When the echo gets so loud...

I knew it would take some very deep emotions to get me back on the blog but I didn't think it would be anger. Writing this I am angry. REALLY DEEPLY ANGRY!!!

In the last week, I have gotten variations of messages from friends about comments made in the American media about Nigerian dishonesty/scams.

First I was sent a link about a Nigerian-born young man nabbed in the US getting guns in his bid to re-enact the Virginia Tech tragedy of a few months ago, if $50,000 was not sent into an account (how dumb?). Then a Kenyan friend sent me a transcript of a case of some Kenyans convicted for tax fraud in US. Her purpose was harmless, to make me see that not just Nigerians are involved in fraudulent practices. She wanted to talk about it but frankly, I wasn't interested.

Then yesterday, a comment made by Oprah Winfrey on her show asking for diplomatic ties to be cut with Nigeria for its scamming practice was brought to my attention. Request for response of sort from all Nigerians was broached. What I wasn't told was that she made the said comments on her show in April and besides, who says I give a FLYING FART what Oprah says.

Then this morning, the first mail I open in from a friend with a link and a message "You Must See THIS". The link was a 20 minutes video of an ABC News 2020 show where a reporter goes "undercover" to expose Nigerian scam artists. Who says I must see this? I don't know why I punished myself by watching the whole video but I winced and gritted my teeth when I heard all the sweeping negative and largely untrue statements made about the country and people I love so dearly.

And all these made me VERY ANGRY. Anger that has been building up in cumulative waves and that perhaps started way before this week.

Not anger at the US media, personalities and authorities who are quick to demonise a whole people for the activities of a few bad eggs. I know it is the character of the West (now I'm acting like then unapologetically) to find any strand that builds a case in their favour and maximise it out of proportion to win hearts and minds (Re: George Bush's IRAQ WAR). Afterall it is America where SIZE DOES MATTER. Responding to them would be a waste of my time as I do not have the SIZE and SCOPE to drown out their stupidity.

Not anger at the scam artists who have given the West a tar brush with which to further paint my people black as if we were not dark enough. Ask the "yahoo yahoo boys" and they will tell you it takes a greedy person to get conned, right? I'll however not fall into the trap of justifying the scam by blaming the scammed. It is a symptom of a larger flaw in the society we have created where humans can profit from weaknesses of fellow humans. Capitalism at it's BEST or how else do you explain the wealth of BIG TOBACCO, BIG ARMS MANUFACTURERS and every other company whose shareholders and countries get wealthy by creating products harmful to man and the rest of nature. But we'll leave this philosophical discourse for a later day.

My anger today is aimed at MY AFRICAN FRIENDS who feel the need spoil my beautiful day by putting me in the sound line when they echo the bad news and bad vibes being generated about my country and people. Don't they realise that they end up giving ABC news and Oprah Winfrey larger audience for their trash than they could ever dream of getting ordinarily. I live in London and there is no way I would log on to watch a show on ABC if the link wasn't passed my way.

It's amazing how we have decided to act as echoes for our attackers forgetting that when the echo gets so loud, it becomes all that you hear completely drowning out the source. Very soon, it will be apt to say Nigerians say “We are all corrupt and we have said this using ABC and Oprah Winfrey as our talking piece". Soon that image of ourselves is evident in how we will walk talk, act and treat our brothers.

You will never see the British people sending chain mail of news items from Baghdad Sun talking about the criminal activities of British soldiers in Iraq. Neither will the French send videos Abidjan TV showing the trial of the French soldiers convicted for robbing a bank in rural Cote d’Ivoire. Why then do we Africans feel it is our moral duty to spread bad news about ourselves, as heard from the foul-mouth of an American bigot, to the rest of our compatriots worldwide to spoil people's days? Everyone else hides their shame; we feel the need to broadcast it to the end of the world.

