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There are very few young Nigerians who will not jump at an opportunity to relocate to another country. Although the USA, Canada, The United Kingdom, and Australia might be preferred destinations, young people just want to get out of Nigeria and don’t really care where. In the minds of most, there could hardly be a worse place to live than Nigeria. Desperation to leave Nigeria is evident in the number of young people who risk their lives daily, travelling across the Sahel in an attempt to get to Europe. Some succeed while most fail and either turn back, die on the way, or get sold into slavery.
Recently, some adverts surfaced on social media offering “50,000 DECENT JOBS FOR CROSS RIVERIANS”. This programme is championed by SOS Global Investments and SOS Labour in partnership with the Cross River State Migration Control Agency. The adverts allegedly offer opportunities for young Cross Riverians to get jobs as supermarket and restaurant workers as well as housemaids and drivers.
On the surface, the opportunity to work abroad and earn US dollars sounds exciting and indeed it might offer the opportunity of a lifetime if the programme fulfils its objectives as advertised. However, there are some things about the programme that give cause for concern.
Firstly, the government is the facilitator of a programme that seeks to “export” young people to serve as low skilled labor in other countries. The irony here is that in the last few years, many businesses in Cross River State like restaurants, shops and factories have closed altogether or relocated to other states due to unfavorable business conditions imposed by the same government. So it appears to me that the government inadvertently forced Cross Riverians out of jobs by making life difficult for employers only to then turn around to facilitate the “export” of these same Cross Riverians to do similar or lower skilled jobs in other countries. It sounds like drawing blood from the dying to nourish the healthy.
My second concern is that the other two partners – SOS Investments and SOS Labour appear to be profit-making organisations. Indeed, the government itself might be driven by the desire to profit from this programme.
History suggests that when financial profit is a motive for facilitating the “export” of people across national borders, the outcomes are rarely in the interest of the people exported. The transatlantic slave trade might readily come to mind but there are more recent examples.
The Gulf region, which appears to be the location of these so called “50,000 decent jobs”, has a reputation for treating migrant workers badly. Qatar has been in the spotlight over the last few years being the host nation for the 2022 football World Cup. A report by npr.org suggests that more than 6,500 migrant workers have lost their lives in preparation for the World Cup. An investigative report by independent.co.uk highlights serious abuses perpetrated against migrant workers. Workers have been subjected to horrendous abuses by employers including beatings, hair pulling, kicks and punches. Women have been sexually abused. I am bothered that if the facilitators of this programme must balance their books, the welfare of our young people is likely to be lower down their list of priorities.
A third concern is that the programme charges an average non-refundable fee of N3,250 per applicant. With the level of desperation amongst young people, this could be a big money spinner for its partners. If people are made to believe that there are 50,000 jobs on offer, I can imagine that more than 100,000 Cross Riverians are likely to apply; 100,000 applications will deliver N325,000,000 to the facilitators of this programme. A huge sum considering that the applicants may get nothing in return. There are also processing fees of $100 and $600. These presumably will only be paid by those who are successful. These fees are high for a state with a GDP per capita of USD1,500, yet young people will look for creative ways of raising the money. After all, it will be well worth it if they stand to make thousands of dollars once they are working.
I must admit, if I was in the shoes of the average young Cross Riverian who has little or no prospect of a livelihood in the state, I would jump at this opportunity. I therefore imagine that there will be an avalanche of applications. My duty as an elder brother to our youngsters is to advice caution and to encourage them to ask the following questions amongst others:
1. How many hours per day will I be required to work?
2. How many days per week will I be required to work?
3. Do I have to pay a portion of my salary to an agent? If so, how much and for how long?
4. Will I receive my salary directly or will it be paid through an agency?
5. Will my employer or agency be in possession of my passport?
6. What support will I get if I suffer sexual or physical abuse?
7. What happens if I die in the cause of performing my work?
8. What living conditions will be provided to me?
9. What happens if I decide to quit working and return home?
Whichever way we look at this programme, its very premise indicates that we have failed our young people. If they had hope and the prospect of a meaningful livelihood, most would gladly stay home to build their state while being close to their families. As it stands, to either stay in Cross River State and starve or become a house-boy or house-girl in Qatar is the unenviable dilemma they face.
