When Bako Sabo Kantiok recently completed his Masters Degree in Communications Development in the US, he could have opted to stay back like many others. Even without a valid visa, some would not mind being an illegal immigrant in the US and make do with any job they can find on the excuse that there is not much for them back home. But Bako, now Programme Officer, Fantsuam Foundation, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, believes there is no place like home, no matter the problems Nigerians have to cope with. “If you don’t fix it, you won’t enjoy it,” he said. Bako was in the US with two other Nigerian youths, Taiwo Adegboyega Adewole and Ruth Nwukabu Audu, to participate in the first three-day Presidential Forum with young African leaders. Adewole is CEO/MD, Taiwo Adewole and Associates, while Audu is Programme Manager, Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP).

The youths had the privilege of hearing President Barack Obama share his dream for Africa, which he hopes can be achieved through them. Some of the highlights of his remarks:

High rate of African youth emigrating to the West

“…Given different stages of development around the world, one of the problems that poorer countries often have is that the best educated and the most talented have opportunities elsewhere. And so there’s what’s called the “brain drain” — people saying, I can make 10 times as much money if I’m a doctor in London as I can if I’m a doctor back home. And so this is a historic problem. Here is the interesting moment that we’re in, though — if you look at where the greatest opportunities are, they’re actually now in emerging markets. There are countries in Africa that are growing 7, 8, 9 percent a year. So if you’re an entrepreneur now with an idea, you may be able to grow faster and achieve more back home that you could here.

Now, it entails greater risk, so it may be safer to emigrate. But it may be that you can actually achieve more, more quickly back home. And so the question is for young leaders like yourselves, where do you want to have the most impact? And you’re probably going to have more impact at home whether you’re a businessman or woman, or you are a doctor or you are an attorney, or you are an organizer. That’s probably going to be the place where you can make the biggest change…”

The possibility that Taiwo, Bako and Ruth (Nigerian delegates) may one day wear President Goodluck Jonathan’s shoes

“What I’m hoping for is that some of you will end up being leaders of your country some day. And if you think about it, back in the 1960s, when all these — your grandparents, great-grandparents were obtaining independence, fighting for independence, the first leaders, they all said they were for democracy. And then what ends up happening is you’ve been in power for a while and you say, ‘well, I must be such a good ruler that it is for the benefit of the people that I need to stay here.’ And so then you start changing the laws, or you start intimidating and jailing opponents. And pretty soon, young people just like yourself — full of hope and promise — end up becoming exactly what they fought against. So one of the things that I think everybody here has to really internalize is the notion that — I think it was Gandhi who once said you have to be the change that you seek. You have to be the change that you seek.”

Africa has missed huge opportunities for too long

“When my father traveled to the United States and got his degree in the early ’60s, the GDP of Kenya was actually on a par with, maybe actually higher than the GDP of South Korea. Think about that. All right? So when I was born, Kenya per capita might have been wealthier than South Korea. Now it’s not even close. Well, that’s 50 years that was lost in terms of opportunities. When it comes to natural resources, when it comes to the talent and potential of the people, there’s no reason why Kenya shouldn’t have been on that same trajectory.

And so 50 years from now, when you look back you want to make sure that the continent hasn’t missed those opportunities as well. We want to make sure of that as well. And the United States wants to listen to you and work with you. And so when you go back and you talk to your friends and you say, ‘what was the main message the President had’ — we are rooting for your success, and we want to work with you to achieve that success, but ultimately success is going to be in your hands. And being a partner means that we can be there by your side, but we can’t do it for you.”
On the second day, the delegates met with some US Senators and Congressmen/women including Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, Senator Isakon of Georgia, Congressman Donald Payne among others on Capitol Hill, after which they went to the Peace Corps Headquarters, where they discussed and explored innovative approaches to development through social entrepreneurship and increased civic engagement.

Edward Kemp, the Deputy Director Bureau of African Affairs of the US Department of State said the community service element of the forum was designed for the delegates to see how the US does community service and have them share their own experience with the different service organizations. The organizations they visited include: DC Central Kitchen, where delegates had a dialogue with the CEO and Head Chef, and then worked with the Chef; Boys and Girls Club of Washington, to interact with the staff and kids; Capital Area Food Bank, where they toured the facilities, interacted with programme heads and participated in sorting and preparing food for shipment; First Baptist Church Senior Centre, where they met with staff and participated in poetry reading, card and jewelry making with senior citizens.

Coming from a country where Senior Centres or home for the elderly are not popular, Miss Kane Aminatakone from Ivory Coast, who serves as the Vice President of Muslim Students back in her country, said the experience of meeting the elderly at the First Baptist Senior Centre left her feeling more empowered to initiate a similar project back home.

