2016 Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop

Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, organized by award-winning writer and creative director of Farafina Trust, Chimamanda Adichie, from June 21 to July 1, 2016. The workshop is sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. The Caine Prize-winning Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, Aslak Sira Myhre and others will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie.

The workshop will take the form of a class. Participants will be assigned a wide range of reading exercises, as well as daily writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspective to the art of storytelling.

Participation is limited only to those who apply and are accepted.

To apply, send an e-mail to udonandu2016@gmail.com. Your e-mail subject should read ‘Workshop Application’. The body of the e-mail should contain the following:
1.Your Name
2. Your Address
3. A few sentences about yourself
4. A writing sample of between 200 and 800 words. The sample must be either fiction or non-fiction.

All material must be pasted or written in the body of the e-mail. Please DO NOT include any attachments in your e-mail. Applications with attachments will be automatically disqualified.

Deadline for submission is May 20, 2016. Only those accepted to the workshop will be notified by June 10, 2016. Accommodation in Lagos will be provided for all accepted applicants who are able to attend for the ten-day duration of the workshop. A literary evening of readings, open to the public, will be held at the end of the workshop on July 1, 2016.

Good luck!

Soon, My Solar-powered Cars ’ll Sell In Nigerian Market - OAU Graduate

Do you remember Oyeyiola Segun? You can read our interview with him in 2014. 'Oyeyiola Segun, A Student Of OAU Builds A Solar-powered Car'.

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In a recent interview with Ronke Sanya of the Nigerian Tribune, Segun Oyeyiola talked about the present state of the solar-powered car which he invented in 2014 and the new projects he is presently working on.

You made headlines in 2014 when you converted a Volkswagen Beetle car, using mainly scrap, into a solar-powered car which you drove around Ile-Ife town, where is that car now?
The solar car which I made in 2014 is presently undergoing some upgrading process. I describe the solar car as ‘model one’ and it is presently in my workshop. Right now, we are upgrading. We are upgrading it, both in the chassis and its main electronics components. After we are done with the upgrading, it will be called the ‘model two.’ It is a form of upgrading whereby we will not use scrap as materials but materials that are much better.

Owing to your innovation, you made headlines in the media, what has the experience been like?
I felt really excited and fulfilled that my work was celebrated by a lot of people. And, yes, different people have contacted me and shown interest in partnering with me. The interesting part is that some of them are ready and willing to work with me. Some are ready to supply some key parts for the car like the high quality batteries, solar module, and so on. I feel good and strongly believe in teamwork which can come in any form.

Many people are of the opinion that the car would not last long because of the popular notion that made in Nigeria products are of low quality. Is your solar car still functioning?
People’s opinion and their beliefs sometimes may be wrong. Let me give you an example. While I was still an undergraduate of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, I was able to study few electronic devices that are products from other countries. After a close study of these products which many Nigerians believe will last longer than Nigerian made ones, I noticed that the products were inferior. I discovered that, if used, these devices will not perform as effectively as they are supposed to, and will not last long too. I was able to notice this because of my expertise in the field of engineering. Therefore, my opinion is that, not all made in Nigeria products are substandard; also, not all foreign products are of good quality. The solar car I made is presently in good condition and functioning well. I am currently upgrading it using better technology and, yes, it will last long because we keep improving on it and we are bringing in novel technology.

What is your plan towards making more of that prototype of solar powered car, in view of the clamour for cars that maximise fuel consumption?
My model cars are a future project. Our plan is to make more prototypes available to whoever desires to have one. Our plan is for the future where you will be able to decide which car you want to buy whether the one that runs on our traditional fuel or the one that runs on pure renewable energy. So, it’s a project for the future and will be optional for those interested to choose.

Why did you choose to upgrade the car?
The upgrading was necessary due to the fact that the ‘model one’, that is, the solar car, was made from what I can call ‘crude implements.’ The Volkswagen Beetle was an abandoned car and the other metals I used were from scrap. I also had to upgrade in order to come into commercialising my idea into something that the public can benefit from. Although, it might appear like a long term project but I believe, with time, we will ride solar cars on the streets of Nigeria. A day will come when our traditional cars will become things of the past while our cars will run on renewable energy.

