For the price of bread,
Down with the arrogance of power!
Atbara, lurked to the east of Sudan
Continue reading WHILE SUDAN ASSAULTS by ‘Lakunle JaiyesimiWHILE SUDAN ASSAULTS by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
Tag Archives: Africa
LETTER TO THE SON OF MAN- VOL.2 by Adeyemi Kolawole Adeojo Hannibal
Dear Son of Man,
Your response, which was succinct and aptly posited, dissects the hearts of men at its vainglorious and peripatetic best. I was effusively excited to read from you. I wonder why we cannot have on earth as it is in heaven, as the level of privations had made more people less concerned if they lived or died. They only trot along in daily routine of dashed expectations and forlorn hopes.
Just few weeks ago, the near fragile air of peace pervading the west coast of Africa was almost shattered when a country, sucked in by Senegal and whose only outlet to the world is the Atlantic Ocean, nearly dispelled the air of peace with a sit-tight, self-proclaimed leader biting more than he can chew. That vicious air of volatility was almost invited upon the hitherto, relatively peaceful region by Yahya Jammeh, who seized power as a gun-wielding , dare-devil, young officer in 1994, albeit, in a bloodless coup that usurped Dawda Jawara. In the usual characteristics of African leaders who came into power through the blazing Continue reading LETTER TO THE SON OF MAN- VOL.2 by Adeyemi Kolawole Adeojo Hannibal
Crossroads, homeward. The Journey of a Brazilian Babalawo by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
While the Nigerian state is being divided on religious lines, the Middle East gets dichotomized with the spilled blood of the dead and injured, the Mexican wall goes up in defiance, Britain is exiting the European Union at all cost, Lybia is tearing her own skin out of her body and so on, individuals around the world, as is in this case, Paulo Jose Monteiro da Silva with his family is living the life of a man on a journey back home, irrespective of how many crossroads he meets on the way.
Like so many other naturalized Brazillians, having been born and raised in Brazil after many generations of inbreeding and cross-cultural relationships, Paulo knew no other culture until, reading through the newspapers Continue reading Crossroads, homeward. The Journey of a Brazilian Babalawo by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
Racism in India: And “Yannick passed away…” by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
“You’re standing at a zoo, and looking at a caged animal, admiring it, scrutinizing every aspect of it, observing its walk, its skin. Now imagine you’re that caged animal and people are gawking at you like you’re an alien, like you don’t belong. That is how black citizens of African nations say they feel in India, they aren’t caged but they might as well be.” – Sarakshi Rai.
A few days ago in Greater Noida, some Hausa boys were allegedly beaten up by an Indian mob, while the reverse was published in the media (that Indians were beaten up by the Hausa boys). Whereas, the reality was that an Indian boy, with rich but uneducated father, snapped pictures of a Hausa boy and was asked to delete same but would not budge. He called his father and that led to the Hausa boys being attacked. This event led to sabotage on public facilities that fed the Africans (including but not limited to the disruption of power supply); this, ultimately leading to the ejection of Africans, who had to resort to emergent searching for new shelter, with its attendant challenges.
Sometimes, it is a wonder what globalization, in the sense of globetrotting (let’s content ourselves with singly Continue reading Racism in India: And “Yannick passed away…” by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
Dying In Public by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
from 071208
“Felix X is dead” was the bold newspaper headline that was never made. It never saw the light of day, but remained on the whispering lips of all and sundry.
On that fateful morning, the neighbourhood of a very old patriarch was roused from slumber to hear the news going round of the death of the youngest and most promising man in their neighbourhood. There and beyond, stories of the death of worthless men, accompanied with stretched portraits of their fat-stuffed faces, graced the front pages of the National Dailies. Contrived smiles concealed the atrocious underbelly of corporate and disguised crimes lived through their years on earth. They died and a simulation of public service on public news sheets is their consolation.
“Felix X is dead” but no one cared to mention it. The stars shone at night; and the Sun rose at dawn. Continue reading Dying In Public by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
#PAUSIBILITY: WE ARE AFRICANS! by Adebayo Coker
(Editorial note: This was received about a week ago.)
My dear people, I must start by congratulating us for the consolidation of democracy. Two weeks ago we had both Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections. Even though there were pockets of skirmishes, I can submit that we are all determined to make this system work and with time the imbroglio will be dealt with, then our nation will be one of the exemplified democracies in the world.
I could not write my column last week because I was busy coordinating my son’s first birthday. As I moved around town during that period, a thought kept coming to mind: If posters could cry, we all would be flapping our arms and feet through the pool of tears that our nation space would be submerged in. Also if posters could laugh we all would be running with a finger in each ear in a bid to block out the maddening Continue reading #PAUSIBILITY: WE ARE AFRICANS! by Adebayo Coker
CHIBOK, a year after by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
CHIBOK,
sounding like the celebrity’s name,
has joined the league of Burj Khalifa and
the statue of liberty.
Seeming to mock our dear country,
The tourist asks, “Where is it?
