Apala and Ayinla Omowura; The artist, genre echoing the voice of the masses.

It is often said that the ''ordinary'' man or woman on the street hardly has a voice, to state his or her case. In the process of trying to take on the role of vanguard of the masses voice, politics usually comes into play. Politics, however sometimes dilutes the spirit of objectivity, where the interest of the medium shapes judgement and positions. Music is generally agreed as one of the most effective universal languages known to mankind. It has the capability of breaking down barriers, uniting classes and taking a stand. 

However having the capability is an acknowledgment of the fact, in some cases that not all music forms are able to express the views, beliefs and aspirations of the ‘’down trodden’’. This category of people are not necessarily the financially poor, but more of the disenfranchised, the socially (including judicial), politically, educationally and in some manner economically disenfranchised as a result of limitations placed on these individuals by society.

The group of people highlighted above at least from the western part of Nigeria or those who understand the language and have a close affinity for Yoruba music would readily state the influence of Apala music and its message. Apala has a followership commensurate with Afro Beat in terms of population ratio. The similarity between Apala, Afro Beat and even reggae is quite glaring despite the fact that the language of communication varies.

The similarity is based on the fact that these music forms claim very strongly to speak for those on the margins of society in one way or another, such as the working class, the illiterate, semi illiterate, the poor and even a reasonable size of the professional class, who all constitute the majority of the population in most societies around the world.

The artist who revolutionised Apala music is no other than Ayinla Omowura. With popular albums such as ''Anwi Ele O gbo'' and others, Ayinla’s trade mark was his invective approach of throwing up issues which the ''ordinary man'' is continuously burdened with but feels helpless dealing with. His narrative style which is descriptive is often laden with ‘’flowery’’ language.

His deeply penetrating voice is often complemented with the use of traditional Yoruba music instrument such as the shekere (maracas), Gangan (talking drum) Bata drum and Omele. The fusion which emanates from the music is strong and authentic. While some may argue that he was abusive and rude(or a ''stack illiterate'' as some derisively referred to him), the truth really is, he was a radical coming out from a very traditional and conservative setting. Ayinla Omowura took a strong position with the establishment with regards corruption, lifestyle (though not an angel himself) religion.

Curiously Ayinla was an ardent commentator on people’s rights and relationships. He made wide ranging commentary on feminism not necessarily because he was a polygamist but for the fact that he raised the issue of where responsible behaviour starts and ends against the rights or idiosyncrasies of womanhood, basing his arguments on the psychology of a woman. His music also had what could be defined as a universal message or twist to it, through the incoherent but occasional use of English language in his local Egba accent.

Whatever is said about Ayinla Omowura, he could not be ignored by the establishment as he was embraced by admirers and his staunch followers. His style of music electrified the atmosphere with the attendant energy it generates. To anyone who has the basic understanding of unadulterated Yoruba language, his music had a hypnotic effect, just by being objective and playing down the holy than though disposition. It could be argued that it may be difficult to revisit Ayinla Omowura’s raw style of delivering this music form, a revival of Apala is long overdue. It is an aspect of the Yoruba nation and by extension Nigeria’s cultural heritage.


By Olugbenga Adebanjo

Acknowledgement : Tun Telev

ALAAFIN OF OYO IN SALVADOR, BRAZIL FOR SEMINAR ON PRESERVATION OF SHARED CULTURE: SANGO

The Brazilian Government in strong collaboration with the Nigerian Government have commenced a process of strong entrenchment of similar and shared Cultural Heritage, at the instance of the Brazilian Government, particularly the State of Bahia, Salvador and other agencies on culture, through a seminar tagged 'BRAZIL-NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FOR PRESERVATION OF SHARED CULTURAL HERITAGE'.

It's interesting to note that the Yoruba heritage, particularly Oyo has become of international importance. UNESCO has come to recognize the heritage of this great people especially the ones transported to Brazil in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves. They have become highly entrenched in the state of Bahia in Brazil and as such a special invitation was sent to the Nigerian Government through the Hon. Minister for Culture, High Chief Edem Duke, inviting  the Grand Custodian of the Yoruba Culture and Tradition, The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (J.P, C.F.R LL.D, S.A.P)- Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, for this significant seminar.

The most pronounced Yoruba heritage in Bahia, Salvador Brazil is the Sango, who reigned and ruled the famous Oyo empire as king. Sango was the third Alaafin of Oyo. The present Alaafin Oba Adeyemi  is a direct descendant of Sango and as such he went to the seminar with many of Sango devotees from Oyo.

The seminar is the first of its kind and opened 28th July 2014. It has so far attracted global interest.

                                           Photo 

1 (above) His Imperial Majesty - Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi delivering his speech and sitting beside him is Governor state of Bahia and Minister of Culture.

2.  Drums rolled out to welcome His Imperial Majesty in a Carnival like possession. 

3.His Majesty Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi III custodian of Yoruba Culture and History,chatting with Governor state Bahia and his wife.

4. His Majesty steps out gracefully with his Olori.

5.His Majesty Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi III with her Olori and Minister of Culture.

6.Thousands of cultural enthusiasts listening to His Majesty Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi.

https://www.facebook.com/alaafinoyo

Mallam Umaru Altine, First Mayor of Enugu

It was in the year 1956 and a man had emerged as the first Mayor of Enugu Municipal Council. Well, that would not have come as any news if not for the man in question, Mallam Umaru Altine who was an ethnic Fulani cattle dealer from the Old Sokoto Province of the defunct Northern Nigeria. In fact, his own kids were raised in the house of the late Sultan of Sokoto. He grew up under the reign of Sultan Siddiq Abubakar III who was the Sultan for 50 good years (1938-1988).

Mallam Umaru Altine also raised some of the Sultan’s children at the Ungwar Sarki residence, in line with the traditions of the Sultan. He would later migrate southwards where he came under the heavy influence of the late nationalist, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who was his mentor. Azikiwe gave Altine immense support and played a very significant role in his emergence as the Mayor of Enugu.

Before he was elected the Mayor by fellow councillors, he was President of the Enugu Branch of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) Youth Association, a post to which he was elected in May 1953 with the support of the Igbo middle class who were mainly businessmen, civil servants and professionals. This fact was noted by Richard L. Sklar, an American political scientist who wrote the book, Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation, in which he described the situation:

'A majority of official party candidates were elected, and Malam Umaru Altine was chosen by them as chairman of the council'. In 1956 Enugu was elevated to the status of a municipality.

He also explained that Altine was one of the militant supporters of Azikiwe, in charge of the youth faction. In 1954, the Udi-Nsukka-Agwu United Front (UNAUF), a body of indigenes nominated their candidates to stand for elections during the Enugu Urban District Council Elections against Altine’s branch of the NCNC. The party leaders’ candidates won and they elected Altine.

In 1956, the status of Enugu was upgraded to that of a municipality. It is noteworthy that before the first municipal elections, the party leaders tried to unite the two factions but the executive branch committee of the party refuse to endorse the six former councilors for the race because they were backed by the Udi-Nsukka-Agwu United Front (UNAUF). The wrangling paved way for the NCNC which won the elections with 15 seats while UNAUF went with 10. Altine had won. He became the first Mayor of Enugu.

On the 10th of November, 1956, at a meeting of the NCNC, Umaru Altine was elected as President of the party branch without any opposition. His vice was Dr. G.C Mbanugo, a well-known non-Udi medical doctor who was also the Chairman of the Eastern Region Finance Company.

