In Nigeria Talk is Cheap

Allow me to begin this week's blog spot by giving a very special shot-out to one of the "Kool Keedz". "Soso" hope you feeling better baby girl.  We all Love Ya!!!

This week marks the 46^th anniversary of the assassination of the late great Malik Shabazz “Omowale” better known as Malcolm X.  No Glitz, No Glamour, only SUBSTANCE and PURPOSE!!! As we close out Black History month here in the states it is important that I pay my respects to a great man who truly understood the importance and the need to bridge the gap of my two worlds. Those back home in Nigeria (Africa) and those affected by the cruelty and hardship of slavery here in America.  Malcolm X was one of Nigeria’s favorites, hence the name “Omowale” (in the Yoruba dialect Omowale means the child has returned home) giving to him on his visit to Nigeria in the early 60’s. In his words, an excerpt from an interview with Bernice Bass of the Malcolm X Museum; “Well, the Nigerian people are great. You never can find any people anywhere in Africa more hospitable and brotherly and who will welcome you more warmly than the people in Nigeria.”

We miss you…  

Ok people; let me get focused…

Unless you have been underground like the Chilean miners in the past month or so, the most over emphasized and used term heard around the world these days is “Revolution”.  In its simplest form it means a total or radical change.  So as previously stated here on the “My Omo Naija” blog spot we don’t do politics and religion; however, I ask that you allow me to go in and just let off some steam and keep it 100% this week.

Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, China and now Cameroon, what do these countries all have in common? As much as people are quick to point to a “Revolution” and their efforts in demanding change in leadership of their respective governments, I challenge you to look deeper and consider how the impact and role of social media benefited those tired of the status quo. Ok now, the world has witnessed a historical period in our lifetime that will go down some day as turning points for the aforementioned nations.  The events of this past month have demonstrated that galvanized or energized masses who gear themselves up hoping for a better tomorrow can have a promising future.  

How does this all relate and tie into the situation and current conditions of my beloved homeland? Well, in all my dealings and communication with my family and friends of Nigerian parentage since the uproar started, I have yet to find an individual with the conviction that such mutiny or “Revolution” can come to Nigeria.  So, when I thought long and hard about it and asked why, the consensus and common response is that we Nigerians (me included again) are settlers and satisfied to the point that we do not like to be made uncomfortable.  Is this true? I for one am no expert in Nigerian politics, its constitution or history. However, I have decided that I must take the initiative to educate myself and ask questions to better my understanding of the current state of affairs that continue to plague this very proud nation of mine. 

With that said, I would like to start by pointing out the circus act that has been poorly covered by the media and pawns that claim to be credible journalists; the 2011 Presidential campaign which kicked-off back in September 2010. The campaign created a buzz in the country with the announcements of potential candidates, as one after the other threw their names in the race.  Unfortunately, only the acting president (by default) and a larger than life former military leader drew all the headlines both locally and internationally as legitimate contestants for the presidency.

Pause - Let me make myself clear, I am so sick and tired of the state of governance and leadership in Nigeria not producing results that are better for all people.

What should we as Nigerians do next? By no means are my intentions here to tell you who to vote for or support when stamping your ballot on Election Day.  But when the general culture and political climate is plague-ridden by deceit, lies and irresponsible reporting I have to request a call to action to all “My Omo Naijas”.  Why is it that the only political career worth scrutinizing, examining and probing in my lifetime is that of the former Military General?  I don’t know this man and I don’t care to advocate for his policies.  What I do know is too many of my fellow countrymen/women would rather point the finger and blame others for their state of affairs than take action and ownership for their decision making.  Furthermore, what I also see here is an attempt to impair and vilify one individual for all of Nigeria’s problems. People this is unacceptable and highly irresponsible and should never be the standard in which we measure progress. 

