Tuesday 16 November 2010

The Nigeria Police Force Or the Nigeria Police Farce?






Monday 8 November 2010

Nigerian Lawmakers Or Lawbreakers?

Africa Must Innovate or Perish – Part 5

By Philip Emeagwali Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris. Nigeria has approximately a 50-year supply of oil if no new oil is found. In a world without oil, the cutlass will replace the farm tractor. We know most oilfields have been discovered and that oil exists in limited quantities.

Monday 1 November 2010

Oil Tanks Exhausted, Think Tanks Needed (4)

 By Philip Emeagwali Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris. 

The man with wisdom is a shining torch that sheds light in our darkness and guides us out of our ignorance. I am often asked: "How do we build a stronger Nigeria through technological innovation?"

Tuesday 19 October 2010

A Nigeria Without Oil – Part 3

By Philip Emeagwali
Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris.

I wish to look back to 1960, and forward to 2060, to share my thoughts about the challenges to, and opportunities for, building a stronger Nigeria through technology. In the past 50 years, Nigeria has grown economically stronger through its use of technology to discover and then recover petroleum.

Sunday 10 October 2010

Memories of Colonial Africa – Part 2 of 5


By Philip Emeagwali

Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris. A video excerpt is posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWJQpbUllyU

I was born in 1954 in colonial Africa. One of my most cherished mementos from the colony of Nigeria is one of the pennies I received for my school lunch allowance.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

AFRICA: Then, Now and Forever

Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris. Lecture video is posted at emeagwali.com.

Walk with me in memory to one of the greatest celebrations, the end of the colonial era in Africa. The day: October 1, 1960. The place: British West Africa. The setting: a crowded stadium in the Atlantic coastal town of Sapele. School children are waving green and white flags in honor of the birth of modern Nigeria, no longer part of the British Empire.

Friday 3 September 2010

Saturday 14 August 2010

Super Model & The Blood Diamonds


By Hakeem Babalola
OPINION
Naomi Campbell


Naomi Campbell, that British super model, was recently subpoenaed by the World Court in Hague currently in judicial process against former Liberian war lord/president. The ex super model had refused to testify, saying “I am afraid it would put me and my loved ones in danger because this is someone that I read up on the Internet that killed thousands of people supposedly and I don't want my family in any danger in any way”...read more

Thursday 12 August 2010

Europe’s war against African illegal immigrants

 By
Chapp-Jumbo
Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, 
Yelwa. Bauchi.

In the past few years, Europe has been battling to stem the flow of illegal African immigrants. About 500,000 illegal migrants enter the EU each year. Most cross land or sea borders illegally. This implies that the inflow is gargantuan. A greater part of this inflow are sub-Saharan African migrants whose sole aim is to improve their lives in Europe. Net immigration flows continue as long as there is a wide gap in income per head between the sending and the receiving countries.And because the receiving countries of Europe have a higher income per head, immigrants from sub-Saharan countries are irresistibly lured to Europe...read more

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Deportation: Embassy Clarifies Issue

Chancery Building
 By
The Visa and Consular Department
Embassy of Nigeria, Hungary

The Embassy of Nigeria, Budapest wishes to refer to your write up captioned "Hungary: FOOTBALLER FACES DEPORTATION" and to inform you that Mr. Enefiok Francis Edem visited the Embassy some weeks after he obtained the e-passport from the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, complaining that the date of birth in his passport was wrong. read more

Saturday 7 August 2010

Hungary: Footballer Faces Deportation


 By Hakeem Babalola
Community Report

The new biometric passport known as e-passport
A Nigerian footballer in Hungary has been ordered to leave the country because of an error made by his own embassy in Madrid, Spain during the process of a new biometric passport...read more

Saturday 31 July 2010

Mount Cameroon Restaurant Opens

Hakeem Babalola
(Community Report)

A new African restaurant was officially opened on Friday 31st July at Wesselényi street 49, Budapest Hungary as guests tasted the delights of the African cuisine.. read more & see photos 