By the April of 1957, Altine’s support had dropped and the leadership of the Enugu Municipal Council had to be taken over by Mr. LBC Ezechi, a trader from Udi. Under the law of the Eastern Region Local Government then, the chairman (called the Mayor) was elected every year by the councillors. On the hand, the local councils are elected every three years. Following this loss, the NCNC ordered all its councillors to resign with immediate effect, and seventeen of them did. Azikiwe had just returned from the Constitutional Conference in London in August 1957 and made attempts to put the house back in order (Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation by Richard L. Sklar).

Altine was not the only prominent Fulani politician in Enugu as at that time. There was also another fellow cattle dealer, Alhaji Baba Sule, who was later the President of the Stranger Elements Association, a faction of the NCNC formed by non-Udi elements after the mayorship of Altine. Analysts at that time say that Altine’s emergence was to make the NCNC appealing to all Nigerians, especially the northerners.

Acknowledgement: Abiyamo, Tun Tv

Source: Naija Archives

'Nigeria's Netflix' takes Nollywood to a global audience

BBC's Tomi Oladipo runs a story on Nigeria's Jason Njoku and Nollywood . Enjoy excerpts of it...

In a corner of the room, facing the rest of the operation and separated by a glass partition, sits Jason Njoku, the company's founder.

Born and brought up in London, Mr Njoku is now Lagos-based and building what is proving to be a revolutionary tool, as Nollywood - Nigeria's Hollywood - moves on from DVD to digital platforms.

Since 2011, iRokoTV has racked up millions of views, its founder says, "connecting African films with fans globally" with its huge online catalogue.

The company pays filmmakers about $10,000 (£5,900) to $25,000 for the digital rights to stream their content for a period of time.

In fact, Jason Njoku says the group spends $3m-$4m a year on licensing and producing content, hoping to make back the money in two to three years.

Subscribers pay a monthly fee of $8 with unlimited access to movies from around Africa on the iRoko TV platform, although most productions come from Nigeria and Ghana.

"There's always that star power thing…similar to Hollywood, similar to Bollywood, similar to any content industry around the world," says Mr Njoku.

"You look at the stars, you look at the director…super important you also look at the quality of the actual movies themselves, and we try to sync that with the audience, so, every ten movies we view, we only buy one or two of them."

It is a model that not many would have thought about a few years ago, but today iRoko's success has seen the emergence of other competitors.

One, Pana TV, secured the rights to the acclaimed film Half Of A Yellow Sun, which stars Hollywood's Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton.

The industry is growing, and is said to be a major employer in Nigeria, contributing to 1.4% of the country's GDP.

Acknowledgement: BBC, Tun Telev

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28528396

Turning the world on with Afrobeat

Teni (Yoruba meaning, “Lay the mat for the crown”) is a smokin’ hot talent. Her blogger profile reads, “Jazz singer and Afro-bohemian Artistic Director of the House of Makeda.” Essentially, Teni is a multi-talented African woman invoking her proverbial “woman’s prerogative” in actualizing her creative potential. Fashion designer aside, Teni is an Afrobeat music innovator; a female in a male dominated music genre, crafting sultry soul jazz joints/tunes with socio-political messaging in an era of inane Hip Hop braggadocian misogyny.

To be clear, we’re talking Afrobeat, not afrobeats.

Teni delivers her unique, mellifluent, spoken-word-esque lyricizing in dreamy, trance inducing vocals, that perambulate Afrobeat-marinated, jazz funk and soul grooves reminiscent of Fela Kuti’s “Upside Down(1976),” featuring Sandra Akanke Isidore. Her inaugural CD,Afrodisiac, is auspiciously coincidental in name to the record label,Afrodisia, which released Fela’s “Upside Down.”

Released in 2012, Afrodisiac contains 10 tracks of what was believed to be lost in decades past; the aptly termed “good music.” Teni teamed with legendary drummer and Afrobeat pioneer, Tony Allen, to produce a millennium dawning, feminine interpretation of Fela’s brainchild. She’s backed musically by the “uncut funk” of a versatile 10-member jazz ensemble, the Afro-Renaissance. Self-described as a fusion of Fela Kuti, Sade Adu, Nina Simone and Bob Marley, Teni composes and produces her own lyrics and music, and is highly adept on keyboard.

Teni christened her CD Afrodisiac as a play on the word aphrodisiac – a “turn on.” As she explains it, she’s from Africa, representing Africa and hoping to “turn on” the world with her African music. Beyond her sensual singing and stunning sexiness, her brief illumination of representing Africa turned me on to find out more about her as an African woman and Afrobeat artist.

I linked up with Teni at a popular waterside lounge, on Lagos’ Lekki Peninsula Phase 1. Sitting on the deck overlooking the Lagos Lagoon, she shared with me candid reflections regarding her incredible music and who she is as a 21st century African woman.

Teni, congratulations on the success of your debut CD, Afrodesiac. It’s “funky fresh” as we used to say in the 1980’s. Most often, I’ve heard the term Afrobeat associated with your artistry and your interpretation of it on the single Lionheart is brilliant. I’ve also heard the terms Soul, Jazz, Funk and Fusion in relations to your sound. How would you describe your compositions and performances, and what drew you to this type of music?

I definitely describe my music as Afrosoul, but it also has Jazz, Funk and the Blues. I like music of all genres and I like that to come across in my compositions. I like to make music that’s eclectic and universal; music that anyone can like. Whether you’re a Nigerian living in Lagos or an American living in Ney York – wherever you’re from – I want people to be able to connect with my music. I like to draw from classic genres; Soul, very classic, Jazz, timeless music . . . I’m cooking my own soup.

With artists like D’ Banj, Davido, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid, dominating the Nigerian club scene, how is your work being received around the country?

Some people tell me, “You need to make more commercial music.” Other people appreciate it. Nigeria is a huge country, so I believe I will find my audience. I believe there are people who will be able to appreciate the kind of music I make. Not everybody likes the sound you’re hearing in the clubs. A lot of people are tired of that sound, so I think it’s important to introduce new sounds; something they can feel and hopefully get into in time.

With so many different types of venues available for performances; ranging from small and intimate to large auditoriums and arenas. What fits best for you?

I love to perform in intimate venues, but I’ll perform on any stage. My preference is an indoor, kind of small, intimate lounge, where you can get a good sound. I love it when we’re in an intimate setting and everybody can hear me.

You have a unique vocal delivery; sailing, soothing and seductive. Many say characteristic of Sade Adu, one of your influences. How did you develop your distinctive vocal style?

I don’t know if I really developed it, but I just started singing and that’s what was coming out. I think it’s just natural, but my vocal is definitely inspired by Jazz, as is Sade’s, but more minimalist and a lot of pure notes. I didn’t want to do R&B because I thought it would be reminiscent of African American music and I wanted to make something distinctive; I want to stand apart from the crowd.

So as an African musician who wanted to make music to express and reflect where I’m coming from, I thought Jazz would be more appropriate for me. As well, I’m heavily influenced by Fela Kuti and I wanted to make music that drew a lot of inspiration from his sound and I found that jazzy vocals went very well with it.

Your lyrics are not the typical Hip Hop party anthems and explicit R&B bedroom ballads. Your words are sensual, like on the funky rollin’ rhythm title track, Afrodesiac, and the sexy, soulful, celestial recording, Your Love Is The Key, you invite someone to, “turn me on just how I like” and “come fill my cup . . . it’s never enough,” respectively. What aspects of your personality seep into these erotic songs?

I’m a quiet person, quite reserved, but I’m a Virgo. So apparently we Virgos have this cool calm exterior and a burning within. I think my music embodies that and it’s subtle. I don’t like to be too overtly sexual, but sensuality, I think that’s a beautiful thing.

On tracks like the bouncy House Music number, Revolution, and the Reggae conceived tune, Wilderness, you eloquently drop a taste Pan-Africanist commentary, which is an Afrobeat fundamental ingredient. Few contemporary artists incorporate socio-political messaging in their music. Where did you gain your social and political awareness and how does it influence your music?

