₦airaland Forum

Only five of the 19 governors in the North attended the meeting of their Forum in Kaduna on Thursday.This is an indication that there might be a crack in the fold of the governors after the controversial Nigerian Governors’ Forum election in Abuja.

Those in attendance included Niger State Governor and Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Babangia Aliyu, Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, Governor Dankwambo of Gombe State’ and Nasarawa State Governor, Al-makura.

States that were represented by the deputy governors are Kano,Kwara, Kogi, Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto while other states like Benue, Plateau sent their Secretaries to State Governments.

Katsina, Yobe and Bauchi shunned the meeting as they neither sent representatives nor apologies.

Chairman of the Forum had told newsmen in his opening remarks that governors of Adamawa and Taraba states sent their apologies for their inability to attend the meeting.

Aliyu, who was expected to read his usual speech declaring the meeting open declined and instead asked journalists to await the Forum’s communique at the end of the meeting.

Meanwhile, members of staff of the New Nigerian Newspapers besieged the venue of the governors meeting protesting the non- payment of their 15 months salaries.

They urged the governor not to allow the legacy of the late Premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, late Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna Sokoto to die.

Acting Chairman of NNN Chapel, Amos Mathew, said they had to embark on the protest to demand for their salaries, noting that all the workers do was “to report to work, sign and leave.”

The New Nigerian Newspaper is owned by the Northern State Governments.

Is Amaechi really in trouble?

http://www.punchng.com/news/governors-shun-norther-governors-meeting/

[size=13pt]BOKO HARAM,UK BRANCH

Conspiracy theory:
Isn't it funny that after the Nigerian army started pounding Boko Haram seriously with it's leader apprealing for help,the following happened.

1. Aljazeera broadcasts a fraudulent report claiming that the Nigerian army has killed over 3000 innocent civilians during the emergency rule in the north east.

2. The US suddenly decides to place a bounty on Abubakar Shekau's head

3. And now this fake London protests happens?[/size]

[[size=13pt]When White people go for sun tan in order to darken their skin we don't suggest that they want to be black?
My conspiracy theory is that the western media is doing all it can to ridicule Nigeria's influence on the black race...imagine concluding that over 70% of women in the largest black nation on earth are ashamed of being black? They've refused to accept that a large portion Southern Nigerian women can be naturally light skinned.

During the trans-atlantic slave trade era the word RED EBOE was coined referring to Igbo slaves that tended to be light skinned compared to other slaves, not mulattos (Google 'Red Eboe')

Nigerian women have the right to enhance their beauty in any manner they want even if it involves 'skin toning'. If Nigerian women really wanted to look like white women they would surgically reduce their noses,hips and breasts, that has not happened yet.[/size]

England seems to have become the preferred destination for the radicalization of black muslims. Remember Abdul Mutallab was also radicalized in England.


source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/may/23/woolwich-attack-suspect-michael-adebolajo

The identity of the suspect pictured carrying bloodied knives in the aftermath of the murder of a British soldier is Michael Olumide Adebolajo, Guardian sources have confirmed.

Adebolajo was an ordinary British schoolboy; born in Lambeth in December 1984, he grew up in Romford, travelled to school on the bus, played football and appeared to have a lot of friends.

His family – who are of Nigerian origin — were practising Christians, attending the local church. He has two siblings; a sister and a brother. Both boys went to Marshalls Park school, in the Harolds Hill area of the town. At 16, Adebolajo moved to Havering sixth form college, and then at 18 attended Greenwich University, where he lived in student accommodation in 2004 and 2005.

Friends from Marshalls Park school talked of how he was an ordinary student who got the bus, played football, and "jacked" a few phones.

Speaking on social media, the friends expressed shock that the boy they went to school with was at the centre of a murder investigation after the events of Wednesday.

"We left year 2001," one said. "And he was always a good guy at school do anything for anyone."

Another added: "They used to live … 2 minutes from marshals they had a garage on the side of the house an [the brother] had a little telly an that in there an loads of people used to go round there, from what I remember they were nice boys."

A former neighbour of the family remembered them as friendly and welcoming churchgoers.

The man, who asked not to be named, said his wife used to give Adebolajo's mother – who he remembered as working for social services – a lift to church.

"They were very pleasant, a very ordinary normal family," he said.

