· July, 2010

Stories about Nigeria from July, 2010

Nigeria: Literary prize money that never comes

  29 July 2010

Jeremy Nigerian writers who never receive their prize money: “There is a general pattern emerging with the award of literary prizes in Nigeria. The delighted author or poet hears the good news and attends the award ceremony…And then the prize money never comes.”

Nigeria: Reflections from AIDS2010

  28 July 2010

Nigerian blogger's reflections of AIDS2010: “It has been my pleasure to share with you some of my reflections from AIDS2010, from a Nigerian perspective. I have not covered in detail a lot of the interesting scientific issues emerging from the conference.”

Nigeria: 50 years of hopelessness

  28 July 2010

Adeola writes about Nigerias “50 years of hopelessness”: “We have complained that it is morally wrong for Nigeria to celebrate the 50th year anniversary in an ostentatious manner because of the resounding failure of the various governments since 1960.”

Nigeria: Nollywood movies online

  22 July 2010

TechMasai writes about Izogmovies: “Izogmovies is a Nigerian start-up which streams Nollywood movies online. At Izogmovies you can watch one free film after sign up, or pay the membership fee to access their entire database.”

Could Nigeria become a one-party state?

  21 July 2010

Could Nigeria turn into a one-party states?” “There is nothing more dangerous for a developing democracy than for it's citizens to have no idea of when the next elections will be. For some reason, in this, the 21st century, that is indeed the case for Nigeria.”

Nigeria: More violence in Maza, near Jos

  18 July 2010

Carmen McCain reports fresh killings near Jos, a city still recovering from deadly riots earlier in the year. “It is with a sick feeling in my stomach that I post this. One of my friends, Godfrey Saeed Selbar… called me around 11:51am this morning, telling me that there had been...

Nigeria: Documentary on Babangida

  12 July 2010

Max Siollun posts links to a documentary critical of General Ibrahim Babangida, military ruler of Nigeria from 1985-1993 and a likely contender in the 2011 election. “An oldie but a goodie,” Siollun writes of the video, which focuses on Babangida's relationship with Mamman Jiya Vatsa, a close friend who was...

Nigeria: Who changed the President's mind— Facebook or FIFA?

  9 July 2010

After receiving hundreds of comments on his Facebook page, Nigeria's President reversed a controversial suspension of the country's national football team. But was the President's change of heart really a response to citizens voicing their frustration on Facebook? Or because of pressure from international football's powerful governing body?

Nigeria: The Facebook Page of Nigeria's President

  8 July 2010

Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan is now on Facebook. He opened his page to communicate with Nigerians at home and abroad on 28 June. He sends regular messages spelling out his vision for Nigeria, and responds to comments from his followers. The page has already attracted 97,443 followers.

Nigeria: Nigerian President on Facebook

  7 July 2010

David Ajao discusses Nigerian president Facebook page: “Through a Facebook page opened on 28th June 2010, he has systematically been sharing his belief in Nigeria and his dream for Nigeria.”

Africa: Children Playing with Makeshift Football

  5 July 2010

Ariniaina shares photos of children playing with a makeshift soccer ball in Antananarivo. The scene is reminiscent of the remarkable photo essay by Julius Mwelu at the road-to-2010 blog  about “the ingenuity of children to keep the joy of soccer alive”. [Additional photos  at africamediaonline]