From Fela and Bob Marley . . . When you’re an Afrobeat disciple like I am, you can’t help but draw from Fela’s amazing social consciousness. Also, I think that I’m a sensitive person; I look around me, I see what’s going on in my society, in my environment and I think it’s important to speak on it in one way or the other.

We’re in the formative years of the 21st century and we’re seeing the rights and achievements of women increasing rapidly in many places. How do you see yourself as a female musician playing a role in the African women’s struggle for equality?

I hope I’m playing a big role, because I’m making music that I produce myself. There aren’t many women producers around, so I believe that in a male dominated industry I’m hopefully leaving a good example for other African women to empower themselves and be able to stand alone. For a long time, I was just making music in my own little corner; I wasn’t connected with any record label or big producers and it was just a very individual effort. It took a lot of time, determination and perseverance, because my parents weren’t into the fact that I was doing music. So it was something I had to do in secret, at first. I hope that somehow, I’ll be able to inspire the next generation of African women who are creative, because I’m also a fashion designer; I used to run a fashion business. So it’s all about creativity. Sometimes our society can be very oppressive and it can be very difficult to break out of that shell of what society dictates and demands, but I broke free and I’m quite happy. So I’m hoping others will follow suit. 

The list of western celebrities who use their wealth and influence to draw attention to humanitarian causes on the African continent is lengthy. In your opinion, what should native African musical artists, male and female, be doing politically to help improve conditions in their respective countries?

I think it all starts with music; making music that will make people think, will open minds and that will increase our intellectual capacity. I think right now, most people are making songs about being in the club, buying a Bugatti (high-performance automobile) or whatever. I think there’s a lot of dumbing down going on. I think it all starts with the lyrics and the intentions behind your songs; a striving to express a higher ideal; something nobler. You can still do that in a club friendly sound and make people think.

You’re a talented and charming African female music artist, how is it you list Scarface, a gratuitously violent American gangster movie, amongst your favorite films?

Because I’m very gangster. Honestly, I’m inspired by gangsters. It’s not a very politically correct thing to say, but I like watching gangster movies and I love listening to hardcore hip hop, because I find it motivating. In the past ten years or so, I’ve had to be quite gangster. I’ve had to overcome a lot of obstacles and I’ve had to stand on my own. Lagos is not an easy city to navigate. I’ve had a lot of interesting experiences here, so I think that’s where that gangster thing comes from.

Finally, Teni, when can we expect to hear new material from you and your extraordinary band?

I’m currently in the studio working on new music, which is quite interesting, because this particular song I’m going to release next is called, “Follow Your Heart” and I feature an upcoming, underground Yoruba rapper, Obadice. I wanted to do something where I was still singing in English, but have the Yoruba rapper so more people can connect with my music. I really want to be able to reach out to more people in Nigeria. Apart from that, I have a couple of songs I’m writing that are more club friendly, because I want to take Afrobeat and Afrosoul to the clubs. I want to get people everywhere I can. So, I’m actually interested to see how it’s all going to turn out, but of course, I’m still going to be doing the more soulful, jazzy, stuff. My new single, “Follow Your Heart,” is coming out in the next couple of months.

Interview by: thisisafrica.me

Acknowledgement: thisisafrica.me

http://thisisafrica.me/lifestyle/turning-the-world-on-with-afrobeat/

Significance of the Nigerian Passport

“These are to request and require in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all those who it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford him or her every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need.”

Adorned with such beautifully worded presidential note, Nigerian passport is a very valuable booklet that facilitates the holder’s movement around the world in dignity and respect.

Also, in order to ensure that only Nigerians enjoy the privilege of obtaining it, the passport has been enhanced with advanced security mechanisms and protection features making it an e-passport in its current improved booklet design, which makes it technically superior to those of many countries around the world.

Do you know that with a Nigerian international passport, you can visit 44 countries around the world visa free or visa on arrival? Here is a list of these countries:

1. Bangladesh (Visa on arrival)
2. Barbados ( Visa free for 6 months)
3. Benin Republic ( Visa free)
4. Burkina Faso ( Visa free)
5. Burundi ( Visa on arrival for 30days)
6. Cameroon ( Visa free)
7. Cape Verde ( Visa on arrival)
8. Chad ( Visa free)
9. Comoros Island ( Visa on arrival)
10. Cote d'ivoire ( Visa free )
11. Djibouti ( Visa on arrival )
12. Dominican ( Visa free for 21 days )
13. Fiji Island ( Visa free for 4 months)
14. Gambia ( Visa free for 90days )
15. Georgia ( Visa on arrival )
16. Ghana ( Visa free )
17. Guinea ( Visa free )
18. Guinea Bissau ( Visa free for 90 days )
19. Haiti ( Visa free for 90 days )
20. Iran ( Visa on arrival )
21. Kenya ( Visa on arrival for 90 days )
22. Liberia ( Visa free )
23. Madagascar ( Visa on arrival for 90 days )
24. Maldives ( Visa on arrival for 30 days )
25. Mali ( Visa free )
26. Mauritania ( Visa on arrival )
27. Mauritius ( Visa free for 90days )
28. Micronesia ( Visa free for 30 days )
29. Mozambique ( Visa on arrival for 30 days )
30. Nauru ( Visa on arrival )
31. Niger republic ( Visa free )
32. Palau ( Visa on arrival for 30 days )
33. Samoa ( Visa on arrival for 60 days )
34. Senegal ( Visa free )
35. Seychelles (Visa on arrival for 30 days )
36. Sierra Leone ( Visa free )
37. Somalia ( Visa on arrival )
38. Sri Lanka ( Electronic travel authorization )
39.Tanzania ( Visa on arrival )
40. Timor-Leste ( Visa on arrival for 30 days )
41. Togo ( Visa free )
42. Tuvalu ( Visa on arrival for 30 days )
43. Uganda ( Visa on arrival )
44. Vanuatu ( Visa free for 30 days )

Possession of a Nigeria passport is undoubtedly imperative for every Nigerian citizen, either in readiness for an intended travel outside the Country or as proof to show that he/she is a bonafide citizen of Nigeria.

For the fact that a passport gives an individual full identification, and being the only universal identification document which is globally accepted as proof of nationality, it becomes important for every Nigeria citizen to own one.

Aside the fact that the passport identifies you as a Nigeria nationality; it also gives you the full right to return to Nigeria from any part of the world.

Acknowledgement: Flynaija.org, Hnnafrica, Vanguard, Tun Telev

Don’t overlook the other Nigeria by Paul Collier and Acha Leke

What is lost in most discussions about Nigeria today is the strong economic record that it has established over the last decade. In fact, a recent year-long study of the country by the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) showed that, over the next 15 years, Nigeria has the potential to become a major global economy.

With roughly 170 million inhabitants, Nigeria has Africa’s largest population. But it has only recently been acknowledged as having the continent’s largest economy – 26th in the world – following the release of “rebased” data putting GDP at $510-billion (U.S.) last year. MGI estimates that, in 2013-2030, Nigeria could expand its economy by more than 6% annually, with its GDP exceeding $1.6-trillion – moving it into the global top 20.

The problem is that Nigeria remains subject to outdated assumptions, which are limiting its prospects, especially among foreign companies and investors. For example, many believe that Nigeria is a petro-economy, wholly at the mercy of the world oil market. But the resources sector accounts for only 14% of GDP – meaning that, while oil production remains a critical source of revenue and exports, the Nigerian economy is far more diverse than many assume.