But Graham Silverton, 63, who has lived in the street for 25 years, said neighbours had a particularly bad experience with Adebolajo when he was a teenager. He said one of the neighbours' children, a teenage girl, had gone to the Adebolajos' door to retrieve a ball kicked into their garden and was insulted and punched by Adebolajo.

The family lived in Romford until around 2004, when it is understood his parents divorced and they moved to Lincoln.

Police had sealed off Adebolajo's sister's home in Romford on Thursday and Metropolitan police officers travelled to Lincoln on Wednesday night to carry out searches at the family home in Saxilby.

Counter-terrorism officers and the security services are examining Adebolajo's links to the banned extremist group Al-Mujaharoun. It is understood he was radicalised around 10 years ago, changing his name to Mujaahid, which means "one who engages in jihad".

Friends at his school said they knew nothing of his conversion to Islam.

Reports that Adebolajo was known in some way to the police and security services have not been denied.

Anjem Choudary, the former leader of Al-Mujaharoun, has confirmed that he knew Adebolajo, who was pictured on video in the immediate aftermath of the horrific killing waving a cleaver with bloodied hands.

Choudary said Mujaahid had converted to Islam in 2003 and was a British-born Nigerian. He said he had attending meetings of Al-Muhajiroun from around 2005-11, but stopped attending the meetings, and those its successor organisations, two years ago.

At the meetings he heard an interpretation of Islam preached by the group's founder, Omar Bakri Mohammed, which many Muslims would consider extreme.

Choudary said: "He was on our ideological wave-length."

He added that Adebolajo was very quiet and that Mohammed, now believed to be abroad, also remembered Adebolajo attending events held by the group.

Choudary said he was shocked by the attack, and that he believed Muslims in Britain were covered by a covenant of security, meaning that they should not wage violence here, in return for safety.

"I believe that this is not allowed for me to engage in. I would not encourage someone to do it," he said.

"I don't think it helps to condemn or condone. I condemn the hundreds of thousands slaughtered by British and American foreign policy."

Al-Muharjiroun was banned after the 7 July 2005 terrorist attacks on London, and it kept changing its name to beat the ban. The successor groups were also banned.

One of them, Islam4UK, threatened to target the military town of Wootton Bassett for protests.

Bakri was banned from Britain in 2005 by the then home secretary, Charles Clarke, on the grounds that his presence in the country was "not conducive to the public good".

[size=13pt]Yes,i buy made in Nigeria first. When I visit Shoprite,I ensure most of the juice products i pick have the Nigerian flag imprinted by their side.
Other made in Nigeria products I patronize include:
Poultry
Juices
Biscuits
Bread and pastries
Cereals and Bevrages(Richoco)
Some drugs
Noodles (Golden penny)
Sandals
Plastic products (Buckets, Cups etc)
Naija music CDs

...that's all I can remember for now
[/size]

AjanleKoko: Friend,
I am by far more successful than you could ever hope to be. Or anybody in your family in fact.
Listen to yourself. I don't live on government handouts. In fact, I am probably more connected to the government than you are. And you are here talking like a child, mentioning Genevive and Dbanj, people whom we pay to perform at our functions?
Jesus. I don't refer to my househelps when I want to assess the state of the country. You are obviously on a very low level, that's why you're typing all this trash.

[size=13pt]Come on HUSH...did I ever make reference to my own financial status? Those who have nothing make the most noise. You are a frustrated 'poor' day dreamer...that's a fact![/size]

AjanleKoko: Again, another thoughtless rejoinder.
Does the N5m stop Linda Ikeji from being kidnapped, robbed, or even shot by policemen?
Was NOI's mother not kidnapped? What are you even saying? So, because I am comfortable, Nigeria is good, and everybody who thinks otherwise is an eediot?

Please stop typing this nonsense, it's too early in the day abeg.

[size=13pt]Nna,you are a complete loser o,no doubt. You sound like one of those that choose to remain poor and insignificant in life for fear of being noticed by 'evil eyes'. Super stars don't experience misfortunes in other advanced countries? What happened to Lucky Dube, Tupac, Notorius BIG,Versace and a host of others?[/size]

woodcook: After reading publisher's position on this issues, it became clear how the system as failed his people. I supposed that guy is an adult and knows not to bring sentiment into serious issues. I am glad someone else spotted that but my suggestion is you should please reserve your "lecture" for someone that worth the "trouble".