Thursday 29 July 2010

U-20 Women: Nigeria in Historical Final

 By Hakeem Babalola

Falconets celebrating their victory over Colombia
Nigeria became the first African team to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final as they beat Colombia with a 2nd-minute goal in Bielefeld, Germany. By this feat, Falconets have successfully recorded their names and that of their country in the history book of the game. read more

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Lessons from Liberia (1)

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

 By Kingsley Omose

After the last civil war that resulted in the removal of Charles Taylor from power I made several visits to Liberia, and after each visit it always amazed me that despite gaining independence in the 19th century and being one of the oldest independent nations in Africa the level of development in Monrovia and surrounding counties was nothing to write about... read more

Sunday 25 July 2010

Nigeria Upset US, Make History

 By Hakeem Babalola

Falconets accurate passes and stamina in this half helped disorganise the Americans spirit of play as the latter allowed Jonathan Goodluck’s girls to play their game. read more

Wednesday 21 July 2010

FIFA: Killing Soccer in Disguise

 By Hakeem Babalola

There have been many controversial goals and goals disallowed by the FIFA officiating referees and their assistants in different tournaments. This is known as poor officiating in this game of round leather we all love. Football or soccer, the indisputable most glamorous game in the world is round so is the universe. Almost every human being loves this game; even elephant, dolphin and other animals know what to do with football...read more

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Mercy Johnson: Settle Down Now...

Mercy Johnson: Settle Down Now & Forever  
By Odimegwu Onwumere
 It has been said that the traditional wedding of the screen delectable actress, Mercy Johnson comes up 17th August, the same day her birth day falls. This screen queen and the sexiest girl in Nollywood is no doubt a talented artiste, with an immeasurable aspiration read more

Sunday 11 July 2010

Spain Are World Champions

 By Hakeem Babalola

Spain beat Netherlands by one goal to clinch the 19th FIFA World Cup for the first time since the festival began in 1930 in Uruguay, becoming the first European country to win it outside the European continent. 

Like most World Cup finals, the match was played with caution by both teams although there were several misses thanks to the two goalkeepers who had to save what could have been goals. 

As a result of defensive tactics by both teams, the historical final had to go to extra time during which Barcelona striker, Andres Iniesta dramatically fired Spain to World Cup glory in the 116th minute. 

The match, played in front of about 85,000 and watched by an estimated 700 million more on television around the world largely failed to live up to expectation and was littered by 12 yellow cards and one red.

John Heitinga of Netherlands was sent out by the English referee, Howard Webb in the109th minute for a second bookable offence which obviously affected the Dutch. 

Mr. Webb had to endure a night of yellow cards in which Netherlands collected 23 for the tournament. Only Argentina in 1990 have picked up as many.

It was the first ever final for Spain while Netherlands have now reached three finals without winning the cup. 

The win is the tenth for the European continent, and Spain the eighth nation to win Blatter's coveted cup.

The 2010 World Cup records another history as the first time either Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Germany failed to reach the final.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Hungarian Court Jails Nigerian Woman

 By Hakeem Babalola

A Nigerian woman has been jailed for five years in Budapest for bringing to the territory of the Republic of Hungary a substance believed to be cocaine tucked in her stomach. read more

Friday 2 July 2010

Ghana’s lost; shame on god of soccer

By Hakeem Babalola




The god of soccer refused to bless Africa as Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan missed the last minute penalty kick that could have put the West African nation in a world cup history.

The Uruguay defender, Luis Suarez had held Dominic Adiyiah's header on the line in the final seconds which could have given the Black Stars the 2-1 win to book a place in the Africa's first ever world cup semi-final.

Asamoah last minute miss no doubt will be recorded as the greatest miss of all time, and may probably hunt the young Asamoah till his last day on earth.

If Asamoah had scored the last minute penalty kick, Ghana would have recorded another history as the first African nation to qualify for the world cup semi-final.

