ComeToNigeria Vol 11 Issue 4 2020

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LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 11 | Issue 04 | 2020

= £5. €6. $8. Y45.

R50. ₦3000 www.cometonigeria.com

Hot Issue:

NIGERIA AS A BRAND

City in Focus:

SOUND AND BEATS OF ABA

NIGERIA EXPORTABLE COMMODITIES -Zero Oil Agenda

REGULARS: SHOPPING TRAVEL & INVESTMENT NEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS ADVENTURES

Nigeria Fashion

Music of Nigeria

The Man with the Magical Dulcet Voice on Radio: founded Soul Conversations Lagos for Nigerian soul singers ...

Destination: Badagry

My kinds of fashion oozes elegance, simplicity, comfort and class.

come to nigeria inner pages

explore

shop

eat invest

enjoy

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EXPLORE * SHOP * EAT *INVEST *ENJOY

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Regulars 20 45 46 66

Travel/Investment News Next Issue Advertorial Gadgets

Cover photography: GIRAFFES AT SUMU WILDLIFE PARK - Copyright: Mohammed Auwal Yakubu

34 44 66

07 Publisher’s statements

36

Famous firsts in Nigeria

52 Inspirational Nigerians

39

Poetry

54 Music of Nigeria

40

Adventure

09 Editorial 10 Postcards

Travel images from Nigeria Mohammed Auwal Yakubu, Muhammad Bello Sani, Paul Odijie and Kalada Briggs

18 What you should know

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

24 Hot Issue

Nigeria as a Brand

44

48

28 Lead Story

Nigeria Exportable Comodities ZERO OIL AGENDA

34 Destination this Quater Badagry

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Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo GCFR

Anti-Corruption, Accountability

With Love from Scotland to Nigeria

Lunch Time

The Making of Nigeria's Aganyin Beans with Irish Potatoes and Roasted Mackerel

Webpreneurs

Featuring blogs and websites by Nigerians

Book reviews

Review of books by Nigerian writers

Zain Ejiofor Asher Nigerian British news anchor at CNN International

Bola Sonola -The face behind the voice

56 Nigeria Fashion

AK Fashion House: Nafisah Suleiman Uthman

58 My Nigeria

Bjorn Oyibo Renders

59 Letters and Comments 60 City in Focus

ABA The Industrial Nerve Core of ABIA STATE

64 Featured Story

The Nigerian Usage of WhatsApp Groups: good or bad

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12A, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos. +234 1 462 3200 reservations@providencelagos.com www.providencelagos.com

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Published By:

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

In Nigeria:

Newday Nigeria Limited, Tel: +234 (0)8146357485, (0)8023023710, (0)8025633323, (0)7062220505 and 08032877360 All editorial and advertising enquiries should be forwarded to: info@cometonigeria.com OR cometonigeria@gmail.com

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Oladimeji Adisa

Editor

Associate Editors

Dayo Adeniran, Gina Lisa Pate, Neil Peacock

Henrietta C. Ikediashi

Production Consultant Alun Roberts

Production Manager Adeyemi A. Adisa

Marketing

Dayo Adeniran Abdulhakeem B. Olanigan

Media & PR

Graphics

Lanre Sangobunmi

Legal Adviser Ranti Adisa

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

Distributors in UK

Bayo Jide

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

Photography

Stories

Kunle Oladeinde, Mohammed Auwal Yakubu, Muhammad Bello Sani, Paul Odijie, Kalada Briggs, Esther Williams Bright I. Chukwuemeka

Gloria Tracey Jesse, Ayotunde Olojede, Salamatu Sule, Bright I. Chukwuemeka, Esther Williams, Debbie Iorliam, Jackson Odeh, Chef Debby.

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Copyright 2020 CometoNigeria Magazine. ISSN 2044-1932

Publisher’s Statement

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

C

hoosing Nigeria as your next destination is vital to both the indigenes and the foreigners alike. With unique cultural diversity and a range of natural attractions, a combination of our ecosystem, beautiful arts and world iconic sites have created some stunning backdrops in the country called Nigeria. I like the land and the people because we have everything but must first join hands to make the country better. So, we are waiting for you.

Late Michael Jackson in one of his songs titled, 'Man in the Mirror' said: "I'm starting with the man in the mirror.

I'm asking him to change his ways.

And no message could have been any more exact.

If you wanna make the world a better place.

OLADIMEJI ADISA Take a look at yourself and then make a change."

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Discipline is a virtue we all must imbibe to push the nation to an enviable height among the comity of nations.

Plato was right, 'Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly while bad people will find a way around the laws.' We must end SARS now. ComeToNigeria wants an end to Police brutality. We love our country and want more people to keep coming.

The emergence of the dreaded COVID-19, also known as (Coronavirus disease) is an eye-opener for both developed and developing nations. At the same time, countries are particularly admonished to always prepare to face unknown upheavals like the present pandemic. Pandemics, epidemics and other catastrophes are part of natural phenomena over which human beings might have little or no control.

As Elder Dipo Adegbite said, 'The keywords are "be prepared".

The legitimate question is" why is it that Nigeria cannot be a producer of trial drugs and vaccines to stop the pandemic? The giant of Africa must wake up from her slumber and not shirk its leadership responsibilities. Nigeria must be at the forefront of looking for a cure. And not just depending on what the western world are working on. Developing countries appreciated efforts of Madagascar and Cuba when the disease broke out. This country, Nigeria, should also work for genuine cooperation between traditional and orthodox health-care givers to solve the problem.

Kudos, therefore to Nigeria for the efforts put in to stop the spread of COVID-19 just like they did for EBOLA most importantly at a time we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of our independence. And Nigeria's most significant challenge remains its diversity.

In this edition that the pandemic totally disrupted, and we refused to give up, we are presenting the Gloria Tracey Jesse's incredible story on Nigeria exportable commodities reinforcing the needs for zero oil plan for the country. And the pandemic has undoubtedly not stopped us writing about Aba, the industrial nerve corner of Abia State photographed by Ikechukwu Bright Chukwuemeka. We hope you will enjoy the work and tell someone about it so that we can get the help needed to continue with the project.

Please enjoy this edition.

Oladimeji Adisa

Correspondent Henry Okonkwo

Editorial Board

Dr John Osammor, Ade Arogundade, Neil Peacock, Henrietta C. Ikediashi, Dr. Raphael James and Oladimeji Adisa

www.cometonigeria.com

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

The editor of the magazine is happy to receive contributions.

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

Copyright 2020 CometoNigeria Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored in any form on a retrieval system without the prior permission of the publisher.

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

LIFE AND STYLE OF THE COUNTRY

Vol. 11 | Issue 04 | 2020

= £5. €6. $8. Y45.

R50. ₦3000 www.cometonigeria.com

Hot Issue:

NIGERIA AS A BRAND

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

City in Focus:

SOUND AND BEATS OF ABA

NIGERIA EXPORTABLE COMMODITIES -Zero Oil Agenda

REGULARS: SHOPPING TRAVEL & INVESTMENT NEWS FAMOUS FIRSTS INSPIRATIONAL NIGERIANS RESTAURANTS & BARS ADVENTURES

Music of Nigeria

The Man with the Magical Dulcet Voice on Radio: founded Soul Conversations Lagos for Nigerian soul singers ...

Nigeria Fashion

Destination: Badagry

My kinds of fashion oozes elegance, simplicity, comfort and class.

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big hello to our readers from us all at ComeToNigeria. What a strange time to be writing this edition's editorial note.

The year 2020 has been a rollercoaster lockdown year - exciting, challenging

and everything in between. In times of crisis, though, I do know, there is no more vital industry above news dissemination.

Come to Nigeria Magazine from inception believe in presenting the country's nooks and corners in a beautiful way that sells our uniqueness to the outside world.

Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow. "The shadow is what we think of it: the tree is the real thing", so counsels the legendary Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, it is when the traits on display do not gel with the dominant force of nature on display that the term 'not in their character' or 'not in our character' come out to play. Nigerians love fashion, and that is why we have gone up North to feature Nafisah Suleiman Uthman, the strong woman behind AK Fashion House in Kano city. Her kinds of fashion ooze elegance, simplicity, comfort and class.

I said sometimes ago that the misconceived air around the name 'NIGERIA' whenever mentioned globally felt like grape went sour in the mouth. Today, many people are talking about how great Nigerians in the diaspora are.

In other words, there is the need to drop every bias the name 'Nigeria' stirs.

Henrietta C. Ikediashi Editor

Our Hot Issue this quarter talks about Nigeria as a Brand, a beautiful country endowed with breath-taking attractions crafted by Ayotunde Olojede.

Despite the need for rebuilding and reconstruction needed to make Abia a state of technological advancement, we endeavour to bring you an in-depth report on why Aba remains, The City After Everybody's Heart.

We have Bola Sonola, the face behind the voice and other regular columns like My Nigeria featuring Bjorn Renders from Belgium.

Books by Nigerian writers compiled by Salamatu Sule showcased excellent reviews of trending books like BOOM BOOM by Jude Idada, DESERT BREAD by Obinna Oke, The Return of Half - Something? by Chukwudi Eze and The Voyage of Saints by Marvin Abe. In this edition, you can learn how to prepare the popular Aganyin Beans by @chef_debby, @ debbi_s_kitchen. A must-read of Nigeria's famous first story of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo, together with the inspirational woman of today, Zain Asher whose face and voice adorn the Cable Network News International Channel.

What makes Esther Williams from the west coast of Scotland enjoyed her very first time in Africa visiting Nigeria. Stories of Badagry as a destination and many more make this edition of ComeToNigeria Magazine a must-read.

On a final note, here at Come to Nigeria, we want to implore Nigerians to let's change the narratives, give a wakeup call to the youths and start working in unity and give our country something better to celebrate in the coming years.

There is a nation called Nigeria.

It's worth a visit for all.

When will your next travel be?

A warm welcome awaits you.

Henrietta Chukwufumnanya Ikediashi

This edition Editor’s picks Music of Nigeria

BOLA SONOLA aka The

Genie The Man with the Magical Dulcet Voice on Radio: founded Soul Conversations Lagos for Nigerian soul singers to have a platform to perform ...

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Famous First

CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWOEntrepreneur,

Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s independence movement, the First and Second Republics and the Civil War.

Feature

NIGERIA AND THE USAGE OF WHATSAPP GROUPS: GOOD OR BAD: The App is a brilliant invention, founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, that is making all the waves because of the way it brings people together for a shared cause. There is a WhatsApp group for anything under the sun.

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA EDITORIAL

Editorial

POST CARD

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

Mohammed Auwal Yakubu

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Ribina My home, my culture.

A cultural dance that displays the ancient tradition of the Ribina tribe, in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Showcasing how mother used to carry their babies using hide (usually made from goatskin) to back their babies and a calabash as head-cover/cap to shield the babies from rain and the scorching heat of the tropical sun. The name of this dance is 'rawan fata' literally meaning 'hide dance'. This culture can be traced back centuries ago, until the early 19th century.

The Ribina people are still holding on to some of their traditions and usually organise a festival in February of year to display their cultural dance, food and History.

Namibia Nigerian Giraffes at Sumu Our heads are high up in the Sky, we are gentle and elegant with an incredibly long neck and sloping body, we are taller than elephants and patches like the tiger. We are kind and beautiful; we are the African giraffes!

These giraffes are at Sumu Wildlife Park, located at Kafi Madaki, Ganjuwa Local Government Area – Bauchi Nigeria. These giraffes are the offspring of the donated giraffes to Bauchi State. Sumu Wildlife Park was established in 2006 to preserve some of the animals that are becoming extinct, other wildlife found at Sumu Wildlife Park are zebra, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, Oryx, kudu, springbok, and common impala.

The Rock of Hidden Treasure (Dusten Buye)

My Travel images

M

y name is Mohammed Auwal Yakubu. I am an Adventurer, Humanitarian, Explorer, Hiker, Passionate Photographer, a fish farmer, a gardener, Walker, Friend of Nature and a Poet (armature).

I graduated from the University of Maiduguri, where I studied Agriculture-Education (Double Hons.), Master degree in International Affairs & Strategic Studies and a Diploma in Human Resources (HR).

I am a member of the “Environmental Peacebuilding Association” (EnPAx), “Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI).

I attended several pieces of training/courses with various institutions/organisations such as; UNICEF, USAID, Global Health, SDG - Academy and “Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI) on; leadership, management strategy for people and resources, the Science and Practice of Resilience Thinking, Environmental Security & Sustaining Peace, Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability, fundamentals of humanitarians services, water sanitation & hygiene (WASH), etc.

I worked with MTN- Nigeria for seven (7) years as a customer service professional.

I am currently the Program Manager for leadership Initiatives (LI) – Nigeria.

You can follow me up on my Instagram handle @sirauwal23 or my LinkedIn https:// www.linkedin.com/in/mohammed-auwal-yakubu-4745b177/

This is a rock along the road to Sumu Wildlife Park, located at Kafin Madaki, Ganjuwa Local Government area of Bauchi State.

A beautiful sight to the passerby, It took us over an hour to climb to the top, challenging but rewarding. At the top, we discovered that this rock was marked since 1973 (A/DOS/49/1973) and a magnificent lake that never dry!

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POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Muhammad Bello Sani

Through my lens

M

ohammad is from Kano State, a photography buff, naturally inclined to landscape and architectural photography. A Quantity Surveyor by profession, this hobby of his has become second nature which he fits into his busy life whenever he can, often parking in odd places between site visits to get a shot!

He's part of the trending self-taught "mobile phone photographers" and loves to find different views and compositions, away from the norm.

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ASO ROCK

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WATER TOWER

Muhammad lives in Abuja with his wife and three children and has recently taken up hiking due to his love of nature.

The new Eastern bypass, which leads to Nassarawa State, was recently opened when I took this photo. It was a unique view of Aso Rock for me, so I decided to come back on Sunday to appreciate it without all the bustling traffic.

I took this picture not knowing what the structure was; afterwards, someone took the time to educate me on it. It is supposed to be the first concrete structure in Northern Nigeria. It's a Water Tower built by the colonialists circa 1918 in the then Northern Nigeria region's capital, Kaduna.

The first thing the colonialists used to build was a water source. After that came Lugard Hall, the Prison and hospital in Marafa and some residential quarters for the British officers. This is a significant part of our History.

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BULLET BUILDING

Head of Service Office and Federal Secretariat in the heart of the Central Business District, just by Eagle Square.

It was a beautiful day, and I had just gone up to the 6th floor of the other Federal Secretariat building when I caught a glimpse of this, so I brought out my camera.

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POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Paul Odijie

My Travel Photography

P

aul Odijie is a passionate visual art storyteller with a strong desire to deliver world-class photography to his clients. He photographs mostly Landscapes, Corporate Events, Portraits, Documentary and Industrial photography.

With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, he started his path in photography while still in Junior Secondary School & has the advantage of learning photography in the days of film photography, which has given him an exceptional understanding of his craft.

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In 2011, he was recognized & awarded by the former Nigerian minister of defence, TY Danjuma for his photography.

In 2013, he was part of the selected photographers that were contracted to shoot the Lagos street-light project under the auspices of the Lagos state government, and some of the images were used to produce a fantastic book (Lagos: the city, the lights).

In April 2015, he became an assistant photographer and a protégé to one of the greatest African photographers (George Osodi) In August 2015, one of his photographs won the NIKON NIGERIA’S FIRST CHOICE award and prize in the I AM ALIVE photo-competition out of over 1,000 entries from other photographers.

As the foremost Nikon School Instructor in Lagos, he is highly recommended to facilitate both group and one-on-one photography training because of his unique ability to teach and help others easily understand difficult photography subjects and techniques.