[size=13pt]@bolded: the system failed 'my people'...kai,like seriously?[/size]

AjanleKoko: I'm sorry friend, your comments are ridiculous, and smack of poor judgement.
If the bulk of Nigerians are lazy and disillusioned, you don't think that is a failure of leadership?
If your children grow up as layabouts and menaces to society, who do we blame? Themselves or you the bad parent?

Like all other GEJ apologists, a small chop change has confused your brain, and you're here using Dbanj and some musicians as sterling examples of good and patriotic citizens. You didn't bother to cite lots of professionals, doctors, engineers, etc, the real people the country needs to develop. People who are unemployed or underemployed, and voting with their feet. Abi they are also lazy and disillusioned.

Ode

[size=13pt]@Bolded: Bros are you for real? Is it 'leadership' that will make one to apply his/her talents in such a way that it yields good returns? A failure is a failure - Linda Ikeji makes over N5 million a month from blogging in her bedroom,wetin concern Nigerian 'leadership' with her hustle? The fact that she's making so much money from Nigerian corporate sponsors should tell you the immense opportunities in Nigeria.

A failure is a failure ,full stop.[/size]

[size=14pt]All I can say is that most young patriotic Nigerians end up being the most successful in Nigeria. You'd never hear the likes of Psquare's,Dbanj's,Basket mouths, Wizkids,Jim Ike or Banky W lament that Nigeria is a failed state. Genevieve Nnaji is unbelievably patriotic,I've spoken to her once and she's addicted to Nigeria. A CNN reporter once tried to make Genevieve 'diss' Nigeria but she out-smarted him and declared her patriotism. What some of them like Banky W do is to engage in constructive criticisms and contribute their own quota through NGOs or stuff,in making Nigeria better.

A lot of Nigerian-born UK aspiring artistes have been rushing back to Nigeria to restart their careers,many are breaking even. Outside the USA and a few western/Asian nation, Nigeria boasts of one of the most financially buoyant showbiz industry in the world.

Most of the serial failures I've met in Nigeria are people who like much of Nairaland are disillusioned and extremely lazy, waiting for GEJ to knock on their doors and offer them a good job and good life.

In Mexico,they've had brutal drug wars for years,dismembered corpses sometimes litter some Mexican streets every morning. In fact it got so bad that sometime in 2011,an entire police unit in one of Mexico's drug war regions resigned. Yet many Hollywood A-listers visit Mexico daily for vacations and weekend breaks. But look at Nigeria,in spite of Boko Haram's onslaught in Maiduguri or Yobe,have you ever heard of an entire Nigerian Police unit resigning their posts out of fear?

Nigeria is a great nation with a lot of foolish domestic critics.

I also blame our opposition groups; they don't know the difference between destroying Nigeria's image and destroying PDP's image.[/size]

I think Okorocha has forgotten that gej won over 98% of votes in Imo during the last presidential elections. Pdp is still strong in Imo and the east in general...Peter Obi ,a strong factor in APGA will most likely support GEJ. The main characters in APC will not give Rochas his dream presidential ticket. Rochas is the only prominent Igbo politician that has openly aligned with APC, Ohaneze and other Imolites are unusually quiet....not good,at all.

Food for deep thoughts

Source:http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2013/02/majekfashek-drowning-rain-maker.html

[size=13pt]MAJEK FASHEK: THE DROWNING RAIN-MAKER.
I must have been in primary four when Majek Fashek’s hit single ‘send down the rain’ became a phenomenal success, this was as far back as 1987 or there about. The ‘send down the rain’ song meant a lot of things to different people; to the lay man it was a simple prayer to God on behalf of farmers to send down the rain. To others, it had a deeper meaning; such a song couldn't have come at a better time as the Nigeria of those years was still neck deep into a directionless and retrogressive military administration. People were suffering but they didn't dare challenge the government of the day, ‘send down the rain’ was a subtle song of hope calling on the almighty creator to come down and bring succour to his toiling and suffering children (Nigerians).