A related myth is that Nigeria’s economic growth is unstable, with large and unpredictable shifts in performance from year to year. In fact, as Nigeria has diversified its economy and detached public-spending plans from current oil prices (part of a 2004 budget reform), it has become increasingly stable, both economically and fiscally.

Finally, there is a general misunderstanding about the Nigerian economy’s evolution. Despite widespread poverty and low (though improving) productivity in almost all industries outside of the resources sector, Nigeria has a rapidly growing consumer class that will play an increasingly important role in driving growth. By 2030, more than 34 million households, with about 160 million people, are likely to be earning more than $7,500 annually, making them aspiring consumers. This implies a potential rise in consumption from $388-billion annually to $1.4-trillion.

Nigeria’s prospects are enhanced further by its strategic location, a large and growing population and an entrepreneurial spirit. The future looks bright.

In order to unleash this potential and ensure that the next decade of growth brings sharp reductions in poverty, Nigeria’s leaders must pursue reforms aimed at increasing productivity, raising incomes, and delivering essential services like health care and education more efficiently.

For example, to increase productivity and incomes in the agricultural sector, the government could pursue land-title reform aimed at opening more farmland without deforestation; expand the use of fertilizer and mechanized equipment; and support a shift to more profitable crops. Moreover, improvements in distribution and marketing would allow farmers to keep more of the proceeds from the sale of their crops.

In urban areas, productivity suffers from a high degree of informal employment, sometimes even by major corporations. This keeps too many Nigerians in low-skill, low-paying jobs and deprives the economy of the dynamism that competitive small and medium-size enterprises create.

To make it easier to do business in Nigeria, the government also will need to streamline processes for registering and running a legal business and, together with aid agencies and the private sector, increase investment in infrastructure. It will also need to intensify its fight against endemic corruption, which represents a tax on all businesses.

Finally, to promote inclusive growth – essential to relieving human suffering and mitigating social and political tensions – Nigeria must improve public-service delivery dramatically. All that is needed to ensure that assistance – from seed subsidies to immunization – reaches those who need it most, regardless of where they live in the country, is a strong commitment from Nigeria’s leaders to build more effective and transparent government agencies.

Nigerians do not need sympathy or even outrage from the global community. What they need is support and encouragement. Only with stable and inclusive growth can Nigeria escape the clutches of brutal forces like Boko Haram and give its citizens the security and prosperity that they deserve.

Nigeria has been getting a lot of bad press lately, owing largely to the militant Islamist group Boko Haram’s abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in April, part of a brutal campaign of kidnappings, bombings, and murder. But, while these developments certainly merit international concern, they should not be allowed to obscure Nigeria’s recent achievements – or spur the outside world to turn its back on the country.

Paul Collier is co-director of the Center for the Study of African Economies, Oxford University. Acha Leke is director of McKinsey in Africa.

Acknowledgement: http://reubenabati.com.ng/Don-acirc-t-overlook-the-other-Nigeria-by.html, Tun Telev
Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/dont-overlook-the-other-nigeria/article19800900/#sthash.IaRDLivJ.2z4CfAvC.dpuf

Consumer Potential: Three Nigerian City Clusters To Compete With Lagos

Nigeria’s retail and wholesale trade industry has the potential to grow by 7.1% per year, and by 2030 could be the largest contributor to the country’s GDP, according to recent report by McKinsey Global Institute. Sales of packaged food and beverages are expected to grow by 6.8% a year, contributing around 85% of the growth in consumer goods.

The report, Nigeria’s renewal: Delivering inclusive growth in Africa’s largest economy, estimates that demand for consumer goods could more than triple by 2030. The largest economy in Africa is seeing a rising consumer class, creating a notable opportunity for manufacturers and retailers of fast-moving consumer goods such as food, beverages and personal and health products. Currently consumption is estimated at US$388bn a year but is expected to rise to $1.4tr in 2030, with 35m households earning over $7,500 a year.

“Based on data from other economies on how consumption changes with rising incomes, we see demand in Nigeria poised to accelerate in such categories as fruit juices,” illustrates the report.

“Capturing emerging consumer demand, however, will require smart choices about where, when, and how to enter Nigerian markets. It will also require specific capabilities that international companies especially may need to develop.”

One strategy for consumer facing companies in Nigeria is to adopt a city and regional approach, as opposed to a nationwide approach where distinct differences in culture, demographics and wealth exist. While Lagos, with an estimate of 15m residents, may be the go-to city for companies targeting consumers, McKinsey suggests three regional clusters of cities that together produce sizable populations to rival Lagos.

“Companies playing in all three of these clusters could target 20% more households earning above $7,500 than in Lagos,” notes the research.

A six city cluster around the Niger Delta in the southeast

Port Harcourt, Warri, Benin City, Aba, Enugu and Onitsha make up the six city southeast cluster. Its proximity to oil wells has led the region to be a hub of activity for oil companies and foreign investment.

According to the report, total GDP in this cluster alone is $63bn, which is a close rival to Lagos’s GDP of $68bn, despite having far fewer households. Both Port Harcourt and Aba have considerably higher consumption per capita than Lagos. Port Harcourt, followed by Benin City, Onitsha and Aba have the largest populations within the cluster.

Companies looking to target the luxury segment might want to especially consider Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, which has the highest consumption per capita in the country ($6,843 in 2013). The city has one of the largest consuming middle classes in Nigeria with household incomes between $20,000 and $70,000 a year. It has access to two of the country’s busier ports and is home to the Port Harcourt Airport.

Ibadan, Ogbomosho and Ilorin, just north of Lagos

These three cities are within close proximity to Lagos. Ibadan (the capital of Oyo State) is the second largest city after Lagos, and has a fast-growing consumer market. While Lagos has over four times the number of households as Ibadan, consumption per capita of Ibadan in 2013 was $4,562, rivalling Lagos’s $4,710. Ibadan also has a large emerging consumer class with annual household incomes of between $7,500 and $20,000, and one of the larger consuming middle classes in the country with incomes between $20,000 and $70,000 a year.

According to a recent African Development Bank (AfDB) report, Tracking Africa’s Progress in Figures, Ibadan is one of the top 10 fastest growing cities in Africa.

Northern corridor cluster of Kano, Zaria and Kaduna

This cluster holds potential for consumer businesses looking for sizable populations in northern Nigeria. Kano is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and Kaduna the seventh biggest.

This year, South African retailer Shoprite launched its first outlet in Kano, while Massmart opened a Game store just before June. Despite the potential security risk posed by Islamic militants in the region, Massmart’s Africa director Mark Turner said at the Reuters Africa Summit in April: “ I always want to be bold enough to say, you can’t be in Nigeria without being in Kano.”


Acknowledgement: howwemadeitinafrica, Tun Tv

Wedding for Sale!

It’s not out of character to see a wedding ceremony taking place on a Tuesday or Thursday in any part of the country. Across the length and breadth of Nigeria, be it in the cities or rural settlements, among the working class, the middle class or the rich weddings have become an integral part of national identity. I guess as a traditional society, wedding ceremonies are perceived as one of the requirements or rites of passage for any adult that comes of age. So when a young man and a not so young man meets the ‘‘lady of his dream’’ or the ‘‘man of her dream’’, the wedding event is meant to seal the relationship. 

These ceremonies take different forms, ranging from the single event, the two in one and the combo. The single event is usually a choice out of the three types of wedding, namely traditional wedding, court wedding or the church /mosques wedding. The second option is the traditional rites of marriage with the court appearance and the third option is combining the three forms wedding ceremonies depending on the couple’s circumstance. African societies elevates marriage ceremonies to a form of religious rite and Nigeria is no exception. Over the past two decades the marriage ceremony has given birth to the emergence of a reasonably sized economy, which has had a positive knock on effect on the national economy. The large chunk of the Nigerian economy is the informal one and the economy that has emerged through marriage ceremonies is a sizeable percentage of it. 

