Saturday, November 28, 4pm
Manyika Sets The Tone For 50th Anniversary Debate
BY releasing a novel based on the heady idealism of the late 50s and early sixties, exactly a year before the country's 50th anniversary, Sarah Ladipo Manyika has set the tone for the conversations around the 2010 celebrations. In Dependence, the story of a confident, self assured Tayo - the Nigerian student in search of the golden fleece –and Vanessa, the British lady who falls madly in love with him in Oxford - is the kind that prompts the reader to continually ask "So how did it go so horribly wrong?" 50 years ago, West African students in Britain were already questioning what credentials British filmmakers had to narrate a Nigerian documentary "without the Africans having the benefit of telling their own story".
A young British girl was afraid to become a reporter in Africa because of the talk of indigenisation sweeping through the continent. But the emerging middleclass was eager to invite expertise from anywhere. "There's so much to be done on our continent", Tayo's statement on the book's page 63, recalls Mobolaji Bank Anthony's invitation to J. Brandler in London, as reflected in Brandler's insightful biography of Nigeria: Out Of Nigeria: A Giant's Toils. Just as Chimamanda Adichie's Half Of A Yellow Sun can be said to summarise most of the civil war literature that came before it, so you do find narratives in Manyika's novel that remind you of passages in Soyinka's Ibadan, Brandler's Out of Nigeria, and the "sweeter", earlier parts of Oluremi Obasanjo's Bittersweet: My Life With Olusegun Obasanjo. There is hardly a forty-nine year old Lagosian, today, who is not nostalgic about the day he first went to the Apapa docks, as part of a family welcoming party, to receive an old cousin, just returning from England, on the famous Aureol. Reading Manyika, it all seems like the stars were lining up for the continent in the sixties. But now, with everything having turned out awry, it is people like Vanessa's conservative father, quoted as saying "And frankly, if you look at the mess in the rest of Africa, South Africa is doing well by comparison", who are having a laugh at the moment.
Hummers, Armani, Louis Vuitton.... could the resource curse be coming to Mongolia at the speed of a tsunami, or will the vast mineral wealth of the country benefit all 2.7 million citizens?
Read more...Rather than have heads of state (and ministers) as the bureaucratic iconography as in African States, Mongolian offices opt for images of Chinggis Khan, the founding father/warrior. Here we are in an office in the Ministry of Finance (taken with my blackberry).
Read more...
Just arrived in Ulaanbaatar. Its -25 degrees here and 300 people have swine flu. More later..
Small Grants Initiative
We are looking for individuals who aim to stimulate creative thinking on the
subject of security as well as open spaces for new actors to engage with and
challenge existing approaches. The funds are open to young researchers and
policy activists under 35 years of age from developing countries who want to
make written contributions, undertake research, or launch policy initiatives
on subjects related to the Global Consortium on Security Transformation
(GCST) (click here for more information on the GCST’s main research topics
<http://www.securitytransformation.org/wg_index.php> ).
The GCST requires that research proposals include some of the following
criteria:
1. The need to observe the impact of public policies and/or
international cooperation on poor and excluded sectors of society.
2. The study of the perceptions and demands of poor sectors of society
on security.
3. The need to observe the impact of citizens’ participation in the
security realm.
Applications can be submitted in English or Spanish. You can apply via email
or postal mail. To apply, please send the following:
* The Application Form (download it here
<http://www.securitytransformation.org/bli.php?id=99> )
* Curriculum Vitae (maximum length of four pages)
* Research plan in 1,500 words maximum that describes your broader
research project(s) as well as what you plan to do with this award
* Budget proposal
* Two reference letters*
*At least one reference letter must be submitted by a sponsoring institution
or university. Both letters must be sent by electronic or postal mail to the
GCST by the recommenders themselves, not by the applicants.
Preference will be given to comparative proposals that are regional in
nature and that are related to the themes of the GCST’s Working Groups. We
also prefer proposals from citizens who are from and currently researching
in the regions mentioned in their proposals.
Grant-winners will be awarded US$5,000 in order to carry out their research
projects. US$1,000 will be provided for field research and US$4,000 will be
provided after submission of the final report and working paper.