Ironically, there were actually instances at various concerts where Majek performed this particular song and the clouds did open and brought forth rain. Thus, Majek Fashek eventually bagged the ‘rain maker’ title, a title that stuck with him. Majek Fashek was not a one-hit wonder; he gave Nigerians many more hit songs that remain evergreen till this day.

Today’s Nigeria is freer, we can now insult our leaders to high heavens either in public, private or in the social media and nothing will happen (I think). Nigeria’s music industry has become buoyant and has driven many unknown talented and less-talented people out of poverty. It can be said that to a descent extent, the sun is shining in certain areas of our national life, but for Majek Fashek, it’s still raining, heavily.

Once touted as a bona fide music-descendant of Bob Marley, Majek Fashek is now a shadow himself-a broken drug addict that seems to be heading towards the highway to hell or ‘hopefully’ heaven. Majek Fashek needs help, he is schizophrenic (o ti ya were) and no one is sure if he’s being well taken care of. The government is silent, PMAN is silent and the 'association of Nigerian reggae artistes' (if such a group actually exists) is also quiet.

The moment this Nigerian music treasure drops dead, everyone comes out and starts dishing out useless eulogies. A group of Nigerian artistes will probably come together and sing a glowing tribute to him. Several other talentless artistes will also emerge and sing about the rain maker. The Lagos state government would probably name a street in Gowon estate after him-o’tan.

At the end of it all, life will surely go on; those Nigerian entertainers that are currently in their prime will continue to ‘enjoy’ life. A few will make wise financial investments for their future; others will squander today’s opportunities and become objects of national pity in future when ‘strange’ ailments start to afflict them.

I have never met Majek Fashek in person and I probably never will but his music has always been a part of me. I cannot help him 'financially' through this present predicament (Nigga's broke); however, I’ve decided to help him the only way I can-through my written words.

Here I am seriously wishing that those with the resources would get off their high horses and give this rain maker a bit of sunshine.
[/size]

[size=13pt]WHY NIGERIAN MEN DON'T USE TOILET SEATS
This is most likely an unfair generalization but I carried out an informal investigation some weeks back (due to joblessness) and it led me to a most shocking and yet significant revelation NIGERIAN MEN DON'T LIKE USING TOILET SEATS. It was discovered that in many instances most Nigerian men prefer to use the loo for major activities without putting down the toilet seats.

Reasons for this anomaly vary, ranging from fear of disease,discomfort and as one responded told me, "I no dey fit pack my blockos well if I use toilet seat."

So,I'm throwing this question to all Nigerian men out there,do you (we) use toilet seats when downloading? If not kindly explain why....


Could this 'research' serve as a call to action urging Nigerian inventors or manufacturers to consider inventing new prototype toilet seats designed to suite the peculiar needs of our uniquely endowed male species?

After all 'shit business remains serious business'.
[/size]

http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2013/02/why-nigerian-men-dont-use-toilet-seats.html

Hope Ethiopia wont go and score one late goal towards the end of this match.
Make una pray ooooo

@OP, I dont know the essence of this video. Nigeria is still a country in transition and hopefully our final destination will be a good one. Most of our leaders that have 'messed' up Nigeria are products of british colonial education. Perhaps the 'Naija' generation of young people that have revolutionized our music and movie industries will one day spread their tentacles into other areas of our great country.

This video is a waste of time and an opportunity for unnecessary pity partying over Nigeria's present challenging situations.

Source:http://www.mrstanleynwabia..com/2013/01/both-nbc-and-nigerian-artistes-are-not.html

[size=13pt]BOTH NBC AND NIGERIAN ARTISTES ARE NOT SERIOUS.

The sad thing about a lot of Nigerians is our inability to constructively analyze issues before making conclusions. Often times our conclusions get tinted with sentiments and high level of ignorance.

Last week, the gist was about NBC (Nigeria broadcast commission) banning certain Nigerian music videos. A lot of music fans of the affected artistes quickly went on the offensive, condemning NBC’s action while some other people supported the move. Those that supported NBC’s actions were mostly morality freaks, feminists groups and a host of washed up older artistes; well, some genuine ‘good people’ also featured.