I struggle to remember the last time I got positive news about Nigeria sent to me by one of these very thoughtful friends. Perhaps once in the last year, when I was sent a speech made by the former Finance minister of Nigeria. Besides that, all ever get sent is nasty news. WHY????? Do these people assume I do not have enough troubles in my life as it is that they have to sore it with their disgusting information? (Ok I confess I also get jokes, sermons, prayers, scam mails and nude pictures...ooooppppsss).

We Africans have to understand how much of our worldview, as it is, is shaped by CNN, BBC, Oprah Winfrey show and other media mammoths of the West. We forget that behind these apparatuses lie people with opinions and agenda of their own. Our role, if we truly love our origin is to counter the negative images of our people and continent by the spreading our positive stories that these western media outfits do not consider news-worthy. Let our echo of positivity drown out their negative leads about us.

That for me is the role posterity has bestowed on us to perform and no one, now or in the future will forgive us if we fail.

Plus please, I just always need something good to brighten up my day...

P.S. I have not added links of these disturbing stories because I do not wish to be party to their spread. Please do not feel the need to find them after reading this.

Just starting...

Starting something new is always a very difficult time for me. I admit, after I start the momentum carries things forward but just getting the extra needed burst of energy to start I find tough. Hence the past me was the cosummate procrastinator. But I am getting over it slowly but surely...

I have started to indoctrinate the wisdom that when you want something so much, the universe connives to make it happen for you.

This morning in a book, I saw a quote that further clearly described this phenomenom as I have started to see it working for me. It's from W.H. Murray from his book The Scottish Himalayan Expedition.

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have believed would have come his way."

I have started to see this happening and I am excited where the journey will lead

Black ramblings...

I went to a Pioneers of Change networking event last night with Monika. First Monika anad I met up for drinks and a pizza and just talked about a variety of topics from reminiscing to our AI days and the role/influence of women in the team to the team reunion happening in Malaysia in April.

Arghhhhhh...I wish I could make that but sadly can't afford a holiday of that scale at the moment...Not with being out of work for 4 months, just starting Uni (blog about that later) and my saving for a trip to Naija later in the year...

Anyways, back to the Pioneers of Change event, it was really kool. Was good to see so many people doing so many amazing things and seeing all the connections and overlaps to what I am doing in my current job and what I plan to do through Africa++ and beyond...

It was also good to meet a number of white Africans. Now, I'm not prejudiced or anything but I'm from the old school that sees Africa as black. Not that I do not accept white Africans... no...it's just that the reality takes getting used to. I know I shouldn't feel this way having lived in South Africa...or maybe I feel that way because I lived in South Africa. And also because Nigeria where I grew up does not have the concept of the white Nigerian.

Perhaps it's the influence of reading a lot of Steven Biko in the last couple of days. While I'd not accuse him of being racist (some can), I'll attribute it to his writing inducing a lot of the Black Consciousness feeling out of me. And I admit the more his words make me feel proud to be black and appreciate the unique competencies of the black man, it also re-emphasises the stark differences that exists between the white man and the back man more than just in physical appearances but in world view (generalisation???). More so in the context of the South African society during apartheid era.

The thing about reading about Black Consciousness in the context of apartheid South Africa in the 60s and 70s is that it makes you realise that lot of the realities then are still in existent today albeit in more white-washed forms. Blacks and ethnic minorities are still the dark poor underbellies of European societies. There are still more white men in US jails than any other ethnic group. And institutionalised racism and unacknowledged racial prejudice still limit the attainment potential of black folk wherever they are.

But even worse, black people have inherited psychological baggage, think themselves scum of the earth and treat their fellow blacks the way they feel about themselves - shabbily. That explains Africa's corrupt leaders who care not about wasting the lives of their poor citizens to enrich their own pockets.

But does this all depress me and does this stop me from reading more Steven Biko. NOT IN THE LEAST. All it gives me is hope because we are at our lowest point. From here, it can only get better and I wish to play my own part in creating and being the change I want to see. I also, will continue to consult the wise words of my lecturer on Black Consciousness and The Way Forward, "Professor" Bantu Steve Biko.