The wedding ceremony is the end result of a number of economic activities, without which the event may not turn out or turn out as anticipated. Weddings in contemporary Nigeria, is big business aided by the traditional concept of its importance. In the past, medium or large scale marriage ceremonies, excluding the attendance of the registry used to be the preserve of the middle class and the affluent. They usually took place then, in church or mosque halls or the town hall with modest emphasis on fanfare, indulgences or exuberances. There was a level of conservatism to the way weddings were approached. 

In the new era of monetisation, weddings have been elevated to another level, with different players involved. The wedding uniform popularly referred to as ‘‘Aso ebi’’, an invention of the people of the western part of the country, is sought after by the family of the groom and bride. It has gone on from being a Yoruba feature to a national phenomenon. There are different types of Aso ebi, the rich tend to go for authentic textile materials such as ‘‘Aso oke’’ or ‘‘George’’ while ordinary folks prefer batik popularly referred to as ‘‘Ankara’’. The choice of Aso ebi is a way of making money by suppliers with its ‘‘benefits’’, it’s a form of ‘‘pass’’ for the occasion and those who buy it are often rewarded with gifts for ‘‘identifying’’ with the celebrants. Such gifts vary from cheap plastic plates, mugs to expensive items such as microwaves, choice cutlery sets etc. 

The choice of venue also matters. As a response to this, property developers and other businesses have tapped into the venue market by building state of the art venues such as the civic centre on the Island, in Lagos to modest buildings around the country. Venues charge an average of N200, 000 to over N1, 000,000 for events such as weddings in cosmopolitan areas across the country, while the cost in small towns are equally on the high side. The wedding venues take on a character of their own for each occasion through decorations. So it is required of the celebrants to adorn chairs, tables and the walls with tapestry and other forms of beautifications. However, it does not come cheap to decorate, as it ranges from a modest N40, 000 depending on the spending power of the celebrants to about N500, 000. 

A wedding may not be complete without the photo shoot. In the days gone by, the humble photographer comes around and takes his shots on the special day. After the event, he comes back with an album of pictures and everybody is happy, at least that was then. These days the photographer is more of a theatre director, an image enabler of sorts. The couple is faced with the task of making the right choice, such choice leads to sourcing and getting locations for shoots and deciding on ‘‘costume’’ or ‘‘dress code’’. Shoots have the tendency of covering days, if the photographer is quite sensitive about his craft. At the end of the sessions, including the wedding the photographer presents a photo book, which could cost between N120, 000 – N250, 000. The photographer makes it clear that with such attention and effort, his fee is quite reasonable. 

The caterer’s role in the wedding plan cannot be ignored. They keep the guests happy I suppose by taking care of their stomachs and as such ensure that the couple’s day is fulfilled. Catering is usually a bench mark of measuring a couple’s financial capacity or that of the celebrants’ families. So it is not out of place to have a big budget for catering activities. This includes buying the big ram known as ‘‘Agbo’’ / ‘‘Rago’’ or a hunch backed cow. This is aided with buying bags of rice, edible oil, condiments for stew or soups and other traditional food stuff such as yam flour (assorted), garri (cassava flakes), semolina etc. Protein plays an important role in catering, so assorted fish products such as stockfish popularly referred to as ‘‘panla’’ or ‘‘oporoko’’ are accorded due priority. 

Making food available on a wedding day is one thing but ensuring that the food is served with little or no wastage is more important. That is the added responsibility of the chief cater, who oversees a sizeable catering crew with the role of serving food and other sundry activities. There is a new invention to catering, the evolution of the small chops. What the Europeans and the North Americans refer to as desserts. No wedding is given its seal of approval at least by the guests without the small chops. The cost of catering is better left to one’s imagination, giving a figure is simply impractical. 

The wedding ceremony in Nigeria has become a very big event with deep economic implications. It has evolved as an expensive project no matter how modest the average couple intends it to be but the flip side is that, it has helped in driving and expanding the economy over the past twenty years. Many businesses have thrived or grown on the back drop of the contemporary ‘‘naija’’ wedding, thus the occasion for Nigerians is much more than an event, rather it’s part of society’s economic wellbeing.

By Olugbenga Adebanjo

The Osun Osogbo Festival

The Osun Osogbo festival is an occasion of religious observance, in which the people of Osogbo celebrates the significance of the river goddess (Osun) and her mythical deeds. The festival takes place during the second , third and fourth week of august. It commences and ends in the palace of the Ataoja (king of Osogbo).

Preparation for the Osun festival begins with ifa consultation. The consultation is done by the chief Babalawo, awise of Osogbo in the palace of the Ataoja.

The Ifa consultation provides the specific date and particular sacrificial requirements for the year’s celebration. The specific Ifa consultation is restricted to the religious and political hierarchy of Osogbo and Osun worship. After the date has been chosen,the Ataoja’s representative of the goddess officially announces the chosen date and the requirements for the communal offering to Osun and the people of Osogbo. This marks the beginning of the festival.

The announcement is presented as a formal event staged in the centre of town situated at the Osogbo market where the Osun shrine is located. In reaction to the announcement, the Iya ewe (mother of youths) dances around the market collecting token of wares from the market women as a part of their contribution to the ceremony.

The festival officially begins with Popo (spiritual route clearing), which is the physical and ritual clearing of the pilgrimage route from the palace through Obaemu to the grove. This is the first major public event of the Osun festival. This is done by the Ataoja, surrounded by his wives, chiefs, attendants, musicians and guards. The royal horn-blowers lead the way through Osogbo announcing the approach of Ataoja with their instruments. The royal party walks down the streets displaying the Opa-oba (staff of political and religious authority amidst dancing and singing).

During this activity, local rulers as well as the general populace participate in the opening celebration by giving their contribution to the success of the festival in terms of money, foods, beverages e.t.c. also women who have given birth during the intervening year between festivals contribute to and participate in the procession with their babies tied to their back. These women pay homage to the Ataoja singing his praise and that of osun amidst dancing.

The second, third, fourth and fifth days of the festival witness the appearance of masquerades dedicated to their ancestors as well as Sango, the Yoruba’s diety of thunder. 

The night of the sixth day of the festival is dedicated to osanyin, a yoruba diety responsible for healing through the knowledge of the use of herbs. On this occasion, a sixteen point lamp is lit using palm oil soaked in cotton wicks. The lamp is lit from seven in the night to seven in the next morning. The ataoja, his wives, followers, traditional chiefs, ifa priest, osun devotees and the arugba (osun bowl carrier) would dance round the sixteen-point lamp(atupa oloju merindinlogun) three times to the admiration of a cross section of the people of osogbo present at the palace. After the dancing round the lamp for the third time, which should be by daybreak, the king dances to the market and before he comes back, the sixteen lamp should have been put off by itself. 

The seventh day is dedicated to the ifa priest who dances round osogbo town. 

The eight day includes acrobatic performances by naming deities like oya, one of the wives of sango, whom osun was in good terms with her. 

On the ninth day, the ataoja and his high chiefs pay complement to his in-law, in a procession that leads from one house to the other. 

In a build up towards the grand finale, the tenth day witnesses the laying out of the crowns of the past and present ataoja of osogbo for a rededication to osun. This is called iboriade which takes place at the palace where meetings are normally held. Here, the ataoja worships the crowns, beads, shoes, clothes e.t.c of his predecessors and forebears, making appeasement to osun on their behalf. The ataoja in total submission to the gods is simply dressed on this day, without a crown.The king will then pray for the town which is followed by pouring of the libration by the king. Honey, banana, adun, salt, bitter kola, oti adura, and so on are used for the prayer. The iya osun (osun priest) will then pour the divination kola, after which she pronounce the gods acceptance of the offering and the people present will reply saying praise to osun (iya yeye o). Then the king, chief priest and priestess would prostrate before the crown as a salute to the royal ancestors, as the occasion attempts to invoke the spirits of the ancestors of the ataoja to bestow blessings on the people of osogbo. 