Surprisingly, many of those for or against NBC’s actions were oblivious of the fact that if such a ban action actually took place, it only affects ‘free to air’ TV stations i.e. the NTA’s, STVs, AITs, LTVs and co. These TV stations even without the so-called NBC ban normally don’t broadcast most current Naija hit songs. A lot of Nigerians get their Naija hip-hop fix from satellite TV platforms like Sound city, Channel O, Nigezie, MTV base and sometimes Trace Urban, many more simply go to YouTube. These satellite TV stations are not obliged to enforce any such NTBB (Not to be broadcast) sanctions by NBC since their platforms are not ‘free to air’-they are all pay TV channels.

In a nutshell, the NBC hammer has very little potency; on the contrary it adds to the popularity of affected music videos, especially on YouTube -remember what NBC’s ban did for Femi Kuti’s 'bang bang bang'? I’m beginning to suspect that very soon some corky artiste managers may even start requesting that their videos be banned by NBC so as to increase its popularity on more relevant platforms.

My grudge with NBC is their inability to progressively tackle the abuse of ‘sexiness’ by a lot of Nigerian musicians, especially the less-talented ones. There’s a clear line between ‘sexy’ and ‘lewd’ but unfortunately most of our artistes don’t even know the difference. A song or music video can be sexy and yet maintain some form of decency. Sadly, what transpires nowadays is, a musician drops a lousy song and shoots a ridiculous video showing poorly paid vixens (local or foreign) shaking their ‘booty’. This development is not just repulsive but extremely annoying, especially when such explicit scenes have no connection with the song’s core message or lyrics-if any.

This may sound contradictory but I actually liked Timaya’s ‘bum bum’ video, hey, the song was about ‘bum bum’ so what else did you expect?

Psquare’s Alingo was awesome and the car scene with Peter and the Vixen was not entirely out of place-I’m making reference to NBC’s purported reasons for slamming the hammer on Alingo. Surprisingly,Dbanj’s Bachelor video was not on NBC’s list despite a particular scene were a female cast member nearly choked viewers with her half-naked behind very close to the TV screen.

The people at NBC-if they are serious about doing their job should wake up to their responsibilities and GUIDE Nigerian artistes on how best to broadcast their works. NBC should let these artistes know that they should always have at least TWO versions of their secular/suggestive music videos- the ‘clean’ version and the uncut or original version. This is common practice in most advanced music industries worldwide. Actually, our artistes ought to have known this already.

So, if Psquare wants to have Alingo shown on local ‘free to air’ TV stations, all they need do is edit out the ‘erotic’ scenes pointed out by NBC while the original version continues airing on satellite channels. As for Timaya, ‘forget it o’, just stick with satellite TV stations, since the ‘bum bum song’ can clearly not be expressed in any other way IMO.

I expect the NBC to issue a comprehensive guideline to all Nigerian music practitioners so as to put an end to all these uncoordinated witch-hunting-like banning of certain music videos.
[/size]

Apart from his inability to look straight into the camera lens(probably cos there was more than one camera on him), how would you rate Gej's interview with Amanpour?

Why do some Nairalanders get a hard-on whenever a negative story on Nigeria is published? Especially those illegal immigrants living mediocre lives in foreign lands. So 85% of Nigerians live on N160 a day? Yet the other 15%(or less) still openly enjoy their wealth without being mobbed by the hungry masses? Visit India and see what hungry masses really look like. We need real statistics. Back to the topic-Nigerian public heathcare is very poor, private healthcare too expensive-but there are thousands of Nigerians with renal failure that are still being catered for in various Nigerian hospitals,some will survive,many will still die. What can be done to salvage our Nigerian health care system,especially for the poor? These are the questions we should strive to answer,not bashing ones own country foolishly,when those doing the bashings are also part of the larger problem.

[size=15pt]Pretty funny stuff...Enjoy your weekend guys! [/size]



Watch/Listen video here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJFrR3ZOGKM&feature=youtu.be

http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2012/12/oyinbos-doing-alingo-i-stumbled-upon.html

OYINBOS DOING THE 'ALINGO'

I stumbled upon this video couple of minutes ago and I decided to share. It shows a bunch of 'oyinbos' doing Psquare's Alingo choreography and to say the truth-they did it quite well. Better than some Naija peeps...if I may say so.

So,is Psquare's Alingo on the verge of competing with Psy's Gangnam style? 'cough...cough...cough...'