Iso Bassey is the founder of Academix NG. He is a Cross Riverian and writes in from the United Kingdom via iso.bassey@gmail.com
Sanchia Alasia is an award winning specialist in Diversity, Human Resources and EU Affairs as well as a motivational speaker. She currently works at London Southbank University as their Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. She’s an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
She was first elected to Barking and Dagenham Council in 2010 and was the first of three Black women to be elected there. She has held a number of positions – School Governor, chair of the health and adult services scrutiny committee and chair of the planning committee. She was the first Caribbean female civic mayor there in 2018/19.
Sanchia has won numerous awards including, outstanding public sector personality of the year at the Precious awards in 2020, highly commended in the Baton awards as a political figure in 2020 and the award for excellence in the public sector at the Gathering of Africa’s best awards in 2020. She was also named as one the 50 most inspirational Black women in the U.K in Black history month in 2019 by African Glitz.
Sanchia took part in the Operation Black Vote MP shadow scheme in 2006. She shadowed Sadiq Khan and subsequently Diane Abbott.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR INTERVIEW WITH DR Milton Obamba AS WE TALK BUSINESS . DR OBAMBA HOLDS A PHD IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS,
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Natasha M. Bynoe will be a guest on THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW
NATASHA IS BASED IN NEW YORK, SHE IS THE CEO OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA INSTITUTE OF CULTURAL EXCHANGE MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW – FEEL FREE TO SUBSCRIBE ON OUR CHANNEL – www.youtube.com/user/etekatoks
About Natasha Margaret-Victoria Bynoe the Historian
Ms. Bynoe has worked on many projects that researched the lives of the enslaved in the Caribbean for the University of the West Indies and various government agencies. As of January 2020, Ms. Bynoe was appointed the C.E.O of a newly formed non-profit organization The African Diaspora Institute of Cultural Exchange and Historical Research also known as C.E.H.R. “We are an Institute that connects the mosaic of cultures of the Black Atlantic through cultural and educational exchanges and research.” For Ms. Bynoe, there is not enough scholarship as it pertains to African Diaspora histories. It is her vision as C.E.O is to create historical and cultural projects to open opportunities for many historians and culturist from around the region and to create public seminars and programs.
Her current research explores the spaces in West Africa used for human captivity. The amalgamation of narratives from both sides of the black Atlantic, shows a route filled with unimaginable horrors and triumphs: from the capture to enslavement. The oral histories told by the chiefs, kings, and griots are often times in contrast to narratives written in the history books. As of May of 2018, Ms. Natasha Bynoe traveled to Ghana and Burkina Faso to record the various narratives passed down generations of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and slave raids that happened well into the first quarter of the 20th century stories that were told at the various areas of capture, punishment, and places used for markets to buy and sell human capital. Most importantly, the stories of rescue, escapees, and those left behind to form new ethno-societies are stories rarely heard.
Ms. Bynoe is an extremely proud alumni of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Barbados. She has a B.A (Hon) and M.A in History. In 2018, Ms. Bynoe spent 3 weeks as a researcher at Cape Coast Castle, and Elmina Castle in Ghana and holds the honor of being the first Barbadian to give a presentation at Cape Coast Castle, the title: ‘ Terror Continued: The First Seventy Three Years of Enslavement in Barbados’
Lady NV Radio Presenter
Natasha Bynoe aka “Lady NV” best known female DJ for creating high voltage musical sparks on radio has been in the music industry over 25 years. Lady NV has toured over 28 cities on more than 3 continents. As an assistant to Russell Simmons at RAL/DEF Records, she worked at a variety of prestigious record labels. While working as an assistant publicist she represented clients like Gangstarr, Arrested Development and Janet Jackson on EMI North America Records. After leaving the labels, Lady NV went to work directly for Hip Hop legend KRS-1 as his personal assistant and was later promoted to the position of his assistant manager.
When NV left the employment of KRS-1, she brought her deft resolve to radio starting on WNWK 105.9 New York, Power 105 NYC and Hot 102 Jamaica. Securing a deal with Madison Paarc Radio Networks in 2008, Lady NV was the hosts of a highly energetic, and celebrity studded syndicated show called ‘Urban Vybz’ with up to 5 million faithful listeners mainly in Africa and America. ‘Urban Vybz’ was a two hour mix show with Lady NV as the turntablist and DJ, mixing World African Music, Reggae, and Soca. ‘Urban Vybz’ was rated #1 in Gambia on Unique FM and was heard in Zimbabwe for 3 years, Liberia for 2 years, Ghana for over 8 years, and Gambia for 10 years. The same buzz Lady NV created worldwide was felt at SLAM 101.1FM Barbados. The Weekday Fix was a hub for both international and local celebrities. The Weekday Fix was the most listened and rated #1 show on Slam 101.1 FM for 3 years.