Do you think if you make more of your solar-powered car, Nigerians will buy them?
The Federal Government has a great role to play in encouraging Nigerians to buy made in Nigeria products. This is because there are many Nigerians who make good products but do not enjoy good patronage. Nigerians are not patronising made in Nigeria products. The present campaign by the Federal Government called BUYNAIJA is a good idea. But for it to work, the government has to continue to sensitise the public on the importance of patronising made in Nigeria products for our economy. On whether Nigerians will buy my solar-powered car, I believe that after we are done with the present upgrading which the model car is going through, and after satisfying the required standard to build the cars, Nigerians will buy them.

What are the new innovations in the offing?
I am an engineer that is passionate about generating power in a dynamic way. What I am working on presently, although I won’t like to disclose the concept entirely, is on power generation. I am presently working on a power project that will benefit farmers and those in agricultural work.

What can you say is the reason behind your creativity? Did your parents nurture the interest in you from when you were young or you just took interest in engineering?
The fact is that once creativity becomes part of one’s nature, it reflects in all that one does. Of course, my parents did a lot by nurturing me when I was a kid but I naturally took interest in engineering. Throughout my study, nurturing the interest and maintaining it has been the most important thing to me.

Also, during my first year, when I met my part adviser Mr Kola Ogunba of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, OAU, he looked at me and said, “the beauty of you studying this engineering course is to be able to solve the problem of your people.” I have never forgotten that statement. It has kept me going and made me to keep trying to proffer solution to problems of many through engineering.

Also, I can’t easily forget my experience during my third year at the university. Our first lecture then was EE309 (Sound and Acoustics). Our lecturer then, Professor Osansoan introduced the course to us and at the end of the lecture, he said, “you guys should be able to build a device that can determine the speed of a car while moving on the road at a close distance to it.” We all laughed then, because we did not understand what he was saying. The class ended that day but when I got to my closet I thought deeply about what he said. For this man to say this, it means it is possible. Eventually, I built it, I was able to build a car that I can determine its speed.

Finally, my final year project was another swell experience. I designed and constructed 5KVA power inverter. After the defence, my supervisor, Dr Adeniran said, “let me advise you, don’t go home and start playing around because you are now a graduate. Keep reading textbooks and if you can’t find one; come, I will lend you.” Then, I really didn’t value those words, but now I can say confidently that those words of advice brought me this far.

What are your words of advice for young inventors who look up to you?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step and there is no short cut to it. Take your time to learn all that is required of you in your chosen field. Also note that in this 21st century, illiterates are not only the people who can’t read and write anymore; it also includes people who can’t unlearn to relearn. No matter what you do, make sure it does not affect the safety and peace of our society.

Source

Fuel Subsidy Removal, What Has Changed Since 2012?

A popular Yoruba adage reads: “Nkan ti Taye se, ti o mu je, ti Kehinde ba dan wo, o le te si” meaning ‘What Taiwo (a twin) does and he goes scot-free, Kehinde (the other twin) may do the same and be in serious trouble.

What I am saying in essence is that, what Mr Goodluck Jonathan did in 2012 and he got lashed for it by Nigerians, Mr Muhammadu Buhari has done the same in 2016 and same persons that meted the previous judgement on the former are cool with it and are even praising the latter. Why? Is this not double standard in display by Nigerians?

Protests greeted the Nigerian streets immediately the former President on January 1, 2012 during his New Year broadcast to the nation announced the removal of fuel subsidy jacking up oil price from the official N65 to N141 per litre. I can remember vividly how the Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos State hosted the biggest and wildest protest Nigeria has ever witnessed in a decade, this in a bid to force the former President to swallow his decision. In fact, the rest of the world knew Nigerians are beginning to realize what is good for them. However, the announcement of subsidy removal this time around was stylishly made, even if one is not too careful, one would think the President is not on the same page with the decision because Mr Buhari was in UK as at that time and the Presidency was mute for more than 24 hours after the announcement.