You can find more about him and see his works on his website: www.paulodijiephotography.com. www.instagram.com/paulodijie | www.facebook.com/paulodijie1

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CITY GATE, ABUJA BONNY ISLAND, RIVERS STATE

The Bonny Island is at the southern edge of Rivers State in the Niger Delta near Port Harcourt. Ferries are the main form of transport to and from the Island. Located at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean facing the Bight of Bonny sits the Island of Bonny. This serene community has several historical and economic symbolism for Nigeria. Bonny Island was the melting point of economic activities right from the 15th century, with the arrival of the Portuguese on the Island, at which time the Island Kingdom established good relations with the Portuguese such that it sent its first Ambassador.

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RIVER NIGER BRIDGE, ONITSHA, ANAMBRA STATE

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ELIZADE GOLF COURSE, ILARA MOKIN, ONDO STATE

The River Niger Bridge in Onitsha (also known as the Onitsha Bridge), in the Anambra State of Nigeria, connects southeastern Nigeria with western Nigeria over the River Niger. It also links to Asaba in Delta State, Nigeria. The river Niger bridge in Onitsha is so famous because it connects Southeast Nigeria to Southwest Nigeria.

The greenery at this resort is particularly breathtaking in the morning, against the backdrop of smoke that wafts in the air just after dawn. The golf course has been carved out carefully of 140 acres of the surrounding jungle and rolling hills which emit smoke early in the morning, the phenomenon from which the resort derives its name. The construction of the course is to championship standard, with state of the art features and materials, including a driving range and short-game practice area. www.cometonigeria.com

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POST CARD

POSTCARDS Travel images from Nigeria

1 Kalada Briggs

My Travel Photography

K

alada is a multidisciplinary serial entrepreneur who is passionate about Aerial photography and storytelling. He specialises in landscape pictures and documentary pictures.

He is the CEO of PIXPECTIV AFRICA that create VISUAL AND VIDEO content across the Southern part of Nigeria.

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Extra Mile Go the extra mile, it is never crowded. We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. Kalada attended the Rivers State University of Science and Technology where he graduated with a BSc Degree in Agriculture specialising on Crop Science in 2012, a tech freak lover of Gadgets, and also a UI/UX designer.

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His work has been featured on CNN, Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce magazine and lots of local blogs spot online. He also prints his photos on canvas frames.

Kalada has travelled to more than 10 states in Nigeria. And also, to over 50 remote villages in the country and documented all of them in pictures.

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The Light

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The Market in Colours

Kalada’s vision is to change the narrative of the southern part of Nigeria, especially The Niger Delta, to show how beautiful that part of the country is.

He aims to enable one out of every two homes of Nigerians and most especially the Niger Delta people overseas to have a beautiful canvas print of the region.

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Adventure When you least expect it, the great adventure finds you.

The light within you can light up the world… Give light and people will find the way

Colours bring beauty to the world.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

UPDATES/NEWS

Travel & Tourism

8.4million passengers passed through Nigerian airports in Q1, Q2 2019

T Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Announces Visa On Arrival for All Africans

T

he year 2020 will start on a high note for African travellers with Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari announcing visas on arrival for all Africans coming to Nigeria.

West African States (ECOWAS) passport could come into Nigeria without the need for visas. Citizens of a few other countries with which Nigeria had agreements could come into the country and obtain a permit on arrival.

President Buhari announced visa on arrival for all Africans while attending the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa, taking place in Egypt. They are yet to reveal the finer details of the new policy. The announcement, though well-received, raises questions about whether the president would follow through with immigration changing its policies.

President Buhari who ordered the closure of Nigeria’s borders with her neighbours, Benin Republic and the Niger Republic has come under criticism for the border closure, which many views as retrogressive.

The shutdown was also criticised as a threat to the signed economic pact African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).

President Buhari’s order to close the Nigerian border to prevent smuggling of goods, and his announcement of visa arrival for all Africans, on the other hand, is a contradiction that shows Nigeria’s policy inconsistencies.

The decision by Nigeria to offer visas on arrival for all Africans has been hailed 20

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across the continent considering it is often cumbersome for African nationals to obtain permits to visit other countries across the continent. Countries such as Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda are among the few which grant visa on arrival to all Africans.

Travelling in Africa remains a considerable challenge. Not just in regards to obtaining visas to other African countries but also in travel cost. Flying from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, for example, is cheaper than flying from Nigeria to Cameroon, a neighbouring nation.

President Buhari spoke during the opening session of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa on Wednesday (Dec. 11). He said, “As Africans, it is important to focus on the issues of conflict prevention and resolution.

Conflicts have devastating effects on our societies, and they militate against our progress. In this regard, the need to silence the guns cannot be overemphasised.”

Source: AllAfrica.com

he Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS says 8,487,698 passengers through Nigerian air space in Q1 and Q2 of 2019. In its quarterly Air Transportation Data report for Q1, Q2 2019 released on its website, the bureau said of the 8.4million passengers, 4,002,528 passed through the air space in the first quarter of 2019, a 3.87% year-on-year growth from the same quarter of 2018; and 4,485,170 in the second quarter of 2019, a year-on-year increase of 6.82% from the same quarter in 2018.

The report indicates that the first two quarters of 2019 saw the diverse performance in the various items that make up airport transportation in Nigeria. Consequently, it said there was 12.06% growth in passengers for Q2 2019 when compared to Q1 2019 numbers.

According to the NBS, total aircraft traffic within the period declined year-on-year for Q1 (-1.04%) & and increased for Q2 (2.60%), when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2018. It, however, pointed out that aircraft traffic in the first half of 2019, totalled 138,464, a 100.61% growth from total aircraft recorded in the same period last year. “The total number of passengers who passed through Nigerian airports reached 4,002,528 in the first quarter of 2019, a 3.87% year-on-year growth from the same quarter of 2018; and 4,485,170 in the second quarter of 2019, a year-on-year increase of 6.82% from the same quarter in 2018.

“Consequently, there was 12.06% growth in passengers for Q2 2019 when compared to Q1 2019 numbers. “Total aircraft traffic declined year-on-year for Q1 (-1.04%) & and increased for Q2 (2.60%) when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2018. In the first half of 2019, aircraft traffic totalled 138,464, a 100.61% growth from total aircraft recorded in the same period last year. “A year-on-year decline of -0.65% was recorded in Cargo movement in H1 2019 while there was a 26.39% increase in total mail traffic recorded in the first half of 2019 when compared to the same period last year.”

Source: Vanguard News, Nigeria.

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UNESCO Deputy Director-General, Mr Xing Qu, added, “The international community needs to seize the benefits of connecting culture and tourism as global forces that bring people together. UNESCO is pleased to be partnering with UNWTO in this venture as we look to deepen and widen our collaboration.”

FG To establish community museums as UNWTO/ UNESCO seek preservation of cultural identities

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he Federal Government has announced plans to develop community museums as part of efforts to ensure that local communities benefit from tourism.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the plan on Thursday at the ongoing 4th World UNWTO/ UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture in Kyoto, Japan.

“In Nigeria, we observed that tourists stay in big cities when they visit. They visit the museums in the towns where objects gotten from different parts, including the rural areas, are displayed, but they hardly go to the rural areas.

We are trying to establish community museums to encourage tourists to visit rural areas where money spent is quickly reflected in the local economy.

The Minister said this while serving as one of the panellists at the Ministerial Segment of the conference, dedicated to discussing and exchanging policies and government models that will impact the future of cultural tourism.

Alhaji Mohammed said the government would, in particular, encourage the establishment of palace museums.

“Parts of ancient residencies of traditional rulers and important chiefs are being turned to museums. Thus, we are not limiting museums to big cities.

Money spent by tourists while visiting these rustic places stays longer in these areas. Lamido Adamawa now has the Fombina Palace museum, just like the Emir of Potiskum has palace museum,” he said.

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He said the government, is supporting and promoting festivals and cultural tourism all over the country, through high-level representation, training of festival managers and the provision of enabling environment, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that local communities benefit from such events.

The Minister assured that he would soon unveil a national calendar of festivals to assist tourists, who are coming to Nigeria in planning their visits.

Alhaji Mohammed said that Nigeria has continued to leverage on the areas in which it enjoys a comparative advantage, citing music, movies, and fashion as some of such areas.

Meanwhile, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) Fourth World Conference on Culture and Tourism spotlights the added value of culture for destinations and focuses on the future sustainability of cultural tourism.

Responsible practices were at the forefront of the solutions put forward by leading experts in the field, such as including the local population at every level of cultural tourism development and using new technologies to sustainably manage visitor flows and the equal distribution of tourism benefits.

Kyoto’s Mayor, Mr Daisaku, presented the ‘Kyoto Model’ to representatives from over 50 countries across the world as a means of effectively striking the right balance between marketing cultural heritage and preserving it for future generations.

In close consultation with indigenous entrepreneurs, advocates and representatives, UNWTO also launched the UNWTO Recommendations on Sustainable Tourism Development during the conference.

The recommendations to guide developing sustainable and responsible operations to indigenous communities that want to open up to tourism development or improve the existing tourism experiences their communities offer.

Source The Guardian

At the Japan conference, delegates debated how to keep the appreciation of heritage and contemporary cultural expression at the heart of tourism for generations to come. Intercultural dialogue, local communities, and innovative measurement systems are at the core of the conference conclusions laid down in the Kyoto Declaration.

UNWTO Executive Director Manuel Butler said: “When managed responsibly cultural tourism can enrich the lives of both travellers and residents, promoting diversity and intercultural cometonigeria Fourth

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dialogue. The Kyoto Declaration will help us to ensure that our world’s rich heritage and diverse creativity are wonders that our children too will have the chance to discover for themselves.”

UPDATES/NEWS

Trade and Investment

The value of Nigeria’s trade has more than quadrupled during two decades of stable civilian government. In 2018 alone, the economy grew by US$21.1 billion - that’s more than the combined GDP of Rwanda and the Niger Republic. The cost of doing business in Nigeria is also competitive, in comparison to similar developing markets across the world.

Growth is accelerating as the government’s recent reforms, aimed at improving the business climate, take firmer hold. In the last three years, 140 such improvements have significantly streamlined many essential processes, from a 360% reduction in the time taken to file corporate income taxes to a 26% fall in the cost of registering a business and a 30% reduction in import documentation.

NIGERIA INVESTMENT GUIDE: THE FACTS THAT MATTER ABOUT NIGERIA

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here are many reasons why Nigeria remains a compelling consideration for any investor seeking to participate in the economic potential that the African continent represents.

Nigerians are entrepreneurial, hardworking and have a can-do spirit that translates to energetic optimism. The Nigerian economy, the largest on the continent, is powered by a private sector which regularly innovates to meet the growing needs of the broad domestic market. The increasingly sophisticated needs of Nigerian consumers in the retail, entertainment and service sectors are as likely to be served by innovative and ambitious small and medium companies, as by great local and global brands.

Then there is the scale and demographic structure of its 196 million population, which is estimated to become the world’s third-largest by 2050. With a median age under 19, Nigeria has a large population of tech-savvy, hardworking, optimistic and mobile youth.

About 90% of the population is under 50, assuring a large, English-speaking talent pool for many years into the future.

Nigeria also has abundant natural resources. The country is ranked as one of the world’s top 10 for proven oil and gas reserves and is wealthy 22

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in minerals such as tin and iron ore.

Nigeria is also home to some of Africa’s most productive agricultural land. The agrarian zones, stretch from the tropical savanna in the north to the coastal rainforest in the south, the mangrove of the Niger Delta complemented by tropical and semi-temperate weather prevalent across the country, support the cultivation of a wide variety of agricultural produce from exotic fruits, vegetables and tree crops to root crops. Just as important, many of its current economic growth drivers are unashamedly 21st Century, including telecoms and financial services, media and manufacturing.

It strategically located, just one hour ahead of GMT and within easy trading distance of Africa’s most significant business centres, from Cairo to Johannesburg, Addis Ababa to Casablanca. Its land borders with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger make it a natural hub for the West African region. And its trading infrastructure is strong and resilient, with four international airports, three significant seaports and fast-improving road and rail networks.

Although the above factors all combine to make Nigeria an essential component of any pan-African strategy, the country’s growing economic success is about much more than population, geology and geography.

These changes are reflected in how Nigeria is perceived externally. It is rising rapidly up the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ league table, moving 36 places since 2016 to rank in the world’s top 70 countries by 2023.

The government’s commitment to improving the business climate and institutionalising its broadbased reform efforts are essential for meeting this ambition. And is supported by generous incentives and investor protections, improving the attraction for anybody aiming to realise the opportunities offered by doing business in Nigeria.

This Nigerian Investment Guide has been created to help you understand these opportunities and find out about the organisations, processes and services in place to help you make the most of them. It is a highlevel introductory overview, but if you need more detailed guidance on specific industries or market sectors, further resources are available at www.nipc.gov.ng, the website of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the government agency mandated to encourage, promote and coordinate investments in Nigeria. I hope you find this guide informative and useful.

I hope it gives you the insights you need into the prospects of doing business in one of the world’s most exciting developing economies.

Source: prochareng.com

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UPDATES/NEWS

Nigeria Unveils $732 Million Broadband Project to Boost the Economy.

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igeria plans to invest 265 billion nairas, ($732 million) in broadband infrastructure over the next four years as the government sets its sights on nationwide coverage and to boost the economy recovering from a 2016 contraction.

The government will provide 65 billion nairas for the project and six private infrastructure companies the balance under a public-private partnership, according to Umar Danbatta, the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The government of Africa’s biggest producer of crude oil wants to increase connectivity for the nation’s almost 200 million people as part of a drive to boost business and help diversify the economy away from the commodity.

The West African nation plans to roll out an additional 30,000 kilometres (19,000 miles) of fibre across its 774 local governments, taking the total to 71,000 kilometres by 2024, Danbatta said in a telephone interview from the nation’s capital, Abuja. The penetration rate could rise to 65% from 38%, he said.

The commission plans to start the project this year after obtaining government approval.

Danbatta said. “There will be data everywhere in the country, and it will be cheap.”

Source: Businessday.ng

Dangote to Generate $30bn Annual Revenue by 2022.

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liko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has said his group of companies will generate a total sum of $30 billion in annual turnover by 2022.

The billionaire based his estimation on Dangote Refinery Ltd scheduled to commence operation soon. According to Dangote, the over $12 billion projects will enhance the company’s turnover in two years and strengthen its capital base.

Presently, the group annual revenue stood at $4 billion mainly from Cement, Flour and Sugar units of the company.

Dangote, while responding to questions from reporters, lauded government’s efforts at diversifying the economy.

He said: “We have massive arable land, we have water; we have the right climate; so, the population growth does not make me nervous. So, I think the federal government is doing very well by focusing more on the agricultural sector. We just have to tilt towards agriculture and manufacturing as against our oil-reliant economy.”

“Sixty per cent of the government revenue is coming from oil, but the government is doing quite a lot to diversify the economy by trying to restructure the tax system because we need to make more money from taxes.

As it is now, the taxes generation in Nigeria is a bit low, but the government is on the right track with these innovations.”

Source: investorsking.com

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HOT ISSUE

Nigeria is a beautiful country that is endowed with breath-taking attractions

by Ayotunde Olojede

“

“...the mention of Nigeria, you automatically have specific images in your mind. ‘cause stories are compelling, have a definitive impact on brand identity.”

“

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ver time, experts have shown the importance of branding as a magical tool. There is virtually no problem that cannot be solved through the proper branding of an organisation, a place, or people. Stories are critical in expressing brand identity, and a brand’s culture and values are essential in telling great stories. Just like a building, the most crucial part of any brand is the foundation, which is the culture upon which the brand is built.

Today, at the mention of Nigeria, you automatically have specific images in your mind. This is because stories are compelling, and they have a definitive impact on brand identity. The Nigerian Identity is going through a rebirth, an inward reflection. www.cometonigeria.com

HOT ISSUE

Over the years, countries have sold their history and culture and generated hugely from tourism. The world is a community of nations with different personalities, capabilities, and unique identities. Nigeria is a vast country with a rich history, and there is a diversity of cultures, each adding a unique vibe to the whole.