The ceremony ends with the citation of praise name of the town, the founders of osogbo, the past ataojas, to the present ataoja, by the praise singers and drummers whom the king and the congregation offers some money as a sort of appreciation. The king then departs with his wives dancing to the drum beats. The congregation leaves after the exist of the royal family.


Acknowledgement: Trip Down Memory Lane, TUN TV


Source: https://www.unilorin.edu.ng/studproj/arts/0715CD066.pdf

How Nigerians use the internet

With a population of 170 million, 130 million active lines, 66 million of which are used to access the internet, Nigeria is the biggest internet market in Africa. Between 2000 and 2013, internet penetration grew from a paltry 0.06 percent to 38 percent, teledensity is now 93 percent and there are indications that this trend will continue well into 2020.

The country will remain the largest internet market on the continent in the near future because it has a large youth population (one-third of the population is between the 10-24 years age bracket) and a growing middle class (estimated at 23 percent-appx. 39 million-of the population by Renaissance Capital in 2011). Nigeria has a large number of the two classes of individuals which traditionally drive internet usage: the middle class and young people.

The size of this market makes it a fertile ground for online business, internet advertising, software sale and Internet service providers. There have been few enquires to fully understand the virtual footprints of the vast majority of Nigerians, at the BRIU we have tried to study it through a number of research methodologies, results of one of which is presented below.

In an online survey which captured the behavior of respondents drawn from Lagos, the FCT, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ogun and Rivers online, we discovered that the main reason respondents browse the internet is to search for information. Other major reasons include sending emails and work.

As many as 84 percent are online for information gathering purposes, 81 percent use the platform mainly to send e-mails, while for 76 percent it is part of their work tools. Though social media is important to users, only 45 percent of those sampled see it as the major reason they go online.

From the responses, it can be inferred that there is less buying and selling activity online among respondents compared to other online activities. Only 7 percent of them see buying and selling as a major reason they are on the internet, while 19 percent see paying for services as a major reason for being online. Finally, 26 percent of all respondents consider checking bank accounts as a major reason for going online.

We believe there is a vacuum in online sales and marketing in Nigeria even as internet penetration continues to grow. But there is evidence that more individuals have embraced internet banking compared to buying and selling online. Trust, access to online payment infrastructure and knowledge of how these processes work have been identified as clogs in the wheel of online buying and selling business in Nigeria. We believe that continued reinforcement of publicity on how the whole process works and how safe and easy it is can significantly tilt the equation in favour of online buying and selling by our respondents.

Viewed from the point of view of gender, the major activities carried out online are the same. But while 6 percent of females see buying items online as a major reason for being on the internet, only 1 percent of males have the same view. Also, while 8 percent of female respondents see paying for services as a major reason for being on the internet, only 4 percent of males have the same view.

Social media sites with the buzz

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, My Space, Tumblr and Instagram are among the social media platforms investigated in the survey. Of the lot, 73 percent of the respondents said they are active on Facebook daily, 35 percent are active on Twitter, while LinkedIn accounts for 25 percent of social media presence. On the other hand, Tumblr, My Space and Instagram are yet to make any impact on respondents. Their combined usage is less than 2 percent of respondents.

All females that took the survey say they visit Facebook regularly, while more than three quarter use Twitter. Sixty-four percent of respondents say they use LinkedIn and Skype, respectively, while Google+ and Whatsapp are used by half of female respondents, respectively. Less popular sites among females include Instagram and Pintrest. Both sites account for less than 15 percent of female traffic.

Acknowledgement: Businessdayonline, TUN TV

Transcorp H1 profit rises 177.42% on aggressive expansion

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria plc’s half-year (H1) profit rose 177.42 percent on investment diversification and aggressive expansion, analysis of financial statement shows.

The company that has interest in hotel, oil and agricultural sub-sectors grew revenue by 176.53 percent to N21.21 billion in the second quarter of the year, from N7.67 billion in the same period of the corresponding year (HY) 2013.

The bottom-line level also increased as profit before tax (PBT) spiked by 121.88 percent to N8.01 billion in HY 2014, compared with N3.61 billion as of (HY) 2013.

Profit after tax spiked by 177.42 percent to N6.88 billion, from N2.48 billion as of HY 2013.

The company also plans to raise N15 billion to refinance power projects and expand its investment in oil exploration and hotels. The investment will be financed by a combination of equity and the sale of bonds.

The 1000 megawatt of gas plant it plans on building by 2015 will help increase earnings and play down debt.

Total assets were up by slightly by 5.95 percent to N158.18 billion in HY 2014, compared with N149.46 billion as of HY 2013.

If diversification is the spreading of investment in more than one portfolio in other to reduce risk, then Transcorp has demonstrated that as its agric, oil and hotels are contributing to top-line.

The company plans on upgrading its Transcorp Hilton Abuja Hotel for better efficiency and increased contribution to profits. It has also earmarked $500 million to start the construction of three hotels in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

It also plans to build eight more hotels under the Hilton brand by 2018.

Its agric business is in growth spurt as one of the most diversified listed company opened a fruit concentrate company in the central Nigerian state of Benue with the capacity of 26500 metric tons a year.

Earnings per share (EPS) moved by 105.45 percent to 11.30k as against 5.50k as of HY 2013.

The owner’s resources have been deployed efficiently to generate higher profits as the return on average equity (ROaE) jumped to 7.51 percent in 2014, from 2.86 percent in 2013, while return on average assets (ROaA) increased to 4.35 percent in 2014, from 2.86 percent in 2013.

The company’s share price closed at N5.47 on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, while market capitalisation was N211.80 billion.

Acknowledgement: businessdayonline, TUN Telev
Source: Businessdayonline

IGHO SANOMI II; THE UNASSUMING ACHIEVER

Igho Charles Sanomi II was born in 1975 in Agbor Delta State, Nigeria, the fifth child (and first son) of a devout Catholic family. His father, the late Dickens Oghenereumu Patrick Sanomi hailed from Delta State Nigeria and was a retired Assistant Inspector General of the Nigerian Police. He is the young, dynamic founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Taleveras Group, an internationally recognized energy and power conglomerate with offices in London, Geneva, Cape Town, Dubai, the Ivory Coast, Abuja and Lagos. He also acts as Chairman or Co-chair on the boards of companies with interests as diverse as construction, telecommunications, shipping, aviation and real estate. Mr Sanomi’s mother, Mabel Iyabo Sanomi holds a Royal title of Yeye Jemo of Isotun Ijesha Kingdom in Osun State. She was a renowned nurse and medical entrepreneur from Osun State in South Western Nigeria.

Mr Sanomi entered the world of business shortly after completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Geology and Mining at the University of Jos in Northern Nigeria. He rose quickly to the position of Executive Director with Sarian Oil and Cosmos Oil AG, an international Oil Trading Company with its core activities in West Africa. During his time in this role he single handedly developed the company’s trading operations by negotiating the export and delivery of fuel oils from West Africa to the United States Gulf Coast. He also developed a strategic alliance with a major international oil trading group based in Zug, Switzerland. This partnership oversaw the import and export of millions of tons of refined petroleum products to and from the West African coast.