The question now is that what has really changed since 2012 that Nigerians can refer to as succour in order to agree with this subsidy removal? I mean what social programme has been put in place especially within the last one year by the government of the day that one can say will cushion the effects this increment in fuel pump price will have on the masses especially at this economically disadvantaged period?

Image credit: Vanguardngr.com

Even the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) been the pressure group of Nigerian workers and perhaps the most powerful representation of the Nigerian masses up there are currently divided on the issue of the fuel subsidy. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 has been set as the deadline given to the Federal Government to reverse the decision. A number of media outlets reported on Sunday, May 15 that the Private Sector Employee Association has vowed not to join the industrial action. Same thing was reported of Pilots and Aircraft Engineers. This was not the case in 2012. Even PENGASSON and NUPENG have come out to agree with the FG on the decision as against their opinion in 2012. Then, you will ask what has really changed?

The popular Nigerian activist who was at the centre of protest in 2012, Mr Femi Falana did not even condemn the fuel subsidy removal but his own point this time is questioning how the State Minister for Petroleum came about the N145/litre margin, from what I could grasp, if the PMS pump price was set at the N135/litre, the exact high point after subsidy removal, he could have praised the decision. The reaction of the prominent APC Chieftain, Mr Bola Tinubu may not be too surprising though, he had repeatedly sued for the removal of fuel subsidy since the inception of the Buhari-led administration. Tinubu was reported to have influentially mobilized the whole of Lagos State masses to revolt against the previous administration in 2012 as a result of the subsidy removal, what has now changed?

The minimum wage value actually may have changed since 2012. The dollar to naira exchange rate which used to be about N180 to 1 dollar now goes for about N360 to 1 dollar in the parallel market. The implication of this is obviously not complicated. The prices of imported goods on which Nigerians largely live on will now be doubled. Let us do the calculation together, a Nigerian who lives on the unreviewed minimum wage of N18,000 valued at $100 before which now values at $50 has a deficit of $50 now. Prices of goods are inversely proportional to the value of money. I think this is a change!

Mr Ibe Kachikwu, the time giving minister has not failed this time as he has once again said in about 8 – 9 months, the price of PMS will go down, by then, he said our refineries will be fully operational. Only a few persons who have not been following the Minister’s time giving may entirely shove that down their throat but many Nigerians see this as a message of hope which is though workable but may not be the case.

I would only advise the Nigerian labour forces to hold on to their demands. They should say no to increase in pump price except an upward review of the minimum wage is accepted and implemented by governments at all levels. Poor Nigerian workers who live on a minimum wage of $1.67/day should not be made to pay the sacrifice of Change alone as we have been made to believe. The Executives and the Legislators should also cut their expenses, jack down their salaries and reduce the cost of governance for the sake of the Change we all profess and seem to believe in. I want to believe a Minister traveling to China requesting for a loan of over N13m to execute the traveling expenses lacks the locus standing and moral justification to tell a Nigerian worker to continue to pay N145 for a litre of PMS while the N18,000 minimum wage scheme is still in vogue.


David Adetula

Association Disburses N4.3m Scholarship To 73 OAU Students

The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association has disbursed N4.3 million scholarship grant to 73 students of the University.

The grant was issued to the students during the association’s 2016 National Annual Reunion Public Lecture on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The association’s National President, Prof. AbdulWahab Egbewole, said the scholarship was issued to indigent students to help ease their difficulties and for them to concentrate on their studies.

Egbewole said since the formation of the association 12 years ago, it had engendered unity among members and helped to correct many wrong perceptions of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.

He noted that Nigeria was passing through various challenges such as economic downturn, political quagmire, social imbalance, kidnapping, money laundering among others.

According to him, it is the duty of every Nigerian to support the present administration to overcome the challenges facing the nation.

“As faithful Muslims that believe in Allah, we are convinced that Nigeria has a great future, but leaders must lead with the fear of God and followers must allow them to perform effectively well,” Egbewole said.

