what has race got to do with love

Another weekend is here. Here is wishing you all a fantastic weekend. I was going through my mail and got this article about race and inter-racial relationship. Many of my friends have different views on it but I believe everyone should just be open to where love comes from. What are the great things about inter-racial relationships and what are the not so great things about it? Is it not the same issues that affect same race relationships? Have a fantastic weekend.

Hip hop to blame?

I hope you all had a lovely weekend? A lot has happened over the weekend. In London there was the tragic murder of Rob Knox. The 18-year-old died when he and four friends became involved in a fight with a man armed with two knives outside the Metro Bar in Sidcup. One newspaper said 2 black men got out of the car and went straight to them in the bar Rob and his friends where relaxing.

Today’s paper said hip hop is to be blamed. Some say these young kids need role models etc. Hip hop, role models are just not the underpinning causes of gangster culture or knife culture. These barbaric animals that carry knives and guns and kill innocent citizens are the outcome of their own lack of integrity. Some are so quick to blame institutions, racism, poverty for the rise in gang culture but I believe the power of change is in every one’s hand. You make your destiny what it is. What stops a child from getting educated especially in the UK? What stops them from learning a trade or being busy doing something, thinking up new ideas, working on ideas? If these stupid boys who are busy doing nothing had been busy, they would not have the time to carry guns and knives looking for people to kill.

It seems people have forgotten the supreme nature of the human soul and think they have the power to take it away from others anytime their anger rises. I know what it is like to be attacked. I have been in a situation where two Nigerian guys attacked me on the bus in Manchester. It was an unprovoked attack. These idiots look for ways to bully one or make one react so they can have an excuse to use their weapons. I have no regards for those people who do not respect human lives. May God give Rob’s family the strength to bear the loss. Amen.

NGO information

Hello people,I really need you all to help with my research. I need to speak to NGOs and communities in Nigeria. I found some articles on the eco village in Odi in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. I need to hear from members of that community. So if anyone of you is from that area or you know someone from there, I would appreciate any contact information. Common people, Lily needs your help. I want to know what the people of Odi think of NGO work in their communities. That would help my research. If anyone of you knows of any community that NGOs have built houses can you please let me know? A friend has referred me to habitat for humanities which I plan to use for my case study but now I need the members of the communities. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. God bless

Culture shock

I know many people in Africa believe in witchcraft and believe that it exists. Many people believe that witches are the source of evil in either their homes or communities. I am sure if we dig deep even the so called posh Africans would name witches in their hometowns or families. Well, everyone is free to believe in what they want but it is unacceptable when they take the law into their hands and start killing people just because they suspect them of witchcraft. This is what happened in Kisii region in Kenya’s capital near Nairobi. The newspaper reported that at least 11 people were burned alive by a crowd after being accused of witchcraft. The victims include eight women and three men with age ranging from between 70 and 96. Doesn’t this sound barbaric? How can a group of people just kill people just because they believe they are witches? I do not understand the logic of some people honestly. How is the killing going to help improve their standard of living? I always say these culprits have nothing to do and do not want to use their minds and innovate new things. I hope justice prevails and these hooligans locked up for life as they are no longer humans and would kill again. At the end of the day, they showed they are more evil than the innocent people that they killed. Who gave them the power to kill and in whose name did they kill for?

What a shame

Is it me or is anyone thinking the same thoughts as to what is happening in South Africa? I was just ashamed of what is going on there and I cannot but feel sorry for the poor ‘immigrants’ that have lost their lives to these animals that go about killing their fellow human beings. I was horrified that a group of South Africans took upon themselves to kill immigrants that are taking away their so called jobs from them. Some of these immigrants are people who have fled Zimbabwe because of the harsh economic and political environment. Instead of these hooligans to seat down and innovate ways of bringing money into their economy, they took to the streets. What a shame that African will rise up and destroy their fellow brothers and sisters. Look at the picture of these people who do not know the benefits of immigration. What if their fellow country people go through the same treatment elsewhere in the world? These so called jobs they are talking about, who owns them? I bet these jobs have nothing to do with their innovative minds. If these hooligans where innovative, they could make money from the growing number of immigrants in the country. It only concurs with theory that the black man does not have a high level of intelligence. Who is to blame? Is it the government that has left these people to become who they are or does the blame go to each individual person for not using common sense? Blacks in Africa should learn to give positive image about themselves. No need to take up arms and start killing your fellow human being when things do not go your way.