But in anyway Ghana has become the third African nation to ever reach the quarter final of the world cup. Cameroon did it in 1990 in Italy when they were beaten by England. And Senegal did it in 2002 pulling a huge upset by defeating world and European champions France in the opening game.

Also it could be recorded that Ghana was the first African nation to win the under-20 world cup.

Africans all over the world including Nelson Mandela appeared to be behind Ghana and had hopefully put their hearts on the former Gold Coast nation who was the first to gain independence among peers from the brutish British.

Although defeated, Ghana was not in any way disgraced as the West African nation could have won the game if not for that another hand of god by Luis Suarez who got a straight red card for his cheat – at the last kick.

Ghana is the only African nation among six that have participated in this year's world cup to progress to the quarter final. Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia were all eliminated at the group stage. 

Obviously the so-called god of soccer has led Africa down - again – just like in every aspect of the latter's endeavour. Otherwise, the bright young Black Stars would have won that match. What a shame…what a shame on the god of soccer who unfairly given it to Uruguay.

Oh yes, the match will be remembered for Asamoah’s miss. Though sad and angry, Africans couldn’t help but console the sobbing Asamoah who had helped beat America with his skillful determination staggering goal.
Uruguay’s victory can be described as ironic. The game was eventually decided by penalty kicks which could have ousted the South American nation which won on 5-3 on the aggregate.

Uruguay like Ghana was hoping to make history before the titillating quarter final. But unlike Ghana, Uruguay is the first nation to ever win the world cup in 1930 as host beating Argentina 4-2; and won it again in 1950 by upsetting Brazil, the host nation 2-1

Ghana’s lost to Uruguay in that quarter final was simply another conspiracy theory against Africa by the god of soccer. Period!

Thursday 1 July 2010

Cheers for African Attire

By Hakeem Babalola
(Community Report)

The show was part and continuation of series of events being organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Movement geared to promote integration between Hungarians and Africans living in the Central European country read more

Saturday 26 June 2010

Ghana Moves on, Beat USA 2-1

 By Hakeem Babalola

The Black Stars continue their struggle to progress in the ongoing world cup in South Africa when they defeated the United States of America by 2 goals to 1 in the second stage of the competition.

Ghana scored first early in the match through Prince Boateng who ran from the center to beat two American defenders before netting a powerful shot. 

America equalized in the second half through a sport kick taken by Donovan in the 62nd minute.

The match went into the extra time. And Asamoah Gyan pounced at the start of extra-time to give the African side the winning goal.  

Ghana will now meet Uruguay which defeated South Korea in the quarter final on July 2 at 20.30. 

Don't miss it. Will you?

Thursday 24 June 2010

Ghana Only African Team in Round 2

                                     By Hakeem Babalola
Though beaten by a lone goal by Germany in their final group stage match, Ghana has progressed to the last sixteen in the ongoing world cup in South Africa.

The Black Stars which featured mostly young stars, won one match, drew one and lost one. Their first match against Serbia in which the enterprising young stars won by a lone goal eventually the decider for their qualification.

The second match against Australia ended 1-1 which together left them with four points with two goals in favor and two goals against. This gave them the advantage over Australia who also has four points, but with three goals in favor and six against. Serbia, which earlier defeated Germany by 1-0, is in the fourth position.

With this qualification, Ghana is the only African team that makes it to the next stage to face United States of America which top group C on Saturday 26 June.

Although the host nation, South Africa, defeated France by two goals to one, it was not enough to see the Bafana Bafana youngsters through to the second phase, having lost to Mexico and drew their first match against Uruguay

Cameroon, the first team in the tournament to be eliminated, performed below expectation, losing all three matches in group E.

Nigeria also performed woefully as the Super Eagles lost two matches and drew one in group B. So is Algeria which collected one point in group C. 

Ivory Coast's four points in group G is not enough to see the Drogba led team to the next stage having lost to Brazil, beat North Korea 3-0 and drew with Portugal which has the highest number of goals by defeating North Korea 7-0.