Can I go see Chibok?” Like no one knows it was Continue reading CHIBOK, a year after by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
BIG BROTHER AFRICA: BETWEEN IDRIS AND TAYO by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
The Big Brother Africa show has just exhausted its 63 days on air and Idris Sultan, a Tanzanian photographer, won the ‘hitherto highly’ coveted prize. It will be satiating to put on record that the reaction of many Nigerians, and Africans at large, was that of chagrin at the shortchanging of Tayo Faniran, the Nigerian – Oyo State bride that was widely loved for his discipline, honesty and entertaining participation in the Big Brother house.
So much has been reported on this and I should say Big Brother Africa show, or the likes, is not a television programme I ever saw. I was persuaded Continue reading BIG BROTHER AFRICA: BETWEEN IDRIS AND TAYO by ‘Lakunle Jaiyesimi
#PAUSIBILITY: PARABLE OF THE CRUCIFIX by Adebayo Coker
Dear compatriots, let me wish you a Happy Independence Anniversary all the same, even though I have never had a more watery Independence Anniversary celebration in my existence as a Nigerian. I would not want to be disinterested in this nation and her politics, as I have come to find out that that is exactly the goal of these political louts that call themselves Nigerian politicians. They are perpetuating a psychological disenfranchisement where the enlightened ones amongst us will develop apathy to politics due to the mishandling of the nation and eventually leave the country, so that the politicians will have a leeway to act indiscriminately without any check. But I have promised myself not to dance to their evil drumbeats, and I urge you to join me by registering, participating, and voting right in the next elections, not forgetting to protect your votes. Continue reading #PAUSIBILITY: PARABLE OF THE CRUCIFIX by Adebayo Coker
DEAR NIGERIANS, IT IS TIME TO ACT by Yemi Czar
It is with much sadness, I believe, that we have, together, watched our country inexorably degenerate into a total fiasco in the over 60 years of its independence. What is more painful and disheartening is the fact that our crops of politicians are those who have not learnt any notable lessons from the country’s past or the current events around the world nor get moved by the tears and agonies of the oppressed Nigerian souls who constitute the majority of the entire Nigerian population. Perhaps, they either don’t read what the papers and social media reveal each day about their misconducts (I want to believe) or they read them aloof while we read a posteriori, or they are just too busy looting every aspect of our economy with the very worst form of predilection for pilfering that they’ve become so deaf to and unmoved by the cries of the oppressed, and thus fail to call to mind the realities of history and current times. Continue reading DEAR NIGERIANS, IT IS TIME TO ACT by Yemi Czar
#PAUSIBILTY: AN AFRICAN FASCINATION by Jeff Underwood
There was a small lake north of the city of Seattle which was very popular with the people of the area. It was very unique. There was no obvious inflow or outflow of water but the lake’s level remained the same and was almost always clean and clear. Once upon a time, there had been an aqua theater there where water shows had been staged for enthusiastic audiences. All that remained of that outdoor extravaganza now was a concrete husk of a quarter-circle of benches and many stairs climbing to its top.
It was somewhat late evening but was a very balmy one as well. The usual brisk breeze was nearly dormant and only fluffed her hair in an occasional puff or two. Continue reading #PAUSIBILTY: AN AFRICAN FASCINATION by Jeff Underwood
Nelson Mandela dead at 95
credits: CBC News
Anti-apartheid hero, imprisoned for 27 years, later became democratic South Africa’s first president
Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest leaders of modern times, passed away Thursday at his home in Johannesburg after a prolonged lung infection. He was 95.
South African President Jacob Zuma announced that Mandela, “the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed,” adding that he “passed on peacefully.”
“Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father,” Zuma said.
“Our thoughts are with the millions of people who embraced Mandela as their own and who saw his cause as their cause.… This is the moment of our deepest sorrow.” Continue reading Nelson Mandela dead at 95
Nigeria@53: Where are the “LEADERS OF TOMORROW?”
When I was a kid, my elder brother and I had a lovely pastime. It was a pastime we never thought could leave us; and that’s if we never got to leave it. Today, I am not sure to what degree one has left the other. Today is Nigeria’s independence day (53rd celebration of this? Wow) and it is nostalgic. I’ll rather not stare at the television screens for too long. That’s because I do not want tears to run down my face the way they did when I was a kid, staring at the television screens on Nigeria’s Independence days. I cried, inwards to outwards and I wondered why my brother never cried – maybe he cried inwardly – every time we saw other children like us, probably not looking as fine as I thought I was, marching proudly to loud beats of drums and high pitched rendering of the Nigerian national anthem.
