Three Authors, Same Story

On daily basis, there is a mass exodus of Nigerians to America, Europe and even to some African countries like Ghana, South Africa, Benin Republic, Cameroon and Niger. But they hardly go to Iraq, Israel, or Palestine, don't ask me why. But why do they migrate to UK, US, SA or even Ghana? Even a little child wouldn’t waste much time before providing the answer- “G is for greener pasture!” the child would say. Many of these immigrants believe that when they get to these countries, their sufferings would be over; that they can marry the girl of their dream, cruise in exotic cars of their choice and live in the luxurious house of their dream. But many on getting there suddenly discover that America and Europe are more promising and habitable on television screen than in real life! There’s economic tsunami everywhere! But body and soul must be kept together, dollars or pounds must be sent home and bills must be paid. Pressure gets to an all time high; hunger gets unbearable while fear of being deported becomes a nightmare. “I must make it”, the Nigerian assures himself or herself. How? Through prostitution, gangsterism, Yahoo-Yahoo (cyber-fraud), armed-robbery or what? Three authors tell compelling stories about these crimes from different perspectives.

Untangling those things around your neck:
What are those things? “The Thing Around Your Neck” is the most recent book from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie the author of “Purple Hibiscus” and “Half of a Yellow Sun.” “The Thing Around Your Neck” is a collection of nine dazzling short stories that focus on the problems associated with arranged marriage, the trouble of securing American visa and the horror of war among others. The various issues explored by the author are not just around our necks but have built tents around us that we can no longer move our entire body. Fire on Adichie!

A Cruise through the Black Sisters’ Street:
As you get set to journey through the Black Sisters’ Street, what do you expect to see? Is it going to be a street full of luscious cars and elegant edifices? The answer is far from that. “Black Sisters’ Street” is a fortunate or unfortunate story of four African ladies who work as prostitutes. One of them dies but would her death be a lesson to those living? Would the other three rekindle their dreams and retrace their steps after the death of a colleague? The answer would be provided when you cruise through the “Black Sisters’ Street.”

Chika Unigwe, the author of “Black Sisters’ Street” is an award-winning Nigerian author based in Belgium. Her debut “De Finiks” mirrors the problems immigrants face in their quest to make ends meet in an unfamiliar environment.

I’m not a 419er by Chance:
Kingsley Onyeaghananwanneya (what a long name) was made to believe from childhood that acquiring good certificates is a ticket to success in life. But upon graduation, the only job available was from “Cash Daddy” who owns Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), an agency that specializes in 419. The book reflects the twists and turns of life and shows how the road to success often swelters with these vicissitudes. In most cases, cutting corners the writer argues, can even be more challenging than going through the approved and accepted routes. The question is: which is the approved route to success? Kingsley Onyeaghananwanneya just like many people takes to this precarious occupation. Can he eat his cake and have it?

“I Do Not Come To You By Chance” is a mature book written by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. Though her debut, it is nevertheless, an interesting read.

What I Say: “The Thing Around Your Neck”, “Black Sisters’ Street” and “I Do Not Come To You By Chance” are displays of literary intelligence from three Nigerian writers. In terms of theme, the three books are interwoven either directly or indirectly, covertly or overtly. Good books to add to your shelf!

Pictures: (From Up: Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, Chimamanda Adichie, and Chika Unigwe.

Clarion Chukwurah’s Clarion Call at her 30 Years on Stage and Screen

It was an exquisite celebration of an enviable life, memento of a long-lasting memory of excitement for all lovers of fun, a cultural carnival of some sort and a congregation of who is who in the music and movie industry. These are partial descriptions of the three-in-one celebration of the life of a stage and screen icon, Clarion Chukwurah. The well-packaged grandeur which took place at Bolajoko Hall Event Centre, Ikeja Lagos was to commemorate the 30th acting anniversary, 45th birthday celebration and the formal presentation of legacy initiative of Clarion Chukwurah.

Inspired by Late Michael Joseph Jackson
Clarion Chukwurah who was described “as a very good representative of Theatre Arts in Nigeria” by Mrs. Joke Muyiwa Fadirepo, Head of Department of Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University and “a very good interpreting actress” in the words of Dr. Sumbo Marinho of Zmirage, Lagos, was inspired by the late King of Pop, Michael Joseph Jackson when she was 4. The dream however, came into manifestation at the age of 15 when she passed the audition and became the youngest Semi-professional Actor/Member of the University of Ibadan Performing Company where she played the lead actress alongside Sam Loco Efe, one of the most hilarious Nigerian actors.

Why She is Still Relevant

Clarion in her speech boldly stated that the reason she is still relevant and consistent is because of her children. “They give me confidence”, she said emphatically. The hall became charged with emotion, diluted with a solemn quietness, with all eyes focused straight on the stage when Clarence Peters, the eldest of Clarion’s children approached her mother, went down on his knees like a boy who has come to reconcile with an estranged girlfriend and proudly said “I love you mother.” This was a symbol of loyalty and humility to a mother who has made his son proud through her chosen career.

Clarion’s Clarion Call
To Clarion, the event was more than the celebration of her 30 years in acting; it was a presentation of her initiative – Clarion Chukwurah Initiative, a registered charity organization that raises support for the less-privileged in the society. She had said: “this is different from other Non-Governmental Organisations we have around us because at the initial stage we were doing our own work without soliciting for any support from anybody or group.” She used the opportunity to thank her supporters especially her son, Clarence Peters whose support she disclosed started right from when he was in school. Clarion also made a clarion call to all well-meaning Nigerians to cultivate the habit of extending help to the less-privileged in our society.

What You Missed

The event was beautifully packaged to satisfy the interest of every guest. For those who are lovers of God, Evangelist Toye Okanlawon was on hand to open the ceremony with prayer. For the sake of patriotism and national identity, the National Anthem was sung. For lovers of Fuji music, Pasuma was there with his waist-wriggling damsels who enticed and captivated the guests with their well-lubricated waists and highly-greased joints. (Lord, have mercy. I pitied any woman who didn’t accompany her husband there). For lovers of children, there were children from various orphanages. For lovers of pretty faces, the sexy ushers who were lusciously dressed in red attire were available. For the delights of movie and theatre, Professor Yerima Ahmed of the National Theatre was there and for the lovers of Clarion Chukwurah, everyone was there.