The truth is our nation just celebrated its 50^th independence anniversary.  Are you trying to convince yourself, definitely not me that the former Military General’s governance is the only one you find fault with during the timeline of our separation from British rule? The fact is, we see it time and time again, mostly the unqualified village idiot type that some how is handed power as a head of state – who threw rocks at glass houses, and finds him/herself leaving the state of Nigeria in far worse shape than their predecessors. The reality of the matter is politics like in every part of the world is “BIG BUSINESS”. Therefore, understand and recognize that the same person you elect to make decisions on your behalf already answers to – was appointed and selected by another group of people to carry-out and execute their agenda.     

I have a request to make to all the “My Omo Naija’” viewers, followers and supporters.  Let us work on living a more meaningful and purposeful life.  What you do with your social media accounts i.e. emails, Facebook and Twitter is your business. But please put a little more thought, care and make a better account of yourself because this so called “Revolution” the world is currently undergoing requires as much. We need to establish more authentic and meaningful dialogue amongst ourselves if we expect to influence change.  The road to a new Federal Republic of Nigeria is ours for the taken if we want it bad enough.

“If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything” (Malcolm X)

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon - Naija's Best!!!

What’s really good people? 

Yo, I gotta say am loving my powerful African belly and how it’s rounding into shape these days.  But if you want to do something about yours, go check out one of my favorite blogs “The Greenbelt Experience” http://www.madeinliberia.blogspot.com/. This site has something for everybody looking to get fit and hopefully boost your training with some creative workout plans. 

So what went down since I last kicked it with you all on the blog spot;

My brother's Arsenal Gunners showed some heart and came back to beat Barca in this week's big UEFA match. Nice!!!

The weather outside here in the DMV just hit 70 plus degrees outside today, time to go into the closet and bring out my Alex Vanderpoolera catalog.  I show you how to do this son!!!

Pause - “V-necks, mohawks, just ain’t me.  S**t barely look right on Mr. T.  Your biker chains, designer shades, just ain’t right, especially when you can’t breathe, cause your pants to tight” (Grow Up by Bishop Lamont) Classic...

Some sad news on the Supa Eagles front Uche Okafor (R.I.P.) finally was lay to rest and one of my favorites Celestine Babayaro has gone bankrupt.  Na wa O!!! 

Everybody and their mama now believe they can pull-off a Facebook Revolution. Good Luck!!!

Iron Mike Tyson still as nutty as ever. Mr. "I think I broke my back, it's spinal" Another Classic... 

Half the females are upset with their Valentine's Day gifts and half the guys are now trying to recovery from their overzealous spending. Looool.

Finally, NBA All-Star weekend is here.  Time to check out Blake Griffin in the Slam Dunk Contest!!! I missed the days of the greats like Michael “Air” Jordan, Dominque “The Human Highlight Film” Wilkins, Clyde “The Glyde” Drexler”, “Dr. Dunkinstein” Darrell Griffith, Harold “Baby Jordan” Minor and Vince “1/2 Man 1/2 Amazing” Carter.

Shot-outs to all "My Omo Naija" extended family in the States, Canada, Nigeria, Africa, UK, Europe, Russia, Asia, thanks for the continued and massive support!!!   

Ok people, let me get focused…

For those of you young or old enough to remember “Akeem”, yes before the spelling changed to “Hakeem.”  This is my tribute to my favorite athlete of all time and arguably the most dominating and influential Nigerian sports figure that pioneered his way into the history books and left an indelible imprint on the American sports landscape.  Now referred to as “Hakeem”, this man in my opinion is the Pele and Jackie Robinson of Nigerian/African athletes who conquered and broke several barriers that have contributed to the continued success of other African athletes in the United States over the past twenty years.

