My aspiration is to be one of the builders of a world of equality, a world where diversity is respected and value for people's lives is paramount. A world where religion and culture are not used as weapons of dispute and destruction, where leaders serve and not steal, where everyone does not pretend to love each other but does so straight from the heart.
Showing posts with label Interview Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview Thursday. Show all posts
This interview featured Jin Haritaworn and Sokari , a long time blogger and LGBTI activist. Sokari is a dual winner of Nigerian blogger awards for 2010 as the Best political blog and Best Use of Theme award ( She beat me to the latter this year). This was a very thought provoking and informative interview.
Greetings from New York! It is very hot in here and I do not like their subways one bit! Okay on to other things, I have being thinking (and I should consult Free Flowing Florida on this) that it will be good to have "theactivist.com" blog. I think I need the domain name as well as different segments to deal with different issues that I am passionate about, working on and raising awareness of. I want to still be able to do "cats on Tuesday" series, the "interview Thursday" series all which seem to have gone into extinction at the moment. I need to rekindle these two series. I want also to have a different segment where I can talk about my daily life experience.
All these thoughts keep going back and forth in my mind at the moment because, I am taking on more responsibilities, I need to be able to blog about conflict, security and development, Gender and Development, Feminism and Women's rights, ICT4D, Climate Change and other vital development issues in African and Abroad. I trully believe it's time I took that decision of going "dotcom" or "point com" like my Malian friends would. Taking up the opportunity of having multiple pages on one's blog is hard to ignore. I also want to be able to publish materials from other activists, scholars, academians working on relevants areas of interests.
Still thinking hard about all these. What do you suggest my ever reliable blogshpere/blogsville?
Myne Whitman is her pseudonym, she is proudly Nigerian with a new hot must read book " Heart to Mend" currently in the market. She stays and work in the States but with yearning for change and unconditional love in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. And given the fact Myne Whitman just granted blogger FFF and bookaholic intensive interviews, I expected her to say no to mine but she did not, that shows how committed and hardworking a writer Myne Whitman is.
Can you briefly tell us more about your new book " Heart to Mend" and how accessible it is to buyers?
The book is about two people, Edward and Gladys, who meet and are attracted to each other almost immediately, but have difficulty in resolving their feelings, especially because of Edward’s past and other twists. The concept for "A Heart To Mend" is from the theme of unconditional love which has always interested me. I also felt that there were not were not enough romance novels set in contemporary Nigeria, and that I could do something to redress that. It is currently available online on Amazon US, UK and Canada as well as Barnes and Nobel, Borders and Kalahari.net. Autographed copies can be obtained from my website.
Is there a concrete gender dimension to " Heart to mend"?
There is indeed a gender dimension to the book. It is a romantic love story that explores the relationship between the male and female gender especially when the man is of the high income class as opposed to the lady. How does this affect their interactions and how others view them and their perceived future. In one of the subplots, Gladys aunt was treated as chattel by her late husband who dictated what she could do and who she could relatewith. We also see how she coped with this and how things may have changed from that generation to what obtains in the present.
There are many women/girls that inspire to publish their work as writers, any advice to how to achieve this dream?
One of the most important is being able to outline your goals. What is your plan towards achieving this dream or vision? Once you know this, then a lot of discipline and perseverance is necessary to achieve them.
What distinguishes a good writer?
A good writer I think is relative, it depends on who is reading. I have read bestsellers that did nothing for me, and obscure stories I could never forget. It may also have to do with audience, so the writer has to know who they're writing for and strive to remain in touch with them. This enables their stories to remain something that readers can relate to.
Part of security issues faced by women all over the world is sexual and gender-based violence, do you think short stories or novels on these issues can help address this scourge?
I think they do. Art is supposed to imitate life and also to mirror it and we know what happens when we can see ourselves in a glass. It provides a moment of reflection and I think that is what these short stories and novels do. In some cases, the people involved can actually do something to change or affect change in the issues addressed.
What other avenue can be explored to address sexual and gender-based violence against women?
Activism is one strong avenue and the more people that begin to speak out and start conversations about this sort of violence, the better. The effects will be laid bare for all involved, both the perpetrators and the victims and maybe they'll begin to make the right choices.
What change do you wish to see in Africa in 2010?