God I need some answers

Is it possible for one to believe in God and then question his existence when hard/difficult time comes and we want Him to show himself? I have been bombarded with images of destruction, pain, and mourning. The images on TV just make me want to speak to God and know why so many people are dying or have to die. I know God’s ways are not our ways and our ways not his. Thousands died in Burma and another in China. Let’s not even go to how many souls that dies on a daily basis in Africa. I love GOD, I seek to be close to him yet I am not too sure if he will be happy with my questioning why things are happening.

Information on NGOs

Hello all, I am sorry I have not been able to publish any posts for sometime now. I have been very busy with presentations at different conferences. I hope you all have a lovely week and just before you leave, I would love to know what you think of non governmental organisations (NGOs) as a mechanism for technology transfer. My dear Comrade left me a well written reply of what he thinks of them. I think he has got some point there. I will examine his views and compare it with that of literature. NGO is my area of interest and I find it really interesting that we have over 2000 NGOs in Nigeria. So if you know of any NGOs involved in technology transfer, I would be happy to have some contact details so I can interview them or get some documents from them. Thanks all and I will be waiting for all your information. I don’t mind if the NGO is international or local just as long they are involved in technology transfer. Have a lovely weekend.

The way I see it

Zimbabwe’s ruling party has been confirmed as the winner of the first of 23 constituencies. So, after not bringing any tangible benefit to the people he ruled for more than two decade, this man does not want to let his people be? How heartless can one be? We have seen and heard how the poor people in Zimbabwe are suffering, how scared they are to live life. Oh my God, save Africans from themselves. How can one not want to bring change to the people one serves? I always said the leaders in Africa have a lot to account for. Greed, selfishness, love of power, lack of intelligence are some factors that stop these leaders thinking straight. My prayers are with the poor masses who have to suffer the brunt of all these.


Meanwhile in another part of the continent, an estimated 300,000 people may have died as a result of the Darfur conflict. That is a lot of souls isn’t it? The conflict has gone on for a very long time and it gets to a time when every one will get tired of hearing the same story over and over again. How can there be development when the people don’t want to develop? How can there be development when the people despise their land and the fellow people in it?


On another news, the Federal Government on Wednesday initiated discussions with the United Kingdom on ways and means to repatriate over 1,600 Nigerian prisoners in British prisons. Do we need these criminals to add to the problems of Nigeria? These people left the shores of Africa, came to a land where they could have made a difference to their families and be good ambassadors, instead, they chose to live up to the stereotype. 1,600 is an awful amount of criminals. I am tired of people who make being Nigeria a shameful thing. The country is a fantastic country with wonderful people of integrity. It’s only a shame the ones we see or hear about are the ones who tarnish the good image.

I hope you are all having a lovely week? Do take care.

Et toi Alicia

Sometimes, it is good to be vocal about things one stands for but sometimes, strong consideration need to be given before one opens their mouth to say anything that will damage or cause discomfort to the general public. There are issues that need to be carefully thought of, especially issues such as race religion and sexuality before opening ones mouth to declare something that will be regretted later. Alicia did make one of those statements that ordinary wouldn’t have caused mayhem but the nature of it has raised a lot of criticisms. I for one can understand when she said she didn’t mean harm in what she said and her words were construed to mean what she actually didn’t mean and put in a manner in which she didn’t mean it to.

People are so quick to call her names. it makes me really laugh when people call mixed race people racists. How can one justify that? Can one hate anything that they are part of? I believe it is the racists that call mixed race people racists (whether black or white). It takes one to know one. Why must everything be about race in the first place?

Secondly, taking up her hilarious conspiracy theory about the US government creating gangsta rap as "a ploy to convince black people to kill each other"; made me really laugh and at the same time question my self. Well as a researcher, I seek to know where Gangsta rap originated from. I used to think it was from the black community (but maybe Alicia knows what I do not (LOL). Also, the black communities that take up guns, knives and kill themselves or others, are they fools? In the first place, when one allows themselves to be manipulated, the manipulator (if there is a word like that) becomes the smart one and the manipulated foolish for being manipulated.