His book "I write what I like" a collection of his writings, is still officially top of my personal bestseller list, 3 years after my good friends Bende Mark and Ellinoora Vesala gave it to me as a parting gift when I left South Africa.

I hope I can work in the stead of this great African to bring some of the needed change to African continent all in the spirit of self-reliance. For truly, only Africans have the solution to redress the continent's rot.

To end this post, I will quote one of my personally favourite lines from Prof Biko...

"We believe that in the long run the special contribution to the world by Africa will be in this field of human relationship. The great powers of the world may have done wonders in giving the world an industrial and military look, but the great gift still has to come from Africa - giving the world a more human face."

WORD!!!

Now with Young Foundation

Mainly because I have not blogged in ages, for those who don't know, I have started a new job.

I now work for an organisation called The Young Foundation since January. I am the Project Lead for a new leadership programme that we are developing...to try to get talented young people from marginalised communities in the UK into leadership positions in poilitics and in public agencies...

It's a really great organisation and I adore my job so far...It's like I have been given a blank canvass and told to paint a masterpiece...It's in an area I really love and I don't mind in the least bit...

Plus I like the opportunity to explore into the heart of the British political system... some prep for my one day foray into the world of politics here or back home in Nigeria.

Good people will have to reclaim leadership of our societies through business, politics and in other sectors and I definitely have to be a core player...

Introducing Africa++

I am presently in the process of thinking through the concept and structure for my organisation to harness the expertise of the African diaspora in the continent's development. For those who I never told before now, it's to be called Africa++

Had a meet up with a friend, Lesley (she was an LCP in Johannesburg) on Friday to discuss the idea and she is very game. First member on board...Yipppeeeeee!!!

And somehow the universe threw in my path this weekend an old friend who should be helping move the dream forward in person of Zeno. He should help with the site...Things just seem to be moving so fast.

I guess it's that whole thing about if you want something so bad, the universe conspires to make it happen. And the universe works through coincidences.Bring it on UNIVERSE!!!

Going Old School...

On Saturday, I went to pick up 2 Nokia hands free sets that I got on Freecycle. On the way I passed a street market.Treated myself by buying 7 old LPs

2 by Nat KIngCole (Unforgettable and Songs in Espanol)
1 by Cab Calloway
3 by UB40
I by Tracy Chapman

Seeing as they were like £2.50 each, it was a a steal...Plus sounded really cool blasting from turntable too.Great music to cook to, I found out...

Kool part of a relatively chilled weekend

Another Kool Thing: FREECYCLE

I have been part of an amazing group since the start of the year. It's called Freecycle...

Basically it is a network of people who give their stuff to other people who need it rather than have it dumped on the garbage heaps. This is a unique way to recycle. It's a great and fast growing community. Decided to share this here so more of you can join up.

Below is an excerpt from the website...

"The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by clicking on the region on the left. You may then go directly to your local group by clicking on "Go To" or you may immediately joining by clicking on "Join." It will generate an automatic e-mail which, when sent, will sign you up for the local group and send you a response with instructions on how it works. Can't find a group near you? You might want to consider starting one (click on "Start a Group" for instructions). Have fun!"

Ladi, this is one I'm sure u have in NZ...Hehehehehehe

Nigerian Election 2007 and the Politics of the devil you know…

This is an article I wrote for a Nigerian Village Square a place where NIgerains abroad and at home meet to exchange ideas on the state of the country.. The biggest issue in Nigeria right now is the elections and typically there is no shortage of intrigues views and opinion on who would be the new leaders of the most populous black nation. Here I am adding my own 2 cents...

Election 2007 and the Politics of the devil you know…
by Femi Longe

Proverbs are meant to be words of wisdom. Our forefathers used them to illuminate their words and drive home a point. And so to some extent, when we hear a proverb, we assume it’s a wise statement. One proverb often used in the context of the Nigerian elections is” the devil you know is better than the saint you don’t”.