I want to see more development and I want I want it to be a faster one too. I wish for a change for the better in governance but I doubt this is a prerequisite for the first one so I'll just keep my fingers crossed.
"Interview Thursday" is back with Temitayo [ Bookaholic] in focus. Temitayo was the writer that got me interviewed on her True Love Column in October 2009. She beats me to my own plan to interview the dynamic young lady! But hope is not lost as we still find a way around sharing Temitayo's opinion and knowledge on current issues affecting Nigeria. Temitayo Olofinlua studied Literature at ObafemiAwolowoUniversity and currently works as a freelance writer and editor. Her writing has been featured in various publications, online and in print [ check this short story on child abuse by Temitayo]. She runs the Bookaholic Blog with a fantastic friend- Isabella Akinseye. She also loves teaching but hey she is full of surprises…
What is your prediction for the future of Nigeria in 2010?
Haha, predictions aint my forte, not a prophet o! And to predict for a whole Nigeria? That’s too much work even for the biggest prophets…don’t even know what will happen the next second. I wish I had that power to see into the future, maybe would be different, maybe would have let some magic direct my Mama’s legs to some other country, maybe even Ghana, but hey I’m here. Okay back to Nigeria, would just say that the country is in our hands, leaders and followers…the same way it was in the hands of the people of the past, it’s in our hands; whatever would be said of the country tomorrow is in our actions today. Is that a prediction?
From journalistic point of view, is it not too premature to be calling for the resignation of President Umar Yar'adua?
Journalistic, hmmm…I think if he did things right before he left all these wouldn’t have happened that is people calling for his resignation. Maybe there’d have been some national fasting declared by different sects for the wellbeing of the president. But this silence, this sudden speech that he made to his country through BBC…and the many things that ‘only’ his inner-inner kitchen cabinet has access to makes things scary thus the agitation. So what you were saying about the call being premature, I am not sure it is…say the President’s not doing things right is taking the whole nation for a ride…which is even more immature.
Is there ever going to be a change in the leadership as far as Nigeria is concerned? Huge question…change?
What do you mean by change? These breed of politicians that these parties dish out? This politricks of selfishness we have everywhere? Not sure. Personally lost faith in Nigerian leadership/politics. There are a few who have made one smile but hey leaders are humans, they fail (Nigerian leaders seem to fail woefully) and that’s just being human! Sorry if I sound very pessimistic but it’s my way of not getting heart broken when any leader fails. A way of taking my life in my hands.
Nigerian is on US watch list because of the suicide bombing attempt of a Nigerian man, Umar Mutallab, do you think this is a right step?
America loves America. America will never take chances when it comes to protecting its own. America knows what’s right for them…what can I say about it being right or wrong? What does it portend for Nigerians than being labeled ‘terrorist’? Does it stop the onslaught in the Niger-Delta? Does it stop our politicians from terrorizing us daily by starching money meant for all away? Does it stop the policemen from pointing their guns at innocent people (I hate seeing that!)? Does it stop all these? I don’t know too much about rightness or wrongness of the decision. For the Americans that’s the best decision for them…and we are quick to say it’s wrong but look around—are we not terrorists? Don’t we terrorize ourselves daily?
What should US have done differently?
Differently…ha, can’t tell…I don’t look into the past o! Don’t mind me but I think they should be much sincere to themselves!
You freelance for True Love magazine and the magazine has demonstrated its commitment to women stories from all aspect, do you think the name of the magazine is relevant to its work?
This name comes up here again. I wasn’t writing for True Love when that name was adopted. I never thought it was a big deal until I wanted to interview someone and she said that she doesn’t buy the mag because of the name; that how can she be caught by her grandchildren reading a mag called True Love? Then I started thinking and asking…TL is a franchise so they kept the name. But hey the name has worked, why would you change a working portion?
What else would you prefer to do if you are not a writer?
Big question…I guess I would teach. Would still do that. Travel, is that a job? Or anything that would make me express myself…that would make me look within and be a blessing. Yeah I think that’s it…does that make sense?
In all the interviews or stories you have covered as a writer/journalist, which stayed striking to you till date and why?