What’s New about the New Year?

By: Emmanuel Nathan Oguche (ANIPR)

The time was 12 O'clock. The entire city was basking in the euphoria of excitement as those awake were chanting what seemed like songs of victory amidst nauseating noise of “knock-out” that was ravaging every nook and cranny. People starved themselves of sleep and replaced the silent night with earsplitting vigil, just to have a glimpse of the moment they had dreamt of. The screeching of the wall clock added glamour to the noise as the long hand of the clock was rested on the short one. Obviously, the time was 12:00 am and this was what set the ball of celebration rolling in the air.

“What’s the madness all about?” I asked Silas. But the look on his face seemed like "who’s this mad person that’s talking about madness?" “Nathan, Happy new year. This is 2010, have you forgotten? You should be happy…I mean you should be excited”

The look on my face was that of disappointment but it seemed to me that my brother was even more disappointed when I, like an iconoclast, smashed this question on his face: “What’s new about the new year?”

“In 2009” I continued, “there were 24 hours per day for everyone; we slept at night and hustled in the day; there were 7 days in a week and 12 months in the year. Are all these going to change in 2010?” Absolute silence preceded this question. Everyone, including my Dad and other siblings who were hitherto showing contempt to the argument were uncontrollable pulled to it. Yes, they had no choice than to ponder on it. You too have become part of that discourse! Let’s move there!!

See what’s new about the New Year:

Nothing is new in this 2010 except you.

Enthuse yourself with the spirit of optimism and damn all your past losses.

Whet your appetites to dispensing what is good and add value to your society.
Yearn for greater heights for there’s danger staying in one place.
Electrify yourself with new ideas for new challenges await you.
Attitude is everything; put on positive minds and decline every rag of misery.
Relate with people and your Maker, for you cannot conquer the year all alone.

Can you now see what New Year is all about? I’ve posted this because you mean so much to me, you too can do same to those you love.

25 years later: Kunle Adeyemi still dispatching

It was a carnival galore and harvest of cultural dispatches at Quintessence Arts Gallery, Ikoyi when Kunle Adeyemi in a solo art exhibition titled “Kunle Adeyemi: Dispatches from my Art”

celelebrated his 50th birthday and 25th Anniversary since graduation from the prestigious Yaba School of Printing and Graphic Arts. Mr. Adeyemi’s exhibits are deeply rooted in the tradition, especially the traditions of the Yoruba people while his combination of abstract and realism genuinely brings out the beauty of his works and a time, makes the work interestingly complex. Enjoy this brief and short interview with Prince Kunle Adeyemi. Exerpt:

25 years of dispatches, how’s the journey so far?

The journey has been very rough but thank God for the success.

Can we now say you’re a fulfilled artist?

Yes, judged by all standards. It could be better. I don’t have any regret because I enjoy all that I’m doing. I try as much as I can to preach to the young ones so that they can imbibe the culture of hard work, the culture of success to a product, and the culture of great dexterity.

Your collections are all rooted in the African traditions, what do you do to integrate the contemporary youths who seem to be a bit distant from their culture?

That’s one of the reasons why this exhibition is organized. I’m using this platform to announce to the youth that we have origin and that we’re coming from somewhere. We can’t negate this. I remind them that we have a source.

Some artists find it difficult to part with certain works of theirs; do you have such kind of works?

Yes, there are some works I don’t want to part with. But I still feel I have to express myself. When you have such pieces government should come secretly and buy them from you because these are rare cases. Unfortunately our government does not appreciate art works the manner those in abroad do. These are some of the problems we’re encountering.

What advice do you have for the younger artists?

They should work hard and be sincere to themselves. Becoming great is a process, there’s no short-cut to success. I believe that when you work hard and with God on your side you’ll get to an enviable height.

Thank you for your time and happy birthday.

You're welcome. Thanks for your time too.

"I was caught reading Shakespear book"- ANA President

Dr. Wale Okediran is a man who wears more than three caps on his head; for he’s a medical doctor, a legislative consultant, was the president of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) as at when this interview was conducted and also a father. These numerous caps on his head do not however make him unaccessible as he would always squeeze time out of his tight schedule in order to grant media interview. While in Abuja, I made it a point of duty to have a chat with him. "Still at work. Can we meet to night at Biobak’s restaurant Nass Qtrs, Apo, I’m traveling early tomorrow." This was his reply to the SMS sent him. Sit back and enjoy as he shares his opinion on the benefits of reading. Exerpt:

You’re a medical, literary and legislative consultant. How are these interwoven?
These are the interests I developed right from when I was young. From my secondary school days I developed keen interest in reading and writing. I edited a campus newspaper was in the University and of course I’m a trained medical doctor. When I went into politics I also imbibed a lot of skills which some people felt should not be wasted, that’s why I was appointed as a consultant to the National Assembly Committee on Health.

You must then be a voracious reader?
A good writer must also be a good reader. In my secondary school days I devoted a significant amount of time to reading. While in the medical school my lecturer has ever caught me reading Shakespeare books under the desk during lectures. As a trained medical doctor too, you must also be a good reader. All these have worked together.

Let’s have a peep into your library, what are the kinds of books in there?
You’ll first of all find literary books, ranging from Russian literatures, Chinese literatures to the Nigerian literatures. I read western books a lot. My medical books are there because I still maintain a medical column in the Nigerian Tribune. My hospital at Ibadan is still being run by a colleague of mine. I believe that one day I’ll go back and retire as a medical doctor. And then, my Bible and Koran too. To make it balance.

Who’s your favourite author?
I’m very partial to Russian literatures.

It seems you have biase for foreign books, why?
I mentioned Yellow Yellow and Half of a Yellow Sun of Chimamanda Adichie. May be I’m a victim of second-hand colonialism. I went to a Baptist secondary school and our library was stocked with books sent by foreign missionaries, usually second-hand books. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t like Nigerian books.

How do you encourage your children to read?
I buy them books frequently. I buy books for my wife and friends too. It shows my great concern about their reading culture.