Kenya and friends in the park 2021, celebrating 7 years since inception AND still growing stronger, bigger and better.
Since 2015, almost 50,000 people have either been entertained, educated, inspired, empowered and connected in harmony .
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES OF THIS YEARS EVENT taking place on the 24th and 25th of July 2021
My name is Nims Obunge, and I believe that London is a city we can all be proud to call our home and we should work together to preserve and protect all that represents London as we step up to make it the best city in the world!
I believe our city is now at a point where we can no longer afford to hand our destiny to politicians alone. Neither do I believe one political party has the answer to the many challenges we face. A collaborative effort is the only way we can see our city prosper.
To achieve this I have decided to run as a truly independent Mayoral candidate in May 2021. I will step up and work together with professionals and practitioners to make our city safe, affordable, electric and prosperous.
Over the next few months I will be listening to the voices of Londoners – the voices of those who live, learn and work in our city. I will champion your voice, working hard to achieve the high aspirations we all share for London. I look forward to you joining The Big Policy Conversation.
Over the last 30 years I have served in different roles across London working as a financial adviser, faith leader (Freedom’s Ark), CEO of The Peace Alliance, governor of an FE college, and been a board member for different government agencies including the London Criminal Justice Partnership. I believe my experiences within London and my continued position as an advocate against violence in our streets and homes make me the ideal candidate to put Londoners’ priorities first.
Please join me on this exciting quest as we step up for London and make it truly ours!
My name is Nims Obunge, and I believe that London is a city we can all be proud to call our home and we should work together to preserve and protect all that represents London as we step up to make it the best city in the world!
I believe our city is now at a point where we can no longer afford to hand our destiny to politicians alone. Neither do I believe one political party has the answer to the many challenges we face. A collaborative effort is the only way we can see our city prosper.
To achieve this I have decided to run as a truly independent Mayoral candidate in May 2021. I will step up and work together with professionals and practitioners to make our city safe, affordable, electric and prosperous.
Over the next few months I will be listening to the voices of Londoners – the voices of those who live, learn and work in our city. I will champion your voice, working hard to achieve the high aspirations we all share for London. I look forward to you joining The Big Policy Conversation.
Over the last 30 years I have served in different roles across London working as a financial adviser, faith leader (Freedom’s Ark), CEO of The Peace Alliance, governor of an FE college, and been a board member for different government agencies including the London Criminal Justice Partnership. I believe my experiences within London and my continued position as an advocate against violence in our streets and homes make me the ideal candidate to put Londoners’ priorities first.
Please join me on this exciting quest as we step up for London and make it truly ours!
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR INTERVIEW WITH DR Milton Obamba NEXT MONTH AS WE TALK BUSINESS . DR OBAMBA HOLDS A PHD IN EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS,
THIS IS A SHOW YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS MORE UPDATES TO FOLLOW – FEEL FREE TO SUBSCRIBE ON OUR CHANNEL – http://www.youtube.com/user/etekatoks
I am humbled to by the honour of ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING MEN DURING BY PANDEMIC BY THE AFRICAN OF WOMEN IN EUROPE. Although this is my 22nd Award Recognition , it simply feels like the first.
The Soul of any community lives in the heart of its people, the spirit of CHANGE unfolds when we make the most of the present moment.
We are inviting you to join us and celebrate with us. BOOK YOUR TICKETS Fee for AWE & AWT Members https://bit.ly/2PR48WX at EventbriteThe event will be held on HOPIN.com ( We hosted the last event 2020 on the same platform )Are you a business woman and would you like to showcase your product?
Book an exhibition stand where you will interact with guests virtually. How to book is on the Eventbrite Book YOUR TICKETS https://bit.ly/2PR48WXInvite your friends to join us, as we celebrate togetherhttps://youtu.be/D3Kd7q3YCes#AWEAwards2021#africanwomenineurope#awesacco********* Sponsored by ***TAPTAP Send Get 10 Euro off your first payment use CODE : AWARDS2021www.taptapsend.com
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 