Not done too much. But I’d say two—What’s in a Name? A piece about the significance of names to women…it sought to ask the question—yes, ask—why should women change their names after marriage? What does a name mean to a woman? And the second piece has to be the piece on MKAsante (available on google)…very inspiring young man. Haha, not done those interviews that cause trouble. Maybe you should ask me that question in two years or more, may have some dramatic answers for you, who knows?
What outstanding resolution do you have for 2010 and why?
Don’t do resolutions by the year o! Every day is a new one…a new opportunity to dream; a brand new day with many reasons to smile. Seriously, I hope to do more stuff—more writing; more reading; more work on my writing. And hey, more diligence to my work…I make it; I break it but hey there’s hope for me. That I know!
My life has definitely taken a new turn. I have got a seminar presentation on Friday and I have being avoiding making any presentations! I tried all my best to even gather my thoughts and read very well on my given topic but hmmm I am juggling between the compulsory mentoring sessions with the 8 other fellows, our visa application for the European Summit for Global transformation in Netherland which starts on Friday.
I am so busy that I have not even had time to call Sokari, Afrobabe, Parakeet, No Limit, Aloted to mention just a few of the bloggers that I am dying to meet. I have neglected my "Interview Thursday" not for the lack of interviewees but for the lack of coordination of my mind to think questions through. I never imagine I will ever have a tough moment with " Interview Thursday"! And what of "Cats on Tuesday"? To even upload the pictures of the beautiful cats I have seen here in London is tough.
I will try and maximize this post before running of for my next mentoring session by sharing the pictures of the 8 of us on the fellows as well as a picture of Lara, the unfriendly cat I met.
Can you spot Standtall out of this group of wonderful women from all over Africa? These are the 8 fellows on the fellowship.
I have always loved this lady. I have always admire are passion for change. She is a force to be reckoned with in blogshpere. I was even so glad when she agreed to share with us on Interview Thursday! Welcome our popular Pyoowata- Nneoma Nwachukwu on today's 49th Independence anniversary of Nigeria!
Can we meet you?
Online-wise, I can be found at http://pyoowata.blogspot.com or http://nigerianstalk.org. As for what I'm up to now, I recently finished my MPH degree in Epidemiology and I am in medical school on the East coast (of the US that is). On a more personal note, I am an Ohuhu native hailing from Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North LGA. (Specific enough?…should I include the compound address?).
When I am not in school or blogging, I enjoy leisurely walks on the beach….no, but on a more serious note, I usually can be found in the company of my three amazing younger brothers (who are quite big, so don't mess with me...). And shout-out to the oldest one who will be blogging from Iraq starting middle of October- http://leavingthemintthedust.blogspot.com . I know, shameless plug…
What is your vision of a New Nigeria?
A new Nigeria...well at forty-nine years old, we are still relatively new. Needless to say, there is incredible room for improvement. Basic working infrastructure would be nice - better roads, constant power and the like. But more importantly the New Nigeria will concentrate on investing in our home-grown intellectual capital. Ongoing tension between ASUU and the national government does nothing but further cripple our future. Invest in education and prevent national embarrassments, such as sending the first lady to represent us at international Atomic Energy conferences, (when we all know, she has NO business stepping foot there; please correct me if I’m wrong).
What do you wish to achieve with Nigerians talk blog?
Few months ago, Olumide, of Loomnie.com, and I played around with some ideas of how to get an increased number of Nigerians to participate in the blogosphere. Besides serving as an outlet for people to share their stories, we have also witnessed several instances in which the Nigerian blogosphere has served as an avenue for effecting change. Imagine the possibilities when a larger and an even more diverse group of Nigerians can be found keying in their thoughts, ideas, and opinions on a variety of issues. We of Nigerianstalk.org wish to document the progress of current Nigerian bloggers and assist in fostering an environment in which even more Nigerians blogging. Thanks for featuring our advert for more contributors to our site. While we welcome the addition of veteran bloggers, we hope to feature novice bloggers. Be on the lookout for posts from our latest crop of contributors. We're excited about the direction our site is taking and soon we'll feature articles explicitly on blogging for the benefit of new and old bloggers alike.
How have you as an individual passionate about a better Nigeria contribute to its development and what more do you wish to do?