Nigeria is a beautiful country that is endowed with breath-taking attractions. There is a lot to see in the country, generational experiences around natural attractions, as well as the thrills of city life. With the confluence of language, culture, and beautiful people, unique experiences are born.

There is no way that one can talk about Nigeria without talking about Nigerians. We are the most unique set of people on the face of the earth. Rumour has it that Nigerians can adapt to any conditions and thrive from www.cometonigeria.com

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it. (If you throw lemons at a Nigerian, you may have provided raw materials for cold lemonade.

Look at Nigeria today, and you would see an evolution of art and expression, fuelled by passion and the will to prosper. The power of each individual can be collectively harnessed to strengthen the whole. We need to understand that love for the country should transcend all dividing lines. As a matter of fact, we need to blur these dividing lines, whether they are political, social, cultural, or religious.

This is the only way to step into that spot as the true giants of Africa. The Nigerian brand has fantastic potential, which largely depends on our dissatisfaction with the status quo.

We need to let sentiments slide while we collectively seek to be better.

There is a new generation of Nigerians that work tirelessly to amplify the fantastic things that the country has to offer. We tell stories of our cultural heritage and rich history through expressions in fashion, music, poetry, dance, painting, movies, sculpture, and architecture, to name a few. These festivals and celebrations have been passed down from several generations. Some numerous festivals include; The Olojo festival, The Calabar carnival, Eyo festival, Osun festival, the New Yam festival, the Argungun festival, the Lagos Carnival,

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LEAD ISSUE STORY HOT

the Ofala festival, The Durbar, and Felabration, are just some of the few cultural gatherings that unite us. These events redefine colour, glamour, and the beauty of the diverse ethnic groups in the country.

Nigeria is blessed with geniuses from all walks of life, each displaying what it means to possess the spirit of the Nigerian. This shows that the Nigerian brand has excellent potentials, if and only if, we can collectively actualise it. The greatness of the country is in its people, coming together to make things work.

To actualise the potential of the Nigerian brand, we need to hold ourselves accountable. We need to speak up when things are done wrongly and uphold the right values.

The future of the country is going to be a consequence of our actions (or inactions).

There is a new generation of Nigerians who reflect upon our rich history. This generation is not one that is bound by age, social class, sex, religion, political differences, or educational background. This generation is united in its belief and readiness to act right and change the narrative about our dear nation. The new generation of Nigerians is continually reflecting on our heritage and telling true Nigerian stories, one day at a time.

Nigeria is much more than a place; it is a feeling. This feeling should arouse a conscious reawakening in every Nigerian on the face of the earth. There is a need to reflect on the country’s heritage and rebuild the Nigerian brand for the coming generations.

Therefore, Arise O compatriots! It is up to us to improve the image of our dear country. The future is now and collectively; our voices will be heard. Raise your voice, whether it is a pen, a camera, a platform, an office, a skill, or an actual view. Let us ‘speak Let us ‘speak’ and show the world the unfiltered, beautiful image of Nigeria and Nigerians.

I am Nigeria, and you are Nigerian. So wear it proudly and tell it loudly.

Know your roots and speak your truth.

Peace and Love!

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Nigeria

EXPORTABLE COMODITIES Zero Oil Agenda

-By Gloria Tracey Jesse 28

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Exports of commodities (Oil and natural gas) are the main factor behind Nigeria’s growth, that accounts for more than 91% of total exports. In 2014, Europe countries and Asia were the country’s leading trade partners. The 43% of total sales to the European Union with 34% of imports in total; while 29% of complete shipment accounted went to Asia, which is 43% of total purchases.

Nigeria enjoys a positive annual trade balance of $8.26 billion after deducting imports of $39.5 billion from its export total of $47.8 billion.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria shipped US$52.9 billion worth of goods around the globe in 2018. That dollar amount reflects a -46.7% drop since 2014 but a 29.9% uptick from 2017 to 2018.

However, the value of its exports has fallen sharply over the last five years, falling from $88.9 billion to $47 billion at an annualised rate of -11.9%. The GDP of Nigeria is $481 billion, which equates to a GDP per capita of $6,000.

Nigeria’s Top Five Commodity Exports: Commodity Amount (Annually) Crude Petroleum $36.9 billion Gas $7.39 billion Refined Petroleum $603million Cocoa Beans $504 million Rough Wood $333 million Nigeria’s Other Notable Exports Are: Scrap Copper – $133 million Tanned Goat Hides – $106million Cocoa Butter – $76.1 million Rolled Tobacco – $65.1 million Rubber – $57.1 million.

The top exports destinations of Nigeria’s products are India ($9.1 billion), Spain ($4.63 billion), South Africa ($4.58 billion), Brazil ($4.14 billion) and the Netherlands ($3.37 billion).

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The latest available country-specific data for 2018 shows that importers bought 77.8 % of products exported from Nigeria in India (15.9% of the global total), Netherlands (10.7%), Spain (10.1%), France (7.9%), South Africa (6.4%), United States (6.1%), Indonesia (4.2%), Sweden (3.8%), United Kingdom (3.6%), Brazil (3.2%), Italy (3%) and Canada (2.8%).

From a continental perspective, approaching one half (43.9%) of Nigerian exports was sent to European countries while 27.7% worth went sent to Asia. Another 13.2% to North America, 9.2% went to Africa, 4.9% arrived in Latin America excluding Mexico but including the Caribbean, with 0.4% shipped to Oceania (0.4%) led

by Australia.

In September 2019, nevertheless, Nigeria’s trade surplus widened sharply to NGN 1079 billion from NGN 772 billion in the same month of the previous year. It was the most comprehensive trade surplus since August 2014, as exports climbed 26.5 per cent to NGN 2,219 billion, boosted by manufactured products (3041 per cent).

Shipments, however, fell for crude oil (-13.9 per cent); raw materials (-43.1%) and solid minerals (-73.6%) and energy goods (-56.6%).

Imports advanced at a softer 16.1% to NGN 1,140 billion, mainly driven by purchases of machinery & transport equipment (111.9%); food & live animals (32 per cent); chemicals (61.5 per cent) and manufactured goods (7.4 per cent). From 1981 until 2019, Balance of Trade in Nigeria averaged 207010.69 NGN Millions, reaching an all-time high in October of 2011 of 2177553.08 NGN Millions and a record low of -622103.84 NGN Millions in August of 2018.

It is a fact that most often exported Nigerian product is Oil. But now, due to the crash of oil prices, the exportation of this “black gold” becomes less and less attractive. For this reason, a lot of people involved in export try to find some new ways and new products to export. According to statistics, the most popular non-oil products, which, Nigeria exported are cassava, cocoa, rubber, wool, cotton, palm oil, wood logs (Iroko or Mahogany) groundnut oil, cashew, garlic, as well as others. Nigeria mainly exports goods to Europe and Asia. Total profit is estimated to be about N682.5 billion.

Therefore, the Nigerian government recently announced that in future they want to focus more on agricultural products export because the prices on oil export decreased, and there is an increasing demand for non-oil products export. “Nigerian Export Promotion Council”, is a unique governmental body, launched by the Nigerian government; the council works to encourage Nigerian industrialists,

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ountries that trade with other parts of the world always excel tremendously in tourism. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is the 49th largest West African export economy in the world. Nigeria surrounded by countries like Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger, are making them the first point of call when it comes to trade and opportunities.

LEAD STORY

businessmen, and agriculturalists to export more non-oil products.

So that the government can increase the export index, fight the unemployment issue, and stabilise Nigeria’s economy.

However, before the discovery of oil in Nigeria, the economy depended on the exportation of agricultural commodities. The oil sector in 1969 accounted for less than 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and a modest US$370 million in exports (42% of total exports) and the agricultural sector generated more than half of GDP. But the oil sector, by 1980, had come to account for nearly 30 per cent of GDP, and oil exports totalled US$25 billion (96 per cent of total exports) according to NCEMA (The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority), 2008.

No doubt, the discovery of Oil gave Nigeria new opportunities to expand the economy. As more revenues flowed from the production of Oil, Nigeria began the importation of raw materials from other countries, thus improving trade with the rest of the world. The revenue derived led to the growth of the industrial sector, which hitherto was characterised by inactivity due to low demand for “made in Nigeria goods”. The oil boom of the Seventies led to importing substitution industrialisation and the establishment of new firms.

Hence; Nigerian economy since the 1970s has been a monoeconomy relying heavily on Oil as its primary source of foreign exchange earnings. The implication is that the economic dynamics of the country depends solely on the price of Oil, which, has been volatile. The oxygen that keeps Nigeria alive in Oil. At least statistics made available by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) supports this claim. Data from both government institutions shows that the oil and gas sector, which currently accounts for less than 10 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), contributes about 70% of government revenues and over 90% of export revenues.

The adverse consequences of over-dependency on oil trade heightened the need and call to diversify Nigerian economy away from Oil and towards the direction of non-oil export trade. It definitely will have high potentials to propel the Nigerian economy to the desired growth and development by implementing the value chain approach to agriculture with the possibilities to open up the economy and generate various activities. Such, are capable of creating jobs and enhancing industrialisation and thus make the non-oil sub-sector to hold access for future Nigerian sustainable high economic growth and development.

Going by the decline in oil price in recent years, the Nigerian economy seeks to diversify sources of revenue away from Oil. Therefore, the need to generate adequate revenue from other sources like non-oil export has become a matter of extreme urgency and importance. These further emphasise the need to diversify the Nigerian economy from its dependence on Oil through the promotion of non-oil exports as a significant source of foreign exchange earnings.

Furthermore, the role of non-oil exports can be more productive by enhancing export assistance and incentive programmes aimed at assisting exporters in expanding their volume and value of nonoil exports and thereby encourage a meaningful diversification of the economy.

All over the world, every country strives to achieve high economic growth and development, depending on the policies and strategies put in place.

It is a fact that the economic development of any nation has some strong relationship with the export performance of the country.

Thus, countries that adopt robust export policies can move their economies to a higher level of economic growth and development.

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As a result of the ripple effects of the fall in oil price in 2015 was that the Nigerian economy slipped into recession in 2016, recording five consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth before recovering in the second quarter of 2017, following improvements in international oil price and increased availability of foreign exchange in the country.

He further states that “besides revenue volatility, the Dutch disease phenomenon is also associated with the oil sector, often manifesting in Naira exchange rate appreciation, which makes other products less competitive in the export market. I am sure that many of our farmers would bear testimony to the positive impact on the agricultural produce of the collapse of oil price in 2014-2015.

More significantly is the fact that the oil sector is an enclave that relied mostly on capital-intensive technology. The industry requires less employable opportunities, which makes the industry incapable of generating enough jobs that could address the growing challenge of unemployment in Nigeria, particularly amongst our youth.

Hence; he called on the government to adequately move away from the dependence on oil by diversifying the economy to ensure sustainable growth and development.

Most countries today are involved in the trade to gain from benefits that arise from the agreement that improves the balance of payment position, create employment and development of export-oriented industries in the manufacturing sector and enhance government revenue through taxes, levies and tariffs.

Trade is not only to acquire foreign exchange reserves. But the benefits will eventually transform into better living condition for the nationals of the exporting economy since foreign exchange derived would contribute to meeting their needs for some essential goods and services.

According to Mr Abubakar Abba Bello, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), at the 2019 Annual Conference of the Financial Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) held on the 29th of September, 2019.

The NEXIM Bank boss delivered a keynote address he titled, ‘Unlocking Opportunities in Nigeria’s Non-oil Export Sector’, he stated that with the collapse of the global oil price in 2015, the supply glut and weak economic growth primarily caused the nation’s economy to be impacted negatively in these three significant circumstances; *Lower government revenues with attendant budgetary pressures at all tiers of government.

At the moment, Nigeria’s non-oil exports sector, which comprises mainly of agricultural commodities and solid minerals, constitutes 97% of Nigeria’s exports. Crops like cotton, cocoa, palm oil, palm kernel, groundnut, and rubber were significant commodities for exports. However, between 1970 and 1974, non-oil exports dropped from 43% to 7% due to a rapid increase in the international oil price and Nigeria’s production. The circumstances led to the movement of resources out of the non-oil sector, contributing to its abandonment and lack of investments in the other export sectors, particularly value-added export. Nigeria observed the loss of more than $10 billion export opportunities in crops like cocoa, oil palm, cotton and groundnut alone.

Despite the corrective measures over the years, the imbalance in the nation’s export trade has persisted with the non-oil sector now accounting for just about 5%-7% of Nigeria’s exports by value.

As enumerated above, currently the sector is characterised by a systemic drop in the contribution of total exports to GDP and figures from 2014 to 2017 have been below the global average of exports to GDP of about 30%, according to World Bank data.

Other challenges of the sector are: 1. Few destinations for export, with the dominance of a few numbers of agro-allied commodities such as cocoa, rubber, leather, shrimps/ fish, sesame, cashew, and cotton, which account for over 60% of non-oil exports.

2. Minor contribution of the other agricultural sub-sectors like shea butter, ginger, cassava, yam, sweet potato, cowpeas and pineapple to export revenues. However, Nigeria remains one of the highest producers of these commodities, according to data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

3. Low export performance of the mining sector, which contributes less than 3% of total non-oil exports and one per cent of GDP annually, even though Nigeria has over 34 solid minerals in commercial quantities.

4. The inability of Nigeria to develop a significant footprint in services export, despite the dominance of services in the GDP.

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*Decline in export revenue, fell from $97.82 billion in 2013 to $82.95 billion in 2014 / $46.11 billion in 2015 and $34.70 billion in 2016 before recovering to $63.09 billion in 2018. *Destabilisation of macro-economic variables, naira exchange rate devaluation, rising inflation and high-interest rates.

LEAD STORY The NEXIM Bank boss, Mr Bello, also identified inadequate funding from financial institutions, high cost of operations, quality standards, logistics issues and policy constraints on the part of the government as other substantial challenges bedevilling the non-oil sector.

Therefore, Nigeria has recorded a significant rise in its non-oil export, with agricultural goods increasing the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported that Nigeria recorded an export rise of 73.5 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019 compared to the same quarter the previous year.

Experts have attributed the rise to the diversification efforts of the Federal Government, with particular emphasis on non-oil exports.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo, said he is pleased with the positive trade balance recorded in the second quarter of 2017, which is as a result of the growth in exports.

Awolowo said cashew nuts alone earned Nigeria N13.5 billion, primarily exported to Vietnam, India and Kazakhstan, while sesame earned N7.02 billion, exported mainly to Japan, India and Turkey.

laid out in the ‘Zero Oil Agenda’ which is central in the Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (NERGP). “As observed from the report, there are remarkable increases in volumes and value in other sectors signifying efforts at diversifying the economy through a deliberate plan. Hence, raw materials, agriculture, solid minerals and manufactured goods are witnessing Year-on-Year growth,” he said. Businesses in the non-oil sector have benefited from the Federal Government’s initiatives and efforts. For instance, Trade Promotion and Facilitation activities of NEPC over the last three years working in partnership with USAID NEXTT and the cashew sector opened up a new market for cashew with Vietnam. Mr Awolowo stated that the ending of the suspension of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and the re-activation of the Export Development Fund (EDF), will further stimulate the growth of the non-oil export sector, thereby increasing the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP. The current Head of Department of Banking and Finance, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, told Daily Trust recently that, the solid minerals and agriculture sectors of the economy can contribute

Frozen shrimps and prawns earned over N2.83 billion, exported mainly to the Netherlands, Belgium, and the USA while flour and meals of soya bean made N2.31 billion, exported mostly to Ghana, Senegal and Spain. Ginger earned N633 million, exported mainly to Vietnam, Morocco and Sudan. In contrast, manufactured goods such as cigarettes containing Tobacco exported to Ivory Coast, Niger and Ghana contributed significantly to the surplus trade balance.