What measures do you put in place so that you books are not destroyed or stolen?
I’m very passionate about my books and I get very upset if my someone doesn’t return my books after he or she has lend it from me. I keep most of my most valuable books in my bedroom. I make sure that my shelf is not kept in a dampen place and I do open windows to allow cross ventilation.

Readers are leaders or readers are leaders, what’s your take on this?
I think readers are leaders because not all readers read. A good reader would make a good leader because they learn a lot. You learn patience, perseverance, dignity and honour.

Indigenous cultures and literature are on a decline, what measures can be put in place to encourage indigenous language though reading and writing?
Yes, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has observed what you just mentioned. We have been trying all we can to encourage indigenous writing as a body. One of our cardinal objectives is to encourage indigenous writing because Nigerian literature is on the decline. We organize workshops, we bring young men and women together, we encourage them. But the onus still lies on the parents to encourage their children and wards especially from a tender age.

On a final note, what advice do you have for those who see reading as drab and uninteresting?
It’s a tragedy, the worst tragedy for that matter for any human being to describe reading as being drab. By reading a book or magazine, you could stumble on something that may change your life forever.

Thank you very much

You're welcome.

Kidnapping, Insecurity and all of us

“My family members, especially my father will be happy if I’m kidnapped today; at least he’ll be fraught with fewer mouths to feed.”

This was a response to one of my posts on the Facebook. Can you blame this friend of mine? The political and social conditions of our environment has conditioned us to believe that only the rich, the top-echelon, the bourgeoisies and the petty-bourgeoisies need security. But the recent spate of kidnapping and hostage-taking that is sweeping the entire country has kept everyone on his toes as there’s now a shift in paradigm as to what national security is all about and for whom it’s meant.

Kidnapping, there’s no doubt started on the shores, creeps, waters, and sand ways of the Niger-Delta area. Ask any Nigerian, they’ll tell you so. The area used to be synonymous with hostage-taking until the militant later recourse to open confrontation to drive in their point. At the infant stage of kidnapping in the Niger-Delta area, the targets were mainly expatriates- Italians, Filipinos, Americans, German- who work with various oil companies. The militants used kidnapping to drive home their point. But gradually, hostage-taking degenerated into an enterprise of immense complexity; it suddenly became a money making business and prominent people were even believed to be part of the business as they mobilized militant youths to kidnap for pecuniary gains. Our leaders, at this time still sat in akimbo as nothing serious was done to mitigate the activities of the kidnappers. After all, none of the top government officials ever fall a victim at that time

With the unimaginable abduction of Dr. Chris Ngige on July 10, 2003 while in office, the scope of victims of kidnapping was expanded to accommodate political office holders. Many Nigerians never believed that government officials can suffer that kind of traumatic incident. Though many commentators were of the opinion that Dr. Chris’ abduction was politically motivated, yet one cannot ignore the financial ransom that was demanded and perhaps paid before he was released. The same thing could be said of the kidnap of Pa Simeon Soludo, the father of the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the People’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate of Anambra State. Several other kidnapping were political motivated or seems so but one thing is certain, ransom is equally demanded and paid.

Recently too, the Nollywood industry has become a fertile ground where kidnappers are planting their seeds of destruction. First, it was Peter Edochie one of the most respected Nollywood actors. Initially, I thought with the kind of authority and power Edochie exhume whenever he acts films he’ll not be able to be intimidated by his abductors but whenever on is in the hands of gun carriers, one has to submit his erudition, intellectualism and oratory. If it were movie, it wouldn’t have been possible for Edochie to be kidnapped.

What about Nkem Owoh (Osofia), the goddess of comedy film in Nigeria? When I got the news I concluded that kidnappers lack the sense of homour and wanted to have be entertained by Osofia in dungeon! Ransom was demanded.

Keen observers of kidnapping and hostage taking in Nigeria would agree with me that two forms exist. There’s economic kidnapping which is strictly for money. There’s political kidnapping which may a times in the form of economical kidnapping but primarily for political gains. But whichever form it may be, somebody life is usually at jeopardy and ransom is always demanded. But it’s an indication of a failed structures be it polical, social, cultural or religious. If all the necessary structures are not put in place time will come that it will seep into all corners of Nigerian society if it has not happened yet.

Some Governors and Houses of Assembly at different time have recommended death sentence to kidnappers. To me, no penalty is too big for any man who abducts his fellow being for a ransom. But is there any justification if pot shamefully calls kettle black? What about political kidnappers who have been sabotaging the economic interests of this country? What about those leaders who hold our national treasury to ransom with all impunity? What’s their penalty? A situation where by few minority perpetually takes the advantage of the disadvantaged and handicapped majority, kidnapping becomes a retaliatory repercussion to deal with those in power. Its dog eats dog scenario, only the fittest survives.



What are the areas of intervention? Of course, Nigerians and all her leaders are well abreast of those grey areas that have been giving us bad name among the comity of nations. Leaders at all levels should embrace good governance for kidnapping or hostage-taking is a hallmark of flaws and defect in the social and political structures of our society. The Nigerian Police should be well equipped technically and morally to fight saboteurs and kidnappers for as it is now, kidnappers are more confident than the police. Government should provide job opportunities to her citizenry whom have found economic solace in hostage taking due to joblessness. Kidnapping and insecurity is not a class thing, it affects every Nigerian irrespective of economic status. Let’s come together to fight terrorism in its simplest form.

Taming the Jackals

“Any book is dead until read, when it becomes alive. Usually it is only read, when bought, it is only bought when if distributed from author through publisher to reader” -Roger Kirkpatrick

The above quotation lays great premium on the irrefutable role book distribution plays in fulfilling the aspirations and dreams of the writer, being the originator of the ideas embedded in the book. One of the weaknesses of the quotation however is that emphasis is placed on moving the book “from author through publishers to reader” without putting into consideration the wild activities of some intermediaries like the pirates. The pirates are the jackals of the book industry and have become terrorists in the industry.