I wish to SAVE AFRICA....please (hint...sarcasm alert). I have recently come to the conclusion that no one nor any particular group of people is going to save us. Personally, I have not done much to "save" Nigeria nor contribute much to its development. Neither do I think that I will ever be in a position to do so. Nigeria's way forward is not through more foreign development projects or individuals from abroad, like myself, telling Nigeria you need such-and-such program or project to develop the nation - which is what I used to believe. They help, at times; but a random assortment of development projects littered here and there is not going to bring Nigeria where it NEEDS to be.
Is Nigeria unsaveable, forever doomed to retain the title of all that backwards and corrupt in the world? Of course not. Our way forward requires the participation of the 140 million plus people on this planet who call themselves Nigerians - everyone. Nigeria's problem at this stage our history is one of responsibility. A countless number of Nigerians are indeed quite selfless. Daily we see hundreds of market women come out early in the morning to work and provide for their families - the same for men and youths, hustling for the sake of providing for their homes and their communities. These are the ones who daily develop Nigeria. The sad thing is that the elected public servants fail to adhere to this national ethic. As I have admitted in my blog and elsewhere, yes, many of Nigeria's problems are deeply rooted in our sordid colonial past. However, at this point it is time to hold our leaders accountable.
I made a post rebutting the belief that women are "weaker sex", what's your take on this?
Yes, I enjoyed your post and I agree that women are quite strong and have proven themselves over and over again. I do think, that sometimes, this verse is taken out of its historical context. The verse in 1st Peter should more accurately be translated as the "weaker vessel," particularly in light of the physical abuse some men would put their women through in those times, and even now. The entire verse reads, "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner [vessel] ... so that nothing will hinder your prayers." Throughout the New Testament, great emphasis is placed on our relationship with others. If our relationship with others is amiss, communication between you and God would be hindered. Earlier in the Scriptures it says that if you have a dispute with your brother and you enter the temple to bring an offering - do an about-face, make up with him, then come back to present your gift to God. Same with your wife - if you do not treat your wife with the respect she deserves, particularly in the case of physical abuse, consider your prayers null and void. If anything, this verse was meant to protect women at the time, who were often subject to divorces by their partners at will and domestic violence. I have written extensively about abuse against women at my personal blog.
Can we ever get rid of greedy and selfish leaders in Nigeria?
No. Just in the same way no other nation in the world has not yet been able to rid itself of all its greedy and selfish leaders within their own shores. This includes the United States, whose very foundations are built on a greed and selfishness that rivals that of Nigeria and most other, so-called corrupt nations and failed states. Greed and selfishness is not restricted to any one country nor people. Man is inherently selfish. I do believe, however, that we can curtail its pervasiveness in Nigerian leadership through sound regulations.
PDP currently has 49 aspirants for Governorship position in Anambra, do you think this number shows the fact that good leaders are emerging?
Aspirants for power and leadership have always been amongst us. Afghanistan, in their recent…err, “elections,” also featured more than forty contestants. The fact that there are 49 candidates for governorship in Anambra is merely reflective of PDP’s current state of confusion in Anambra. I personally, do not mind this for the fate of an entire state should not rest on the hands of a single political party. Unfortunately, Orji Uzor Kalu’s PPA, seems also to be in a state of disarray…so at this point I am not ready to kuru ndi a aka mara mma, either.*** Chxta has an amazing review on the history behind Anambra's current political climate that I linked to at Nigerianstalk.org. The original post at his blog can be found here: http://chxta.blogspot.com/2009/09/again-things-fall-apart.html
Do you foresee a free and fair election in 2011?
And to end this interview on an even more negative note. No, I do not forsee a free and fair election in 2011, not while Maurice Iwu, election rigger extraordinaire, remains on the INEC throne. If there is one challenge Nigeria has to face immediately – as in, tomorrow, - it would be the sacking of Professor Maurice “America-Should-Learn-From-Us” Iwu.
Bookaholic had captured Standtall read handed! How? Where? When? She got her interviewed! This is not an online interview this time but a print interview in TRUE LOVE West Africa magazine where for the first time Standtall real name was mention as well as her picture shown!
Am not advertising for True Love but if you want to have a feel of the interview, grab the copy of True Love magazine and flip quickly to page 75!