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFCA2mcCIYA

[size=14pt]It's Tonto again [/size]

Source:http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2012/12/exclusive-video-tonto-dikehs-tv-ad.html

[size=13pt]EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: TONTO DIKEH'S TV AD PROMO FOR UPCOMING MUSIC VIDEO.
The very beautiful Tonto Dikeh has commenced work on the new music video for her hit single 'High'. Her video will be shot in Nigezie's Ultra-modern Magic factory studio located at Ogba-Lagos, Nigeria.

Here's a little TV Promo meant to let her numerous fans know whats up!
Watch video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el2IW50jOKY [/size]

[size=14pt]An international music TV station based in Nigeria is looking for a Music content executive.

Who is a music content executive?

-An MCE is that individual with vast knowledge on wave making music/songs and artistes-local and foreign.
-An MCE is a music researcher that can boost the playlist of any music TV station by constantly downloading new music content.
-The MCE must have a firm understanding of all music genres especially Hip-Hop, RnB, Soul and Naija (Afrobeats)
-The MCE we are looking for must be internet savvy and able to constantly update the TV station with new (black oriented) music video contents from America,Africa and Afro Caribbean.

Our MCE must reside in Lagos.

Are you who we are looking for?

Send your CV to soulmanstan@yahoo.com

Successful candidates will be invited for a test.[/size]

joelreg: HE REFUSE TO TELL us WHY HE REFUSE TO VISIT BORNO STATE CHAIIIIIIII GEJ

Did OBJ and Yaradua visit the creeks when militancy was at it's peak at the Niger-delta?

Couldnt agree more.

P-square's new music video-Alingo,shot in Lagos-Nigeria and directed by Clarence A Peters,co-directed by Jude Okoye.

It's good to see P-square return to their 'dance roots' and also shooting a top notch music video in Nigeria...with a Nigerian cast.

http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2012/11/p-square-new-music-video-alingo.html

Naija 4 life

Source:http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2012/11/naija-artistes-win-big-at-channel-o-mva.html

[size=13pt]NAIJA ARTISTES WIN BIG AT CHANNEL O MVA 2012.
Naija artistes have done it again as they bagged seven awards at the just concluded Channel O Music Video awards. The winners are:

Most gifted male Video: D’banj-Oliver Twist

Most gifted New comer: Davido-Dami duro

Most gifted Duo.Group: Psquare ft Akon- Chop my money

Most gifted AfroPop Video: Brymo-Ara

Most gifted R &B: Flavour ft Tiwa Savage-Oyi

Most Gifted Hip hop video: Ice prince-Super star

Most gifted video of the year: Dbanj-Oliver Twist.


Big congratulations to the Nigerian music industry for constantly living up to expectations.

On a not too happy note, it seems that (naturally) quite a number of South African fans were not too happy at the ‘Nagerian brodas’ coming on their home soil and sweeping a large chunk of Channel O awards. South African acts managed to win just three awards.

In one of my earlier articles about Trace Urban’s ‘conspiracy theory’ against Naija music, I did give kudos to Channel O for being a key factor in the modern evolution of Nigerian music, even though it’s a South African owned station.

Check out these Facebook and twitter comments from some SA fans after the event:[/size]

YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS WRITE UP

Source:http://mrstanleynwabia..com/2012/11/howsuper-heroes-built-nations.html

[size=13pt]HOW SUPER HEROES BUILT GREAT NATIONS.

I got the inspiration to write this article after watching the movie ‘Abraham Lincoln-Vampire Hunter’, a fictitious adventure movie based on the legendary Abraham Lincoln-America’s 16th president. The creators of this movie used real life events in the life of President Lincoln such as the emancipation of slaves and the American civil war; with that in mind, a new twist was added. Apparently, according to this movie, Abraham Lincoln was a vampire slayer, an action figure with super-human abilities-all these traits combined to help him defeat the 'Vampire powered' Southern confederates, winning the American civil war and freeing black slaves. At the end of this movie, I marveled at the unique ability of Americans and westerners at large to use their history, culture and creativity to make good money even as they continue to inspire their own people, especially the younger ones towards greatness.