Piracy in Nigeria just like in any place today is a big business. A writer described the business in Nepal as the only industry which “seems to be booming amidst the economic slump.” While many people consider piracy as a theft of intellectual property, the approach of others is unbelievably ridiculous. In some developed countries, pirates pride themselves in the regalia of honor, saying that they do people a great favor by making books more accessible to them at cheaper rates. “We’re letting anyone share whatever they want with whoever they want….Blaming us for what people do is like blaming the people who build roads for helping people to rub banks, for God’s sake.” Pirates have unarguably become part of the book chain. What are the other available distribution channels? How can the illegal structures on the distribution tracks be demolished?

In her paper entitled Effective Book Distribution and National Development presented at the 2009 NIBF, Mrs. Oluronke Olubanbo Orimalade being one of the magnates in the book and publishing industry is Nigeria reaffirm the relevance of distribution channels but lament over the insignificant attention given to it in the past by government and other stakeholders in the book sector, “Otherwise book distribution ought not to be described as “the weakest link” or “the neglected link in the publishing link” Orimalade went further to identify the various distribution channels available to a publisher “An appointed distributor or wholesaler takes stock from a publisher into his warehouse for agency discounts. He then supplies to the retail outlets. He is responsible for promoting and marketing the books.”

“Local distributors”, Orimalade says, “can be appointed for overseas published books. This channel provides small bookshops and libraries with stock of overseas published books, thus saving them the headache of having to maintain accounts with many publishers” Other channels identified are bookshops and other retail outlets like “book clubs, market stalls, street bookshops, book hawkers, bend down bookshops, mobile book racks and itinerary book merchants.” There is also distribution by direct sales to consumers which “prohibit accessibility to all markets, it doesn’t give consumers variety since the publisher can only sell his own products.”

What are the effects of a dysfunctional book distribution channels? It has “driven nearby bookshops into extinction while the booksellers who operate them have been driven to into penury. Many bookshops have been killed. Those that are struggling to be alive are kept under all kinds of life saving gadgets in the name of diversification. It is therefore not surprise to see some bookshops now stocking clothes, shoes and other distributive items (which are not books) in an effort to remain in business. Some have converted part of their bookshop into eateries while some offer training lessons to students preparing for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, and other overseas examinations. Other booksellers have diversified into property development, and hair saloon. Those who are not so enterprising have left bookselling business entirely”

But what is the way out of this awful scenario? Orimalade suggested that “The Nigerian Booksellers Association needs rebranding” by redefining its roles and obligations. “Booksellers must organize themselves and reposition the association for effective delivery of products and services that will benefit its members.” Also, “Publishers and booksellers should immediately dialogue and discuss all contextual factors that will enable them to work together effectively in order for people to have access to books.”

Orimalade concludes: “it should be borne in mind that for any book distribution system to be effective, it must be predictable, reliable and responsive. Information should be made available so that all that parties involved that is, government, the book trade, schools, parents, pupils and students must know in good time what they are expected to do. People should be familiar with the operation. If there are going to be changes, these must be widely publicize.

Effective book distribution must be seen to be reliable in the sense that it must have adequate financial backing and resources to carry out the operation on a yearly basis”

Mee 'N' My Peeeeeeeeeps

That Day...

It started as a melodrama
While I was in dilemma
A combat between dream and reality
But I later prostrated to the latter
Didn’t know the direction of the play
But it was heading somewhere
I knew nothing about the script
Was only acting to suite my scheme

Suddenly my spirit melts in fear
My soul was dampened in despair
What’s going on, my mind wandered
I was quiet as I pondered
“Use your buccal cavity”, the Director ordered
“I don’t understand”, was what I uttered
“Open your mouth and say something”
The Director explained further

What can I say now? I asked in introspection
Guess what…?
The first word that came out was “I love you”
Surprise…?
Behold it was you and I on stage
“Love or infatuation”, you asked
“its love, real love”, I simply replied
“Why me?” was yet another question

Didn’t hesitate to offload the lots on my mind…
You’re beautiful to behold
Your intelligence is untold
And your godliness was foretold
That’s what my imagination unfold
On that day…the day
Rivers Niger and Benue came together
Though their sources and colours vary

But they must flow
That’s the rule of the show
Remember, Atlantic Ocean is our destination
Trees must fall
In order to pave way for our flow
Competition before we can glow
You and I have some roles
So as to achieve this goal

4rm emmnats

Tribute to Obscenity

When Reuben Abati wrote his controversial “A Nation’s Crisis of Identity”, he poured a highly infectious venom on Nigerian music artistes whom he described as “irreverent and creative young Nigerians who are revising old norms and pattern”. The reactions generated by the piece were expected but the unexpected was the manner Banky W made mockery of the intelligence of a well-respected journalist like Reuben Abati by bringing out the various contradictions that were glaring in his (Abati) write-up. Perhaps Abati underestimated the intellectual prowess of those in the industry and reasoned that no one could ever contest with an opinion he thought was infallible. I believe if Abati was given a second chance, he would modify the content of the analogies he made from research he thought was flawless. This piece is not however meant to subtract from Abati’s piece but to explore a new dimension to it.

But wait a minute; is crisis of identity prowling only the music and the movie industries? I must say that the entire continent, I mean the universe, not just Nigeria suffers from a chronic disease of identity. The world is enmeshed in an undiluted and unstable identity that’s brought to it by a change that has somewhat become inevitable. In order to belong, to draw attention on the world’s stardom, to be seen amidst large crowd and to be heard in the multitude of people, one must join the rest of the world in paying tribute to obscenity!




My dear reader, pause a bit; don't discharge your adrenaline yet; don’t rush, keep your reservations, spare me your disagreements, hold back all your comments, suppress all prejudices and cage all rants and raves, just read on.

The free world is painted in obscenity! Nudity is now everywhere. Major streets are market places where nudity of different degrees is traded. Pay your cash and carry your goods, get my drift? The world is going crazy, you may say. That craziness is manifesting in every area of our lives. The world has gone nude. It’s that nudity that the music artistes, the movie makers and fashion designers are celebrating.

Any time you hear any lyrics like “enter the place,” “o4ka sibe” or “suddenly”, just know that it’s part of the artiste’s tribute to obscenity. Whenever you see clothes that reveal rather than cover the nakedness of man, just relax for that’s the designer’s own homage to obscenity. When you see private things done in public places, don’t be surprised, it’s the dominant culture.