His immense contribution to development stands him out, his tiredless effort in seeing a better Nigeria makes him a force to reckon with. His TV program Patito's gang is used as an avenue to address different development issues and I commend him for such an initiative. He has added to his caps of developments by getting his own very blog. Pat Utomi is a blogger! I had lunch with him in the beginning of August with Poeticallytinted in attendance I wished we have an eloquent, focused and transformational individual like him to lead this country. I delightfully welcome PU on Interview Thursday!
Who is Pat Utomi?
I am a teacher. Forget the garnishings. I am basically a person commited to traditional notions of a teacher as transmitter of knowledge and values that can help lift the dignity of the human person.I have found many platforms for performing this traditional chore; in the classroom, in tv studios, as a so called public intellectual, newspaper columnist, a sort-of patron saint of young entrepreneurs so I can show thought can work in action; as manager traversing the nexus of idedas and praxis and as man of family, among others. My antecedents are very Pan-Nigerian; born in Kaduna on 6/2/56 with primary education in several cities of the North, secondary education in Ibadanin the Southwest and University and marriage into the southeast with origins of parents and by the Nigerian waya persorn from the SouthSouth.
Tell us about your family?
I have a fun family 'led' by a wife who looks half her age as the age range of our children go from nearly 24 to 8.My wife is a Consultant Orthodontist and senior faculty member of the College of Medicine at the University of Lagos where we met as she was finishing her studies 27 years ago. Two of our children have graduated and the others are coming along by God's Grace.
What do you think as a lasting solution to the Naija Delta crisis?
It is not as difficult as it appears. A formal acceptance that historical injustice has been done is a good first step. It has no monetary coost and can go a long way to soothe nerves. If we acknowledge that the principles of Federalism that was the basis on which the Founding Fathers agreed to a Nigeria project and that it was sidetracked because Oil was found inareas dominated by ethnic minorities, and then show sincerity in putting in place compensatory economic intiatives that provide opporunities for the majority in the region through infrastructure, business developent etc., the people will begin to focus on the path to tapping into opportunities in the region rather than destroying things. Trust is a critical element here, given the long experience of dishonesty. It can be built with contiuous posit deposits into the emotional bank account as Stephen R Covey would call it. A Lagos-Calabar rail link, the East-West Coastal highway and a few entrepremeurship extension service programmes with such support as Shell implement elsewhere as Lifewire will bring the region alive.
You will be running for presidency in 2011, I will like to know the 5 important projects you will focus on in office?
Five projects I will focus on as President. Infrastructure like rail, power and roads are important and must receive attention. But they are not the central or core keys to progress. Nigeria is crippled by a crisis of values and weak institutions. The peg is of a competent leader who earns Moral Authority through share force of personal example with the rule of law, modesty of conduct and primacy of service to the people and accountability as the hooks. IF THESE DISPOSITIONS ARE IN PLACE EVERYTHING ELSE WILL COME. It is like the passage from the good book; seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added on to you. The Singapore story is about such personal example in shaping culture and even if Ramgoolan may not be as celebrated for his work in Mauuritius as lee Kwan you it is more or less the same business of leaderhip shaping culture.
Her blog name says it all, she has got the qualities of her name and my meeting her in Chicago was not a disappointment. I love this lady! She is charismatic, intelligent, she is purposeful and she is our dearest Tigeress! Good to have you on Interview Thursday girl...
Let me start by saying a wonderful belated birthday to you. How does it feel to be a year older?
Thank you very much! :) How do I feel? I feel the same. I guess time will tell if I’ve matured or not- I hope I have. But I feel the same way I felt 3months ago.
Do you care to share with us the journey of your life so far, has it being what you dreamt of?
It sooooo hasn’t been what I dreamt of. But at the same time I can’t complain how things are- my life actually isn’t that bad. Don’t get me wrong I’ve been thru challenges I know for a fact 99% of my fellow bloggers haven’t gone thru and I pray they don’t- but that’s in the past. I just have to thank God for where I am- because it is only by His grace.
My Journey, I was born in Ibadan August 21st 1979. I spent most of my adolecent life in Nigeria (Ibadan) and I wont lie thanks to my mum I had one of the best adolescent lives ever!!! Post primary school- I went to a total of 5 secondary schools. Boarding school in Eastbourne, 2 in Mississippi, and 2 in Ibadan. I left Naija 1995- spent 9 years in London where I got my 1st degree and now I’ve been in the US for 5 years- with an MBA bagged.