Other manufactured goods that showed good export outcome were Cocoa beans and its derivatives to several countries; cement exported to Niger and Chad Republics. He said although Oil continues to dominate exports with crude accounting for 42.57% and other oil products 21.86%, the outlook of the economy is beyond Oil as clearly 32

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LEAD STORY in a large proportion to boosting Nigeria’s economy and serving as an alternative to oil products. Dr Uche Uwaleke explained that the second quarter of 2017 report on trade goods as released by the NBS recently suggest that crude Oil is still heavily relied upon as the major export and source of income to the country. “The composition of exports, in which crude oil has a disproportionate share, is still indicative of an economy that is dependent on a single product which is oil,” he said. Furthermore, he mentioned that agricultural products like ginger, soya beans, flour and meals have been generating a considerable amount of money for the country.

There is, therefore, a need for these products to be judged in largescale production through funding and providing loans to farmers that can produce them in large proportion.

He further explained that developing the mineral sector could be designed to help serve as an alternative for Oil. Exportable minerals like sapphire, granite, marble, lead-zinc, coal, iron-ore among others sold to some parts of the world are not in large quantities. Still, it is crucial to expand and develop the mining sector to full capacity for a more profitable export base. He added that now that the country is out of recession, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has a positive of just 0.55 per cent and is driven basically by the oil sector which makes the economy still unbalanced. He said when we put in together, critical factors like agriculture and solid minerals, they will help contribute significantly to inclusive growth, which is essential to achieve sustained prosperity.

One of America’s respected, investigative journalists, Sam Hill, wrote a profound, well-researched article, to assure Nigerians that Nigeria is a great superpower being seeing in the international community as the ‘Black China of the world in the 21st century,’ beyond the shores of Africa.

In the articulated piece, Sam did not mince words as he demonstrates a more in-depth knowledge of all factors needed by the Nigerian economy to attain the enviable status in the comity of nations. Not wanting to depend on hearsay, the reporter was on the ground in Kano, and he compared, one of the busiest, most cosmopolitan city in West Africa with New York City in the United States of America.

In a flowery article, he argues that a thousand years ago, Kano was one of the wealthiest cities in the world, the terminus of the crossSaharan trade that brought salt to exchange for slaves, gold and ivory. The palace has 5-foot thick walls, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, stone pathways and ornamental mosaic domes.

All these further confirms that Nigeria is capable of developing trade that will bring more people of the world and increase the earning potentials of the country.

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ADVENTURES

DESTINATION

LEAD STORY

Destination This Quater

Badagry T he coastal town of Badagry is one of the local government areas in Lagos State. From Lagos city to the Benin Republic, Badagry is situated closer to Seme border. Badagry municipality had a population of 241,093 as evidence by 2006 census results.

In the history of the links between Nigeria, Europe and the Americas, the town plays a significant role. During the centuries of the slave trade, it was a major slave outpost and market. Today, the city is a thriving tourist destination. Badagry continues to attract people of African descent from different part of the world that want to experience and learn more about the slave trade history.

Badagry is by the Lagoon and was founded in the 15th Century

by Agbedeh a famous farmer. Badagry name evolved from "Ogu" language, Agbedegreme (which means Agbedeh's farm) to Agbedagari and Agbedagari to Badagry by Yoruba settlers and European slave traders respectively.

Because, Badagry is a few kilometres from Seme, a Republic of Benin border town, till date, officially the town generates the highest Nigeria Customs duties income. Before the slave trade, it was a place of subsistence farming and fishing, due to its proximity to the ocean.

If fishing and accessibility to the sea was a blessing, it was also a curse. Badagry was the critical port for the export of African slaves to the Americas. Till date, there is a museum in the building of the first Christian mission that showcases the manacles and other relics of the slave trade.

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THE FACT THAT WILL MAKE YOU VISIT BADAGRY:

Many Firsts

Reverend Henry Townsend built Nigeria's first storey Building in Badagry in 1845. The building was later occupied by Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a slave returnee, the first African C.M.S Bishop that translated the Holy Bible to Yoruba.

Badagry top the lists of many "firsts" in Nigeria's colonial history.

It was annexed by the British and incorporated into the Lagos colony in 1863 and later became one with Nigeria in 1901. The first primary school, St Thomas Primary School, was established in 1845.

The Agia Tree Where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria by Rev. Birch Freeman of Methodist Church. The locals believe that it is a place for saying answered prayers.

The people of Badagry comprises of the Aworis, Egun, Yoruba and Ogu who are known for their hospitality and famous snack, Ajogun, made from cassava, and best enjoyed with coconut water.

Badagry Black Heritage Museum Housed in the former district officer's office building constructed in 1863.

Badagry Black Heritage Museum preserves artefacts and records from the slave route that once ran through Badagry. It is funded by the Nigerian Cultural Commission. The collections of objects and historical relics it houses chronicle more than 300 years of the movement of slaves through Lagos.

In the early 1500s, slaves were transported from West Africa www.cometonigeria.com

DESTINATION LEAD STORY

Rev. Henry Townsend

Bishop Ajayi Crother

First Story Building

through Badagry to the Americas. Furthermore, it is reported that Badagry exported no fewer than 550,000 African slaves to America around the time of American Independence in 1787.

Journey through the past As you journey through the museum's nine galleries, you'll be confronted with sobering reminders of this barbaric industry like trade documents, dated shackles, sketches, photos, sculptures and other salvaged historical records that documented the city's dark past.

In addition to the Heritage Museum, the entire town itself is a living history museum. From the 1502 open market where slaves were auctioned off to makeshift Barracoon cells, which were used to keep slaves to the final exit routes used in the 17th and 18th centuries to transfer slaves to the Point of No Return at the tip of the peninsula.

Gberefun Island Also known as Point of No Return, is made up of ten communities and headed by a chief. The Ilajes and Eguns form the two significant tribes, among others, most of whom are farmers and fishermen.

The Black Heritage Museum performs an incredibly important function, in reminding visitors of the history segment of the past.

It is also proof of the resilience of the region. Visiting the museum allows tourists to see a bleak history and learn more about Badagry place in Black History.

Where to stay: Whispering Palms Hotel & Resort Ajido Road, Aradagun Bus Stop, Off Lagos Badagry Express Way, Iworo Badagry, Nigeria•+234 703 798 6284 The hotel is surrounded by greenery along the Yewa River, this down-to-earth resort is 19 km from the Badagry Slave Museum and 86 km from Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Farms Embassy Suites Situated on Lagos - Badagry Express Way, Badagry and as well as many other budget hotels.

Other things you can do: Walk the sandy beaches of Badagry.

Enjoy Whispering Palms beach resort.

Search for Package Tours to Badagry

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FAMOUS FIRST FEATURE

Famous First in Nigeria

Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo,

GCFR

WAS A LAWYER, POLITICIAN, AN ENTREPRENEUR, NIGERIAN NATIONALIST AND STATESMAN WHO PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT, THE FIRST AND SECOND REPUBLICS AND THE CIVIL WAR.

HIS BEGINNING

C

hief Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6th,1909 in Ikenne, in the present-day Ogun State of Nigeria. His father, a farmer and sawyer, died when he was about seven years old. Chief Awolowo started his career, as a nationalist in the Nigerian Youth Movement in which he rose to become Western Provincial Secretary. It was him that brought a large amount of the enlightened social legislation that has helped made Nigeria a prevailing nation. Awo was the first Leader of Government Business, and a Minister of Local Government and Finance. He became the first 36

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Western Region Premier, during the Nigeria’s parliamentary system, of 1952 to 1959 and also the official Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament from 1959 to 1963 during the time of Balewa government.

Awolowo was also the first in the modern era to be named Leader of the Yorubas. The Asiwaju Awon Yoruba or Asiwaju Omo Oodua.

After his education at Wesley College, Ibadan in 1927, he enrolled at the University of London as an External Student and later graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.). In 1944, Awolowo went to the UK to study law at the University of London, and on 19 www.cometonigeria.com

Awolowo remains perhaps Nigeria’s most controversial politician. He helped the Western Region to attained in 1960 first home rule for his people that he secured in 1957. He was admired for his significant role in saving the federation in the Civil War of 1967 and for his welfarist and dynamic leadership. In particular, he pioneered the free primary education, free health care programmes and the Oduduwa Group, all of which were financed from the lucrative cocoa industry which was the mainstay of the regional economy. He implemented the first minimum-wage policy by a Nigerian government at any level and he also established the first television station in Africa as well as The University of Ibadan. the first Nigerian university whose creation was not even recommended by the Federal Government of the day.

HIS LEGACY Awolowo is credited with devising the name “naira” for the Nigerian standard monetary unit and helped to finance the Civil War and preserve the federation without borrowing. Chief Awolowo built the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, the first of its kind in Africa; established the WNTV, the first television station in Africa; erected the first skyscraper in tropical Africa: the Cocoa House (still the tallest in Ibadan) and ran a widely-respected civil service in the Western Region.

November 1946, was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune in 1949, and it still remains the oldest surviving private Nigerian newspaper till date. He used the newspaper to spread nationalist consciousness within the country.

HIS CAREER, LIFE, REPUTATION AND HEROIC WORKS

Earlier, in London, in 1947, Chief Awolowo formed the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, an association dedicated to preserve the advancement of Yoruba culture in the new world conditions. After that, in 1951, he went on to found the Action Group. And the party, alone among the major political parties, demanded immediate Nigeria independence from the British on the basis of federalism. Awo led the Action Group (also the first Nigerian political party to write and present a proper election manifesto) to victory in the Western Regional elections of 1951.

He became Minister for Local Government and Finance as well as Leader of Government Business, ultimately becoming the first premier of the Region

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Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah was reputedly one of his admirers and some of his followers in the South-West have continued till date to use his name and the policies of his party, the Action Group, during campaigns. In contrast, his welfarist theories have influenced politicians in most of the other geopolitical zones of the nation.

The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation was founded as a non-profit, an independent, non-partisan organisation in 1992. It was committed to furthering the symbiotic interaction of public policy and relevant scholarship to promote the overall development of the Nigerian nation.

The Foundation was launched by former President, General Ibrahim Babangida, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. However, his most essential legacies are his exemplary integrity, his welfarism, his contributions to hastening the process of decolonisation and his consistent and reasoned advocacy of federalism-based on ethnolinguistic self-determination and uniting politically potent states to be the best basis for Nigerian unity. Chief Awolowo died peacefully at his Ikenne home, the Efunyela Hall, on 9 May

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FAMOUS FIRST FEATURE

when it was elevated to a federating unit in 1954.

He was the official Leader of the Opposition to the Balewa Government from 1959 to 1963 after he had left the Western Region to contest elections to the prime ministership of Nigeria at the centre. He was chosen by the Yoruba elite as their political Leader or, formally, Leader of the Yorubas, during the peak goodwill period following his release from imprisonment for about three years on the charge of plotting to overthrow the national government. He was appointed Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council in the Federal Military Government of General Gowon during the Civil War. Chief Awolowo was the leader and presidential candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria, that contested the elections of 1979 and 1983. He retired from politics after millitary came into power and terminated the Second Republic in 1983.

FAMOUS FIRST FEATURE

1987, at the age of 78, amid tributes across political and ethnoreligious divides.

HIS ACHIEVEMENTS SUMMARY: Chief Awolowo’s greatest achievements resulted from the foresight, clear sense of direction and sheer competence that he brought into government.

At the beginning of his career in government, Chief Awolowo quickly reformed the Local Government system of the Western Region and took revolutionary steps to Nigerianise and improve the Western Nigeria Civil Service. An excellent accessor of men’s qualities, that enabled him to put together a very efficient team of ministers. Having taken those steps, he was set to achieve within 5 years a string of “Firsts” in the history of Africa.

Between 1954 and 1959, his government evolved, and was served by, the most efficient Civil Service in Black Africa; introduced and successfully implemented the first Free Primary Education programme in Africa; ·introduced and successfully managed the first Free Medical Service programme in Nigeria – for children up to the age of 18; established the first Television Station in Africa;· built the Liberty Stadium, the first such modem sports facility in Nigeria;· introduced and successfully implemented the first minimum wage policy in Nigeria and actually paid to Western Nigerians from October 1954 a minimum wage that was double the amount other workers of the same level in some other parts of Nigeria are paid; · set up Nigeria’s first industrial complex at Ikeja;· set up Nigeria’s first commercial Housing Estates at Ikeja and Bodija, Ibadan.

Besides these, Chief Awolowo’s government had laid the Foundation for development in commerce and industry by creating an efficient Western Nigeria Development Corporation, the ancestor of the present-day O’dua Investment Company;· taken successful bold steps to revolutionise the production and marketing of cocoa by farmers in Western Nigeria; and created the infrastructure for rural development by promoting 900 cooperative societies in about 3 years and by providing within 5 years almost 10 times as many miles of road as he inherited from the British administration.

There is a not-so-visible achievement arising from all these. By making election promises and fulfilling them within a few years, Awo had led his Region to evolve a culture that demands and evaluates a socio-economic programme from those who seek political positions.

In the Federal government, Awo managed the finances of Nigeria so shrewdly and so competently that the Federal Government successfully

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waged a costly 30-month civil war against secession without resorting to foreign loans and without compromising its sovereignty.

HONOURS: In recognition of his intellectual contributions, Awolowo was honoured by several institutions of higher learning in Nigeria and Ghana.

In recognition of his professional contributions at the Bar, in 1978, he was made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

In recognition of his invaluable service to Nigeria, he was given the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)in 1982.

He was honoured with many chieftaincy titles.

In recognition of his esteemed contributions, he was also in 1968 awarded the Republic of Liberia, Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa.

He was made Grand-Officer de l’Ordre National du Lion, Republique du Senegal, in 1972.

PUBLISHED WORKS: He wrote and published many papers and books. Among his best-known works are Path to Nigerian Freedom (1947), Awo – an autobiography (1960), Thoughts on the Nigerian Constitution (1966), The People’s Republic (1968), The Strategy and Tactics of the People’s Republic (1970), The Problems of Africa: The need for ideological reappraisal (1977), Adventures in Power ¬Book 1: My March Through Prison (1985) and Adventures in Power Book 2: The Travails of Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Nigerian Tribune, oldest privately owned newspaper in Nigeria, and two other publications (weekly Sunday Tribune and Irohin Yoruba) were founded and owned by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

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POETRYFEATURE

POETRY GALVANISES YOUTHS TO DISCUSS ANTI-CORRUPTION, ACCOUNTABILITY Debbie Iorliam and Jackson Odeh

Y

ou don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have to say something.”- F. Scott Fitzgerald In the words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, a famous poet who dedicated his life, lending his voice to the human cause, every poet bears a responsibility that goes beyond the ability to string beautiful words. It embodies the social life that seeks to focus on the issues that make or break us; the consciousness of talking and writing about problems prevailing in the society with the desire to finding solutions.

Splendours of Dawn Poetry Foundation is one of the many platforms giving poets, especially the youths the needed spring to be more vocal about the problems facing the Nigerian society and beyond. The organisation was established in 2011, by Dr Ayo Ayoola-Amale in Ghana and incorporated in 2013 by Odoh Diego Okenyodo in Nigeria, with the objectives of promoting positive social change through peace education, peacebuilding, violence and conflict prevention, and conflict resolution by employing the use of arts. Within the past year, the organisation focused its antenna on anti-corruption and accountability campaign, intent on having conversations around leadership and the role of the society in having their leaders accountable for their decisions. Good governance can only thrive when there is a consciousness of action and accountability for every step taken.

