat of the Ibadan Bird Club (IBC), which is one of the most successful bird clubs in Africa, making it a perfect destination for professional and amateur birdwatchers. The club meets on every last Saturday of the month at 1600 hour. It is led by experts and coordinated by the IITA Forest Unit as part of activities of the A. G. Leventis-funded Ornithological Monitoring Project (2015-2017). IBC membership is free, binoculars are lent to members and an average of 35 members, who are enthusiasts from different countries across the world attend the club’s monthly meeting. Members interact and share ideas about birds online via this link: https://web.facebook.com/ groups/653034744862182/ Bird watching is a form of recreational activity in which birds are observed either with the eyes, through visual enhancement gadgets like binoculars and telescope or by listening to their songs. www.cometonigeria.com

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GADGETS

Gadgets this quarter

1. Grovemade Laptop Stand

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esigned to bring clarity and comfort to your workspace, the Walnut Laptop Stand elevates your view as you work, watch, and play.

Featuring an angled platform for improved ergonomics, a precision cut stainless steel stop lined with premium vegetable tanned leather for your device to rest in, and room below for stowing your laptop accessories.

2. Smart Lights – Phillips Hue Kit

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wapping out your standard light bulbs for smart lights like Philips Hue or Lifx won’t break your lease, but can seriously upgrade your lifestyle. There are even great budget options available, like Sengled’s line of lights, so you can avoid a big hit to your bank account. With the advent of virtual assistants on many phones these days, you don’t even have to worry about fiddling much with a proprietary app to control everything, either, just fire up Siri or the Google Assistant and never flip a switch again.

3. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8

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he Note 8 is Samsung’s big phone comeback story, making up for last year’s Note 7 recall. It has an expansive 6.3-inch ‘Infinity Display,’ faster 6GB of RAM performance and two outstanding rear cameras, which add up to one of the most expensive phones ever. Just don’t expect record-breaking battery life from its predictably average-sized battery that plays it safe. It’s the best really big phone you can buy, if you can handle the enormous size and equally huge price.

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4. DELL XPS 27 All-in-One

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stunning display that’s simply captivating.

27-inch all-in-one featuring an incredibly vivid and accurate 4K Ultra HD display (with optional touch) and the best sound of any all-in-one.

An impressive IPS display allows you to view images from virtually every angle with the same brilliant color consistency and the up to 350-nit panel allows optimal clarity in bright-light settings.

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