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 Nigeria Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nigeria Development. Show all posts
I read today, about a Nigerian who is in Argentina, who yesterday (or today in Argentina), had written to the Nigerian Ambassador there to transmit his letter to the Presidency, about his revocation of Nigerian citizenship, to which he called ''membership''. I share with you, his thoughts. - Anonymous
Revocation of my Nigerian “membership”
Tops of the day to you all,
I am Akinyemi Adeseye fondly known as “Teekay Akin”. I’m a free lance human rights and Afro-centric consciousness writer and teacher.
I’m using this medium to renounce my membership or you may use the word citizenship. The reasons can be seen in this piece attached Since I was born, I've been told that I'm Nigerian; the nationality of the people from that land mass around the River Niger which was created from the amalgamation of various kingdoms by the British and the name coined and enforced by some Brit called Lugard, I'll throw up in my mouth if I use the word "Lord" before his name, and his mistress in 1914. 97 years on, everyone that was every born or came out of that region will be known as Nigerian. - A heavy mental blow dealt to people from various kingdoms and identities. A chain that will bind their fates together in an unholy way for almost a century, I suddenly began to reason; if a Frenchman is from France, an Englishman from England, a Spanish man from Spain, a Portuguese from Portugal then why aren't I, a YORUBAMAN from YORUBA KINGDOM??
Nigeria may stay or fall, but I'll always be a YORUBA MAN! We all need to realise some hard truth, that for many years we have been avoiding and running away from. This union called Nigeria wasn't made by our own accord! THIS IS STILL SLAVERY! This is nothing more than the slave master gathering up all his slaves, bonding them together with his slaver master powers, making them work and live together for years, creating an identity for them and after a while stepping aside. Those slaves still are bound by the curse of that slave master! And the people that make up Nigeria are still bound by the curse of the British and later brought in his American buddies for the feast, the feast of flesh and blood!!
The greatest form of freedom is that of the MIND and the attainment of a new level of consciousness as our own people, as independent people as free people is our only way forward! For 51 years since the so called independence, which during the last one I asked "Independence from what exactly?", we have been entrapped, enslaved and bound within this union, running helter-skelter like sheep without shepard. For 51 years, we have watched our lives, hopes and resources plundered, as this was never our home? The nation was never ours in the first place, it was that of the colonial master- It was his nation, his creation and his large backyard he got his oil, minerals, tested his medicine, economic and political experiments in!
It was his own little playground and the so called rulers his sheep and dogs. The Sheep and dogs he could commands and control, which is why we see that our so called leaders aren't there for the benefit of the people. As the people- Nigerians is an abstract concept which doesn't exist in any real sense, but rather for the reason of exploitation, oppression, control and repression! Take a look around you today and tell me what exactly it means to be a Nigerian, take a look around you today and tell me if it actually means anything to us other than that geographical location- something like a foreign product manufactured in China which is exported for the use of others but still carries the tag - Made in China, so Nigerians are a foreign concept conceived by the British and manufactured in the area called Nigeria! In 51 years, we have been plagued by our differences in every form, our differences which existed in most parts before the formation of Nigeria but never so violent and barbaric, those have now become the order of the day.
People who were once free in their kingdoms, with their norms and traditions, languages etc have now become slaves in this Nigeria, their resources being looted, their lands being ravaged and raped by the day and their children being torn from the souls of their communities! The time has come for us to wake up from this slumber and free ourselves from this bondage! The time has come for us to re-define this unholy union. The time has come for us to break off these chains, send slavery and colonisation finally packing from our minds, return back to our kingdoms. If we feel the need as a people to unite, then WE and only WE should sit down and determine this, no one else!
If we well, we've had enough, the fine; we go our separate ways with mutual respect for each other and return to our kingdoms! I, personally uses this medium to renounce my membership of Nigeria and tender in my membership card- which I'll be doing later this week in an official letter to the caretakers or so called presidency through one of the embassies. Hence I'll be officially stateless, nation less BUT a FREE man, a man from an ancient Kingdom albeit still held captive by Nigeria and her owners, a man fighting for the freedom of his people and a Kingdom that supersedes all these nations and states. I'm YORUBA; that is my ancestry. That is my IDENTITY! That is what DEFINES me. As we attain a higher level of consciousness we shall all see this!