Every month Splendours of Dawn Poetry Foundation makes a call for entries on themed topics around anti-corruption and accountability and have had social media users, mainly on Facebook and Twitter, send in their listings of poetry and short-short stories. In the last one year, the NGO has had over one hundred and fifty (140) entries from participants, and eleven winners have emerged from these monthly competitions. The high points of these competitions are not in the numbers of the winners but the interactions and conversations that present poetry as a means through which changes can be made in the society. Arts have proven over the years to awaken consciousness in the people that has spurred changes in society. Such examples are Christopher Okigbo, Gabriel Okara, J.P. Clark, Tade Ipadeola, Odia Ofeimun, to mention a few.

“I felt so excited because poets are using their poetry to create awareness for something that is very vital in our country. Reading those poems, I saw that we could do more with poetry on anti-corruption and other social vices in our country Nigeria.” These were the words of Awodiya Funke, one of the judges for Splendours of Dawn poetry competition. “As poets, we are charged with the responsibility of writing things that can benefit the society,” added Ms Awodiya, herself an author of a book of poetry titled The Farmer’s Daughter. Some Notable names in Nigeria’s vibrant poetry scene like Efe Paul Azino, Benjamin www.cometonigeria.com

Ubiri, Su’eddie Agema, Saka Aliyu, Salamatu Sule, Dike Chukwumerije, Halima Usman and B.M Dzukogi have judged for Splendours of Dawn competition. Some of the winners that have emerged from the monthly contests are Godwin Awunah (January 2019 edition with the poem Thinning the Soil); Nengak Daniel (October 2018, for his poem titled The Nigerian). Also, Orakpoghenor Ese Gift (July 2018, The Cost of Silence), and Mc Yunus (for his poem called Son’s Father in the August 2019).

Over the years, Splendours of Dawn have successfully completed projects which included The Sun Project, The Light Project, Splendours Performance Poetry Team, with more projects on the way. The NGO has compared its methods to that of the BBC Media Action and the African Radio Drama Association that have deployed theatre on the radio to developmental media conversations. The unrelenting support of organisations both locally and internationally, such as the Global Harmony Association, Montreal Poetry Prize, Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation, World Poetry Movement, Poets of the World, European Union Peace Network for Africa, the Centre for Information Technology & Development (CITAD) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation have gone a long way in promoting this experimental use of poetry in Nigeria and Africa.

In Ghana, Splendours of Dawn Poetry Foundation has been involved in the Growintopeace project, the Annual Global 1000TPC (Thousand Poets for Change) reading/poetry performance, the Write to Learn project and several others.

Splendours of Dawn Poetry Foundation’s founder, Dr Ayo AyoolaAmale’s stance on poetry remains unflinching. Speaking to the writers from her base in Ghana, she says the organisation seeks to “use the power of poetry to bring together artists around the world, to advance human rights and respect for the fundamental human rights of all persons.” She also added the organisation will “promote democracy and excellence in leadership and workplace; to promote cross-cultural understanding, and love for humanity and world peace.”

In furtherance to this statement, the organisation is already using social media to generate a discourse on anti-corruption and accountability and will continue so with other discussions. According to the Nigerian Country Director of the NGO, collaborations with other organisations on conflict resolution will be paramount, with a focus on intercultural dialogue to engage those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency using the medium of poetry will be looked at in the future.

The writers of this piece are activists based in Abuja, Nigeria. They can be reached on debbieiorliam@gmail.com and odeh@splendorsofdawn. com.

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FEATURE ADVENTURE

With Love from Scotland to Nigeria Esther Williams

M

y name is Esther Williams. It was my very first time in Africa.

I live in the West Coast of Scotland, but before then, I lived in Dundee, the place from where Mary Slessor, the great missionary set off to Calabar. After moving to Dundee, my husband Matthew and I started attending the Redeemed Christian Church of God church called “Open Heavens”. We got attracted by their exuberant worship, fervent prayers, passionate preaching and sound Jesus-centred teaching. In addition to that, having studied fashion design, I enjoyed the colourful prints of the fabrics and the designs and shapes of the traditional outfits and hats. The mermaid tail is such a right solution for all body sizes and is so explicitly feminine. Women, children and men, when going up to the house of the Lord on Sunday, dress up like going to a wedding and in that way honouring God. Although being one of the few whites, it has come very naturally for us to embrace this close-knit family church, consisting of predominantly Nigerian believers. I heard that our Pastor and his wife were travelling to Nigeria for the funeral of his father, it came to my mind that this was precisely in the same period that I had requested my annual leave at work. In the process, we discovered that it was a ‘God’ plan that we accompany them and make acquaintance with Nigeria. When we brought up this idea over a meal at our home, it was received with enthusiasm. Remarkable really, because it is not a small thing to have two white strangers tailing you on a family visit in your homeland, with health and security issues in mind. This was September, so we had little time to organise all for our departure on the 8th of October. Online we applied for our visas, and we flew from Edinburgh to London for our biometrics.

After a few visitations to our doctor, vaccinations and other preparations, we were ready for our adventure.

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FEATURE ADVENTURE

We spend most of the three weeks in Lagos and 5 days in a rural area in Edo State. We were guests in the family homes of friends and fellow Pastors of our Pastor. Both mansions were securely surrounded by a wall, creating a safe compound. Both were stately mansions with many spacious bedrooms each well equipped with private ensuite, air conditioner and ceiling fan.

The homes also had their own generator, which proved to be a big blessing in times that the electricity went off. The hub of the house was the grand lounge, the dining room and the kitchen. We saw many guests coming, and all were generously served with a meal. Family and hospitality are indeed at the core of Nigerian culture.

During our three weeks of stay, we were sharing the testimony with precious believers who came on our path. They contributed words of encouragement and blessings onto a large collage/greeting card that I made by cutting and pasting images from the ‘Come to Nigeria’ magazine. In the end, the card was sent with love from Nigerian Christians to the Haifa Home for Holocaust survivors in Israel, where we served as volunteers in 2017.

Lagos and traffic? It was never a dull moment; there is so much to see. The car was our observation unit in motion, safe and relaxed. I liked it when the traffic was slow because it gave me more time to watch real life on the streets and under the bridges. The vendors with baskets balancing on their heads, the itinerant tailor with his sewing machine on the shoulder, the scooters with often more than two people on it, the tricycles, the yellow minibuses.

I could see that in making a living, determination and perseverance are required to survive. The energy and vibrancy of the city show that the people know how to make the most of life, no matter the circumstances and very sure that trust in God contributes to their zeal. Spotting the many slogans of the Christian faith on vehicle or wall or on canvas advertisement was always a joy. We visited the Balogun market where my husband had a go at grinding crayfish into meal to take back to Scotland. My experience was that buying things was quite a task. Firstly, the custom of haggling over a price, with which I have no experience at all, secondly, there was the handling of the money. My UK purse was too petite to contain a stack of paper money. Counting the banknotes of 500 or 1000 Naira on the spot made me so nervous that I often lost count and had to start again. From Balogun market, we went to Tinubu Square, an oasis of tranquillity within the chaos of the city with its vast and refreshing fountain and the Wings of Liberty sculpture. Still, I mostly liked the endearing charm of the statue of KOKORO, the blind drummer and the dancer.

The trip in the tricycle could have been a chasing scene in a James Bond movie; Lagos would make a fantastic setting. The young driver knew no fear. The impossible became possible, squeezing in corners and gaps where there was no space. A real rollercoaster experience that I would not want to have missed.

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FEATURE ADVENTURE One day we visited the Redemption Camp with its biblically themed street names and were amazed by the size of the enormous auditorium. We had a guided tour in the first house of the General Overseer. The tour ended in the original prayer closet where we got time for personal prayer. The guide told us how the General Overseer had started from humble beginnings, pointing out the chronological picture story on each wall, including a picture of the General Overseer in a personal conversation with Israeli President.

Another day trip destination was Tarkwa Bay. We parked the car under a bridge. From chaos to paradise in a boat trip of fewer than 40 minutes.

Getting off the overcrowded ferry, we followed a young girl who showed us where the beach was. No traffic, no noise, just small huts and houses.

A group of young children gathered around us, laughing and singing ’Oyinbo’. A delightful encounter, a sweet memory in my heart, sealed with a picture. A few hours of lounging in the shade, enjoying barbequed suya meat, drinking coconut milk and listening to the sound of the waves.

On the day of our departure to the rural village called Emai-Ogute, a shiny black ranger jeep came to pick us up. The driver and the military security guard with a rifle in the front seats, lots of luggage in the back. It promised to be an exciting journey. We reached our destination in six hours. I find it interesting to watch a documentary of different cultures on TV, but it is quite another thing to be part of it, to see, hear and taste. The day before the funeral, a professional catering team prepared the fresh food.

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FEATURE ADVENTURE

Huge pots on the fire, large quantities of vegetables and the meat came straight from a cow especially bought for this occasion. I have never seen a cow being slaughtered before, and I expected it to be messy, which it was not. It was done in a very systematic and clean manner. The morning of the funeral, which was a celebration of a long and well-lived life, everyone gathered at the family house after which we walked and danced to the church further down the road. It was a long procession, first the coffin, then the musicians, followed by the family, the mourners, village people, guests and friends. The professional bearers swung the casket from left to right and other acrobatic manoeuvres to the rhythm of the drums and trumpet sounds. It was a loud and colourful affair. A boy with a big umbrella provided us with some shade while on the move, the sun was scorching. www.cometonigeria.com

My husband and I were wearing matching traditional African attire for this occasion, specially tailored for us, and although we were the only whites, we felt included.

The whole Nigeria experience has not come to an end, it continues in the relationships with the members of our Redeemed Christian Church and knowing more about their Nigerian background helps us to connect and relate. It also remains in my styling. I will be mixing the Nigerian accessories, the hats, bags and coral beads and wintering up my mermaid tailed outfits with fur, Scottish tartans and tweeds. Altogether it was a life-enriching experience which brought a love for Nigeria in our hearts.

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LUNCH TIME FEATURE

The making of Nigeria’s

Aganyin Beans with Irish Potatoes and Roasted Mackerel

by Chef Debby(@chef_debby; @debbi_s_kitchen)

E

wa aganyin is one of Nigerians favorite. It’s basically mashed black eye pea. Usually hawked on the streets of Lagos very early in the morning. Most people prefer to pair it with bread, plantain or yam. I decided to give it a twist and paired it with Irish Potatoes and roasted mackerel so it will be more appealing to those wanting to try it for the first time especially those visiting Nigeria for the first time.

As we all know Irish Potato is a great source of vitamins, mineral and folate with no cholesterol and very low calories. It is also rich in cabohydrate and energy and completely fat free.

And the latest dietary guidelines recommends 3 cups of beans in a week, this will help the heart, trim the waistline, aid disease prevention and give a healthier life So you see, “ewa aganyin” and Irish Potato is a great combination. Enjoy!

Cooking method used.

Boiling, Roasting and Frying Ingredients

6 cups of Beans (black eye peas)

Irish potatoes

1 large roasted Mackerel

Palm oil

1 big Onion

4 pieces of Cameroon/Ghana pepper

Half cup of dried shombo (cayenne pepper) Salt

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Procedure: IRISH POTATOES Boil the irish potatoes till its soft and tender.

BEANS Pick your beans, wash and cook in a pot.

Allow it to get very soft and form a thick creamy sludge add salt to taste then use a wooden spoon to mash the beans until you don’t have a single seed standing whole.

BEANS SAUCE Soak your dried peppers (Cameron and shombo) in water till its soft. Drain and blend roughly.

Cut your onions into julienne shape.

Bleach your palm oil in a deep pan for about 4-7 minutes (I don’t usually advice people to bleach their oil but for ewa aganyin you’ll need a bleached oil it adds to the taste and colour of the sauce.

Add cut onions into the the hot palm oil and keep stirring until it’s caramelised.

Add the blended peppers (dried shombo and Cameron pepper) and keep stirring; at this stage, the oil will start forming bubbles.

Sprinkle in salt and allow the sauce to fry for few minutes.

(You can add seasoning if you like).

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NEXT ISSUE

NEXT ISSUE The edition that will be the 1st quarterly issue of CometoNigeria in 2021 will be available

el Trgagver? blo r to oule y d Seyn/artic : o st r ria@

from end of March and we will be covering the following topics and many more: Hot Issue: The effect of the COVID-19 on Nigeria Trade My Nigeria: Melissa Hall from Ohio, USA Books! Books!! Books!!! Books By Nigerian Writers Top 5 Favourite Budget and Tourists Hotels Nigerian Adventure

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Plus States/City in focus: Sounds and Beats of Kaduna State 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 or Abdulhakeem Olanigan on +44 (0) 151 922 2911, Email: info@cometonigeria.com If you would like to contribute stories and images, please send your materials to info@cometonigeria.com.

Some of the Previous editions

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FAMOUS FISRT ADVERTORIAL

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Situated in an ultra -serene environment with unrivalled visibility from the whole of Osogbo metropolis; we afford all guests an atmosphere of complete comfort, serenity, luxury, and royalty.

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ADVERTORIAL FAMOUS FIRST

L

AIM hotel will give you a memorable experience coupled with an unforgettable euphoric feeling of self-levitation. Every step into the hotel is a beautiful journey - from locating the majestic architectural structure of the hotel to walking into the reception adorned with exquisite artefacts and gigantic mirrors to submerging yourself in our exotic rooms at the apex of the city.

The apparent magic of LAIM hotel perfected to a top-notch taste is to satisfy your hospitality needs. Your satisfaction at LAIM hotel is our priority. Every detail to achieve this goal is crafted with the utmost precision to ensure we meet every conceivable fantasy and dream of your comfort. Our 11 ‘Wumi Suites’ offer beautiful and contemporary designed spaces which include an exquisitely designed living room with luxury sofas, local artwork, a royal bedroom, ensuite bathroom, a mini freezer, Wi-Fi access, a personal safe, a luxury spa, and a dining set. A very exquisite feature of our ‘Wumi Suite’ is the balcony that overlooks the swimming pool and at the same time provides a breath-taking view of the city.

Our 86 ‘Diplomatic Rooms come with a unique bathroom furnished with fantastic amenities like a ‘selfie mirror with lights’, a hairdryer, a shaving kit, and more useful features.

Equip with top-notch facilities, such as a state-of-the-art gym, a ‘Discovery Spa’, vast parking space, a standard swimming pool, sporting facilities like a basketball court, tennis court and so much more makes LAIM HOTEL special.

For your meetings, conferences, and events, we have a large conference hall with a capacity to seat 150 - 200 persons. Be sure to make your way to our classy Executive Bar to relax, or you could lounge by the poolside with friends or family.

We at LAIM HOTEL are most concerned about your comfort and are ready to serve you with a smile right from the heart.

We would be excited to have you visit and experience the comfort of our hotel and the warmth of our service.

The Value We Add Just Some Reasons To Choose LAIM Hotel WI-FI: Free Wi-Fi access; Catch up on those business emails while staying in touch with loved ones Event Centre: We have a 500-capacity Air-conditioned, event centre inside the hotel premise.

IP TV: Watch your favourite cable TV station from the 55 inches LED TVs in each room.

Swimming Pool: Relax with a splash in our 6ft deep treated swimming pool 24 HR Security: Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance systems are in operation and trained guards to keep an eye on things.

Bar: We stock our bar with the best wines and spirits from around the world.

Free Parking: Our tight parking spots can fit over 100 vehicles all at once, and it is all free!

Conference Hall: Our conference area with two projector screens seats 150 persons comfortably and leads out onto the tea break serving area.

Restaurant: Fine Dining with a wide selection of local and intercontinental dishes. From top chefs in a 100-seater restaurant with buffet facilities.

Games Room: Indoor Table tennis and Billiards are available in our games room to let off some steam.

Outdoor Sports: We have a standard flood-lit Tennis court which doubles as a Basketball court to show off your skills, either night or day.

Gym: Our fully equipped gym is the perfect place to keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Hospitality Redefined: We have mastered the art of meeting your highest expectations.