It is the same story with Africa during slave trade and even now. Show them a mirror and their long throat gets longer in fact that is enough for them to sell all their naughty children. Doubt me, read Walter Rodney’s book and other researched works on slave trade. Many slaves were sold by their own families. Anyway, talking about greed, selfishness, hatred those are root causes of many problems in Africa. Today’s news shows how a ship loaded with weapons is heading for Zimbabwe. What are they going to do with that entire weapon? The answer is to kill one another. I believe the choice for development is right in front of us. But development is refused for some silly personal reasons. Mbeki said that Zimbabwe is perfectly ok and that there are no problems there. Hmnnnn lets take a look at the number of people dying of hunger, political violence etc. That is the attitude of African leaders, they watch their people suffer and die without dealing with the root cause of the problems. Some African government are simply not committed to helping its citizens or should we call that another conspiracy theory?

Some house cleaning

I was just wondering to myself how I would feel when after cleaning my house, some stranger comes in it and destroys or messes things up for me. I would feel really angry if after putting all that sweat to making my home beautiful and nice for me and my family, someone comes in and disrespects it and disrespects all the sweat I put into it and wants to claim the same rights as those I sweated to make my house clean for. So where I am coming from, take homes as countries, some people have sweated, fought, died to make their country what it is today. They did it for their children and generations to come. They made sure their children’s future is secured. They get angry when what they fought for is not respected or what their fathers died for seems to be taken for granted.

If you take a look at Africa or any land where you have blacks or black leaders, there is not much to say about it. Africa has become a laughing stock and no leader cares and neither do the citizens see any need to lobby or advocate for a change. It seems everyone is just seating down and waiting for some sort of miracle to happen. The citizen’s blame the leaders blame and the leaders blame the west or any person that they can use as escape goats. You find poverty in its extreme in Africa. Forget the few privileged you see in glamour magazines or on TV. You ask yourself, can’t they (we) help themselves (ourselves). Why is there no innovation going on in Africa or why is it being suppressed? Why cant the people stand and make a difference? It is all so alarming.

I read on the papers last week of a man suffering from Aids that is being deported to Africa and human rights activist are running up and down to stop the deportation as it is certain that when he gets to which ever African country he comes from, he will surely die. Where will he get the drugs from and which expert will look after him and give him the level of care he is receiving in the UK? The lady that was deported some months ago, died in Africa. There was a documentary of HIV/Aids in Africa I saw and I just wept. How come this diseases has spread this much? What happened? Poverty does not mean that the people’s souls are also in poverty or does it?
We blame colonialism for every ill in Africa and maybe it did have some role (a big one) in it but why can we all not push and push for a change at least for the sake of our children.

So does it mean that after we have finished destroying a land given to us by God then we carry our baggage to another man’s country and expect them to give us the same rights as those they have fought for? How do we expect the West to keep helping Africa, how long will they keep giving aid to Africa? It gets to a time that everyone says let them all kill themselves. Let them starve to death. Africans, if you want change, development, respect, it is time for serious house cleaning. Stop killing yourselves and come together and make a change.

Need to make a change

Sad story here, Gloria Taylor, 57, The mother of murdered London schoolboy Damilola Taylor has collapsed and died while out walking. for those who are not familiar with the story of Damilola, he was a nine-year-old boy, who died after being attacked with a glass bottle while on his way home from Peckham Library in 2000.Gloria was left devastated by the murder of her son. I pray God gives the family the strength to bear the loss and may her soul rest in peace. She will be reunited with her son now. May God be with this family as they go through this time of mourning.



On another matter, I was going through some papers some days ago and came across this shocking article. A British Airways captain ordered 136 passengers off his plane. The reason being that they where distressed by the manner in which a man being deported to Nigeria was handled. Mr. Ayodeji Omotade (trying to be good Samaritan) who obviously was touched by this scene spoke up on this man’s behalf as the guy being deported was allegedly said to be crying out “ I go die”. Before any one knew what was happening, 5 police officers came and arrested Mr. Omotade. Mr. Omotade’s crime was that he spoke up on behalf of the man being deported. According to Mr. Omotade who was on his way to Lagos for a wedding (which he eventually missed), just pleaded with the officers not to kill the man they were deporting. This story is painfully true. It hurts so much that this type of behaviour is meted out to Africans. They were all treated as shit because of the colour of their skin. Had it been a white guy that spoke up for this man, I don’t think he will be treated as Mr. Omotade. This man who did not commit any crime was not only handcuffed and kept in police custody for eight hours after his arrest, he was also banned for life from travelling with BA. God have mercy I say.