Kindly find enclosed a copy my Nigerian “membership” booklet #A3101928. The original I’ll hold on to as a souvenir of a sort for generations to come.
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.
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.
-->She is a defender of all that is good and progressive about Nigeria, she is a critic of all that is wrong and inhuman. She is an entrepreneur, a pro-woman and an intellect. Sugabelly is my guest on "Interview Thursday"!
I have come to view you as a very brave, intelligent, and no-nonsense taker kind of lady, what inspire you to start your blog?
Thank you! I originally started blogging as a way to deal with the overflow from my journals. I write a lot and once kids in school noticed they started stealing my journals. I couldn’t have that so I moved a lot of stuff online to a secret Livejournal blog (it’s been shut down now though).
What do you intend to achieve via your blog?
So my blog was originally (and still is) my personal purgatory for all my emotional troubles but it seems quite a number of people have begun to read my blog and so I find that I can’t exactly pour out all the gory details of my life anymore. To make up for that, I blog about other things that I’m interested in: Nigeria, Igbo culture, African music, and other random stuff.
As far as achievement goes, I recently discovered that a bunch of Asians actually read my blog. It never occurred to me before that non-Africans might read my blog, so I hope that any non-Africans that read my blog will come to see Nigerians (and by extension Africans) as real, multi-dimensional people with real lives who are intellectual, fall in love, go to work, have fun, etc. So many people from the rest of the world just can’t relate to or imagine Africans outside the context of poverty, AIDS, and disease. Everyone needs to realize that half the time these are not the things that occupy our minds. We have hopes and dreams and aspirations like everyone else. We have great loves and terrible enemies. We have amazing cultures but at the same time we are trying to negotiate a world that would rather rid us of our culture and we are trying to reconcile the two, so I hope they see that because lots of people will never visit Nigeria and our blogs are pretty much the only window they have into our part of the world.
You are an entrepreneur and you have started your clothes line as well as an Igbo Language Institute, how has the journey being for you?
There’s nothing quite like starting your own company. I think everyone should try it at least once in their life. I have probably learned more in a year than I thought I’d be learning from school. Running a tshirt company (albeit a teeny tiny one) is tough but it’s great because I’m an International Business major and it’s fun to learn something in class and then say ‘okay, how can I apply this to my business?’. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, some small, some big, and I even had to shut down after a year to re-structure (and have a better website built) so I would say it’s been one big learning experience. I changed the name of my company, I changed the logo, I changed so many things and I’m probably going to change more things, but I’m enjoying learning how to effectively manage a business.
As for the IgboAcademy, let me just say that nothing is without its challenges. I knew from the beginning that there would be lots of Igbo people that would be totally resistant to any change and I think what I need most is to be okay with that. A lot of the time I run around screaming ‘But something is so obviously wrong!!! Why can’t you see that??” Maybe I’m just impatient because I never had anybody to be patient with (I’m an only child) but I just realized that people will take their sweet time and I need to deal with it. (I’m not good at dealing sometimes). The IgboAcademy will continue because it is needed. We Igbos haven’t achieved language actualization yet, and until we do, we need to keep doing research on our language and coming up with solutions for linguistic problems.
I am super excited because I finally launched the blog for The Ndebe Project! Can I plug here? Okay, shameless plug – Please visit http://ndebe.blogspot.com where you can learn to speak Igbo for free online and learn to write it with the Ndebe script.
What inspired your passion for the Igbo Academy and what have you achieved by starting it?