In the power sector, Taleveras Group is working in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Capital Development Authority on the construction of several electrical substations. Additional substations are also under construction in the Niger Delta region as part of the National Integrated Power Project. In 2010 the Taleveras Group coordinated a number of well known power industry suppliers to construct an 185MW power station and distribution substation. The second phase of this project, involving the delivery of a further 200MW capacity is currently in progress. Most recently, the Taleveras Group lead a consortium that acquired a majority stake in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution company via a process of competitive tender. This company will be responsible for the distribution of more than 2,000MW of power in River State, Nigeria.

As the driving force behind the Taleveras Group, Mr Sanomi has been instrumental in the expansion and diversification of the company’s operations. Annually, the Taleveras Group trades hundreds of millions of crude oil barrels and millions of tons of fuel oil, jet fuel, gasoline, condensates and liquefied petroleum gas. The company’s oil exploration and recovery activities include the acquisition of production sharing contracts (PSCs) for three offshore oil blocks in Ivory Coast and rights to a further two oil blocks in Nigeria.

Acknowledgement: Ighosanomi.com ( first sighted in Nigeria Centenary), TUN TV

Iheanacho is exceptional – Pellegrini

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was delighted with Kelechi Iheanacho after the Nigerian scored in victory over Sporting Kansas City.

City beat a host of European clubs to sign Iheanacho after he scored six goals in seven games to claim the Golden Ball at last summer’s Under 17 World Championship.

Pellegrini said: “Kelechi is just 17 years old and he’s a very important player for us in the future. He demonstrated today what he can do in the future. It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he’s a good talent.

“We’ve not decided yet (what the plan is for him) because it’s not easy. He’s just 17 and sometimes that’s the problem. We’ll see what he will do in the future.

For the moment he will stay with us and we’ll see when we return to England what will happen with him. But he’s a very important player for the future for the club.

“After the tour we will see what happens with him. There are a lot of things to arrange to play in England but he has an important future.”

Source: Vanguard News

Acknowledgement: TUN TV

Walking With Wole Soyinka

Several times, I have met Professor Wole Soyinka without actually meeting him. It was either in a crowded reading room in Washington D.C. or at some event in Nigeria. As a photographer not as a writer, I really wanted to meet the man away from the usual crowd that surrounds him all the time. I wanted to do a proper portrait of the man and the legendary white Afro. With his hectic schedule, one couldn’t really tell where he would be at any particular time or how possible it was to even be alone with one of the world’s busiest and famous men of letters.Earlier this month, as events to mark his 80th birthday swirled around towns in Nigeria and beyond, I begged my friend Lola Shoneyin, the novelist and Soyinka’s daughter-in-law, to help me gain access to him. She agreed to try, not promising anything because Kongi, (as he is called by many) had a hectic schedule and wouldn’t really have time to be photographed.

However, I got lucky. Lola called me at about 10pm one night to say she had found an opportunity for me to photograph him. There was a short documentary she and her husband were making of Soyinka to mark his birthday. I would have to rise early the next morning for the two hours drive from my base in Lagos to Soyinka’s private country house in the outskirt of Abeokuta.

I was elated. I’d finally get to photograph him in his lair. I had heard all kinds of tales about this famed house he built in the middle of the forest. Getting there, we needed a guide because though Lola had been to her father-in-law’s house on numerous occasions, she still couldn’t navigate her way there alone because of the convolutedness of the location in the forest.

The first shocker as we got close to his long path leading to the forest read “TRESPASSING VEHICLES WILL BE SHOT AND EATEN.” I figured then that I had to expect the unexpected and also hoped Lola had made an appointment. A man who promises to eat vehicles could do worse to an uninvited photographer. The red-brick house, which nestled atop a hill with a tiny river flowing below and giant trees towering above it, was surreal. For the first few minutes, I couldn’t take pictures. I just marveled at the serenity of the natural habitat. Coming from the craziness of a mega city like Lagos to this quiet green environment was not something I wanted to squander. I took in the clean air and stared at the flowers while Lola went in to tell Prof that he had guests.

I have to navigate carefully in this man’s domain, I told myself. There were more warning signs. If I had doubts about his seriousness when I arrived, I dispelled these when he later brought out his double-barreled hunting rifle while we were interviewing and photographing him. He had no qualms bearing arms, as a famed hunter.


The six hours I spent in Soyinka’s presence flew by like a second. As an artist and a writer, I felt at home amidst his varied art collection, of contemporary and ancient works. He had more sculptures than paintings and it was obvious his preference was three dimensional works of art. Books sprout from ground and walls and bookshelves. I listened intently to the Nobel Laureate’s wild tales and conquests.

Perhaps what was most intriguing to me was his elaborate sense of humor and how he could switch from one extremely serious world affair, like the yet to be rescued kidnapped Chibok school girls in the northern part of Nigeria, to the fact that a man should never run out of wine in his house.

We took a tour of the house and all the hidden reading rooms (there were reading spaces everywhere) and a special prayer room for Christians, Muslims and traditionalists – to Soyinka, there is room for all religions to co-exist. The house on the hill had everything, including an amphitheater for drama rehearsals and performances. There was a shooting range that provided a bird’s eye view of a section of the path that led to the house.


When it was time to visit his reading spot in the middle of the forest, the heavens opened with loud thunder and lightning which had Soyinka, a man who has great regard for Ogun, the god of thunder and iron, and had written so much about it, bust into chanting and incantation. We waited for the rain to subside before going out. We walked along the edge of the forest, watched the river flow gently across our path. With fresh raindrops on the leaves, the forest took on an ominous look.

Prof. Soyinka’s white hair against the dense and dark green of his environment was pleasing to capture. His steps were smart and sure, not betraying his age and decades of struggle against the vilest rulers Nigeria has had. It is not every day one gets to tread the same path as a living legend, so I listened to him with every part of my body.

In a nicely nurtured section of a cultivated garden with lush green grass and blooming flowers, the man stopped and pointed to a serene section, “That is the cactus spot. At some point in life a man has to think of mortality.” I blinked and clicked at the direction he’d pointed. That cactus spot, I hope and pray, would have to wait many more years for its lone occupant, because the man I walked with on that raining day is a rare strong breed.



By Victor Ehikhamenor

Victor Ehikhamenor is an artist, writer and photographer. You can follow him on Twitter: @victorsozaboy

Acknowledgement: http://africasacountry.com/walking-with-wole-soyinka/, TUN TV

Nigeria Seen by Mckinsey in Worlds Top 20 Economies by 2030

Nigeria has the potential to be one of the world’s top 20 economies by 2030 with a consumer base exceeding the current populations of France and Germany, according to McKinsey & Co.

Africa’s biggest economy may expand about 7.1 percent a year through 2030, boosting gross domestic product to $1.6 trillion, possibly pushing it above Netherlands, Thailand and Malaysia, the New York-based company said in a report today. About 60 percent of Nigeria’s estimated population of 273 million by then may live in households earning more than $7,500 a year, fueling a consumer boom, McKinsey said.

“Nigeria is poised to become a major economic force,” McKinsey said in the report. “Nigeria has a huge endowment of resources, a growing consuming class, and rapidly growing trade and consumer sectors to propel growth.”

As Africa’s largest oil producer with a population of about 170 million, Nigeria has consistently posted annual growth rates in excess of 4 percent over the past decade. That’s spurred foreign investors such as Unilever Plc (ULVR), Nestle SA (NESN) and Shoprite Holdings Ltd. (SHP) to expand operations despite an upsurge in violence by militants in the north.

Based on McKinsey’s growth estimates for the economy, annual sales in consumer goods could more than triple to $1.4 trillion by 2030 from $388 billion currently, it said.