Attractions: One of Nigeria's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Sacred Grove is situated in Osogbo together with Nike Arts Centre. There is also MicCom Golf Resort in Ada and The Oluminrin Waterfalls in Erin-Ijesha.

LAIM HOTEL

Plot B4 & B5, Block 11, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff Crescent, Oroki Industrial Layout Ring Road, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria +234 (0) 906 949 1929 | +234 (0) 901 900 9123 | info@laimhotels.com | reservations@laimhotels.com www.cometonigeria.com

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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.TodaywasFab.com Grace Esedeke is the "Plannerholic," the Chief Procrastinator and the Caffeinated Cake Addict that is behind this blog!

She attended the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Abia State Nigeria and bags a BSc. Degree in Food Science and Technology.

She is a baker, Graphics (logo and social media graphics) and web designer (mostly WordPress), a personal development blogger and host of The Personal Development Project – self-help podcasts for personal development fanatics, perfectionists and anyone who struggles with self-sabotage.

Today was Fab (TWF) is dedicated to the girl (and boy too) who procrastinates, who struggles with perfectionism, self-doubt, negative self-talk.

The one who has dared to chase her dreams but failed and the one who didn't have the nerve; The one who is feeling dissuaded right now and is considering giving up; The one with significant and fierce dreams but needs encouragement and practical tips to get going.

Where you are in your life, whatever you do, Grace believes that at the end of your day, it is feasible to say: "today was fab!" every day.

www.Bukasblog.com.ng Ebuka Nwadike is the founder of Bukasblog.com.ng Experienced Publisher with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. Skilled in SearchEngine Optimization (SEO), Web Design, HTML Scripting, Online Journalism, and Digital Publishing. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) focused on Computer Science.

A Nigerian online information resource, Bukas Blog is a multi-niche Blog that provides the best informative contents focusing majorly on Education, Entertainment and Technology. All blog-posts on Bukas Blog are appropriately categorised to ensure easy navigation.

www.beautyinlagos.com BEAUTY IN LAGOS is Nigeria all things beauty online destination, covering a Website, a Beauty Directory (BeautyDirectoryNG) and a subscription-only Discount Service (BeautyClubNG).

It is an online Community for Lovers of Beauty to share, educate and empower one another.

The Site provides the necessary information on latest beauty trends, product launches and reviews. Also on international and local brands plus services that are available in the country, beauty hacks/tutorials.The Directory lists the country beauty businesses and services, making it possible to find anything on beauty.

Whereas, the Subscription service provides members access to the best beauty deals, discounts & offers in the Nigeria.

The website was launched in January 2012, positioned to share all that the city of Lagos had to offer in terms of beauty. BeautyInLagos (BiL) has evolved into the No. 1 online destination for beauty in Nigeria with an ever-growing community of Beauty-Enthusiasts. Since it's inception, the site has collaborated and partner with a host of international and local brands. Among them are Carolina Herrera, M.A.C., Inglot, Shea Moisture, Ford Motors, Orly, Le Chat, Beauty Africa Exhibition, Maybelline NewYork, House of Tara, Zaron and Montaigne Place, to name a few.

Founder and Editor-In-Chief of BeautyInLagos, Ezinne Alfa, has been able to establish the brand as the number one site in Nigeria for beauty content. She is an entrepreneurial influencer that has received mention in different media publications like Guardian Life Magazine, Mania Magazine, Beauty Box Magazine, Ndani Lifestyle Magazine, Bella Naija and StyleVitae.

The site was also listed as one of the '100 Most Innovative Female-Owned Businesses' by Invicta Africa & SME100 Nigeria.

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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: JUDE IDADA Title: BOOM BOOM Jude Idada’s Boom Boom is the winning book for the 2019 NLNG Prize for Literature Children’s novel category, dedicated to all warriors who have fallen and those who are still living.

Boom Boom tells the story of Osaik an eight-year-old and Kompa his dog who tries to do all they can to assist Eghe (Eghosa) his five-year-old sister from an unbearable disease.

Oasik, Kompa and his father must find a donor match for Eghe Boom Boom’s Sickel Cell Anemia after it tragically claims their mother’s life to become a star in heaven. The search for a donor is not easy, as virtually everyone, including Osaik is no match for Boom Boom to get a transplant and live a normal healthy life like everyone.

The 227-page novel is quite a zestful, humorous and instructive. While the plot is flawless, it is a fiction with purpose. The heart of the novel is to dissuade anyone who may wish to entertain the idea of a relationship to think twice before they do so. Idada uses JJ Osagie to drive home his point as he says: “Love is beautiful and is should always be celebrated, but the love that enables this disease is a selfish kind of love. So, if you are in a relationship where you know that there is a chance of bringing a child with Sickle Cell Anemia into the world, please, think twice about it.” Boom Boom-pg -221 Idada’s style can be liken to that of Charles Dickens. Charles Dickens in every sense as the author’s craft of characterization is so skillful that a reader is left with the memories of Ehe Boom Boom, Atasweswe...

Author: OBINNA OKE Title: DESERT BREAD Obina Oke, a rising new voice in the Nigeria literary scene is one story teller to watch out for. His debuted novel, Desert Breed published by AMAB publisher in 2019 takes us through the torturous quest of the protagonist Uche, the protagonist as he battles for survival in the face of man inhumanity to his fellow man.

Each tale is a cliff hanger as a reader journeys along with fear and hope for the protagonist who at every now and then struggles for survival.

Uche loses his mother to the cold hand of death by a wicked step mother who ensures his life is stalled and never to make any meaningful progress. He wins his Uncle, Umai’s sympathy shortly after his father’s death and runs to leave with him in Onisha. Happy that his life will turn around for the better, Uncle Umai’s wife crude nature and cold attitude brings up a new nightmare as all relationship between him, his cousins and Uncle is cut short. Happy about the fact that he is able to go to school, he hopes again inspit of the great turbulence to live in a desert and fear where everyone else, have opportunity of a normal life.

Anezi Okoro, a professor of medicine and author of One Week, One Trouble puts it more succinctly as he says: “Obinna Oke is a totally captivating story writer who attempts the reader a few times to drop the book, doubting if he was the real story teller. Uche, the principal character bobs and weaves into the story, leaving unbealivable outcomes. For a young medical doctor, not a seasoned actor, the storyteller leaves the reader full of doubt about his authenticity. The two entrances of Lilian into the story leaves palpitations and fears.

The future of this story that rends the heart and delicately stiches it back, leaves openings and options which you need to fill”.

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Author: Marvin Abe

The Voyage of Saints

In a fit of rage, just like the Typhoon, Michael Ajose’s life comes crashing like a chattering piece of glass. The novel, The Voyage of the Saints, is all about the quest for survival in an environment where evils are lurking at every point. It is quiet emotionally gripping with cinematic visuals and tension that rises and falls through every victory, love and happiness, fears and tears. In fact, Marvin Abe’s novel is too fictional to be true. If Michael could protect the Akwa Ibom vessel from sinking in the face of the clone typhoon, why not Lami the love of his life? Michael’s, story of a happily never after, all starts from that point when he dreams of a wife at the age of twelve years old, furthering to the fact that his destiny was bound by this very woman. Loving Lami becomes an addiction that his family finds offensive. She is his soul and to get at Michael, she stands like a rock that must be set aside. Segun will hear none of it especially when it has to do with his younger brother becoming the better person if not the best from the family. Mama vows that his union to Lami will yield no good and the rest is history orchestrated by his siblings.

The 366-page novel which includes a tributary note and about the author, can be categorise as a historical faction given the background information about Lami Ajose. In the tributary note, the author tells us clearly that this is no ordinary fiction and indeed, Lami Modesola Abe (Lami Ajose) is true as he writes: “You were my angel. You saw the vulnerability of life ahead of me. Things I could not see. You paved my path and lit my horizon. You taught me to love, to trust, to live and to fight through life’s bumps and bruises. Words will never be enough to appreciate you. Thank you” -Pg. 364 About the Author Marvin Abe is an experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Maritime and Oil and Gas industries, which has earned him wide industry acclaim and recognition in the areas he has served. He has an MBA in shipping and logistics from Middlesex University, London, UK and a post graduate diploma in Maritime Operations and Management from City University, London, UK.

Author: Chukwudi Eze Title:

The Return of Half - Something?

Reading Chukwudi Eze’s novel, exposes a reader to the Intercultural communication that is woven into culture prejudice and Intolerance that is typical of a biracial feature. The plot which is twisted in the net of romance and a curse that awaits young Emmanuel, if he fails to return home to serve his people as his father’s only death wish.

The conflict opens up as he falls deeply in love with Rebecca who is from a typical Jewish conservative family.

Emmanuel attends a highbrow event where he is expected to network and meet with established and top players in the industry with his cousin. Meanwhile. a pretty woman catches his attention but she doesn’t pay him any courtesy as she grapples with her heart break.

He believes she is the pearl that was handed over to him in his dream and makes a desperate effort to win her acquaintance. But his cousin, Anna, informs him that a relationship between him and the lady cannot happen but with this pearl already in his hands to own and keep for better or for worse, the rest is history…

His Half-Something-ness causes him too many problems as he damns all racial consequences when he took the long walk to working for Rebecca and the eventuality of his fight against the massive spill of oil in his west African home. How Emmanuel conquers all in the face of love, race, adventure, murder and discovery is what the novel is all about and not when Rebecca carries his son- Ikemefuna, the grandson of Uchechi the great!

In spite of racial intercourse, which has been necessitated by business and ordinary life, history and cultural exclusivity still have a great influence on the individual’s outlook. This can be seen from Rebecca’s father’s reaction to her relationship with Emmanuel when he said: “My ancestors have faithfully kept our tradition and I am determined to follow in their footsteps. I have built my business to become one Wall Street’s most successful firms, with plans to transfer its management and ownership to you and your brother, he paused. For you to succeed in life and in business, because the two are interwoven, you must act responsibly in your choice of a husband. Most of the people you will be dealing with are conservatives. It takes one heedless action like this to destroy all that has been carefully achieved over many years.” (Pg. 99 TRHS) The historical antecedent of which Rebecca’s parents relied on to base their opposition of the marriage of Rebecca to Emmanuel is the core of racism which some time is promoted as a political ideology which exclude some racial groups from active participation in the political process. Socially, sometimes this exclusivity emerges in the form of xenophobia, ethnic jingoism and religious bigotry. These negative stereotype of prejudice are the cultural antecedents which people believe in and forms the bases of their reaction to any radical process of acculturalization. As it is not based on any scientific fact, these prejudices have gradually crumbled in the face of rational actions or on the course of love like that of Emmanuel and Rebecca.

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BOOKS

Title:

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.

Zain Ejiofor Asher

a Nigerian British news anchor at CNN International

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INSPIRATIONAL

ain Ejiofor Asher, a Nigerian British news anchor at CNN International, was born 27 August 1983 to Mr Arinze Ejiofor, a doctor and Mrs Obiajulu Ejiofor, a pharmacist.

She anchors CNN Newsroom on CNN International.

Previously, Asher co-anchored CNN Newsroom on CNN America.

In 2013, Asher joined CNN as a business correspondent based in New York City.

She was born in Balham, South London, with two siblings, an older brother named Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is now a Hollywood actor and sister Kandibe Ejiofor, a medical doctor. Zain's family Igbo originality came from Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State of Nigeria.

Asher graduated from Keble College, Oxford University in 2005 with a degree in Spanish and French and later graduated from Columbia's University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City in 2006.

Before joining CNN in February 2013, Asher was a full-time reporter for Money Magazine, where she wrote personal finance articles.

Also, Asher was a T.V. reporter at News 12 Brooklyn, reporting from Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Connecticut.

Zain currently anchors "CNN Newsroom" on Fridays and Saturdays and also fill in on the CNN's foremost business shows, "Quest Means Business" and "CNNMoney." She also hosts "Marketplace Africa," CNN International's weekly business programme about Africa and its place within global markets, for which she often interviews CEOs and world leaders.

Asher has anchored several breaking news stories for the CNN, including the 2016 Christmas market attack in Berlin, the terrorist explosions in St. Petersburg, Russia, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal and the landmark Paris climate accord.

Zain Asher presented a three-day special as part of CNN's Freedom Project, in 2017, stressing the predicament of human trafficking victims and international efforts to eradicate modern-day slavery.

Zain has also hosted special programming in the aftermath of the deaths of Fidel Castro, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and singer George Michael. Asher has also covered many prestigious stories from the field, including the 2013 terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon and the 2014 kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria.

She served previously as a business correspondent with CNN reporting on the stock market from the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy and high-profile IPOs. Her importance at CNN enabled interviewing various notable figures across multiple industries including Arianna Huffington, Trevor Noah, Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore, Joe Montana, Naomi Campbell, Carlos Slim Jr, numerous CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and some heads of state.

Besides, she has hosted several panel discussions at the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, Make A Wish Foundation and presented TED talk on overcoming adversity, 'Trust your Struggle' that has earned more than 1.3 million views.

Not long ago, Zain found herself reporting his brother's story while reporting on Oscar Nominees, that her brother was one of those nominated for an Oscar for his role in 12 Years A Slave. She went on to explain how the nomination would be particularly 'amazing' for her mother, who grew up without running water and added: "It is a kind of sad day as well because my father isn't alive anymore, so he can't see this. www.cometonigeria.com

"When Chiwetel was twelve years old, he was in a car accident with my father, and everybody in the car died apart from Chiwetel," she explained, fighting back the tears. "So, he has that chance he got when he survived the crash, and he has gone on to make the most of it."

Zain loves and cherishes her mother, who worked hard to bring up her children. She explained further how her mum prevented her from watching T.V. and using the telephone for sometimes to enable her to get a grade to enter Oxford.

In her TEDx talk, Asher shares how she landed her first on-air job after working for four years as a receptionist, a struggle many young people of today will not even try.

Zain Asher is based currently at the CNN headquarters in Atlanta, and she has travelled the globe covering stories.

Asher is married to Steve Peoples who has been serving as a political reporter for The Associated Press for the past several years. They currently have a son.

At every opportunity, Zain always makes herself known as a Nigerian. Zain Asher has lived and worked in Mexico, France and Nigeria and is fluent in French, Spanish and Igbo.

She is an Inspirational Nigerian.

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MUSIC OF NIGERIA

Bola Sonola The Man with the Magical Dulcet Voice on Radio

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henever you are in Lagos Nigeria and want to get away from all the loud music you hear on other radio stations and need a calming effect, there is a voice that comes to mind that does that. His name is Bola Sonola aka The Genie. He started his radio career at Radio Plateau 2 now Peace FM in the city of Jos in Plateau State where you will find a few tourist attractions like the Shere Hill, Assop Waterfalls, Rayfield Holiday Resort, Pandam Games Reserve and the Jos Wildlife Park.

An old friend who was an actor and sadly no more with us, the late MacArthur Fom (Nosa of “Behind The Clouds”) a popular TV series at the time in 1989 convinced him to go into radio believing he had the voice for radio. Though at the time he was majoring in film production.

After the audition he as amongst 13 people selected from over 3000 applicants who turned up for the audition. “I remember seeing the crowd of people who came for the audition and told Arthur that I didn’t stand a chance but he urged me on to do it and I did.” “I was the last name announced on the radio station to report to the station and I was lucky No 13.”

“How did you get the name The Genie?” “I was meant to attend the first meeting of presenters but got their late and was looking for where the meeting was held.” “On opening a door after two or 54

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three earlier, I poked my head in the room to see if a meeting was going on and there was.” “The Programs Director then goes.” ”Here he is popping in like a genie out of a bottle.” ‘’And so that was how everyone started calling me the genie out of the bottle, and then eventually The Genie.”