Respect will be given to the black man once they themselves start respecting themselves. When we respect ourselves, others will respect us. When you look at gun crime, young black boys commit this crime against their fellow human beings. I know we have a lot of positive stuff happening in Africa and among black people but also there are a lot of alarmingly shameful stuff too that needs to be addressed.

Look at the continent of Africa especially the sub Saharan parts, if it is not war, it is poverty, disease etc. The leaders are just not interested in development. They are interested in money and power. They have got no clues and the people help keep themselves in poverty. Other countries are making discoveries that will help cure diseases, help give their children a better life, Africans are there killing themselves over who controls money, natural resources, power and it is not always for the good of their people, it is always mostly for selfish reasons “me me me me me!!!!!!!!. If things don’t go their way, it is an opportunity to kill off those who do not support their evil ways. Look at Zimbabwe, look at how the country is fast going down, people dying of hunger, poverty, disease and yet, there are some showing support for the evil going on there. Another example is Kenya; look at what happened there. You would think that these so called leaders fighting and shedding blood want to get in power to make their countries better. Most is always for selfish reasons as history has shown. So as long people are not happy, they will always want to go to other countries as refugee, asylum seekers etc. how long will Africa not learn? I think Africa needs all the prayers in the world.

Importance of Health and safety measures

26 people where killed as a Nigerian bridal party's canoe capsizes.This tragedy happened at Kano and it is so sad that health and safety measures are ignored by people who should know better. More care could have been taken to avert such unnecessary calamity. The canoe was packed with wedding guests escorting a bride to her new husband. It capsized, leaving at least 26 passengers dead. In a bid to maximise profits, boats are often packed beyond capacity by captains. What a waste of life. Some people do not have respect for the lives of people or their safety or well being especially in Africa where health and safety is taken less seriously and until every life is taken to be worth living and respected in Africa by Africans themselves, other races will continue to disrespect us.

And my prayer also goes to the Zimbabweans who are helpless in what happens to be a mockery of the democratic system in Africa. I hope that God brings a saviour for the common man there as enough is enough of innocent citizens suffering just because of some greedy corrupt leaders.

Big for nothing

I was going through an article written by Emeka E, Okafor and I came across a sentence that really amazed me. It goes that Nigeria is a country which has everything and produces nothing, and Japan is a country which has nothing and produces everything. Indeed he has hit a nerve. He is absolutely right. In terms of natural and human resources, Nigeria tops other African countries. And we can very well say that Nigeria is one of the richest in Africa also. One just has to go through records to know the amount we earn every single day from petroleum. To get a little idea, Nigeria is the sixth largest exporter of crude oil and has extensive reserves of natural gas, solid minerals and forest resources. In terms of human resources, well the population is almost hitting 180 million. So among this 180 million, where are all our scientists, innovators, etc? Why are we ranked among poor countries with all these resources? Who is to blame? The leaders, citizens, the land itself? Is it a cause that we cannot change our destiny in that continent for better?

My friend just came back from Nigeria and was sharing with me how he was amazed at the display of wealth in Abuja. He said he saw a young girl driving the latest Mercedes Benz that is yet to be released. Indeed there is wealth but only a few control and have this wealth. I think it is disgraceful for our leaders to let this trend continue. The wealth should be adequately used so that none will lack any necessary social amenities or infrastructure. Why will young university boys and girls be happy when they see some people display wealth and know that they will never have the same chance only through crime and corruption?

Mind your language

I was sat on the bus yesterday on my way home after spending few hours at university trying to get some inspiration for my theses. I always see different characters on the bus. Sometimes, I even think it is just dangerous to look at anyone on the bus in case they get/have a different idea on their mind. So I always carry a newspaper to bury my head in it. Like I have written some time ago, I have been a victim of unprovoked attack on the bus some months ago (by my fellow Nigerians!!!! Can you imagine)? I have been traumatised by that event. I even had to get counselling as I found it difficult to understand why my fellow Nigerians will attack me. I came to a conclusion that they must have been high on drugs. No other explanation befits such an attack.