OBJ allegedly used it when defending Governor Gbenga Daniel before the people of Ogun State. Numerous other people use it in moral credibility justification for why known thieves (Atiku and Ngige amongst others) are the best people for the jobs they are vying for. But I believe that such use is fatally flawed.

The case is plain; the devil you know is first and foremost A DEVIL AND WOULD FOREVER BE SO. It is high time Nigerians wake up to their responsibilities and stop voting in people who do not have the public interest at heart.

An Australian friend asked me a question on Tuesday which deserves mention. “Does Africa really want to be developed?” he asked. Our repeated acceptance of irresponsible leaders suggests that the answer is a big NO.

Electing corrupt leaders and complaining about under-development at the same time is like commissioning Satan to construct Paradise and wondering why it looks so much like Hell.

Here the words of English poet, John Milton strikes a chord. In his epic poem Paradise Lost he said “Better to reign in hell than serve in heav'n.” This is surely the motto of our own devils in Nigeria, They have concluded that it is better to reign in an underdeveloped Nigeria than to be a normal hardworking civil servant in a developed one. And we the masses have made it possible for them to continue to get away with it.

The people we elect and their entourage of hanger ons and sycophants, are the main beneficiaries of an underdeveloped Nigeria; the guys who own the private airlines and then ran Nigerian Airways into the ground with mismanagement; the guys who own the private banks, got foreign currency at bank rates and shoveled them to the streets to sell at black market rate so they can make quick cut-throat profits; the same guys who supported efforts to devalue the Naira so their foreign exchange back-door deals could net them even greater profits.

The same goes for the guys who own the oil companies and were happy to see the price of fuel go from N18 to N65 per litre; the ones who own private universities and do everything to ensure the public universities in Nigeria are in a constant state of shambles so that poor people are forced to spend their life savings to send their kids to their private universities; the ones that watch our public health facilities crumble but go aboard 5 times a year on tax payer’s money for medical check-ups at the best hospitals in the world.

And not forgetting the guys who chuckled to themselves when Chief Bola Ige (God rest his soul) as Minister of Power and Steel said he would transform NEPA knowing that they would sabotage all his efforts to limit the profits of their generator companies, petrol stations and candle factories, by reforming an essential sector of our economy.

Chief Bola Ige, for all his being Cicero, should have taken into more cognizance the words of Niccolo Machiavelli, the famous Italian strategist, that “And it ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, then to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.”

“The devils we know” benefit from Nigeria being in its present state and will do anything to keep it that way. And when new “unknown” saints like Prof Pat Utomi come to the scene and volunteer themselves for service, we the people who stand to benefit form the difference they hope to bring are such lukewarm supporters that they stand next to no chance against the entrenched devils.

It’s also interesting to see how our leaders transform into “devils we know” when it is convenient for them. In 1998 and 1999 when the transition to civil rule was imminent, these where the guys who campaigned on platforms of change is good. The military government could easily have argued about being the devil you know back then. Now the old time change-champions are so afraid of change that they have to serve us the same recycled dish of washed out old men bent on running the country into the ground with their particular brand of kleptocracy.

We are our own worst enemies. And it saddens me that in the forthcoming elections, on the platform of quick gratification in the form of loaves of bread buttered with N100 notes, we will vote in the devils we know rather than the saints we don’t and then complain when the temperature of our hell becomes hotter. At least that’s the way things look for now.

Please Nigerians, surprise me!!!!!!!

Another Kool Thing: Partnerschaft mit Afrika

In November 2006 and January 2007 I was part of a multi-sectorial group of "young leaders" who were to advice the governments of Ger many and African countries on increasing cooperation around specific areas. The programme was called Partnership With Africa and was organised by the office of the President fo Germany. These pictures are from the pre-conference in Wittenberg, Germany.