What worsened my condition was the very expectation of a knock every year’s Independence day, or the eve of it, by some person dressed in military or paramilitary style, pleading with my elder brother and I to join in the children’s parade for Independence. I thought after all, Nigeria was a country for us all. And all the children of the country were expected to march on special days like this. If not all, at least the bright ones like us. My brother and I were that ingenious (pardon the little note of pride in it. Just thought to report how I feel in retrospect) that we set aside a room in my father/mother’s house at the then Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. This room became a country; a country we could call ours, very real as far as we were concerned, far removed from what people refered to as Nigeria – a country we never believed was real, just an imaginary idea as we were only able to imagine everything about the country Nigeria. So, we created our own country – Lupek, the exposition of which will be for another day (But for now, we should be content with the meaning of Lupek – Love, Unity, Peace, Endurance, Knowldege). These are virtues my brother and I still keep today. Don’t ask where we are now. We had a President, Governor of our Central Bank, Ministers etc. We created commodities to trade with (mindful of our national GDP). These items were drawn and cut-out pieces of paper; including most-importantly paper pigs, paper goats,blah blah blah. Our major national revenue source was BOILED MAIZE. We created our own paper currency too – The Lupe. There was enough of it – too much, maybe; a reality that dawned on us after our own World War and we were vanquished by the enemy. The enemy being an Uncle, who sternly asked that Continue reading Nigeria@53: Where are the “LEADERS OF TOMORROW?”
20 Amazing Facts About Ijebus: Why Ijebus are hated???
I found the piece below presented by Osilaja Tholulopeh Oluwabunmy and thought it a responsibility to record and re-present for evaluation and re-evaluation.
True or fable? Our comments may be important…
1. Ijebus were the first people to have contact with Europeans in 14th century.
2. Ijebus were the first to be educated by western education.
3. Ijebu is the largest Ethnic group in Nigeria.
4. First people to manufacture gears of wars in history of Nigeria.
5. First people to contend the slavery extortion in the region. Continue reading 20 Amazing Facts About Ijebus: Why Ijebus are hated???
The African who believes in Africa. To fly African flags in space…
He is just 31 years old and he already heads a vast business empire that he built from scratch. His name is Ashish Thakkar and he’s the founder of the pan-African multi-sector business conglomerate Mara Group.
Here on the board of lAkUnLeScReWs, we present you his words, exclusively especially as they touch on Africa and her brewing greatness.
“Money should never be a measurement for anything.”
“I like to see myself as an entrepreneur that’s being disruptive — I like to be the underdog in a lot of cases,” “It’s all about how you go about it; but one thing I definitely don’t want to be known as is as ‘Africa’s youngest billionaire.'”
“Thakkar is gearing up to become the first ever East African in space, proudly representing the region in the Virgin Galactic program, which offers paying customers the opportunity to travel beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.” – CNN
Consequent upon the above, he said…
“I’m taking quite a few of flags into space, as a way to kind of send a strong message that ‘look, we as Africa have the vision and the ability as well.”
“It’s something that started off for fun and it’s actually turned out to be something quite nice where we can send a strong message to say, ‘we’re coming, we’re going to mark our space in that territory too.”
“The idea initially was to do it for the two months during my summer holiday.” Thakkar.” And when school started again I conveniently didn’t tell my parents that it did, and obviously they figured me out in a week.”
Continue reading The African who believes in Africa. To fly African flags in space…
Tributes to the man of letter, always-alive Prof. Chinua Achebe
Of note na the yarns of one of the major political parties in Nigeria, wey actually capture the essence of the mood. Find them below:
“Prof. Achebe’s nationalist and democratic credentials were unassailable. He loved Nigeria with a passion and used the platform offered by his global exposure to call attention, time and again, to the years of misrule in his homeland, which must have left a gaping hole in his heart till he breathed his last. Continue reading Tributes to the man of letter, always-alive Prof. Chinua Achebe
My Oga at the top, Shem Obafaiye, Suspension and Naija’s double-speak…
E don reach days now wey my fellow Nigerians don become ‘My Oga at the top’ and everybody seems to dey enjoy that position at the top. There, plenty comedy dey to relax your nerves.
Continue reading My Oga at the top, Shem Obafaiye, Suspension and Naija’s double-speak…
Na only for Africa every creativity is made for Charity. See Photos…
These are just wonderments like say Africans themselves no dey do charity for other peoples of the world. Keeping fingers crossed.
Continue reading Na only for Africa every creativity is made for Charity. See Photos…
SA police dragged man to death with their Van. Got suspended.
Dem don suspend eight South African police wey arrest one Mozambican taxi driver, Mido Macia, 27, cuff am to a police van and begin drag am along the street. The guy later died.
Even Naija Police people wey no send no fit do that kind thing, lailai. People dey craze pass people sha.
Some people record the incident for the public and dem don broadcast am on TV. Continue reading SA police dragged man to death with their Van. Got suspended.
Bode Asiyanbi shines@the 1st edition of British Council’s Lagos Theatre Festival
At Eko Hotel & Suites, British Council Nigeria together with three of Nigeria ‘s most exciting theatre companies wan take 2 days do yanga with original, exciting performances wey go show for ‘unconventional spaces’ (whatever that is). Dem say ‘unconventional spaces’ na the Presidential Suite, Car Park, Petanque Area, and Casa Chianti Restaurant – at the Eko Hotel & Suites
Haering from the horse’s mouth, na the thing wey our first horse (Ojoma Ochai, Assistant Director of the British Council)yarn be this, Continue reading Bode Asiyanbi shines@the 1st edition of British Council’s Lagos Theatre Festival
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