The research must be completed in no more than 10 months. Grant recipients
are expected to submit 1 brief report upon completion of their research as
well as 1 working paper on their research findings. Best papers will be
disseminated through the GCST webpage.
For more information on the Small Grants rules, click here
<http://www.securitytransformation.org/small_grants.php>
Applications are due on December 15th, 2009 and must be sent through postal
or electronic mail to:
Global Consortium on Security Transformation (GCST)
Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO)
Av. Dag Hammarskjold 3269, Vitacura, Santiago de Chile
Email: securitytransformation@flacso.cl
Phone.: (+562) 290-0200
Read more...Historian Chuck Ambler (UTEP and African Studies Association president) on the work of the ASA and his ongoing research on African audiences ‘from Hollywood to Nollywood.’ He also discusses a manuscript-in-progress on mass media and popular culture in colonial and post-colonial Africa. With guest co-host Laura Fair.
A Compliance Officer (CO) is required to assist a Port Harcourt based British and Middle Eastern maritime company in adhering to Nigerian Maritime Law . In this capacity, the CO is expected to perform the following duties :
Friday 20 November 2009
11.30 to 12.30pm
Nigeria's Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: Just a Glorious Audit?
Nicholas Shaxson, Associate Fellow, Chatham House
Discussant: Uche Igwe, Civil Society Liaison Officer, NEITI
The ambitious Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) came to prominence in 2003 and was widely held up as a success, touted as the flagship programme of global EITI.
This event will launch the Chatham House study by nick Shaxson analysing the extent to which NEITI has achieved it goals and potential, and whether it deserves the reputation it garnered in its early years. The paper also questions the assumptions upon which the EITI process is built: that better transparency will lead to better governance and accountability, and these in turn will foster growth and reduce poverty.
In presenting his report, Mr. Shaxson will be joined by discussant Uche Igwe of NEITI. The report will be available to download from the Chatham House website on 19th November 2009.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
According to Sahara Reporters, the captain of Nigeria's Under 17 team, Fortune Chukwudi, is actually 25 years old.. http://www.saharareporters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4138:adokiye-amiesimaka-the-man-who-told-the-truth&catid=58:football&Itemid=182
Excuse the flowery prose.
Read more...The FT's former man in Nigeria, Michael Peel, has a book out on Nigeria, called A Swamp Full of Dollars. Its already getting rave reviews. For more info on the book, go to his site, www.michaelpeel.co.uk
Read more...
The Jury’s citation reads:
Sefi Atta was educated in Nigeria, the UK and US, and is a former chartered accountant and a graduate of the Creative Writing Programme at Antioch University, Los Angeles. Her short stories have been published in literary journals, her radio plays have been broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation, and she has received many awards for her writing. She was the winner of the PEN International 2004/5 David T.K. Wong Prize, and won the first Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa in 2006 for her debut novel Everything Good Will Come.
Finding staff who can write is a migraine for employers in Nigeria. Here is a sample of covering letters (all from "graduates") that just fell into my inbox. The spelling/grammatical mistakes are all exactly as they were sent. Spot the yoruba candidate who drops and adds h's in writing, replicating the yoruba tendency to do the same in speech:
1. Dear sir/ma
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION
It is my priviledge to demostrate the zeal and enthusiast to be part of your event organisation,i am please to say to your honour that,i am qualify to be your event manager, first and foremost,i have undoubted skill couple with my industrious ability to work with team,compliance to my superior in authority,and bear to the maximum end any challenges confronting my giving tasks until success emerge.
similarly,i have gotting excellent ideas and event managerial skill when i was the zonal correspondent to DYNAMIX AWARD and MAGAZINE inLAGOS,besides that,i am passiponate about event planning and party arrangement,because it as been part of my interested area right from my secondary school days to my university days.
finally, i have no doubt about my ability to handle events,as long as due process is follow and compensation is base on performance.
it will be my sincere appreciation if i am consider to be interview base on my past experience and ideas.
Thanks for your consideration.
2.