He became a household name in no time as one of the pioneering radio presenters of the station and it marked the beginning of his career as a radio host. After the death of his friend McArthur Fom he left for London hoping to continue his career as a radio host but hit many road blocks. It was a different terrain in London but was able to do some stints with one of the community radio stations called Klymaxx FM presenting a Jazz show and at the same time www.cometonigeria.com

MUSIC OF NIGERIA

worked for London Underground which later became Transport for London. After 12 years with Tfl he felt disillusioned and decided to go back to Nigeria.

“Why did you go back to Nigeria?” “Well I felt the job became too monotonous and I didn’t find fulfilment.” “I decided it was time to head back to Nigeria in as much as I had no plans.”

“Did your going back prove to be a masterstroke?” “It was what I hoped for and the initial foray was a difficult road to navigate.” My closet friend now and brother, Tunde Ajijedidun suggested that I go back into radio and believed that radio was what I knew.” “So I decided to go job hunting at radio stations and visited about every single one and was turned down.” “I had spent all my savings and was being advised to go back to London because at the time I had done a year plus without getting a job” “I told myself that I would not give up in as much as I had hit rock bottom.”

Eventually a door of opportunity presented itself to me. “That was Classic 97.3FM and was excited with the opportunity to prove my mettle.” “I started with a weekend show which became popular and gave way to the late evening weekday shows which made me a household name as well.”

“You are now at Smooth 98.1 FM.” “How did you end up there?” ‘’ Well it was funny and also sad” “I wanted to bring something refreshing to my previous station but was rebuffed. I listened to the test transmission of Smooth 98.1 FM and it felt like a homecoming.

In as much as I did not want to leave I was persuaded by my friend Tunde Ajijedidun to make the move and when you are offered double your wages to make a move when they see you as an asset you are not left with much of a choice.” “In hindsight I wish it was done differently?” That is where I felt sad as I still have good friends there.”

How long have you been with Smooth FM?” “I have been with Smooth 98.1 for almost 10 years and incidentally the station turned 10 years on the 14th of November 2019” “I do feel at home at Smooth FM and have done a lot over the years to put the station on the world map in terms of radio stations you want to listen to.” “One of the things that endears us to our listeners is the genre of music we play and the quality of our programming.” www.cometonigeria.com

“A lot of what we have done over the years have been copied by our competitors’.”

The Genie is also the Head of Music for the station ad hosts a number of radio shows, namely The Club Classics where he takes you down memory lane playing old school music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s on Friday nights from 9 pm and midnight. He presents the Luxury Soul Show where he introduces new soul artistes and has conversations with both Nigerian ad international soul singers. On Sundays he hosts the Sunday Brunch which is a jazz show showcasing the best in jazz which is also laced with conversations with the best in jazz. He is widely known both in and out of Nigeria and has interviewed an impressive list. A few we can mention include Kirk Whalum, Kevin Whalum, Wendy Moten, Jonathan Butler, Najee, Joss Stone, Gerald Albright, Selena Albright, Rahsaan Patterson, Incognito, Wynton Marsalis, Pamela Williams, Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona, Nicholas Payton, Don Laka, Eliane Elias, India Arie, Don Vino, Mike Stern, Tracy Carter, Freddie Fox, Chaka Khan, Phil Perry,112, Next and the Legendary George Benson.

The Genie also founded Soul Conversations Lagos for Nigerian soul singers to have a platform to perform and an alternate platform for jazz artistes in Nigeria called Jazz in the Park. His newest event is the Lagos Wine and Jazz Series which will happen next year and the first of its kind in Nigeria for wine lovers and lovers of jazz.

“So do you have any hobbies?” “Well I love rollerblading, movies and music. I also do love travelling and would love to visit Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil where my great grandmother retraced her step back to Nigeria. I would one day love to go to the Montreux Jazz Festival though I have been to The Capetown International Jazz Festivals twice and the Joy Of Jazz Festivals 3 times both in South Africa. I dare say I love languages and hope to start playing the piano again when I can afford one.

So when you come to Nigeria and you want to listen to the best in soul and jazz music why not tune into Smooth 98.1 FM and let The Genie take you on a music magic carpet ride. You can follow him on social media on twitter and instagram @smoothgenie to see what he is up to and upcoming events. You’ll be glad you did.

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NIGERIAN FASHION

AK Fashion House

My kinds of fashion oozes elegance, simplicity, comfort and class. I like creating pieces you could dress up or down from casual to occasional depending on how you style them.

M

y kinds of fashion ooze elegance, simplicity, comfort and class. I like creating pieces you could dress up or down from casual to occasional, depending on how you style them.

My name is Nafisah Suleiman Uthman. I am originally from Kano state, Kano city. I am a sociologist in the making, and I had my early education within Kano – Abuja – then finally Bayero University, in Kano.

2. (Laughs) the initial AK stand for my three kids initials which each their names starting with A and their surnames with K, Aisha, Abdullahi and Abdulrahman – Kabir.

3. I grew up with a fashion designer as a mum, who's still my mentor. We have our house with two or three interns coming from Lagos and Ilorin to learn from my mum, so naturally, we find ourselves knowing how to use the sewing machine from an early age. I love cutting pieces of fabrics and making unique designs out of them. I have always styled myself, and sometimes, my sisters and cousin. Fashion designing is like breathing to me; it is my way of life.

4. I focused on school for a bit, then I got married, and after my second child, I dived fully into the Business of fashion designing.

Still, from a young age, I had always known I can't escape it, my husband knowing this talent in me, pushed me and supported me to follow my dreams.

5. a. First of all, I had so much passion for what I do, so I spare no amount spending so much on quality, I do not compromise quality, and perfection is what I intend to achieve. With the mindset I have, I spent more than what we earn for the first year, and I had to reconcile being a fashion designer and a fashion entrepreneur.

5. b. I was a science student, so I knew little about putting structure into my Business. I had to undergo Business classes, from EDC, SMEDAN, and a few other online from the US and UK and Masterclasses from re-known designers to understands the business aspect better.

6. I love cooking; I am a proudly certified chef. I use to own a diner with one of my closest friends, we still do. Sunday's are only days off, so I use it for cooking for my family personally and some Saturdays for my staffs at the workshop (Lol) it's another talent I like to show off (Lol).

7. Fashion to me is a way of life. It's like breathing, bathing, feeding etc. we can't escape it, and we can't live without it. For every piece of clothing your wear, the design was carefully designed by a team of designers in a room somewhere as "Karl Lagerfeld" said, "fashion designers are the dictator of taste".

8. I have lived by this quote by Bob gill "I have never had a problem with a dumb client. There is no such thing as a bad client. Part of our job is to do good work and get the client to accept it" – Bob gill. In my case, I work better under pressure, and where people see demanding clients, I see challenges that result in me creating a masterpiece.

9. The fashion industry in Nigeria is an ancient one I must say.

We have the FADAN, an association for fashion designers and entrepreneurs to prove that. Still, it has evolved in these past few years drastically, people are more fashion-conscious now, and we have put a lot of structures into the industry. We have 5-7 fashions weeks now every year in Lagos, fashion fairs in Abuja, and with every year we give Nigerians something new to look onward. We are currently on the right tracks; Nigerian designers are full of surprises.

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10. My biggest fear was that people wouldn't grasp my kind of fashion.

I love elegance, in a colourful, and vibrant nation where our styles are bold. But I am surprised that my clients get it, and are the perfect AK fashion Ladies.

11. My kinds of fashion oozes elegance, simplicity, comfort and class.

I like creating pieces you could dress up or down from casual to occasional, depending on how you style them. But then we do it all bespoke designs, seasonal designs, corporate designs and now we are starting Bridal designs soon, so my kind of fashion keeps evolving. Lol. 12. Patriotism is a complicated topic to discuss for me because the nation at this time hasn't offered individuals reasons to be patriotic.

Still, Nigeria has a lot of untapped opportunities, and if you work hard, you will succeed.

13. There was little convincing because I am very passionate about what I do, I had already targeted my market, and was accepted little by little, and now, here we are today.

14. Ha! Ha! my favourite part about being a designer apart from creating and seeing people wear my brand is that I get to get away with wearing anything (Lol) after all I am a fashion designer, we dictate the trend.

15. Nigeria has a lot of talents and untapped opportunities, it will be wise to establish and invest in it, countries like China, Singapore, Lebanon etc. need to come to invest in this county, there is something special about us. www.cometonigeria.com

16. I love and support working with Nigerian fabrics, like the tie and dye from Kano, Adire, Fulani (SAQI) fabric, are in vogue now for traditional weddings. The colours, and the rich culture they embodied, I am always in awe when working with it.

17. Nigeria is a beautiful country, with absolutely kind, friendly and super talented people, rich food and culture, fantastic sense of fashion and the, "No party like Nigerian party" they say, you can't afford to miss visiting here in a lifetime.

18. We have our designs identified as timeless pieces, we designed clothes you get to wear for ages and still Rock in it. That has always been our priority from illustrations of the designs to the final finished product of every piece.

19. The new designers need to enrol or instead invest in few entrepreneur courses, both physical and online. You have to be knowledgeable of your art or craft; invest in yourself, you have to show people you have something unique to offer before they believe in your vision, lastly, consistency if you are not consistent you will lose clients.

Thank you so much ComeToNigeria, for having me.

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MY NIGERIA

My Nigeria

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

BJÖRN OYIBO RENDERS Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Bjorn Renders. I have been a lecturer at the University College of Ghent in Belgium for over 15 years. During this time, I met my wife as she did her masters in the UK. I travelled every other weekend to Oxford... and like all beautiful stories end... we got married. We did the traditional and white wedding in Nigeria in July 2011.

After our marriage, I changed my job, and now I am an electrical engineer at DEME for the past six years.

We are blessed with two children. As we say in Belgium “the Kings wish”: a boy and a girl.

What do you think about Nigeria and her people, and would you advise anyone to visit? Nigerians are friendly. At

my working place, I have to work together with locals all the time, and I managed to work with Nigerians very well. We have to be honest that some areas are “no go” for the Oyinbo’s. Although I have seen some changes over the last few years. Some people are really trying to make it a better place. Unfortunately, some others are just doing the opposite and scaring visitors away.

Is Nigeria ready for tourism?

What Nigeria

Ni ge r i a strong

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than only natural resources. Tourism can and should be a part of the economy.

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

Nigeria needs a big clean up. Although you can find lovely beaches in Lagos, around Bonny, it is something else. Security is a significant issue in some areas all over Nigeria.

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

It is a beautiful project. I cannot imagine how much energy and time is spent to make it work and keep it running. I have a deep respect for all the efforts to make Nigeria known for other things than the “problems” we see on CNN, BBC World and other news channels.

How often do you visit Nigeria?

Until the last two years, I was taking most of my leaves from work in Nigeria, meaning every rotation of 6 weeks.

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

I don’t really know if Nigeria is ready for tourism. I never came here as a tourist.

Okro soup, fried plantain, jollof rice, but luckily my wife and our Nigerian friends don’t forget about this when we are in Europe.

do you think about as a giant of Africa?

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

is real, a giant. It needs governance to control this vast nation.

Besides the government, people also need to understand that there is more

I miss my wife and children and my mom.

Apart from the Belgian beer, chocolates and (French) fries, I don’t really miss things.

www.cometonigeria.com

LETTERS

Your Letters, Comments & Photos Dear Editor, The Site is No. 1 Hello! I went through your website, and, wow, and I must indeed comment that your site is vibrant with information about Nigeria, even me as a Nigerian saw more insight about Nigeria. You and your team did an excellent and fantastic job to show the world that Nigeria is a great place to visit.

I want to suggest that videos clips of festivals in Nigeria should be on the site too.

Deborah Omolola Ayoola Lagos, Nigeria Editor's Response: Hello Deborah, Thanks so much for taking the time to visit our website. I will implore you to take a subscription to our magazine. We also have accounts on all the major social media that you can follow. We agree the project is still developing and can grow to accommodate additional areas of focus.

FANTASTIC IDEA The idea behind both the website and the magazine is excellent, especially in these climes when celebrities are visiting Africa.

It is quite sad that many Nigerians don't know our history and we endlessly follow people's culture while ignoring our own. I hope to be a part of the paradigm shift, where Nigeria makes the best of its tourism potential.

You can implement your ideas more now that Africa has become the next development frontier, and there is no better time for this.

I have ideas in my head for you; however, I'd love to talk to you first. Also, I think both the magazine and the website should not be political.

Henry Okonkwo Ibadan, Nigeria Editor’s Response: Dear Henry, Please note that we don't use the magazine to promote individuals but the country. Sometimes, one could do that if such people or person is a supporter of what we are trying to do and specifically requested for it. Talking about what happened in the country politically that time was to support the Nigerian governance even though it was one of our writers that did the story to defend democracy. Still, we have never benefited from anyone since we started publishing the magazine ten years ago.

IT IS A GOOD GUIDE It's very informative with the things guests will want to know. I know Nigeria well and have been there many times. I'm politically connected and have access to the polo and boat club. I usually stay at the Protea for my business visits in Lagos or at my friends guest www.cometonigeria.com

send your comments to cometonigeria@googlemail.com

I CAN RECOMMEND THIS Wow! It was incredible and as a tourism practitioner with ATPN and PRO Kano chapter of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria FTAN, President Kano Tourist Club KTC. I can recommend this to every person coming to Nigeria and even to Nigerians. I love the magazine and the informative website too.

Musa Sunusi Ahmad Kano, Nigeria

Editor’s Response: Dear Musa, Thanks so much for your letter. We will appreciate more people reading our magazine that can enhance the possibility of getting more people to come to Nigeria. You can please send us your additional contact details.

house when I come for extended personal visits. Aside from Dakar and Ivory Coast, Nigeria is my home away from home! I'm African American, but my heart beats an African rhythm, and I have always been a beacon for Africa.

Sadiya Reign Greater Atlanta Area, USA Editor’s Response: Dear Sadiya, It's great to read your letter. It is inspirational to us having people like very close to Africa and also knowing full well and proud to be an African. At some point, we will need to do a story about you, or you can write about one of your previous visits to Nigeria as an adventure/business story. It may motivate someone to come to Nigeria.

FIRST TIME TO TRAVEL TO NIGERIA I am glad to purchase this magazine. It gave an insight into the life and style of the country.

It was my first time to travel to Nigeria, and it helped me to understand the difference in culture, food and language. I am grateful to have come across the magazine, and I do appreciate your efforts.

Jane Henri Helsinki, Finland

Editor’s Response: Dear Jane, Thanks so much for taking the time to write to us after reading the magazine. We are happy that the magazine was useful to you.

Disclaimer: Images/letters featured on this page are not the properties of CometoNigeria; they were posted on our forum by users and visitors.

Nigerias' 60th Indepence Logo

Nigerias' 60th Indepence Celebration

Nigeria - Cultures

Nigeria - Culture: Fulani Women

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CITY IN FOCUS

ABA

THE INDUSTRIAL NERVE CORE OF

A

ABIA STATE

ba is a metropolis in the southeast of Nigeria and the industrial nerve core of Abia State. Aba is genuinely a city after everybody's heart. Immediately after the creation of Abia state in 1991, Aba has two local governments areas namely; Aba South and Aba North. Aba south is the fundamental town centre and the coronary heart beat of Abia State, located on the Aba River. Villages that made up Aba are; Aba-Ukwu, EziukwuAba, Obuda-Aba, Umuokpoji-Aba and few different ones from Ohazu merged with Aba to achieve administrative convenience.

The establishment of Aba as a city was with the aid of the Ngwa clan of Igbo People of Nigeria as a market settlement. Later, a military post was positioned there through the British colonial administration in 1901 alongside the Aba River west bank and at the intersection of main roads to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Umuahia, Ikot Ekpene, and Ikot Abasi. The metropolis became an accumulating point for agricultural products such as palm oil and palm kernels following the railway made by the British, running through it to Port Harcourt in 1915. Aba is a critical urban settlement and industrial centre in an area surrounded by small villages and towns. The indigenous people of Aba are the Ngwas known and regarded as craftsmen. Aba had a population of 534,265 as of 2006 census.