Wednesday 23 June 2010

The Worst Striker Or The Worst Miss?

Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, throws the ball away as he faces empty net...
photo: AFP

Monday 21 June 2010

Cultural Event Marks 2010 World Cup

 By Hakeem Babalola
 A group of African cultural promoters entertained Hungarian audience to commemorate the ongoing football fiesta in South Africa at the weekend before the group E match involving Brazil and Ivory Coast read more

Friday 18 June 2010

World/Cup: Stupid Kaita, Useless Eagles

 By Hakeem Babalola

I can even forgive Godwin Odiye whose own goal against Tunisia in the 1978 world cup in Lagos prevented us from hoisting our flag but not this Sani Kaita whose senseless behaviour helped Greece beat Nigeria read more

Wednesday 9 June 2010

The Prospects Of An African Team Winning The World Cup In South Africa


 By Hakeem Babalola

For one month starting from Friday 11 June to Sunday 11 July, millions of football fans and lovers across the world will be glued to TV or be physically present in South Africa to witness another football fiesta popularly called the World Cup. Apart from its usual glamour, the event will be recording a historical moment. read more

Tuesday 1 June 2010

Gay Asylum Seeker Freed

 By Hakeem Babalola

The Pesti Kozponti keruleti Biróság has freed a Cameroonian man who claimed to be running away from his town for fear of being killed as a result of his sexual orientation read more

Sunday 30 May 2010

Cheers for African Attire


 By Hakeem Babalola
(Community Report)

The crowd continuously cheered the cat walking models that displayed African attire in a mini fashion and cultural show at the Europark Segafredo Kávéház in Budapest on Tuesday shortly before the match between Spain and Portugal.

The show was part and continuation of series of events being organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Human Rights Movement geared to promote integration between Hungarians and Africans living in the Central European country.

The cultural show which was carefully mapped out to attract Hungarians, especially football fans and lovers due to the ongoing world cup in South Africa, received shout of approval as the duo of Juanita and Amanda proudly exhibited different West African clothes.

Although it was gathered that the duo are not professional models, they gracefully showed to the clapping audience a sense of belonging if given the opportunity. 

Not only that. Right after the catwalk, Juanita and Amanda also showed the other side of them. 

They wiggled and embraced the rhythm of the moment with their whole body as the trio of Dava Gin, Festus Ihaza and Peter Okoh electrified the atmosphere with a powerful beating of conga. 

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Event In Picture

 Photo: Hakeem Babalola

The SANKOFA Cultural Band responding to cheers after a performance that held the audience spellbound
 Click to see more pictures

Sunday 23 May 2010

The Closure of Savannah Restaurant

  By Hakeem Babalola


The sudden closure of Savannah Restaurant, an African addition to Budapest cuisines, is sad and unexpected. The closure begs for many questions as to the survival of African businesses in Budapest and Hungary in general. Why should the only African restaurant in Budapest closed down while for example, Chinese and Indian restaurants are still flourishing  read more

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Mercy Johnson: Settle Down Now...

Mercy  Johnson: Settle Down Now & Forever
 By Odimegwu Onwumere

It has been said that the traditional wedding of the screen delectable actress, Mercy Johnson comes up 17th August, the same day her birth day falls. This screen queen and the sexiest girl in Nollywood is no doubt a talented artiste, with an immeasurable aspiration. She is a rare talent that has brought envy to the world for actresses, a beauty so rich for use, with her beaming chuckles that could heal the earth and even make a celibate break his vow.

Johnson who came to limelight in the film industry about five years ago has been many times wrongfully sidelined as an act only good for emotional roles. Some say that she dresses quack, while others jealous her physique, wrongly. But even if we should agree with the detractors, is her ability to shed tears common? Who in the film industry could change her facial expression to fit in any mood a role requires if not Mercy Johnson? Bad people peddle bad publicity!