My introduction to “The Dream” started in my father’s home in Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday evenings in the late 80’s.  My siblings and I would gather around the television and watch recorded tapes of National Basketball Association (NBA) games of Hakeem versus the best America had to offer; Ervin “Magic” Johnson & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics.  At this time I had never even heard of Michael “Air” Jordan.  My lasting memory of watching those basketball games for the first time as a youth was this sense of pride, joy and fulfillment it brought me watching a fellow “My Omo Naija” representing my proud nation with such purpose, commitment and a dominating presence on the basketball court.  You know you are official and have made it in the streets when you go to the park to play pick-up basketball and all you hear from the other guys on the court is, “Man you see Olajuwon today?” or “That Afrikan Boy Bad Man!!!” My personal favorite, “That's Greatness right there…” 

I would later get to live out my childhood dream as a youth by attending and meeting Hakeem up close and in person.  Walking up to “The Dream” for the first time during his pre-game warm-up (shoot-around), I was a bundle of joy, nerves and shock all in one.  I literally was overwhelmed and almost turned around on multiple occasions because of my anxiety being uncontrollable.  But when I was finally able to gather myself together and introduce myself to my childhood hero, the warmth and substance of the man as he greeted my family members and I left me speechless and flabbergasted.  Not only was my favorite athlete the best in his sport but he was a better human being.  We all exchanged pleasantries with him and he even found it amusing as we attempted to converse with him in my native Yoruba dialect.  That moment served as one of the biggest highlights in my life to date.

Over the years, it appears that there has been a disconnect of some sort with Olajuwon and the Nigerian public.  The root of it all is uncertain; maybe some feel he should have used his basketball platform to raise awareness and bring attention to meaningful causes plaguing Nigerian and the continent of Africa. Others expectations could be for him to develop programs and projects to advance youth causes like another African athlete, Dikembe Mutombo.  Look, we all are built, created and shaped differently.  Only Hakeem himself can speak to his efforts and attempts in serving as an ambassador of the world and the contributions he made to his fatherland. One thing that is unquestioned is the toughness, passion and excellence he demonstrated on the basketball court.   

Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon Career Accomplishments

·         NBA’s all-time leader in points scored by a non-American born Player

·         NBA’s all-time leader with 3,459 career blocked shots

·         Overall first pick by the Houston Rockets in the 1984 NBA Draft

·         Selected as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History

·         NBA Most Valuable Player in the 1993-94 season

·         Won Two consecutive NBA championships in 1994 and 1995

·         Won NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1994 and 1995

·         Remains in the Top Ten in the NBA all-time scoring list

·         12 NBA All-Star Appearances

Hakeem remains by far the most graceful and skillful big-man in NBA history. I always recall him giving credit and accounts of his successes on the court to his roots as a youth footballer in Nigeria and the obstacles he had to endure to be successful both as an collegiate and professional athlete. In his words, “My game was to play the same as a little guy, a cat’s game, but with big cats.”  Alexander Wolff, of SI.com described him as, “Light feet from soccer, power and craftiness from team handball, hand-eye coordination from table tennis, sudden levitation from high jumping and volleyball.” These attributes mentioned allowed Olajuwon to be the most complete NBA basketball player of his era, which in turn has led him to teaching his talents to the best in today’s NBA; the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Yao Ming.  

So I conclude my first black history month blog post by saluting a man; the most influential Nigerian athlete of my lifetime that raised the bar and expectations for the current and new generation of prominent athletes of Nigerian parentage.  With your work ethic and character you soared to heights unimaginable. I thank you for raising and waving our proud colors of the Green/White/Green high in the sky these last 30 years.

Still The Unbeatable Dream...

Valentine’s Day – Nigerian Truths

Gotta get some things off my chest real quick people…

Let me shot-out and toast that “Douche Bag” parking meter officer that gave me a ticket a few days back. Hope you made a nice little commission off that.

A few things went down since I last kicked it with you all on the blogspot. I heard about the British born Nigerian aspiring hip-hop artist who passed away after complications gone wrong from a “buttock-implant” surgery. SMH!!! This takes the meaning “the price of fame” to a whole new level. The thought of Nigerian women parading around enhancing their diary aire trying to be the next Nicki Manaj in itself is hilarious. 

A Congressman here in the DMV is forced to resign after a sex scandal gone wrong on the internet.  Truth is you never under estimate a scorned black woman and what she is capable of when she wants to settle a quarrel. 