One of the greatest challenges I faced growing up is being raised by a single parent- my mum. So sometimes i really don’t get it when people rush into marriage or marry for the wrong reasons only to face the high possibility of divorce in the future. It’s beyond me. As I tell people, its better to marry late and well, than marry early and divorce. Growing up in a broken home is no fun at all and I’m sure dysfunctional home will be much worse.
From now onward, what should we expect from our dear Tigeress?
Not much of a difference really. At least not until my situation changes. Still the same old me. Hopefully as each day passes I’ll become a better person.
I was delighted to see your pretty intelligent self in Chicago, how long have to being away from Nigeria?
Lol at intelligent. I've been away for 14 years. In fact last year was my first time back to Naija since I left. Culture shock was definitely what I experienced- especially in the marriage institutions. It was as if I was in Ghomora. But I enjoyed myself in Naija and am open to moving back if I find the right job opportunity.
As a Nigeria in the diaspora, do you face any challenges or discriminations because you are from Nigeria?
Well that’s a grey area. I don’t face direct discrimination but as a black person in America- u feel it. You see it. You hear it. So when I meet Nigerians who insist on dying here- I can’t comprehend. At least in Nigeria you’re not discriminated against because of the colour of your skin- it’s mostly based on your status financially. Being discriminated against because of your skin colour is not a good feeling at all. I once had someone refuse to show me an apartment because I was black. Being labeled negatively because I’m black isn’t a good feeling. Being put in a small box with no expectations because of the colour of my skin- DOES NOT feel good. Being asked why I don’t have a normal name or constantly reminded that I have an accent or being asked if we have cars in Nigeria or being told I speak good English can be rather irking. So being black and being African are two subtle challenges I face.
What can we do as Nigerians to have a better image?
To have a better image- we need to start within ourselves. I think one of our biggest problems as Nigerians is the lack of fear of God. If we all individually stopped being selfish and not let the love of money consume us- I think we might have less people selling/killing/duping/walking over fellow humans in name of riches. If people can stop thinking of only their mouths and actually desire a growth in Nigeria, desire a better Nigeria- Nigeria will be a better place. But right now, Nigerians are all about me, myself, and I. And they will do it at all cost not caring who they destroy on the way up.
Will you ever come back and settle in Nigeria?
Yeolz!! There is no place like home. No matter how blue my passport gets- I’m never gonna be one of them. Feeling like a 3rd class citizen because of the colour of my skin doesn’t give me an ego boost. In Naija you are discriminated against if you're poor. And I have no intension of moving back to Naija and becoming poor. Worst comes to worst- aristo dey dere. LOL!!! But yeah, I hope I’ll move back one day. When? I do not know. All I know is that I don’t want to die here.
What kind of man tickles your fancy?
oooohhh my favourite topic due to the lack of one. lwkm! We cld be here forever o. What type of man tickles my fancy? emmmm......personality wise- I'd like someone chilled, stress free, drama free, mature, and that even though I'm a woman- he'd acknowledge that I do have sense, I do have an opinion, I am human, i do get tired, I have feelings, I hurt, I'm not a super woman. I want someone who truly cares about my well being and will take care of me, feed me spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically etc.
I will like to ask a question on one of your blog posts, can one trully be single and happy? Do you think being in relationship is a licence to happiness?
Actually that's Vera's topic/talkshow topic- before she thinks I’m 'tiefing' from her. It depends, if marriage is what defines you- then I guess as long as you are single you wont be happy? I know of girls that do not have the ability to be alone- hence jump from one relationship to another- man worshippers I call them. Girls who stay in a very bad relationship- after all something is better than nothing. But for me I LOVE myself. I truly believe I deserve something good. For me- marriage does not define me so me i'm happy or should I say I’m fine with my single status. I sense it’s more of an issue with others. Others who married on time (according to their schedule). Others who feel without a man- you are a nobody. Others who feel it's my fault that I’m still single. They seem have a lot more to say about my status. As mentioned in a blog- my lack of husband isn’t what keeps me up at night. As a Christian I've learnt that God is and should be number one in our lives- never make a man priority in your life. Our God is a jealous God. When we put something before Him we become idolators. There are a lot more unhappy married folks than unhappy single folks. I guess the question then is- which is better? I prefer being single and miserable (if at all) than be married and miserable. And as I always say- norrin do me and this may come as a shock to some- but I shall walk down that aisle one day- isha allah! Lol. So being in relationship is NOT a license to happiness. Being in a good & Godly relationship is only one of the many many MANY things that will make one happy in one’s life time.