The American Hollywood is at the vantage point when it comes to this. They are the drivers of the car that carries the rest of the world. The world is becoming one dimensional where universal culture is gradually replacing the diverse cultures of different nationalities. You need not watch movies to know this. You need not listen to the lewd and sexual illuminating lyrics of music artistes to be acquainted with this.

Those things that are used to be done in the secret of bedrooms are today done on the street. Popular soaps, reality shows are more sexually inclined than never before. What is African about Big Brother Africa? The private parts are now being celebrated at the public domain! Who cares? Media or the consumers? You'll quite agree with me that no one really cares, not even the religious moral guerillas!




Commentators may point accusing fingers at the direction of producers of these programs or the manufacturer of these products. Yes, in part, they share the blame. But can the media for instance continuously bombard the viewer with scenes, images and pictures that (s)he will not subscribe to? Can any medium for instance, survive stiff competition without joining the rest of the world in paying tribute to obscenity or without ‘satisfying’ the luscious appetites of the consumers? How practicable it is in today’s world of consumerism where there’s high level of obsession for obscene products, due to its universal and mass appeal? It is the high demand of these products that seems to be the reason why there’s a continuous influx of these products into the market; even the most inferior has its niche market!

Those who watch porn movies, magazines or visit those ‘adult’ sites do it in the seclusion. Disappointedly also, most of the people that publicly discredit this kind of popular culture (obscenity) sometimes even pay the greatest tribute at their closets. If not what can you say of a Pastor who says abortion should be aborted from the hearts of the youth but at the same time promoting sexual promiscuity among teenagers by ‘anointing’ young girls in his ‘holy’ bedroom? What about a father who tells his children to abstain from sex but has brothels as his favourite joint? Hem! You can move on and add similar instances where people display hypocrisy in the name of public acceptability.

This piece is not aimed at justifying and glorifying mundane and flirtatious disposition of men and women. It’s neither a tribute to those who are propagating it. The message is rather clear, simple and vivid-the five fingers of the world are soiled on this highly debilitating issue that’s crushing down the culture (if there’s any word like that) of many nations. Would nations survive the holocaust that’s threatening their identity? Many people now believe or are made to believe that to be seen and be heard, one must pay tribute to obscenity.

The bottom line is that everyone should discover the essence of his or her existence. If you’re musician, know that music is beyond entertainment, shaking of ‘bom-bom’ or making public the private parts or changing the nomenclature of women to ‘bitches’. In fact, music begins where entertainment ends. If you’re a movie maker, know that there’s more to commercial benefits. Fashion designers should remember that though naked designs sell than those that cover, they should remember that certain values and groups need to be protected in their quest for profit maximisation.





As you join the rest of the world in singing "arise obscenity", as you paye tribute foul language and nudity remember your origin, identity, others and above all, remember your life’s essence.

The Scramble- A Poem

Words of war or war of words
There’s heap and there’s hip
There’s morning and there’s mourning
There’s we and there’s them
There’s faith and there’s fate
What sense would all these make to little?

He’s the breadwinner of the family
Yet he’s part of the war
Great puzzle, that’s what he termed it
Puzzle of puzzles, Kate reiterates
N was changed to P
E was tainted to H
P was ‘morphosed to C
A was changed to N
Son of monkey, always a monkey
But what sense would the puzzle make
To a rural resident like Kate?

Papacy Holy Communion is here again…
Old wine in a new jar, it tastes the same
There’s repackaging and there’s rebranding
There’s NEEDs and there’s SEEDs
Many haven’t forgotten LEEDs
There’s ‘eight goals’ and there’s ‘seven points’
Arithmetic progression or geometric retrogression?
Where were you…?
When Mr. SAP slapped Kate’s father to a coma


There stands the lecturer on the podium
And he compounds the pandemonium
Public enlightenment campaign, that’s what he terms it
There’s liberalization and there’s deregulation
There’s privatization and there’s commercialization
There’s redenomination and there’s decimalization
What sense would all these make…
To a village champion like Kate

Little Kate still perspires in akimbo
Who will rescue her from this sneaking limbo?
Everyone seems to have deceived her
There’s her father and there’s her teacher
There’s Papacy and there’s her lecturer
But who will tell her…
That ‘change of character’ is the only word
That can replace the war.



Illusion? Deception? Call it whatever!

Remembering Our Heroes Past

opinion

The labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain, says a phrase in Nigeria's national anthem. Who are these heroes? What was their labour? Why should they be remembered and how do we remember them?




Whenever we talk of the struggles against colonial domination in Nigeria, the sacrifices made by her leaders (dead or alive) - Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, Pa Anthony Enahoro and others whom one may call 'anonymous' nationalists - can never be forgotten or erased from the country's history without rewriting the entire history.

In other African countries, we had the likes of Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Samora Machel of Mozambique, Stephen Biko and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela of South Africa, among others. These were men of impeccable character whom, irrespective of the precarious socio-economic and political milieus of their time, transformed the continent that was hitherto under the shackle of colonial domination to the continent of hope. They are, in the words of G.W.F. Hegel (German philosopher), "the heroes of an epoch..." and they must "be recognised as its clear-sighted ones, their deeds and their words are the best of their time."



In Nigeria, October 1st has dual significance. It is a day to commemorate our national independence and a day to remember those who were behind the independence, that is, our heroes past. Those who were and still are models and icons to many; they liberated the country from slavery, subjugation and other forms of inhuman treatments that epitomised colonialism. They sacrificed their lives and lived meaningless life in order to secure meaningful and better future for the nation.

They were the initiators of Nigerian "revolution". Not the type of revolution Vladimir Lenin championed in Russia, but the one which Amical Cabral (one of the African heroes who led Guinea Bissau in the armed struggle against Portuguese colonial domination) defined as "the transformation of our present life in the direction of progress."