The "Supa Eagles" played their first football match back home in Lagos in almost a decade this week and looked good against Sierra Leone.  Hey, I will take it... Sandwiches???

Damn!!!  Twitter is now valued at $10 billion.  Man I gotta come up with the next big thing.  Oh, I did already.  It’s my blogspot. Looool.

Just got word today that Egypt’s leader has agreed to step-down, I wonder what country is next. 

Man, let me big up the entire “My Omo Naija” team for all of their help, ideas, technical assistance and support these past few months.  Let’s keep grinding!!!

Aright, let me get focused…

One of the most comical things when I go to Nigeria to visit family is listening and conversing with guys who now live abroad but just left their villages in less than a year’s time doing everything in their power to let the world know of their new found British accents and their B-Boyish American swag!!!  I swear everything that is said out of their mouths comes out wrong and it is always the “Yeah. Yeah, you know what I mean mate” or they say things like “Nah mean or Yo! Yo son you know what am saying, Am Da Biggest Boss”!!! SMH…

I’ve got something that trumps all of that and it is “Valentine’s Day”.  For some reason, I believe two of the last three trips I made to Nigeria was during this silly hallmark event that Nigeria has now gone crazy over. (BTW, I did not intentionally go home to Nigeria to dodge my Valentine’s Day responsibilities but I am not complaining either LMAO!!!) Seriously, I was in shock the first time I was home in Lagos several years ago during one of my visits when this phenomenon hit me. 

All I saw was a sea of black love, in this case “Nigerian love” all around me and I could not get around Victoria Island in peace because everybody was out. Valentine’s Day has become a big deal and big business in cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.  It is impossible to get a space to dine; fast food joints are jam packed and best not forget that the traffic is unbearable.  Major corporate organizations like mobile phone operators (text promotions), banks, restaurant’s all advertise in the preceding weeks for Valentine’s Day in a manner that looks similar to that of the promotions for Christmas shopping overseas.  It is has become a money making opportunity and has also become tremendously commercialized in Nigeria. A new feature is the introduction of Valentine’s Day “Hampers” (gift basket). This is the creation of the slick and savvy business people (mostly ladies) who usually do this type of brisk business during the holiday seasons and celebrations. Some of the “Hampers” range from $300 - $2000 which in Naira is from N50,000 – N300,000 containing such items like perfumes, chocolates, cakes, cards, jewelry, etc…    

Lets’ get down to business….what is the root of Valentine’s Day and how did this event take on a life of its own, especially amongst those that live under destitute circumstances? So all of this got me to start thinking, do Nigerians even understand the significance and meaning behind this whole occasion? I mean, when I was growing up and going to school in Lagos, nobody I knew was parading around town with their significant other claiming to be each other’s Valentine. Or is it more like anything and everything else, because something is recognized in the western world, then we have to dive right into it and claim it.  So let me guess, pretty soon we all are going to start parading around town on October 31^st each year in customs and masks; walking our poorly lit streets asking for Tom Tom candy and sweets to celebrate “Halloween”??? 

Anyways let me give my peoples a few things to ponder about this day that you now claim and circle on the calendar:

• The origin of February 14^th as Valentine’s Day remains a mystery.

• It is named after the enigmatic St. Valentine. So unless you are Christian, should you be really part-taking in this activity?

• Who decided that candy, flowers and gifts should be standard in the exchange between loved ones?

• Are you truly giving your relationship a boost by indulging in this occasion or are you being taking advantage of by a capitalist society?

Panko's - Things to expect on Valentine's Day in Nigeria

• "My Omo Naijas" spend and concentrate their energy and efforts more on being seen in public by others rather than actually giving their undivided attention to the person sitting across the table from them.

• A child will be utterly disappointed after his father who lives in the village across town comes around on his next visit and attempts to explain that the reason he is unable to pay his/her school fees is because he just spent over N50,000 ($300) on a Valentine's Day Hamper.