The premier village in Aba is Aba-Ukwu and making it to refer to late Eze W.E Ukaegbu of Aba-Ukwu as the 9th Grand Son of Aba. Hence the proprietors of Aba are often referred to as Aba la Ohazu indigenes and Chief Ogbonna Uruakpa Nkwoha of Eziukwu Village was once made the King of Aba and the solely recognised Royal throne through the Queen of England. It, in the end, grew to 60 |

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CITY IN FOCUS become an administrative centre of Britain's colonial government.

Aba has been the most important commercial centre since it grew to be part of the historical Eastern region.

The Aro Expedition, which used to be part of a large navy graph to subdue anti-colonial notion in the region, took place in the area of Aba all through 1901 and 1902. During this military action, the British without problems beat the native Aro people with an unknown number of casualties. In 1901, the British established an army post in Aba and construction of a railroad was developed to link it to Port Harcourt 1915, which transported agricultural goods like palm kernels and palm oil.

Igbo women revolt in 1929 in Aba, traditionally recognised as "The Aba Women's Riot", a protest of the colonial taxation policy.

The insurrection commenced first as a peaceful protest towards the preliminary census of ladies in the region, and subsequently assumed taxation of women based totally upon rumour. The protests unfold all through the palm oil belt, but, remained peaceable till when as a result of a scuffle, one pregnant woman was knocked over during and the lady lost her baby. It was an act of abomination at that time. The news of this spread hastily and violent reactions ensued. After additional deaths, occurred, a mass of 10,000 ladies marched on Aba, with fifty-five to over a hundred being reported dead.

When the Nigerian Civil War stated in 1967, the kingdom capital of Biafra was moved to Umuahia from Enugu. Aba was devastated during the War. By the 1930s, Aba used to be turning into a giant city community with a thriving industrial complex.

Aba is the home of many individual households such as the famous Ogbonna family of Eziukwu-Aba, Emejiaka Egbu family of Aba la Ohazu, the prestigious Ichita household of UmuokpojiAba, Ugwuzor, Umuokpoji Aba, the Ihemadu household of Ohabiam, the Ukaegbu household of Aba-Ukwu, the Ahunanya family of Ohabiam, the Omenihu family of Obuda-Aba, also, the Ugbor family of Aba-Ukwu and others. Oil wells surrounded Aba, separating it from Port Harcourt, from the Imo River natural gas repository, a 30 kilometres pipeline powers Aba with gas. Its most vital financial contributions are textiles and palm oil alongside with pharmaceuticals, plastics, cement, and cosmetics which made the Ariaria International Market become the biggest market in West Africa seconded by the Onitsha Main Market. There are also breweries, a glass company and distillery inside the city. And finally, it is well-known for its handicrafts. www.cometonigeria.com

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CITY IN FOCUS GADGETS RELIGIOUS TOURISM The city has played a significant role in the Christian evangelism of the Southeast of Nigeria since the British introduced the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S.), an evangelism vehicle of the then Church of England, and used it to plant what these days have transform to the Nigerian Anglican Church.

The Church named, All Saints originated out of the evangelical initiative of three oil traders from Opopo -Joseph Cookey, Gabrial Cookey and Zedekiah Cookeys. These men sailed up the Aba - Azumini River in 1896 for their trading and also for planting of Christianity. In 1897, the three men negotiated with Abayi and Umuocham people for land to establish their oil business at two beaches, which they constructed at Abayi and Umuocham watersides. They traded in oil produced from Ngwa, they preach the word of God and built trade relationships. This enable the cookeys to converted the Abayi and Umuocham people to Christianity.

From 1901 in particular in 1902, they planned intensive crusade. They invited their landlords leading to the planting of two congregations, one at Abayi waterside and the other at Umuocham dedicated with the aid of Bishop Johnson, the Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Western Equatorial Africa (1900-1917). The converts from Abayi and Umuocham attended service at St. Ambrose, Abayi Waterside Until 1905 when they set up their Church at Abayi and Umuocham respectively. Joseph Cookey used to be the teacher for Abayi whilst Gabriel Cookey

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was Volunteer Volunteer teacher for Umuocham.

Founded in the late 1920s, St. Michael's Cathedral Anglican Church came into existence. However, St. James Parish on the edge of the city (Umule) is arguably the oldest Church because in 1916 was when the diocese'd celebrated first mass. The C.M.S. founded most of the Primary and Secondary Schools along with each of their Churches.

Also established in 1923, was the Seventh-day Adventist Church (S.D.A. Church). The Biblical faith made Seventh-day Adventists to be well recognised, so too was their, exceptional hospitals and educational institutions. The Catholic Church also created many churches like Christ the King Church (C.K.C.), which for a long time was the largest Church in the town and currently known as Christ the King Cathedral. When the Pentecostal brand of Christianity (the evangelicals) arrived in Nigeria, the metropolis got a sizable share for itself. The Assemblies of God Church is among the earliest, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Living Word Ministries Inc. had a massive following in the early 1980s, following The Refiner's House International Church one of the most recent and fastest-growing Christian ministry in the city.

Also, Bishop Ogudoro founded the African Gospel Church in the town. Towards the end 1960s, a group of Nigerians discovered information on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and established branches. However, the Utah-based Church did

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CITY IN FOCUS GADGETS

not set up any official presence until the late Seventies when blacks were allowed to hold priesthood authority making the only L.D.S. Temple in Nigeria to be in Aba, 'Aba Nigeria Temple'.

Muslims places of worship are also present in Aba; the most prominent mosque is the Hospital Road Mosque with a resident Chief Imam. A station and a mini station on Nigerian Railways serves Aba. Aba is additionally the leading hub for road transport in the region – a massive and wide variety of transport businesses operate, coaches, that transport people daily to many areas of the country. Aba is second only to Onitsha in mass transportation daily volume in the eastern part of the country. The use of Commercial tricycles ("Keke NAPEP") is standard.

Enyimba International Football Club, popularly called The Peoples Elephant, is the town's most famous football club. Enyimba FC's prevailing track-record is among the richest of all Nigerian soccer clubs. With two C.A.F. Champions League Trophies, six Nigeria Premier League titles and a pair of Federation Cup trophies, the club is presently ranked 2nd in the C.A.F. Club Rankings.

There are well-known markets in Aba, like Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Road Market (Cemetery Market), Ahia Ohuru (New Market), Shopping Centre (Ekeoha) etc. that serve the entire region with quality wares, provisions, cosmetics, etc. When next in Nigeria, a visit to Aba will thrill you.

It is a town after everybody's heart. There is rarely any successful man or woman in Nigeria today, that does not have an Aba story to tell.

Aba is known as the 'Japan of Africa' due to its manufacturing prowess, the 'can do' spirit of the people and the robust entrepreneurial orientation, but having said all these, Aba needs rebuilding. The city can reposition Nigeria's dying economy. Many goods sold in different African countries are from Aba. Aba holds the key to making Nigeria tremendous and self-reliant. www.cometonigeria.com

The Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, once visited Aba, to confirm the city as S.M.E. Capital of Nigeria, when he wanted to launch the Federal Government's Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Clinic (MSME Clinic). Osinbajo knows a lot about Aba and fell in love with the city even before visiting.

Additionally, President Muhammadu Buhari, in his 2017 budget speech, noted among other things that the government will provides avenue to enable people to buy Made-in-Nigeria goods, encourage garment manufacturing and Nigerian designers, tailors and fashion retailers. The government also wanted opportunities to patronise the Aba entrepreneurs so that it will be possible to promote the manufacturing powerhouses in Aba. Today, the people of Aba are still hoping that the city would be re-developed into a modern commercial hub. With functional infrastructure, stable power supply, reliable and decent public transportation system, urban traffic management system, structured and planned industrial layouts, clusters and parks etc. that grow business and promote trade. These are what will release Aba's revenue potential that can be leveraged upon to develop the rest of Abia State as the industrial hub of Eastern Nigeria.

With its healthy entrepreneurial setting, which attracts business operators from across the nation and most ECOWAS countries, Aba, has the potential to become a commercial and business hub of West Africa.

Abia state government wanted to enhance international marketing opportunities for made-in-Aba goods and services by ensuring quality control and showcase the made-in-Aba brand in the economic capitals of the world.

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FEATURED STORY

The Nigerian Usage of

T

Groups: Good or Bad

his year, 2020, the internet users in Nigeria jumped to 99.05 million. These numbers hopefully will grow to 132 million in 2023. The internet penetration amounted to 47 percent of the population in 2020 and set to reach 65 per cent in 2025.

Internet usage in Nigeria, one of the most populous nations in the world is growing at an alarming rate. In the most recent measured period, there were almost 50 million mobiles internet customers in Nigeria, and cellular smartphone internet usage is mainly widespread.

The country is becoming a mobile-first market where infrastructure and online usage improvement skipped wideranging computer PC adoption and went straight to cellular internet utilisation via inexpensive smartphones instead. With almost three-quarters of Nigerian website visitors generated by way of smartphones, Nigeria ranks at the top of the list of African nations based on the share of site visitors through mobile. Other African markets with an equal share of online cell visitors are Sudan and Ghana.

immoderate use and abuse of social media like WhatsApp. Nigerians need to please learn how to use the App because many users experience total handsets' failure due to memory and space overused. Some Nigerians will create five WhatsApp groups and try adding their friends and family as members of all the five groups. And when they share videos and images, in a day, users may additionally get more than 500mb of data from one man or woman that are usually in duplicate forms to these groups.

Nigerians need to learn and be considerate when it comes to the use of WhatsApp. The best footballers that never played, the lawyers that never defended anyone in court, or the best doctors that never attended medical schools are there on WhatsApp. They abuse the App by always sending "funny" videos and pictures. Some can even

In most current years, the world has witnessed a top-notch upward shove in the use of social media. And there is a general thought that says the third world war will be fought and fueled through social media. In some countries, the leaders only announce governmental policies on social media. These platforms consequently have emerged as significant and influential in the world and growing every day. For Nigerians and Nigerians in the diaspora, it is essential that the security of children's activities online needs to be taken seriously. We also need to check the way we disseminate information because now, not all we see or read online seems to be true.

Nigeria wants to impose fines if social media giants do no longer comply with orders. The digital world also gives new risks which did not exist previously. This quarter, we choose to speak about 64

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WhatsApp GROUP You will locate one on the property security and some other for lovers of a particular make of car. Still, there will be that group for health freaks and any other for pet owners. The spiritual people have not been left at the back either. We have many churches and mosques groups on WhatsApp. Religious leaders use the application to reach their flock. The individual sharing always shows up extra essential than the people receiving the messages.

They bombard you with what you don't need and, in the process,

get your smartphone damaged. Colleagues at the workplace have many such groups for keeping tabs on work and their general well-being. Some have added you three times to their contact list and each time they send file, it comes to your phone 4 times.

Some created five different groups and you are added to all the five groups as a friend. The problem is they post similar messages that contains heavy data to all the five groups and you ended up picking same message five times on your device. Why sending such messages in the first place, when only one is enough and why troubling users to be going to settings or deleting messages and media files all the time?

According to information on its website, the WhatsApp company says WhatsApp is a pun on the phrases "What's Up". "More than 1 billion people in over one hundred and eighty nations use WhatsApp to stay in contact with friends and family, every time and anywhere.

WhatsApp is free and provides simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on telephones all over the world". It is no secret that the application, which additionally comes free with a smartphone provider and in locations where Wi-Fi is available, has revolutionized how the world communicates. Users said that "Some (groups) are right and the intentions noble. In contrast, people on WhatsApp groups do not always keep to the general purpose of the group. Irrelevant messages or texts that have nothing to do with the ethos of the group are being sent. Whereas, most of these messages don’t always contain the truth. Meaning, people do not understand the benefit of being in a group.

Furthermore, many individuals are being manipulated by these messages and the sole purpose of this is to enable the messages to be sent to a large number of people. Texts like, if you want to have www.cometonigeria.com

a good week send this message to ten people, are being sent.

RAISING MONEY Journalist Benjamin ORMA agrees. "Recently, in their estate security group, a neighbour alerted them around 4 am that she had spotted a burglar jumping over a wall and there was no security personnel’s in the neighbourhood to call. Quick intervention through those who have been conscious saw the burglar pressured to flee for his life, and left with nothing.

Recently, he also read about one with some journalist colleagues, and they have raised money countless instances each time one of them loses a loved one. At one time, they raised money for the therapy of the wife of one of them. However, there are people who wreck all manner of etiquette when it comes to WhatsApp. Many wrongly send a personal message to religious WhatsApp groups, instead of their "lover". Then some men and women will wake up and add you to a group without your consent and will start a lifelong feud with you if you dare pull out.

"WhatsApp has additionally been misused for what could be

termed meaningless agendas such as organising private birthdays!

Very much sure, it is a nifty tool for communication; however, they misuse the opportunity most of the time. Sometimes creators of these groups abuse people's privacy. Some people you have not met or spoken to for three years abruptly add you to a WhatsApp group at, say, 11 pm, without consulting you first. You are supposed to see the profile picture of the group to get the gist of the matter. The messages you discover are from those who have sent something urging you to send your contributions to a certain number or forward what they sent to more people so that God could answer your prayers.

In between, there are "master forwarders", who maintain forwarding photos, videos and rumours from different groups. The ones created for weddings are crazy. A wedding ceremony slated for December has the couple starting a group for it in February.

People add others' names without asking for their consent. Then they go ahead and fix the amount each member of the group must contribute to the cause.

So many people find it difficult and hard to comply with the group rules and guidelines that many group administrators provided to members. Someone from Zimbabwe got a video of a molested child via his WhatsApp contact, to advise the person to always look after children because people out there are monsters and should no longer be trusted. Innocently she shared it with her colleagues at work in England only to be arrested without delay because they thought she was watching the video herself. Police went to Zimbabwe to check out the case, and it took a long time to pardon the girl that she knows nothing about the message.

These are why everyone must be cautious about what they share with others.

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FEATURED STORY

send you 50 photos of an event you knew nothing about to you.

The App is a brilliant invention, founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, that is making all the waves because of the way it brings people together for a shared cause. There is a WhatsApp group for anything under the sun. There are groups for weddings, birthdays, funerals, churches, mosques, alumni and other precise interests from, smokers of particular cigarettes to drivers of an exact mannequin for cars. But the abuse of the software via some customers is causing other people endless headaches, and it is persevering to buttress the fact that WhatsApp has the good and the unsightly facets to it. It is no longer a deniable fact, though, that it is a necessary device for communication.

GADGETS

Gadgets this QUARTER

2. Soundasleep Bluetooth pillow

1. The Conran Shop Waka Waka+ Solar-Powered Charger

N

ot a particularly snappy name, but an absolute essential if you're heading to a festival in, say, the Cairngorms or wherever. It's a heavy-duty solar-powered charger - stick it in the sun for 12 hours and you'll have enough juice for one and a half full charges of your phone.

A

rguably we should all stop putting Bluetooth into anything that stays still long enough, but a smart-pillow is less daft than it sounds. Control your music, podcasts or soporific soundscapes via the app, which can track your sleep patterns and wake you up if your snoring is louder than your chosen decibel level.

4. Pocketalk Translator 3. Google Pixel 4

G

oogle's 'Night Sight' camera technology blew away competition when it arrived last year, and it's received a significant upgrade for the Pixel 4. The camera now even allows for crystal clear astrophotography. Other improvements include touchless gestures, facial recognition and a lovely 90Hz display.

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Learning languages is great. It really is. Understanding other cultures, seeing the grand tapestry of global history knitting together, ordering a couple of ice cold cervezas without stammering and bailing out halfway - brilliant. However, it does take time. Pocketalk can translate into and out of 74 languages withoutany lag.

It is simple o use and pics up voices easily with noise-cancelling microphones.

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