I started the IgboAcademy because MASSIVE communication problems exist within the Igbo language. The reality is that no Igbo person can go through a full day in a city without saying at least one English word, and this is not because people do not know how to speak Igbo but because there simply are no Igbo words for half the things that we encounter on a daily basis. Even our great-great grandparents whom I am sure speak impeccable Igbo would be stumped on an average day in Abuja because the words don’t exist. Unfortunately the expansion of our language stopped when we came into contact with the Europeans. They brought new things with them and rather than create names for these new things we simply gave up on our language altogether, preferring to speak English.
A lot of Igbo people don’t like to admit it but Igbo is a stilted, sadly limited language. Let me say for clarity’s sake that if Igbo had been nurtured and encouraged to grow as new technologies and new things emerged it would be one of the richest languages on Earth but the truth is that as a people we have not nurtured our language and we have not helped it to develop. Igbo people are among some of the most ardent followers of all things European and only in the last five years has there been some sort of cultural renaissance among us. For a long time we’ve been all about slavishly adopting western culture, language, and behaviour even to the point of self-effacement. The truth is, there are a lot of Igbo parents out there that refuse to teach their children Igbo. There are a lot of Igbo parents that give their children only English names. There are a lot of Igbo parents that honest-to-God believe that English is far superior to Igbo. I believe that while English has to be by far the most expansive language in the world, it is not superior to Igbo or any other language for that matter.
Perhaps the most positive thing the IgboAcademy has achieved in its short existence so far is renewed interest in Igbo language and culture. I think that because I’m sharing some of the findings of the research on Igbo culture and language that I’m doing under The Academy more Igbo people that read my blog or that are members of the group are now more interested in their language and their culture and I think more people are now actively seeking out information about Igbo. Hopefully this spreads out to the greater Igbo population and the Igbo language will develop and expand while retaining its authenticity and cultural purity.
Can you tell us more about your clothes line and how we can get to patronize you?
I design t-shirts that have to do with the social, cultural, and political mores of Nigeria. The sensation I try to evoke when I’m sketching is nostalgia. I’ve lived in America for two years now and I’ve become homesick for even the smallest things that are essentially ‘Nigerian’. Basically, I could sit on my bed and cry about how homesick I am or I could make a t-shirt that reminds me of home. I’d rather do the latter. Maybe because I save the tears for when I really need them, like for my non-existent love life.
So as I mentioned before I am currently restructuring my t-shirt company. It used to be called Barcelagos, and then for a hot minute it was Barcelago, but now it is called Dinka, which I feel, is a far more culturally appropriate name (Dinka means artisan or artist in Igbo). Dinka’s logo is a zebra wearing the traditional red Igbo hat with a feather. I love that zebra. I’ve named him Mazi Zebra. Looking at him makes me smile J
There is a new website. Dinka’s new home. Currently the website is under construction but a few weeks ago I put up a screenshot of what it looks like behind the scenes. It’s very cool actually. Fans will be able to upload pictures of their Dinka t-shirts, there will giveaways, a sale mailing list so you never miss a discount, etc. It’s a whole new look for the brand. The website will be live hopefully before the summer is over. Otherwise it will launch early in the fall term. I’m totally excited about it. Unfortunately I am currently unable to get t-shirts to people outside the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe, but I am working on it, and as soon as this is possible, especially shipping to my beloved Nigeria, I’ll let you know! :D
You started quite a discussion on the Next online Newpaper about women not changing their names after marriage and I admire your courage, does this make you a believer of women's rights and independence?
I am completely pro-woman. I believe that women are full human beings and deserve equal rights and independence as have men. I think there are lot of women, especially Nigerian women who are the unwitting victims of brainwashing and social conditioning to the point that it is more often the women than the men that defend practices that are meant to dehumanize or subjugate them. A classic example is Female Genital Mutilation. On any given day you will find more women in support of it than men. Sometimes I think Nigerian women need mental decommissioning. It’s like some of us are robots that have been programmed with a certain set of instructions and we just act without really questioning the motives behind some of these so-called cultural practices. We need to be decommissioned in order to see the truth.