Because of the productivity need. That is why this software was even produce at the firt place. The benefits includes recruiting for self and clients talented staffs. To promote their productivity level.
Now I do it at TEN THOUSAND NAIRA per head selecetd. That is to say. If you are to give us a try. All you need to do is to give us the job descriptions. The number of people you needed. And ready our payment. By multiplying the number of staffs required. With our fee of TEN THOUSAND NAIRA only. Though yuor have to verify the infomations you sent us yourself. As every software programm is garbage in garbage out. And otherwise
Thanks for your co-operation.
yours faithfully
3
Has regards the call for Event Manager Opportunities, i hereby declare my readiness to serve at this capacity. You cannot get what i imply lest you invite me over for a creative presentation. I head a creative hot-shot presently sub-managing T_____'s account in creative matters. In depicting your messages, controlling the marketing process, strategising and bringing the vision of this envisaged Award event is our expertise. We needn't to present CV online because it is rather too compressed also the visuals that are too heavy for attach process, just invite us and you'll see what you envision. Your success is our concern, try us today.
4. APPLICATION AS AN EVENT MANAGER
As it was clearly posted online that you might have need someone with a background and experience as an event manager, my experience has ingrained in me the confidence and ability in order to prospect my skills for the position in your organisation .
Should you require any additional information ,kindly find the copy of my curriculum vitae for your perusal .I will always be available and look forward to hear from you soon for test /interview .
Thank you
5.
5 DearSir/Ma
COVERINGLETTER
I wish to bring to your knowledge information concerning my personality profile of which in my view would be of immense importance to you and the prospects that lie ahead of us all.
My name is ------------ I had my tertiary education acquired from Lagos State University in Lagos State. I did my youth service at Ogun State.
I am a B.Sc holder with 2.2. I have acquired skills in my discipline, Banking and finance and from the angle of job experience drawn from varied backgrounds and from many years of dedicated and committed service. These skills include but not limited to banking and financial knowledge, marketing (both FCMG and Others), research and studies to mention but few.
I wish to boldly ascertain that I have always been competent and not lacking in any tasks, assignments and responsibilities given me. I also draw more due to my ability (though in this wise, curious) in making findings and establishing facts.
My unique selling point is very simple. I am a relational – relational kind of person. In my dealings with people, I have this high attraction to identifying peoples’ needs and challenges hence meeting same. Once this is established, permit me to say that there is nothing that I cannot sell business-wise.
My values. I believe in diligence. Also in my custody is the believe in mutual respect. I am a very disciplined person.
Toni Kan has won the NDDC Ken Saro-Wiwa prize for his collection Nights of the Creaking Bed. The prize was awarded at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) awards gala night on Saturday 31st October. The book was published in 2008 by Cassava Republic Press.
Cassava Republic Press is pleased to announce a new voice in Nigerian literature: Sarah Ladipo Manyika and her debut novel In Dependence. Sarah, a resident of California, is visiting Nigeria this November to promote her book, which will be available nationwide from December. Sarah spent much of her childhood in Jos, Plateau State, but has lived in Kenya, France, and England. She currently teaches literature at San Francisco State University.
BBC Film Crew in Ghana, guest post by James Gibbs
INTERNATIONAL PETITION ON BEHALF OF AFRO-CUBAN CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER, DR DARSI FERRER,
RECENTLY ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED BY THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT
Many of you may never have heard of the Civil Rights Afro-Cuban activist, Dr. Darsi Ferrer. Yet, he is one of the most important Civil Rights leaders in Cuba today, and a tireless, courageous fighter against social exclusion. Dr. Ferrer was arrested more than three months ago, and jailed on absurd, untrue charges of having "stolen materials" from the state.
What did he do?
Please help us free this brave Black intellectual
whose only crime is to have stood up
and protested against the racism
and discrimination that Blacks
confront in Cuba
(every signature makes a difference)
Carlos Moore
Read more...
Fela is far more celebrated in public culture in Brasil than he is in Nigeria, as these publicity images for various events around the country celebrating Fela this month show (only the Kuti family celebrated the anniversary of his death this month via the Felabration at the Shrine).
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