• The chocolate purchased at the store during the day melts or/and smears all over your lover's hands by the time you present it to her due to that blazing "Afrikan" hot sun!!!

• At least one couple will be riding separately or together in the back of an "Okada" (motor bike taxi) in order to reach their destination for the special evening.  Those Okada drivers are maddening!!!

• If you are married to two or more women and only decide to take your newest or youngest wife out for dinner, just know that the pieces of glass and rocks you are chewing on at dinner the following evening prepared by the other wife was just a total coincidence.

• You already know that wherever you decide to go celebrate Valentine's Day, you both will be sitting in a restaurant or establishment that will be out of running electricity and you will be breathing in fumes from the generator most of the evening.

• "My Omo Naijas" like to make a very big and bold statement with everything, but the big oversize massive Valentine's Day cards are not a good look.  Why is it that only in Nigeria do I still see these made? Its 2011 people!!! 

Please Don't Be That Guy...

American Football – Nigeria’s New Game

What up World????

Let me give a big and welcome to the world shot-out to “Baby Eli”... 

A lot has gone down since I last spoke to you all huh?  To my peoples and family in Egypt keep your head up!!!  In the words of Winston Churchill, “if you’re going through hell, keep going”. 

Once again a massive thanks to all the followers and viewers of the “My Omo Naija” blogspot.  Your support and positive words of encouragement has made this experience thus far so meaningful and invaluable. Always expect something refreshing and thoughtful here on the blogspot.

Ok people, let me get focused…

It is the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl weekend here in the United States and like they say on this side of the Atlantic, “It’s bout to go down”.  I hope those that will be watching the game across the globe get a competitive and entertaining game at least until halftime. Here is a little nugget, Papa John’s pizza has promised and agreed that if the game goes into overtime everybody in America gets a free pizza.  Don’t know about you all but am I hoping for Double Overtime!!!  Go on their website and check it out if you do not believe the kid.

Super Bowl XLV for Africans; in particular all my Nigerian people whether watching the game or not should be a day of pride, celebration and admiration.  In the game you have a rising star, a young dominating defensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers, B.J. Raji of Nigerian pedigree (I love when he sacks the quarterback and does his “we go chop” celebration).  Equally, if not more important is what will take place shortly before kickoff at 6:52pm eastern time when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before a global audience, announces the winner of the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award from these three finalist; Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (Nigerian), Chicago Bears defensive lineman, Israel Idonije (Nigerian), and Minnesota Vikings safety Madieu Williams (Sierra Leonean). These three athletes were chosen and are being recognized for their efforts and work in their respective communities and through the foundations they support or help to oversee. 

Note:  The award was named after “Sweetness” the late Walter Payton who died in 1999. A legendary running back for the Chicago Bears who was arguably regarded as one the greatest football players in NFL history. A quiet and dignified man, highly respected by his peers and those afar for his passion for football and helping those in the community through his endless support and participation in several charitable organizations across America.

Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders) 

Chairman of the Asomugha Foundation where he works to enhance the two key programs, OWIN and ACTS.  OWIN, Orphans and Widows in Need, supports women and children in Nigeria and provides food, shelter, medicine, vocational training, literacy efforts and scholarships. OWIN is currently working to expand the existing two centers in Nigeria to other countries through out Africa.  ACTS, the Asomugha College Tour for Scholars, was created in 2007 and is an annual college tour and mentoring program which provides high-achieving high-school students of color the opportunity to visit college campuses across the country.  To date, ACTS has provided 36 students with opportunity to tour colleges and universities in Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. The 2011 tour will take an additional 16 students to New Orleans. Asomugha speaks nationally on the merits of volunteerism and education and was an invited guest of former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Foundation Global Initiative University (2009, 2010). He currently serves as a national spokesperson for the United Way's "Live United" campaign and NFL Network's "Keep Gym in School" initiative.