He advised the youths against all forms of vices that would tarnish the image of the country and truncate their future.

He also urged the youths to remain focused so as to contribute their quota to sustainable national development.

The Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who chaired the event, advised the association to create a database of members and their professions to easily tap from their expertise.

Prof. Labo Popoola, who delivered a lecture entitled: “Sustainable National Development: a Challenge to the Muslim Ummah,” noted that corruption had stunted Nigeria’s growth.

Popoola challenged the elites to shed their anti-people toga and allow viable government policies to succeed in the overall interest of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the association has awarded scholarship worth N21.9 million to 394 students of OAU since its formation 12 years ago.

NAN.

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ASUU Resolves To Join Protest On Wednesday Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

Official Release From ASUU National Secretariat

The National Body of the Academic Staff Union of Universities have resolved to join the planned protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress on Wednesday, 18th May, 2016. This resolution was made known in a release signed by the new ASUU Chairman, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi.

Tomato Scarcity: Result Of Tuta Absoluta Not Corruption

Nigeria grows some 1.5 million tonnes of tomatoes every year, making it the 14th biggest producer in the world. But less than three months after its richest man Aliko Dangote’s tomato processing factory came on stream, it has suspended production.
Managing Director of the Dangote Tomato Processing Factory in Kadawa, Kano State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Kaita told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the factory had to stop production due to lack of fresh tomatoes to process into paste. The scarcity of the fruit has also led to price increase of about 125 percent. Many Nigerians have again been quick to point accusing fingers as regards the Tomato Scarcity to various reasons.
The tomato processing company was intended to fill a huge gap in the agricultural sector where about 750,000 tonnes of tomatoes are said to be wasted following harvest. However, this year’s harvest has been hit by a devastating tomato pest Tuta absoluta. Kaita said most of the tomato farms in Kano, Jigawa, Plateau, Katsina and Kaduna states were affected.

Tuta Absoluta is a species of moth known by the common names tomato leaf miner and South American tomato moth. It has been spreading rapidly across the world from its native South America in recent years. Last year, farmers in some parts of Nigeria recorded total losses as the pest infested their farms. However, with demand for tomatoes not as high as it has become due to industrialization, the effect was not immediately felt. The pest has struck again this year and it may strike again next season.
Kaita had said the tomato processing factory would resume production during the next irrigation season but with Tuta Absoluta continuing its spread, farmers may find it hard to get enough to sell.
The larvae of Tuta absoluta mine the leaves producing large galleries and burrow into the fruit, causing a substantial loss of tomato production. Damage can reach up to 100 percent and occurs throughout the entire growing cycle of tomatoes. To worsen things, the pest has a very high reproduction capability; an adult female could lay hundreds of eggs during her life time. There are also up to 10-12 generations in a year, in favourable conditions. Also, tomato plants can be attacked from seedlings to mature plants.
With its high resistance to several chemicals, Tuta absoluta is very difficult to control. The best bet, according to researchers, is the use of pheromone traps. Other biological controls have also been suggested as possible ways of fighting off the pest.

For Dangote, to ensure the tomato processing factory which cost about $20 million keeps working, the company may need to support farmers in the fight against the pest.

The Dangote tomato processing factory can process 120 tonnes of fresh tomatoes per day at full capacity, saving Nigeria some precious foreign exchange.

We would also hope that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other Agricultural Bodies assist in proferring a lasting solution to this devastating Pest.

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PMS Price Hike: NLC To Begin Nationwide Strike Wednesday

Barring any last minute alteration, organised labour and its civil society allies have resolved to shut down Nigeria from Wednesday, May 18, over the hike in the pump price of petrol announced by the federal government last Wednesday.

Recall the Federal Government on Wednesday announced a new regime of price that took the pump price of petrol to N145 per liter from N86.50.

Vanguard gathered that labour leaders will not later than Sunday send a letter to government demanding a total reversal to the N86.50 pump price of petrol before 12 am on Wednesday, falling which all economic and others would be shut from Wednesday.

Source: Vanguard