So I am always weary when I see young black boys on the bus because of their erratic behaviours. So yesterday, these two scruffy looking boys got on the bus, before they even sat down, they were (mind my French) efing and swearing. The language they were using was just shameful. They were not different from the boys that attacked me, so again, I buried my head on a paper so I don’t get noticed (as some of them are so chicken to pick on boys, so they chose a very fragile person to attack). These black boys continued swearing, using languages that should not be used in public. You could see the disapproving looks on people on the bus. I started to wonder to myself, if these boys want to make it in life and come out of the stereotype associated with young black males. Why can’t they get education? After all it is free for them in this country. Why can’t they take advantage of what is there for them? Every time we hear how young black people say they are not given equal opportunities, they are not considered for good jobs etc. My take on that is why should you be considered if you do not work extra hard to get it? Why should you be considered if you are not good enough? How can such boys on the bus get good jobs if they cannot make simple sentence in English without efing and swearing? It really baffles me why some black people carry a chip on their shoulders blaming others for the misadventure in life. If you want it, work for it, if you want it, strive for it. Don’t live up to your stereotype which is what many do. Why be a gangster? Why kill? Why not make a difference? I may be naïve about events on the streets but I really believe that if change needs to be made in black communities, certain changes needs to be made in personal lives. Go get an education, go to school, read books, research, go that extra mile, work hard for what you want, live a good life. Many of us do so why can’t we all do it?

Reflection

Sometimes we seat and reflect on our lives, our achievements, disappointments, and what we want out of life. Sometimes I do ask myself what is my role here on earth? I really want to get down and achieve what God wants me to do. In the course of living life, we go through happy times and not so happy times. We meet people who will do anything to help us get there and people who will want to destroy that dream through any means. We sometimes go through pains, disappointments, betrayal and sometimes joy, happiness and a feeling of achievement in the course of just being alive. We love, admire, lust, brave, hate and go through all the emotions that we do go through in life.

Life is great. But some might say for a few. Why must we think it is great for a few? Why not for all? Well, some might say if it was that great, why do some people commit suicide? Why do some of our loved ones have to die? Why is it I am not among the rich? Why am I not married? Why don’t I have children? Why does my children hate me and do things that bring shame to me? Why are blacks so hated? Why is Africa still backward? Why are there many people dying of hunger, HIV, pain etc? Why do we go to war? why is there poverty?

These questions are sometimes and most times not easy to answer. When my most precious dad went to be with the lord, I couldn't ask the question why? I was too afraid of what God would think of me. I was afraid because everyone said to me in everything, give glory to God. I couldn't really mourn cause I was so afraid that God would be angry with me. I would cry but when I think of how God sees me, I dry my eyes and continue to have faith in HIM because he said he is now my father and would take care of me. Sometimes, I would pray so hard for something and really have faith and then, I don’t get what I have prayed for. I get really down and inside me, I would want to ask God, well you said you’ll give me what I want, so where are you? I must confess there was a period I hated God. I couldn't’t bear to pray to him cause I thought if he was so great, why am I in pain. But one thing that keeps me so grounded in God is that when all my hopes are gone, he comes through and you know that prayer that I thought he didn’t answer me comes to pass. I can say there is no prayer I have prayed that God has not answered me. It might not be in the moment I wanted it but it sure does come through and at the right time.

So now, I have learnt from experience, God never never deserts his children. When we think we cannot go through with life, when we think the pain is just too much for us to bear, when we think all hope is gone and there cannot be a miracle in this world to see us through, God comes through.

It is Good Friday, I am reflecting on God’s amazing love for me. I am reflecting on this man that loves me so much that he gave his only son Jesus to die for me so that I can be save, so I can be healed, so I can live life and live it abundantly, so that I can achieve my dreams and bring glory to him. It is a love so unconditional. I am not perfect, I might not be the best looking girl in the world, but this man loves me just the way I am, he says to me everyday how beautiful I am, he shows me love by protecting me, by giving me good health, by protecting my family and those I love. He loves me even when I disappoint him over and over again, even when I am being bad, even when I said I will not pray to him again, he forgave me, brought me closer to him and whispered to me, “I still love you”. Doesn’t it bring tears to your eyes?

Just like we think our dreams have died or when we think of giving up, just remember Jesus died too and just as He rose on the third day, so will our dreams, our passions and our visions. Our dreams will rise again, our hopes will rise again and as long there is life, our faith in ourselves, what we do, our dreams etc will live again. For those who are Christians, have a wonderful Easter and for those who are not, I hope you enjoyed the write-up and can understand where I am coming with my faith. To you all have a brilliant weekend. Life is really great, don’t you think so?