When asked in an interview to explain how it has been with her and negative reports, Mercy Johnson said that for sometime now, it’s really been frustrating, and that she guesses some people are really trying to frustrate her. But she thinks it’s just a small price to pay for what she gets. It’s a little price to pay for everything she gets as Mercy Johnson. The negative side is alarming and heart-breaking, but the positive side still carries much weight.

When asked to explain what defines a sexy woman, she said that she thinks being sexy is not all about beauty. It’s not about exposing yourself unnecessarily. Being sexy is a personal thing. It’s what a particular person portrays in everything she does. Someone might have a sexy way of talking, or a sexy way of appealing to people. A woman appeals to people in different ways. Being sexy in itself is large. You can’t quantify it.


One Maureen Layokun talked about the beauty of Mercy Johnson, saying that, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Therefore, what some people may see as offensive might be the reason for Mercy's value. Let's face it, the law of gravity must set in whether we like it or not – a woman's beautiful fleshy bulbs must one day turn droopy but that does not change the person. What Mercy needs now is to invest more on plunge and balconette bras... after all, the points she is lacking at her top region, she has more than made up for at her backside. Mercy, keep your head up high, and keep doing what you do best...



Nigerians can’t say that they don’t love her acting! A lot of people have said and many are saying that she should keep it up. She kills many philanderers with her features; something in her that many women have gone for artificial surgery for. Her figure has turned many men to sudden prayer warriors, all, in a bid to have a woman like Mercy in physique. Mercy even knew that she is beautifully wonderful when she said in an interview thus: "...My brothers are so ‘sweet’, just like my sisters…”


Though, an adult that is capable of taking her own decisions, but it is imperative that Mercy Johnson is advised against taking any form of pride or fame into her marriage. The film industry should be differentiated from marriage. She should know that marriage is beyond wedding.


Many Nollywood ladies are today shamelessly proud of being divorcees, turning bad role models to our good young girls. Some of these husband heartbreakers say that they are now married to Jesus. And one asks, if a woman cannot be submissive to her husband, how can she be submissive to Jesus, let alone, marrying to Him? Please, Mercy should eschew being one of them, tommorow. And she should do anything possible to make her marriage work.


Mercy Johnson should be a total woman to her husband (as she is in appearance) and maintain a status that at home, there are rules and regulations. Her man should not be for her an insult laboratory.


She should maintain her statement in an interview when asked, “Are you really ready to give up your career for a man?” And she answered: Well, you get to a stage, where you have to make some decisions. That is the stage I am now. If I have to give up acting for my marriage, I will. I have paid my dues. This is Africa, where some things have to be done. And in this industry you have to leave the crown for others to wear too. So if you let go of love, because you want to wear the crown, what if you don't get it anymore? It is not as if I have made up my mind sorely, but if that is what I have to do, I will.


Let Mercy Johnson know that Nigerians will not be interested in the past rumours surrounding her immediately she is married but all eyes will now be interested and beam on her to know whether she will be acting in a manner that will make her hubby always happy just as she acts on the screen that has lured many fans to her. But on the part of her husband, he should leave Mercy Johnson to be acting, for the sake of her numerous fans,  who enjoys her on the screen, while he enjoys her behind the screen.


Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author and Media Consultant, is the Founder of Poet Aganst Child Abuse (PACA), Rivers State. Mobile: +234803255285. Email: apoet_25@yahoo.com

Sunday 9 May 2010

Tolerance Day For School Kids


 By Hakeem Babalola

It was quite a different day and warm atmosphere for students of five schools in district 8 who participated in this year’s Tolerance Tournament organised to promote harmony, peace and tranquillity among school children in Budapest. read nore

Friday 30 April 2010

Alfred & Archie Dazzle School Kids


 Community Report

Alfred Sankor and Archie Bonka have left a mark that will for long time lingers in the memory of Theresa Town Bilingual pupils, parents and teachers when they produced a dazzling performance that electrified the whole school read more