Can we confidently say that since our independence, Nigeria has moved significantly to an enviable height of progress? Though it can be argued that since 1960, Nigeria has recorded some landmark achievements in terms of development, but this is not without drawbacks. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president of Nigeria, in his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria's 45th independence anniversary, reiterated on this point when he confessed that "over the years, our country has been through a lot of contradictions, challenges, conflicts and temptations.

We have seen trust betrayed and opportunities mortgaged. We have seen hopes dashed and steady steps to progress compromised". All these shortcomings may have contributed to the low level of life expectancy that Nigerians experience today. According to Patrick Wilmot, a professor and sociology lecturer, "while most people on earth look forward to eight decades of life, Nigerians' average has been reduced to forty-three years. And those who survive may envy the dead".

One may ask: "was this part of the nationalists' dreams for Nigeria and Nigerians?" How would the dead heroes feel if they supernaturally resurrect from their graves today? Would they see a fulfilled dream or shattered one? Would they envy themselves or envy those who are still living? Our heroes past are remembered for the roles they played in the evolution of political parties in the country. They configured a political foundation on which the political future of Nigeria rests.



For instance, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDC) was formed by Herbert Macaulay; the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was led by Ernest Ikoli while Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello led the Action Group and Northern Peoples' Congress respectively. Though these parties were regionally based, they served as platforms through which the nationalists vented their anger and heaved their discontentment about the colonial government and their obnoxious policies. Parties of those days had ideologies and purpose, not just to capture power but to use such power to fight all the enemies of civilisation and development of our nation. But what manner of political parties and actors operate on our political space today?

Wale Sokumbi in her column Currents on January 10, 2007 of the Daily Sun newspaper succinctly described the personality of today's politicians when she disappointedly asked: "will this year's political office aspirants continue to promise the nation heaven on earth as our politicians have been doing for decades only for the heaven to materialise in their houses while the rest of the nation continues to live in the hottest part of hell?" Remember, life in this "hottest part of hell" is hard, as unemployment is pervasive, poverty ubiquitous and power supply erratic where it is available.

Our heroes past were the ones who reinstalled the history that colonialists filched from us following the annexation of Lagos Colony in 1861. They restored the dignity and respect Nigerians deserve; they did not compromise national interest for personal interest. Unlike most Nigerians who today can exchange their birthright for a spoon of porridge, the nationalists fought fearlessly and collectively won against colonialism. They chose to be hero masters rather than puppet masters. In fact, they demonstrated that if London is for the British, then Lagos, Kaduna or Calabar should be for Nigerians!

But can we, for instance, consider those who "have stolen about $500 billion (N85 trillion) within the past 40 years" leaders or looters? This was the mind-boggling amount pilfered by so-called Nigerian leaders as announced by the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission boss, Nuhu Ribadu at the launch of "Fix Nigeria Initiative". This figure according to Ribadu "could have recreated the beauty and glory of Western Europe six times over." If these leaders were in the shoes of the nationalists, one may wonder what would have happened to our 1960 independence. The activities of African students in the Diaspora added impetus to the liberation of the continent from colonialism.




For instance, in Britain alone, we had Union of Students of African Descent, the African Progress Union and the West African Students Union (WASU). History has it that staunch nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Eyo Ita and Kwame Nkrumah were trained by WASU. How many students union governments can boast of such records today? Many commentators are of the view that unionism or politics on our various campuses today has become breeding ground for cultism and has been reduced to politics of opportunism where students make "political connection" with politicians "outside" the school walls.

In developed countries, war heroes, leaders and nationalists are immortalised by building monuments for such people. In the United States of America, for instance, monuments exist throughout the country from the revolutionary site of Bunker Hill to the many Civil War battlefields. The U.S. state capital features several large monuments like Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, Vietnam Veteran Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, among others.



As much as I know, there are no such national monuments (I stand to be corrected) but this should not however prevent us from immortalising our own heroes. To me, remembering our heroes past means juxtaposing the cause they stood for with the cause that today's Nigerians stand for; it means counting the blessings and legacies that the nationalists left behind as against the legacies of today's Nigerians. Therefore, the only and greatest gift we can offer our heroes past who were martyred for the peace, progress and civilisation of this country is to keep the comradeship spirit alive; to fight poverty, illiteracy, injustice, corruption and unemployment with the same enthusiasm and commitments that they used in fighting colonialism. This is the surest way that we can immortalise our heroes past and their dreams or else their labour will be in vain.

Nigeria is 48. Happy birthday, Fatherland! Bravo, our heroes past and congratulations, fellow Nigerians!!


Copyright © 2008 Daily Trust. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

AllAfrica - All the Time

My Doctor is Sick: A Story

Tsiky literary means “sickness no longer in the land” a name derived from a popular river that was said to be a sanctuary of healing to those who drank of it. But today, sickness has taken over the land that was hitherto free of diseases. The worst of it all is that the remote location of my village does not attract the attention of the federal government hence we only have local doctors who still use the primitive ways of treating diseases. When there’s serious complication, patients are taken to the local government headquarters for proper medical attention. Most time, death raises its eye-brow on the patient before getting to the health centre. It has always been so for several decades until my uncle came back from abroad. Tsiky is however blessed with a school that has trees as it houses. I never used books until my uncle came back from abroad and supplied everyone with exercise books.


I’m in the same class with Mnalara who’s nicknamed as Malaria. Our teacher would always caution, though exaggeratingly: “You dare not call him by that name in his presence. Defy it, he’ll rain abuses on you, poisonous words that will incite your adrenalin with fury, pierce your nerves with no delay and damage your reputation beyond repair. His mouth is as sharp as razor blade, while his words are as poisonous as snake’s venom.”

The name given to him by his parents was Mnalara which means “have mercy”-whether from God or man, no one can really say. Malaria has caused a great havoc on him; at least that’s what the local doctor said. On seeing Mnalara, no one would tell you before you know that he actually needs mercy. He’s 17 but started walking barely when he was five years of age. He staggers on his feeble legs that are not in commensurate with his ballooned head.

One of the few girls among us nicknamed as Meningitis though her actual name is Manygites which means “there’s hope”. She got this name the first day she resumed school. That day, our Integrated Science tutor in her usual boring class was coincidentally teaching a topic on communicable diseases.