What word of wisdom will birthday girl share with us?
Consult God in every areas of your life- make Him number in your life. Seek God first and all other things shall be added. Do unto others as u'd like them to do unto you. Be forgiving so that God will forgive you. And those of you who are still hoping to meet your partner- remember delay is not denial. If it’s your heart desire to marry- it’ll happen. Please do not let pressure make you choose wrongly. If you rush in, you’ll rush out or just be miserable married. Marriage is meant to be for a life time and it’s to be enjoyed. The time spent waiting should be time spent assessing yourselves and working on being a better person. No one is perfect so work on all the negative things about yourself- be it your temper, anger, unforgiving spirit, lack of patience, selfishness, stubbornness, lukewarmness, prayer-less life, pride, uncontrollable tongue, greed, fornication etc.
-->My guest today is male. He is a journalist, he was the writer of the Activist blog on Tell Magazine. He strives to attain high level of professionalism as a journalist. Lolade Adewuyi is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, my Alma Mata. Lolade runs a Lagos photo blog, a general situation blog and he added an additional blog when he relocated to Ghana recently on Accra City Photo.I am glad to have in on Interview Thursday.
Can we meet Lolade?
Lolade Adewuyi is a journalist who presently writes for TELL Magazine as a correspondent based in Accra, Ghana. A graduate of English Studies from the ObafemiAwolowoUniversity, Ile Ife, he has written for The Guardian, Lagos, OVATION International, Showbiz and Business Week both in Accra. He loves photography and when he’s in Lagos produces photos forthe Lagos City Photo Blog.
As a journalist, do you think the advent of internet has made journalism easy?
Well, the internet has definitely made traditional journalism a lot more dynamic in the sense that people now have instant access to news and commentary of hot topics unlike in the past when you had to wait to watch an edited Network News on NTA or next day for the morning papers to inform you of events in the country. But then, many Nigerian media houses that have failed to embrace new technology are seeing their stock fall. It’s the age of the internet, hence, we should all move with it. New media has its own challenges but it’s the new face of the world. Instant!
What are the challenges you face in your work?
Every profession has its challenges and journalism brings many to your doorstep. It’s an industry where deadlines are strictly adhered to otherwise one loses out to competition. This keeps you on your toes always because you never know when your big break might seemingly come. An otherwise mundane story could turn out to be a breakthrough for one. Plus one major challenge journalists face all over the world is the issue of poor remuneration. I recently met a French journalist and he confirmed to me that they’re also underpaid in Paris. This is in respect to what other professionals earn doing their jobs. Notwithstanding, journalists must keep to the creed of the industry which is to maintain a position of truth at all times.
There are different types of journalism but I am not sure if sensational reporting is one of them, do you think it's a necessity?
Every society has what tickles it. You’d be surprised that most of the sensational journals, yellow journalism in industry parlance, outsell the serious papers and magazines. It is an attestation to the fact that people want escapist stories, more like fiction, than facing the hard truth that “country hard o”.
Will you agree with me that the Nigerian media do not for the most part represent the Nigerian women well?
I would like to know how you have come to the conclusion that the Nigerian media does not present women well. Even in the media there’s a body of women journalists called NAWOJ who champion gender balance in the industry. I think when there’s news to be written, it has to be written no matter what the sex of the person involved. Hence, I feel everybody is equally represented in news reports. The media cried out loud when a young lady was recently harassed by some thugs in naval uniforms in Lagos. My colleague who followed the story for TELL is a man. When the issue of prostitution in Europe by a lot of women from Benin was in the news, most of the critical opinion was written by men decrying the trend. Likewise, the media has also celebrated strong Nigerian women in the form of Chimamanda, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Funmi Iyanda, Omotola, Joke Silva, etc. I would like that you should not just look at when the media has lashed out at some women for having taken wrong steps. The media is a reflection of the Nigerian society, after all.