The delegates were about 25 young leaders from 22 African countries and about 25 young leaders from Germany. I was in the working group discussing Education and Wmployment Opportunities.

There were also 3 other groups discussing Violence in everyday life and Armed Conflict , Environment and the Natural Habitat and Youth Political Participation in Society .

Our task in Wittenberg was to deliberate on these issues in small groups focusing on what the issues were in each area, suggestion of solutions particularly ones that would involve Africa and Germany cooperating. The output for each group was a paper outlining the above which was fed to the Presidents and influential people who were at the follow up conference in Ghana in January 2007.

On the whole, it was a kool event and the location added to the good ambience besides ofcourse, the high quality of the participants. The bulk of the events happened at the University in Wittenberg where the reformer Martin Luther lectured. Actually, that's an image of him in the background. This was taken in the Martin Luther Hall which had been his former house. In the hall we had a conversation with the President of Germany and an official lunch.



Afterwards, we went to Berlin where we toured the parliament building and had some chat with 2 member of parliament before getting to the dance floor at the GTZ offices.

The Martin Luther Hall

Group portrait with the German President (what was I talking about)

More pictures from the event can be found here

Kool Thing 1: I've read it...now I'm swapping it!!! www.readitswapit.com

I have always loved books.

I remember once when I was about 8 years old, I found my first all-out detective novel. Reading it was like watching a high powered action movie. I read all night and was discovered by my Dad at 5.00am awake and engrossed in the book.

To say that day I had a heavy sleep hangover is an understatement. Plus I earned the nickname "Professor" which I lost somewhere down the line. Still it was interesting to hear a long unseen uncle call me by the nickname when I met him in London a couple of weeks.

As I have grown older, I've seen my love for books translate into a love for buying books. It's my one major vice now and I cringe at entering a book shop or seeing a bookstand. Somehow, I always leave with something.

I remember as AI Director in 2004, waiting to attend a meeting with HSBC in South Africa, stumbling across a book stand and leaving with 8 books. I felt the added wait when I had to lug my back pack on my way to the airport no doubt.

I had illusions sometime ago of having the largest private library starting one book at a time. I am still some ways there but I have no fear I might reach that goal one day. Who knows???

Anyways, with the cost of living in London not being exactly low and with a job being a amirage as yet, I discovered adding to my library of now more than 70 books in London alone is now kinda a daunting task. That's when information expanded my book assessibility horizon viw the internet.

No, not e-books. I find reading books from a screen tedious and one of the most effective sleep inducers ever (throw out the valiums; e-bookium is here).

What I found is a website where you can exchange already read books with a community of other members at no cost save that of posting the book. Excellent idea that has over the last 2 months seen me swap 28 books for such excellent titles as "The Mind Gym", "Life of Pi", "The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe", "London Fields", "Once More, With Feeling: How We Tried To Make The Greatest Porn Film Ever", "The Multi-orgasmic Man: All The Sexual Secrets That Every Man Should Know" amongst others.

The website is called Read it, Swap it!!! and they recently had the 99,000th book swapped on the site. I have had all positive experiences on the site and highly recommend it to anyone in the UK. Joining is completely free.

The website also has a community or members to discuss and request specific titles from others. They also recently added a shopping section for books linked to Amazon.

There are still a number of books I am looking for so join up as you most probably have it…

Kool things that came my way...

In typical Femi fashion...

First, I make 1 blog,

then I leave for like ages,

then I come back all remorseful promising to be a a faithful blogger

then a relapse into an even deeper bout of blogger oblivion

This time there are no promises that I won't get missing in action. Apparently getting missing in action may be a part of my genetic make up. I just am inspired to blog about some things that either came my way or I stumbled into recently. They range from websites, to online products, to books, to people, to events, to music etc.

May the bloggers' God help me to keep faithful to this inspiration to share with all those who take time to read this blog, the kool things that have inspired me and kept me looking forward to tommorrow.

AMEN!!!