“Hey, you girl” the teacher points at Manygites. All eyes were on her for the teacher’s fingers were directed at her.

“I’m not familiar with your face, what’s your name?”

Manygites, who looks timid, stood up and say “Me?” pointing her five fingers towards her chest.

The teacher nods her head, an obvious sign of affirmation.

“My name is Manygites”

“Meningitis?” The teacher who hardly crack jokes in class asked.

The whole class burst into a laughter that lasted almost till the end of the lesson. After all, boredom was written on the faces of the student before the meningitis saga and the students took the advantage of the melodrama in order to dissuade the teacher from continuing with her class. That was how Manygites became Meningitis.

My own name is Sintilla which means “last chance”. All the twelve children that were born before me died at a tender age. Of course, no one can really fathom what killed them. After the death of the twelfth child, my mother was advised not to ever conceive again but she prefers to die than being alive without a child. She would always ask in rhetoric, “what then is the joy of marriage?”

I was born into an atmosphere of fear, the fear of being taken away by the unknown hands of the most dreaded phenomenon, yet inevitable. As if God was troubled by the incessant prayers that were being poured on His holy alter, He has decided to spare me. At least I’m now fifteen. But one thing baffles me-I still don’t know why my friends call me Sickler. Though I always look pale and unhealthy most time but I can’t imagine being a sickler. If I am, then “last chance” would become “no chance” and mother’s hope would be dashed with no alternative.

I seldom fall sick may be, due to the free and regular medical check-up I get at the prestigious Sicknomore Redemption Centre, the best private hospital in my state. Before my uncle came back from abroad, I was frequent in the house of local doctors. At time, I may be tempted to conclude that if my uncle was here I wouldn’t have been the only child of my parents.

My Doctor who happens to be my uncle is one of the most intelligent doctors of the entire nine world’s best Doctors that have ever existed. Of course to be among the best, one must have studied at the exalted Lustersa School of Medicine, the University that promise to put an end to all the diseases that have been ravaging the entire human race. Lustersa University is rated as the ‘Best University of all Decades.’ All the major breakthroughs in the world of medicine are traceable to the university.

“Due to the revolution that’s being championed by this school, time would come that humans would no longer die of diseases” the Chief Medical Director of the school, Dr. Sunman Bandito once promised the world.

The obvious and unique thing about this University is that it combines human medicine and tools engineering. The most potent nano-devices were invented by the year-two student of this great school. There’s a special nano-device invented that can detect diseases that are yet to manifest. Early detection means victory over the sickness.




With the above, my Doctor needs no introduction. Ordinarily, as a common man, I am not worthy of having him as personal physician but nature has his way of sharing things. While it gave our forefathers a large and unquantifiable heap of poverty, the only blessing people reckon our family with today is the fact that we have the world’s best doctor. When I was much younger, I used to think that there’s no sickness that my uncle can’t treat. In fact, people in my community consider my doctor as God’s eyes on the sick. Any sickness he cannot diagnose is the one that announces the demise of its victim to the gory of no return. People recourse to my uncle as the only man who can close the door when sickness opens its floodgate of disaster upon them.

But some times last week, I went to the hospital for my monthly and quotidian medical check-up, I couldn’t believe what I saw. There were so many patients who lined up for treatments. There’s nothing unusual about this but the most bizarre of it all was that my doctor was among the patients. I couldn’t believe it because he hardly falls sick. He’s a workaholic fellow, who empathizes with others even to his own detriment, but this day, he was rather busy bearing the pains all alone, no one cared and he careless for no one.

On getting to my uncle’s office, there was a heavy onslaught of fear that gripped my soul due to the horrible scenario that stood in front of me like a ghost. I put my hands to the sides of my head and begin to squeeze the skin that covers it in disbelief. There lies my Doctor, just like any human being.

While standing, patients were just trooping into the hospital as if an embargo was lifted. At the entrance of the gate, there’s a signpost with a bold inscription “You’re Welcome to Sicknomore Redemption Centre (SRC)” with its intriguing slogan as the “The Greatest Gift is Good Health.” No wonder, my uncle considers this project as “the greatest gift for mankind.”



One of the patients named Lukas suffers from HIV/AIDS. He has come for his free treatment. SRC collaborate with some international Non-Governmental Organizations that are committed to giving free HIV treatments to the patients. The most prominent among these NGOs is the New Order for HIV/AIDS Patients (NOHAP). I read in NOHAP BRIEF, a monthly publication of this body that the basic thrust of this body is that “for us to have an HIV free generation there must be free-medical treatment for all, free-accommodation for all, free education for all. This is what we have come to do and these are the only ways we guarantee free life for all HIV patients.”

Though many people believe that the dream is unrealizable but currently the body has about 20,000 registered members who’re enjoying free life. This figure, the Director of the body said on Chicken Noodle Network (CNN), the only National Television station in my country “would triple tremendously by the first quarter of the year.” The greatest challenge however is that of distribution.

“Many drive exotic cars and live in glamorous mansions because they pilfer from the coffers of HIV/AIDS. Many are living large from the misfortune of their fellow humans”. This was the response my Uncle gave to me when I wanted to know why drugs were not available for an AIDS patient who has come for his regular drugs. Some of these drugs are being sabotaged and hoarded by some business moguls who serve as local representatives of NOHAP but has turned it to opportunity of making money.

Lukas was the only one who summoned courage to move closer to my Uncle before my arrival. Everyone seems to be scared as the doctor could no longer raise those hands that he uses to punch the buttocks of many people.




“I am sick” The doctor said what was obvious.

“What do I do now?” The doctor continues. But who among the patients can answer the doctor’s question?

“You’re the Doctor, you should know what to do” Lukas rather answered leisurely.

Of course my Doctor knows what to do but it seems to him that those poisonous substances called drugs are more effective when injected on others. Lukas still stands in awe and in disbelief, just like other onlookers.

“Why should the world’s best Doctor fall prey of sickness he has studied and cured for several years?” Lukas queried nature.

Lukas later discovered that he was rather too harsh on my Doctor. When Lukas remember those soft and gentle words that my uncle normally pour on the patients which a times even heal more than drugs he begins to talk to my Doctor with softness.