What can we do to have better reporting, non-discriminating and objective views of women in the media?
Like I said previously, the media reports what happens in society and does not deal in a male-versus-female-contest. We write what we see and criticise what needs to be criticised. Several cover stories have been written about the Yar Adua government failure to provide electricity for the country; does it mean we are male-bashing? No. And when reports criticise Farida Waziri for standing idly while corruption builds a castle in our country, it doesn’t mean it is because she’s a woman. And nobody would write that she’s failing because of her gender because we’ve had women perform better in other roles like NAFDAC and the Finance ministry before her.
One of the major newspapers in Nigeria once carried a story about Dora Akuyili after she became the Minister of Information and Communication and the reporter said in his write up that "since we all know that deception is a perfect job of every woman, Dora Akunyili is no exception" do you think this report is objective and non discriminatory no matter the angle the reporter is coming from?
I would like to believe that such a comment as this could not have been part of a news report but an opinion article. In the context which you have asked me this question I'd like to say it sounds really sexist but it's not common place to read such blatant attacks against women in Nigerian media.
Is there a role that journalism can play in the peace and security of the continent?
Definitely yes, journalists and journalism have played a huge role in the way peace has reigned on the continent and vice versa. Rwanda is a quick example. Radio journalists fanned the embers of hate in that country. Here in Accra, many times I have listened to radio phone-in shows where people have expressed disdain and sometimes hate for others. There is a way in which journalists can report crises situations and not let them get out of hand. When a paper reports that “1000 Igbos killed in the North!” it makes room for reprisal killings in the South East. I’m not saying that papers should lie but we should be more introspective and take into consideration the dynamics of a country before casting heavy headlines.
If you are not a journalist, what will you like to be?
That’s a tricky one there. I’ve always wanted to be several things from when I was a kid. First it was a pilot, after watching a movie about the Japanese shelling of PearlHarbour. Then it was an ambition to be an actor like Arnold! After a while I wanted to become a poet and fiction writer. I tried my hands on short stories but got poor reviews and that drove me into journalism where I could be more truthful without a need for most of the intricacies a fictional writer needs to craft his story. But now, if I had a choice, I’d rather be me and see where this trip takes me. Who knows what I would become in future like that child that grew to become a Sumo wrestler! My experiences are growing and I just look forward to a beautiful trip.
Thanks fr your time and this wonderful insight.
Thank you Standtall for using your blog to promote gender values in Nigeria. You’re one brilliant voice in this generation that can help us move forward.
Greetings from New York! It is very hot in here and I do not like their subways one bit! Okay on to other things, I have being thinking (and I should consult Free Flowing Florida on this) that it will be good to have "theactivist.com" blog. I think I need the domain name as well as different segments to deal with different issues that I am passionate about, working on and raising awareness of. I want to still be able to do "cats on Tuesday" series, the "interview Thursday" series all which seem to have gone into extinction at the moment. I need to rekindle these two series. I want also to have a different segment where I can talk about my daily life experience.
hts keep going back and forth in my mind at the moment because, I am taking on more responsibilities, I need to be able to blog about conflict, security and development, Gender and Development, Feminism and Women's rights, ICT4D, Climate Change and other vital development issues in African and Abroad. I trully believe it's time I took that decision of going "dotcom" or "point com" like my Malian friends would. Taking up the opportunity of having multiple pages on one's blog is hard to ignore. I also want to be able to publish materials from other activists, scholars, academians working on relevants areas of interests.
Can you spot Standtall out of this group of wonderful women from all over Africa? These are the 8 fellows on the fellowship.
e found many platforms for performing this traditional chore; in the classroom, in tv studios, as a so called public intellectual, newspaper columnist, a sort-of patron saint of young entrepreneurs so I can show thought can work in action; as manager traversing the nexus of idedas and praxis and as man of family, among others. My antecedents are very Pan-Nigerian; born in Kaduna on 6/2/56 with primary education in several cities of the North, secondary education in Ibadanin the Southwest and University and marriage into the southeast with origins of parents and by the Nigerian waya persorn from the SouthSouth. 