“This meeting shows me religious community can take care of the elderly,” she said. “It helps elderly people break loneliness and gives them a chance to live longer…it is a good social obligation,” added Elycheikh Ahmedtolba from Mauritanian. Ravat from Mauritius said the visit to the senior centre empowered him to see how senior citizens can stimulate young people.

Dayo Israel, social representative to the United Nations had initially signed up for Boys and Girls Club of Washington as a result of his passion for youth issues, but later joined the team at the Senior Centre. He noted, “Sometimes we focus on the future and we don’t reflect and review our past. There is an African proverb that says “a youth without a link to the elders is like a tree without a root”…this is what spending time with the elderly did for us. I’m sure when they saw us, they saw hope.” One of the senior citizens said, “We are glad to have them. They are young and excited, so they made us feel good.”

On the last day of the forum, there was a Networking and Partnering Conference at the Newseum, aimed at developing new partnerships and deepen ties between public sector and civil society leaders in the US and throughout Africa. The networking session which provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions with leading US organizations focused on: Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship; Advocacy, Transparency, and Human Rights; Social Responsibility, Volunteerism, and Interfaith Action; Leadership and Youth Empowerment; and Innovative Solutions for Global Health.

Judith McHale in a closing remark promised that the US government will be reaching out to Embassies and Consulates in Africa to organize follow-up events with participants. “We want to support your efforts to use social media to continue your conversation and cooperation. We will offer small scale transformation grants to support future-oriented and creative proposals that focus on the themes of this forum… we know that with all the best will and efforts in the world, sometimes it takes a little bit of cash to get things going.” She also said that there would be African Alumni enrichment workshops involving African Alumni of US government exchange programmes in order to continue to expand the dialogue to give opportunities to youths active in their communities to be involved locally. “In the first quarter of 2011, there is going to be a follow-up forum in Africa…in different regions of Africa in order to engage more youths.”

She revealed that the Department of State is launching Apps for Africa effort all over Africa. “State Department looks to expand opportunities for technical innovators and programme developers to come together in each country in Africa with civil society leaders to develop technical responses to social challenges. A pilot project has been launched in Nairobi, Kenya.”

Thomas Kojo Quayson from Gambia said, “What I am taking back with me is a lot of hope. When I listen to the way people are brimming with ideas. I know there is hope for Africa.”

Culled from The Nation Newspaper

Young African Professionals networking evenings are held every month in Washington DC area and the event attracts over 50-100 professionals interested in Africa. The theme for the April 30th event was “Home Sweet Home: How to successfully relocate to Africa”. The evening was meant to address the many concerns of young Africans in Diaspora.

To lead the invigorating discussion, three panelists were invited from different fields- Mrs. Edith Haizel, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Ghana, and former member of Parliament; Mr Julius Kliza, University Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda; and Alban Bagbin, Minister for　Water Resources, Works and Housing, Ghana.

Speaking from a University Lecturer’s perspective, Kliza said there were many factors pulling and pushing young professionals from home. He however encouraged youths to remember that there was no place like home. “Your countries and families need you and your ideas” he said.

The panelists admitted that things back home in African were not as rosy as they would have loved it to be. Among others they noted that roads are not good. No good electricity and ATM machines are not reliable. All these challenges are enough to discourage anyone from relocating.

A packed Suitcase photo by Sandra Beijer

To avoid frustration, the speakers suggested “relocation strategies”. “Before relocating, identify someone to entrust your wealth or ideas”, Africans in diaspora were advised. This person will be very helpful in helping you integrate into the society eventually.

Take out sometime to test the waters. If you can, carry out some local projects in order to be able to understand how the system works. The panelist noted that you must not relocate because of people’s pressure. “Make sure you are ready”. Meanwhile, relocating can also be a simple decision to invest in the country. “Look for innovative fields, do not join the bandwagon” said the Ugandan.

Bagbin, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing Ghana, reaffirmed the urgent need for young talents to return home and invest in their countries. However he said even after relocating, it is important to keep in touch with Diaspora. “Africa is said to be the future of the world, not because of natural resources but because of knowledge- brain gain”.

Bagbin noted that you could make a difference wherever you are. “If you think of Africa’s development, then you can make a difference” he said. And urged everyone to embrace the 3 C’s of leadership- Character, Care and Competence.

Source: The Nation newspaper.

Goodluck Jonathan

I saw Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday. And I am still reminiscing about meeting him. Yes, he sat just an arm stretch from where I sat taking photos. It was an exciting opportunity to experience first-hand the Acting President’s visit to D.C. He was well received at the international stage, among his peers and he was able to articulate his vision and plans for Nigeria to all who probed his agenda. Obviously, a lot of focus was on the forth-coming election- 2011. Everyone, well almost everyone, wanted to know what strategies he was putting in place to ensure a free and fair election when the time comes.