The retail and wholesale trade industry will probably become the largest contributer to Nigerian growth by then and 35 million households are expected to earn more than $7,500 a year, according to the report.
Oil Contribution

While oil accounts for 70 percent of government revenue and most of Nigeria’s export earnings, its share of the economy has waned. After the statistics office overhauled its GDP data in April, oil’s contribution to economic growth between 2010 and 2013 was 5.1 percent, compared with 14 percent for manufacturing and 20 percent for trade, according to McKinsey.

“If Nigeria reaches its economic potential, the retail and wholesale trade industry could grow 7.1 percent per year,” according to the report. “By 2030, it would likely become the largest contributor to Nigerian GDP, surpassing the agriculture sector.”

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (NGSEINDX) has gained 2.9 percent this year, adding to its 47 percent surge in 2013. The naira has dropped 1.1 percent against the dollar since January.

In order to achieve its potential, Nigeria’s government needs to address poverty, lower the cost of basic services, such as housing and energy, expand electricity supply and boost productivity in farming, McKinsey said.

Acknowledgement: excerpts from bloomberg.com

Lagos's Newest Middleclass Revealed !

Most recently Nigeria’s economy was re-based and brought up in value to $500 billion. This is a significant valuation by any standard. Over the past five to ten years, the nation’s economy has been driven by entrepreneurship rather than by the proceeds of oil and rents collected on it. So it must be emphasized that a new economy has been developing within the context of the broader economy and so its impact on the current picture of the nation's economic indices.

The entrepreneurial spirit is the driving force of the new economy. These entrepreneurs are mainly creative, some of them making their mark in the internet and digital economy. Lagos happens to be hub of the new economy where most of these personalities contribute to the process of creating wealth, making money and also reside. Welcome to the world of Lagos's newest middle class.

Organisations such as konga.com, jumia.com, paga.com the payment portal, Linda Ikeji Blog are examples of internet based companies driven by young businessmen and women. Apart from the dotcom businesses there are also photographers, fashion designers, innovators, film producers and directors and of course young corporate leaders. Among the lot one major feature stands out, the returnees. A large proportion of these entrepreneurs were born and raised outside Nigeria, namely in the United States, UK, Canada, France. Having lived most of their lives in these countries, why would they take the risk to leave the comfort of the west to come to Nigeria? Entrepreneurs see opportunities not barriers and being true to their calling have come down to change the landscape of their fatherland.

What differentiates the new middleclass in Lagos from the others is their sophistication, which they are infusing consciously or unconsciously and in the process changing the rhythm of Lagos. The influence of the new middleclass is taking a positive toll on the city of Lagos. It is on record that the city has been categorised as an ‘’emerging economy moving very close to a developed economy’’. This is partly due to the dynamism of the new middleclass.

The physical landscape of the new middle class starts from Ikeja axis on the mainland and stretches southbound towards Surulere and ends in Lekki. This landscape doubles up as their work space and their habitat. Lifestyle for the new middleclass in Lagos is ‘‘red carpet personified’’, what it means is living life that revolves around the media. They recognize and effectively use the media to their advantage, understanding the power of the media.

The new middleclass are not just content with making money and living the good life. They are preoccupied with conquest which is excelling at their vocations and being recognised for such. So getting awards and gongs is like breathing air or drinking water. Courting the media is a way of continuous marketing for the new age entrepreneurs. It places them in a permanent state of consciousness in the eyes and ears of the public, and the market place.

For the new middleclass the work environment is taken very seriously, to them it means giving new definition to the workplace. Ambience makes a whole lot of difference. Starting with the reception area, it gives the visitor a sense of awe and indicates that the host means business. He or she takes the deco and artistic interpretation as an extension of who he or she is. The workplace is a thinking pad for the new middle-class a source of inspiration.

Leisure for them takes the form of private parties, where the who is who in the city meet. The new middle class of Lagos knows the essence and beauty of the arts. As such they patronize the arts in whichever form it appears, so going to the theatre to see plays and other theatre productions makes their routine complete. The resurgence in the arts cannot be separated from the support of the new middle-class through sponsorship and commissioning of the arts. The days of painters, sculptors and engravers seating under the sun all day to sell one or two art works is well behind them, thanks to the new middle-class of Lagos. The talented ones are sought after and the geniuses amongst them are celebrated.

So after visiting the theatre or seeing a good movie at one of Silverbird’s Cinemas and other movie houses, leisure activity also takes the form of eating out at one of the few exclusive diners or restaurants. Joints such as Johnny Rockets has breezed into Lagos doing what it knows doing best, flipping juicy hamburgers. With a double bacon cheese burger selling for N3500 ($22.00) and vanilla milk shake at N1800 ($11.00), the new middleclass do have some dough to burn. Terra Kulture serves authentic Nigerian and African cuisine in a ‘‘very African setting’’. The Asian flavour is also available for the new age middleclass to savour in the name of Metisse. The choice of chic restaurants is endless so the entrepreneurs are spoilt for choice.

Competitive sports also play a part in the life of the new age middle class in Lagos. Anything competitive motivates them. This is somehow interwoven with leisure for instance in the form of motorbike sport, hiking, taekwondo etc. Being driven to the limit throws open to them the option of possibilities. It’s usually an avenue of finding solutions to challenges.

Lagos’s landscape both economically and socially would never be the same again with the advent of the newest set of middleclass. This enigmatic city which has been bestowed on it the economic touch of Nigeria would continue to wax stronger courtesy the ''young guns'' referred to as the Newest Middle class of Lagos.


By: Olugbenga Adebanjo

DANIEL ADEYILEKA: THE YOUNGEST PILOT IN NIGERIA

Meet Daniel Adeyileka-Nigeria's Youngest Pilot:

Kindly do a little bit of introduction?

My name is Daniel Adeyelika; I was born on the 6th of February 1995 in Newcastle, England. I have spent most of my life in the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Nairn, Scotland and other countries abroad. I had my elementary education in Rose Bank Primary School, Nairn, Scotland, from there I moved to Grantown Grammar School also in Scotland where I completed my secondary school. In 2008, I came back to Nigeria and enrolled into Avicenna International School, Ikeja, GRA. I finished in 2009. I equally obtained my A-Levels in Greenville School, GRA. It was right after my A-Levels that I went straight to flying school in America


Where did you train?

I did my flight training in Texas, Dallas with Delta Flight School for nine (9) months. I knew I went there for a reason and not to play, I needed all the concentration, I go to school from Monday to Sunday. My Private Pilot License (PPL) was for one and a half month and my International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) was fIMG_4586.JPGor three years.

During your training, were you teased for being the youngest in your class?

I was never teased but I was the youngest in my class and got along with everybody but there was a time I could not write certain exams due to my age, there were restrictions. I was asked to wait until I turned 18 years before I can do my commercial, so I was just reading all through those periods.

What were your challenges during training?

The challenge basically was when I was sent to Amsterdam for my Type Rating, it was really the toughest period I cant lie to you because it was not an easy task. I actually thought I was going to fail because I was the weakest in the class at the beginning but I came top of the class at the end. I kept telling my self “I can do it.” God really saw me through. The exercise lasted for one month. The challenge basically was when I was sent to Amsterdam for my Type Rating, it was really the toughest period I cant lie to you because it was not an easy task. I actually thought I was going to fail because I was the weakest in the class at the beginning but I came top of the class at the end. I kept telling my self “I can do it.” God really saw me through. The exercise lasted for one month.

What is your present position?

In the cockpit I am a first officer but salary level is second officer but it doesn’t really matter.

On which aircraft are you type rated?

A.Boeing 737 600 series to 900 series.

http://ncaa.gov.ng/the-regulator/2014/july/22/daniel-adeyileka-the-youngest-pilot-in-nigeria/