On the issue of women changing their names, I’m maintaining my position. It is not and has never been our culture (any of the myriad Nigerian cultures) for a woman to take on the name of her husband. It’s a silly European practice that infected us via the missionaries and the colonists. The annoying thing is, it’s not even a CHRISTIAN practice as many Nigerians believe, neither is it a MUSLIM practice. It’s just plain old European culture being mindlessly copied by Africans. I say no to that kind of mindless imitation. There is no justifiable reason for a woman to take on her husband’s name, and even when it comes to the children I take offense. Women do 85% percent of all the work related to children so why should the MAN be the one to get his name passed on through them?
Women suffer through pregnancy with backaches and swollen feet, then there’s the horror of giving birth, then there’s the headaches that come with incessantly crying babies, then there’s the day to day care of the child which most Nigerian men either distance themselves from or only play a very secondary role. At the end of the day, most children in a two-parent African home spend probably about 80% of parental time with their MOTHERS, yet their fathers get to beat their chests in satisfaction of the continuity of their lineage. I call bullshit. Not only will I not be changing my name when I get married, but my children MUST have a double barrel surname consisting of my surname and my husband’s surname. I deserve to have MY lineage perpetuated and I won’t accept anything less. Women do most of the work in this world and it’s about time we started getting rewarded for it.
What do you think we can do to change the wrong portray of Nigeria out there?
Nigeria is portrayed in very negative terms in most of the Western media, and my recent experience with The Philanthropist show (from NBC) made me realize that the western media is too caught up in its fantasy of Nigeria as this bad terrible place and itself (the West) as our glorious saviour for any real change to come from their end.
It is up to us as Nigerians to put out media that portrays the REAL Nigeria. Nigerians need to show the world the reality of Nigeria. We need to show the world the reality of what is good in Nigeria, and the reality of what is bad in Nigeria. Sure Nigeria has electricity and water problems, government problems, ignorance problems, but we also have amazing food, hot people, intelligence, vibrant creativity, a beautiful country, many fantastic languages and cultures, and a great sense of humour. THAT is the reality of Nigeria, not mythical hurricanes that blow floods in as far as Abuja and create mudslides in Sokoto.
Nollywood has a responsibility to do this and unfortunately, they are not stepping up to the plate. The subject matter of Nollywood movies is so poor and predictable that I am honestly amazed that people actually sit down and watch them. Nollywood movies are a huge export to the Black communities of the western world and the Carribean and there is a lost opportunity in these movies to depict Nigeria as the great place it is which the filmmakers are not taking. In the end, the Black people in other parts of the world have even more inaccurate ideas about Nigeria compounded by an unfortunate combination of Hollywood and National Geographic.
I understand that Nollywood is meant to be funny, but when you look at the messages non-Nigerian people glean from these movies, it’s not funny at all. Wasn’t it ABC or CBS that did a Nigerian scammer special based off a song that Osuofia sang for one of his comedies?
But Nollywood is not the only industry in Nigeria. All industries in Nigeria and Nigerian owned businesses should do as much as they can to be proudly Nigerian and provide good service so that people will come to associate Nigerian businesses with good service and quality products. On our end as citizens we must demand better governance and utilize the power of our votes. If it means protesting after botched elections then let’s get to it.
Is there a way we as Nigerian can better our own very image?
I think the best way for Nigerians to change our image as Nigerian individuals is by being ourselves and showing the world that Nigerians are a diverse group of intelligent, good, capable people. We need to spread into more areas of expertise not just the run-of-the-mill Doctor, Lawyer, Accountant, Engineer mold we limit ourselves to so often. A lot of people that have bad ideas about Nigeria have never met a Nigerian and have never been to Nigeria. It’s up to us to live our best lives and acknowledge and be proud of our country along the way.
I’ve said before that I don’t like people that hide the fact that they are Nigerian. If you’re successful then please claim Nigeria in your success. It’s a chicken egg situation. People that deny Nigeria always claim that Nigeria has a bad image and so they don’t want to be associated with it, but Nigeria’s image won’t get better if honest successful people do not acknowledge their Nigerianness.