During the discussion forum hosted by Nancy Birdsall, President of Center for Global Development, Acting President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan offered his perspective on several of the key issues affecting Nigeria, including electoral reform, consolidation of the gains of the Niger Delta Amnesty, the fight against corruption, and improvement to the power and energy sectors.  Birdsall who said the US was interested in helping Nigeria manage her oil said the world wants to see a more active and engaged Nigeria. She expressed how disappointing it has been that Nigeria missed several opportunities to serve on the global stage. “Despite Nigeria’s great wealth, too many Nigerians are still in poverty” she mused. What will it take to move Nigeria from its introverted and stalling progress towards the level it deserves? Africa needs a strong Nigeria, one that is focused on improving lives.

In response, Goodluck Jonathan said that he felt honored to have been invited to attend the Nuclear Security Summit. He noted that Nigeria has indeed enjoyed 11 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. He said that he hopes to strengthen the economic relationship between Nigeria and the United States in line with Private Sector Partnership- supply of crude oil and non-oil business relations and US support in improving power generation and supply.  He also said that the Amnesty program is on course in Niger Delta, to help youths stop antagonizing their government through violence.

Goodluck meets Obama at the Summit

Acting President pointed out that one of Africa’s challenges is controlling the illicit transfer of weapons from West to Africa. “Why must Africa be a dumping ground for small arms and light weapons?” he asked. When these small arms are dumped in Africa, it gets into wrong hands thus threatening lives and disrupting security. “These are the real weapon of mass destruction” he said.

He was asked about his ambition in the non-oil States, especially on Agriculture. But to my dismay, the question was lost while attempting to elaborate on his plans to ensure an electoral reform before the next election. I wonder if Mr. Acting President step back sometimes to ponder on why the oil sector is becoming overrated. Whatever happened to Agriculture? Whatever happened to efforts by government leaders to make Public Service as sexy as other sectors?

Goodluck Jonathan in Atlantic Counci

In a later event, during the launch of the Michael S. Ansari Africa Center (Atlantic Council), the first question Goodluck Jonathan was asked was how he plans to engage the next generation during his administration. Acting President said there is room for the next generation who are ready to work hard. One of his strategies is to instill into every youth a value system that will allow us think more about the good of Nigeria instead of individual gain.

Goodluck did not falter in articulating his goals to Senator Chuck Hagel, Chariman of Atlantic Council; Mr. Fredrick Kempe, CEO of Atlantic Council; Dr. Nancy Walker, moderating the discussion and the rest of us, key stakeholders with or without vested interest in Nigeria’s development.

He explained his ambition to build infrastructures; create investment opportunities, put in place a solid base for education, employment and good governance. As for 2011 election, he said that he would ensure electoral justice and accountability.

“Nigeria is rising and our rise will be for the good of all…” he said. And to the US he chided, “As friends we must be honest with each other”. Why pat Nigeria on the back as a partner with one hand and put its name on terrorist watch list with the other?

Meanwhile, hope you understand why I am particularly pumped about all of this? My friend Chinyelu Odunze, a first generation Nigerian-American studying at American University, and I attended the two events. All we had to do was RSVP and there was no backlash on the list of attendance. During the Center for Global Development event, we sat beside the President’sSpeechwriter and listened to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan speak. I also saw the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole; The Vice President of the African Region of World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili; and other actors in the Nigerian political and economic sector.

The Acting President’s speechwriter asked us if the speech was good. We nodded in affirmative. Honestly, the speech was really thorough, punctuated with good humor. However, I realize we don’t need impeccable Political speech from our government leaders. We need to see our leaders take positive action.

As if reading my mind, our Acting President emphasized the areas where he is hoping to take action. Again, he said that he would use his tenure to improve power generation and supply in Nigeria, sustain the amnesty program on course in Niger Delta and work to control the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons from the West to Africa.

Yes, we got a good impression of the Acting President’s visit to Washington. To resonate what my friend, Professor John Kline of Georgetown University said in an email response to my enthusiasm, “I hope the elections will provide an opportunity for real leadership toward unity rather than factional division.  (Perhaps it needs an inspired youth journalist to help guide it in that direction?)”

There was a rare traffic jam in the Capital city. Notice of parking restrictions for the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit was in effect until 12pm on Wednesday, April 14.  Intermittent road closures in some areas of D.C. were expected and everyone was notified in advance. World leaders came to Washington D.C. and this time, Nigeria’s presence was not in oblivion, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan was neither in silence nor in derision. There is hope for Nigeria.