With an unreserved apology and remorsefulness Lukas said:

“Doc, I’m sorry. But you should know what to do” Lukas tendered an unreserved apology with remorsefulness.

“I…I mean inject yourself with those poison-looking substance called drugs and you’ll be fine” Lukas is now talking to doctor as if himself is a doctor.

“Yes, I know. It’s an abuse for me to inject myself. I now know how stinky and irritating those substances… I mean those drugs are…it’s as if, more pills make me ill, even the more. May be I’ll have to travel abroad for to meet my colleagues for treatment.” The Doctor gently and slowly coughed these words out.

“But Doctor, is going to abroad the only panacea? Our home-based doctors should be able to treat you. After all, it seems the sickness isn’t as serious as those you frequently treat” I suggestion to my uncle.

“Who treats the sick while my Doctor is away?” I asked a question that would obviously have no answer.

“Can the patients be patient enough until the Doctor returns from abroad?” Dunamm, whose daughter suffers a complication from an abortion done by one of the local doctors in the community asked.

“But death may be imminent, one can’t really say” I simply said.

“My Doctor is sick; our Doctor is sick who’ll treat the sick?” I continued, as if it was one of those Kindergartens or Nursery School rhymes.

“While he’s away, sickness will prevail without delay” the poetic proclamation continues.


“Please, help me call my driver” my Doctor beckoned.
I went out to call the driver. The driver came and took my uncle away, definitely to the airport before flying abroad. Everyone was looking but no one could utter a word.

This is three months since my uncle left the village for abroad. The hospital is now desolate, no one to cater for the sick. The most pathetic and hopeless of it all is that my Doctor, the only uncle of mine, though being attended to by the other eight world’s best medical experts but he’s still sick.
________The End_________

Deregulation: Another Gimmick?

By Emmanuel Nathan Oguche

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After the torrential wind and the unprecedented Tsunami that gulped many Nigerian banks and their Chief Executive Officers, one of the most controversial and the hottest news today is the noise of the Federal Government’s deregulation policy of the down stream oil sector. Many will definitely add Bode George’s saga to the list. Well, C(T)hief (Chief or Thief) George’s is not alone. His case can just be described as one out of many, period. May be one day, Federal Government would be forced to pay ‘subsidies’ on the monies that are being looted and swindled by our so-called leaders on daily basis. We’ll then start talking about Deregulation of corruption. But until then, let’s talk about deregulation of the down stream oil sector.





For the sake of those who have a mucky and narrow perspective of what deregulation is all about, it simply means the reduction or removal of government power in a particular industry, usually enacted to create more competition within the industry. Deregulation is not one-point agendum like price hike as our leaders want to make us believe; it’s a result-oriented vision that requires concerted efforts; series of activities that will give birth to a reasonable and healthy competition among the various operators of the oil sector. This definition doesn’t however mean that a deregulated industry is not without control. Yes there are controls but the forces of demand and supply which economists term as ‘price mechanism’ should be the major determinant factor.

In Nigeria it is different. For instance, whenever ‘deregulation’ is mentioned the first thing that comes to the mind of an average Nigerian is the down stream oil sector. Do you blame them? The answer is definitely no. Many people believe or are made to believe that the oil sector is the cradle of Nigerian deregulation. But this general belief is erroneous and unfounded as every sector at one time or the other has experienced deregulation. So what is the noise about the deregulation of the oil sector all about? Is the telecommunication sector not deregulated? Why is the Government shouting? Why are Nigerians crying? Why are Labour groups screaming?

It is obvious that with the crash in global oil prices, the government is under a severe pressure to remove subsidy; the subsidy which guzzled as high as 600 billion naira in 2008. It is a national shame and disgrace that Nigeria, the world’s seventh producer of oil is also the major importer of petroleum products. If it is cheaper to import rather than to refine in our local refineries, is it not more reasonable too for government to bold enough by paying subsidy for its own nonchalance and incompetence? The three refineries in Kaduna, Port Hacourt and Warri are in a state of comatose and the government is not yet ready to sell them. How can government own refineries and at the same time be talking about deregulation? What prevents the government from privatizing those refineries since it has failed to manage them in full capacity? The government doesn’t have any reason to bark since it has failed in its responsibility.

Why are Nigerians crying? Nigerians have every reason to cry especially in an environment like ours where deregulation of the oil sector is tantamount to unapologetic and arrogant price hike. Deregulation is beyond fuel price hike. It’s a process, not an act. Fuel price hike which masquerades as deregulation has never solved the problem of fuel scarcity, inefficiency of government refineries, corruptions and gross ineptness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other stakeholders operating in the oil sector. Moreover, when there’s a fuel price hike, only the poor masses that depend solely on gasoline, petroleum and kerosene for their daily activities are the ones whose fingers are being soiled for the plates of porridge eaten by their leaders. No wonder, the audacious Governor of Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has raised an alarm on the danger of fuel price hike and has therefore joined the many antagonists of deregulation (price hike) due its untold hardships and teething inflationary consequences on the masses.




The labour groups are on the side of Nigerian masses. They believe that Nigeria is not due for another fuel price hike, especially now that we don’t have any alternative to energy. The President, Trade Union Congress was quoted to have said: “On a normal export day, we are supposed to export about two million barrels (of crude oil). And if there is no problem in the Niger Delta, we are looking at, may be, in another one or two, three years, at how to get up to three years, at how to get up to three million per day. So, how can you explain the importation of petrol and kerosene that has been going on over ten years?” The government must answer this question before it can make any plan for deregulation.



Sincere and a well planned deregulation is what Nigerians want not an unscrupulous and inhuman fuel price hike. Deregulation is not equated and shouldn’t be equated with fuel price hike. The problem of the Nigerian down stream oil sector is not a mathematical one that requires a single solution. The plan by the government to foist another round of fuel price hike in the name of deregulation is like giving panadol tablets to a malaria patient. The panadol will definitely relief the pain but be sure that the malaria parasite will remain. Federal Government should be a good doctor by prescribing the right medications to the ‘malaria’ that has kept the down stream oil sector down for decades, for price hike in the name of deregulation is yet another gimmick from the government.

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