One of the world’s most popular super heroes is of course the character known as Superman. Superman was created by American writers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, just before World War II broke out. Most Children and adults from many generations and nations grew up idolizing Superman as an ideal symbol of strength, even Nigerians and Africans were not left out. I too grew up being infatuated about ‘Superman’; it took me many years to realize that the message behind Superman was not about some alien with special powers from planet krypton. The core message behind Superman was the portrayal of supremacy of both the United States of America and the American ‘white’ male.

In 1938’s America, such a message was definitely not out of place; the world at that time did not know America’s true strength; the Germans, British and Soviets seemed on top of the global-political food chain. Racial segregation was still a norm during that period of America’s history and with the threat of war constantly knocking on America’s doors; the nation needed several morale boosters, something to inspire her people to have courage, confidence and pride. Superman was one of such patriotic tools, with his uniform adorning red and blue colours of the America flag. After Superman, several other American Super heroes emerged with varied degrees of American national colours adorning their respective costumes, the likes of Spider-man, Wonder woman and Captain America to mention a few.



At the end of Second World War in 1945, the British were more or less a broken people. Yes, the allied forces had defeated Adolf Hitler but everyone knew that but for the participation of America and the Soviets, Germany would have literarily kicked Great Britain’s butt. So, the war was over, Americans and Soviets were now the dominant world powers. The British that relied heavily on past glory seemed to be fast losing grip. British colonies began to agitate for independence; India and many other colonies were on their way out of the common wealth. How would the British shore up her peoples' self esteem and patriotism? In 1953, a British writer called Ian Fleming threw up an ideal opportunity; he created a fiction character known as James Bond.

James Bond brought something different and ‘British’ to the table; he did not have special powers like the Americans, but he had Witt, charms and a fine dose of action. It is no coincidence that in many James Bond adventure novels, a lot of the Bond characters’ exploits took place in a Russia, Germany or Asia, basically regions that the British considered unfriendly during World War II. As it were, even though in real life, Winston Churchill’s Britain failed to curtail the Germans, Russians or Japanese-a fictitious James Bond always managed to single handedly penetrate a secret ‘Russian military base’ and destroys everything. Although he gets to keep his sexy female Russian spy.



Most great nations of the world have successfully used their history, arts, culture and creative fiction to psyche up their peoples and subtly instill a deep sense of national pride, purpose and patriotism. The Chinese and Indians for instance have used Martial arts and Bollywood respectively. The development of any society goes beyond building physical infrastructures; if a people are not mobilized to believe in themselves and aim for greatness, nothing can be achieved. There lies the story of Africa and Nigeria.

Many may want to say that the cultural history of Africa is too dark for any meaningful 'good' to be extracted and used to psyche her people up, but this is just not true. We have recently seen a British writer use the story of witchcraft and black magic to create a memorable ‘little boy’ heroic character that has enchanted the world-Harry Porter. Even the Americans constantly go deeper by using many diabolical themes to push forward several fictitious characters that a lot of us love to read about or watch in cinemas.

In Nigeria for example our creative writers have not been able to harness our rich cultural history and use it to inspire our people to greatness. What many Nigerian writers often succeed in doing is to use our history to depress the present generation further. If the Americans or British owned legendary historical characters Sango, Afonja, Oduduwa, King Jaja or Queen Amina, we can only imagine what they would have built around these iconic people.

Africans and Nigerians in particular need Super Heroes that they (or at least our children) can look up to. Since our contemporary political heroes have failed us and our spiritual heroes only interested in acquiring private jets, maybe we all need do is to go back in time and create our own fiction Super heroes. If this has worked for the Americans, Indians, Chinese and British, it should surely work for us.
[/size]

...might I also add that presently in Zimbabwe,'Audio Cassettes' are still in vogue. Only the rich can afford Dvd and cd players. No be lie o...ask anyone living in Zim right now.

Grace Mugabe must be a regular visitor to NAIRALAND. With all the trash some frustrated Nigerians post on this site, a foreigner can be forgiven for assuming the worst about Nigeria.
-Is this not the same Zimbabwe where domestic rats is an urban delicacy?
-Same Zimbabwe where their women worship Nigerian men?
- A two city wonder nation,Harare and Bulawayo built by the white minority goverment?
-A nation of male whimps where its only real man is an 88yr old ruler.

Naija get him own wahala o...but Zimbo? Who born monkey?

I guess the only 'graven image' Nigerian protestants are Okay with is that of a PRIVATE JET.