Israel Idonije (Chicago Bears)

Created the Israel Idonije Foundation (IIF) in 2007. He is present and personally involved in all activities associated with the Foundation and has contributed more than $300,000, along with other in-kind contributions. Idonije's First Down Attendance Program currently serves more than 600 economically disadvantaged students in five schools in Chicago and Manitoba, Canada. Designed to encourage and sustain students' regular school attendance, high achievement and good citizenship, the program motivates and rewards students. Participating schools have increased student's regular attendance by at least 8 percent. The Israel Idonije Foundation, through its C.A.R. E. Africa program (Caring, Advancing, Restoring and Educating), extends into the international front by promoting education, self-preservation, humanitarianism, leadership, and awareness. Idonije is a two-time NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee and has been the Bears spokesman for the United Way LIVE UNITED campaign in 2009 and 2010.

Madieu Williams (Minnesota Vikings) A fellow Univeristy of Maryland graduate and Terp!!!  Shot-outs to the entire UMD Alumni and family!!!

Williams' charitable works have achieved local, national and global impact. Locally, he works with the North Community YMCA, United Way and Harvest Prep/Seed Academy and provides season tickets for the kids and his "Dieu's Crew" program. Williams also hosted a free football camp in Maryland, where he has raised, this past summer, and continues to support the Cincinnati area after a stint playing for the Bengals.  Globally, Williams made a $2 million donation to create the Madieu Williams Center for Global Health at the University of Maryland, where he attended college. The center will address public health issues in Prince George's County and Sierra Leone, where Williams was born. He has already built a primary school in the African nation and is now building a secondary school there as well. His foundation sponsored a mission to Sierra Leona that brought American teachers, surgeons and dentists to help educate the teachers at his school, give free dental cleanings to all of the students and provide free surgeries. Williams came to the Vikings as a free agent in 2008 and has been a stalwart in the defensive backfield. He has started 38 of his 39 games and notched a career-best 96 tackles in 2010. Williams is a leader on the Vikings defense that has ranked in the NFL's top 10 each of his three seasons with the club. Williams led the Vikings DBs in tackles in 2009 when the team advanced to the NFC Championship game. 

(All informtion on all three finalists' courtesy http://www.nfl.com/)

As we celebrate black history month here in America during the month of February, I intend to introduce you to some prominent Africans, Nigerians and African-Americans. Their contributions, impact and legacy in their respective professions and body of work however big or small shall be praised and distinguished amongst all people of color.

The next NFL football game you either attend in person, watch via television or internet, I want you to remember that moment when the announcer or broadcaster struggles with the name of a black athlete. Chances are, and I am willing to put a friendly wager on it, that the athlete in question is 90% African and probably 65% Nigerian or of Nigerian descent. It is important that we pause for a second and acknowledge the contributions and pay homage to trail blazers such as athlete Chrisitian Okoye; "The Nigerian Nightmare", the first prominent NFL athlete of African ancestry and Nigerian lineage to impact and dominate the game at his position of running back. His combination of brut strength and speed was unseen in the NFL before his arrival in the early 90's. It is the success Nigerian athletes like Okoye experienced on the football field that led to an onset and influx of several other talented athletes who played or are currently displaying their abilities on the gridiron today. Athletes such as Brian Orakpo, Devin Aromashodu, Ovie Mughelli, Amobi Okoye, Chike Okeafor, Remi Ayodele, Chinedum Ndukwe, Russell Okung, Osi Umenyiora, Eric Ogbogu, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, Adewale Ogunleye, Oshiomogho Atogwe, Legedu Naanee, Tamba Ali, Xavier Adibi, etc…  The Nigerian athlete’s presence and influence in today’s NFL is unmistaken.  They are massive, quick, fast, explosive and very physical.  African and Nigerian athletes in the NFL are often regarded as having a very high IQ, intelligent, quick learners and have a desire and hunger to be the best by their coaches, general managers and journalist who follow and cover the game.  Many general managers in the NFL hope to add players of this caliber to their team rosters in hopes of boosting their chances of competing and winning the next Super Bowl.  

We are Generation Next!!!