(As reported for the Nation newspaper)

Name: Olanrewaju Blackman Sule

Profession: Chattered accountant
Location: Atlanta, GA

His story:

When Olanrewaju left Africa, his plans were simple- get a good education overseas and come back to serve Nigeria as a politician. But Like many young Africans in diaspora, Olanrewaju Sule who migrated to the US in 2002, in search of a qualitative education to boost his high school dream and ambition of becoming a successful Politician someday changed his plans as he acclimatized into the system abroad. His perception on life was broadened after he got into College. He studied Accounting and Finance, with a major in Business in a two years college- Georgia Perimeter and later transferred to Georgia State University where he obtained a BA in Accounting. He is now working on obtaining his Masters in the same school. When ‘Blackman’, as he is fondly called by friends, is not working, he is playing soccer or socializing. He runs a vibrant entertainment outfit with his friends called “Rock on dude”.

After about eight years of being abroad, Olanrewaju visited his motherland recently. In this interview, he shares his experience of life abroad, visiting in Nigeria again and why he is excited about returning or not returning to Nigeria:

How was life back home before relocating abroad? What was it like getting acclimated?

Back home, I was a little immature, not as buoyant. Life in Nigeria was a beginner’s life then. I was dependent— but here it is different. At first it was very difficult adjusting after I moved here. Many factors contributed to this, including having an accent and knowing everyone around had one too. It was hard to understand people and people didn’t understand me too. I also found the food here strange, and the transport system was very different from the Danfo buses I was used to in Lagos. In fact, the first two months was very frustrating. I missed my friends and trying to make new friends was very difficult. There is still so much racist attitude—everywhere, even in soccer field—people won’t play with you because you are of different color.

What excited you most about relocating?

The free education—getting paid to go to school was a huge motivation. There is no such opportunity in Nigeria. Even if there was, there will be a slide, not everyone will be able to access it. Staying in the US has so far made me the best man I could be.

Tell us about your recent visit to Nigeria. What major changes did you see?

I saw a couple of changes—people have more stuff. When I was there, there were no movie Theaters and Plazas. This means more job opportunities are opening up for people. However, the people don’t look happy. Their facial expression didn’t give me a good vibe. Nigerians are the happiest people on earth but their facial expression didn’t depict that when I visited. The visit to Nigeria discouraged me from considering coming home soon. Electricity is still bad. I thought things would have improved. In the US, customer service is held at high esteem but in Nigeria, it seems nobody cares. At the airport, I was trying to have my bag checked, the officer directing me pointed to a group of guys and said “go meet that man there” when there were about 5 men…

Do you see yourself in near future doing anything to serve Nigeria?
Considering how the financial sector is blooming in Nigeria, I’m actually doing a research in the investment banking, to see how we can further boost this aspect in Nigeria, even though it is not yet a popular trend.

Does that mean you are hashing out plan to come back home to Nigeria? if yes, Why? if no, why not?

Yes—there is no place like home…eventually…one day be one day— I will go home set up a business and create job opportunities for graduates. My goal is not just to go back but to go back home and set things up. Living abroad is not the answer to everything— diaspora is over rated—but there are opportunities here. It is left for the youths to come here and grab those opportunities for good use.

Does that not imply you are in support of brain drain?

It won’t hurt to gain experience here and learn what is making them successful and go back and use it to improve things back home.

In your opinion, what are those things ordinary Nigerians like you and I need to keep in mind in our quest to contribute to Nigeria’s development?

Education: Educate people that don’t want to be educated by telling them about the importance of education to personal and national development.

Set a goal: Know what you want out of life—have a goal in life and set how to achieve it

Community service and volunteer work: learn to give a little of your time to serve your community—giving your time shows you care about your country.

Keep good companion: Hang out with good people. If you hang around with the wrong crowd, it will rub off on you. One of the principles I learnt in High School is that joining multitude to do evil will make you evil. That has always helped me in picking the right friends.

Don’t be greedy: Be sufficient and content with what you have.

It is also important for young Nigerians to listen to what is going on around the world—current affairs—be locally aware and be globally aware too—listen to news, follow Nigerian political system, know how it works—know how the money and infrastructures is taken care of. That basic experience on how Nigerian government is run will motivate you to want to serve and build a better Nigeria.

THISDAY NIGERIA NEWSPAPER REPORTS:

The young man, who yesterday night attempted to ignite an explosive device aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, Michigan in the United States has been identified as Abdul Farouk Umar Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old son of Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, former First Bank chairman. Mutallab, a former minister and prominent banker recently retired from the Bank’s board.

The older Mutallab, as at the time of filing this report, had just left his Katsina hometown for Abuja to speak with security agencies, family sources say. According to the family members, Mutallab has been uncomfortable with the boy’s extreme religious views and had six months ago reported his activities to United States’ Embassy, Abuja and Nigerian security agencies. Continue Reading