Entertainment
How Africans Vandalise Africa: A Review
Title: How African Vandalise Africa
Pages: 407
Author: Adaobi Whyte
Reviewer: Shedie Okpara
How Africans Vandalise
Africa (Focusing Nigeria) is a book authored by Chief (Mrs) Adaobi Whyte and launched on Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Though it is said, “Do not judge a book by its cover,” this book is an exception to the norm as its cover with an imprint of the map of Africa actually focuses on the African continent inhabited by the black race.
Both the cover and the title of the book speak for itself; it is not only an interesting piece which arouses curiosity, but also explosive, controversial and enigmatic, it is about Africa vis-à-vis the blackman. Even without the title one can easily deduce that the book is about Africa. The book exposes and laments the destiny, slave mentality and wickedness of the black man from the indigenous slavery to the cross Atlantic Slave trade, importation of Christianity and the Islamic religion into Africa.
The book also highlights the religious exploitation, commercialisation, fanatism and hypocrisy in Africa as well as colonisation, vandalisation and destruction of the continent. It exposes how Africans have imposed upon themselves, slave masters, dictators and sit-tight leaders, creating obstacles to the development of the rich continent, these religious and political leaders represent a creature who has eyes and ears that neither sees or hears.
According to the author, the three tragedies that have befallen Africa are indigenous slavery, cross-Atlantic slave trade, apartheid, importation of artificial Christianity and Islam into Africa as well as the recent Chinese colonization among others.
A glance at chapter one of the book tells us about how the Niger Delta region of Nigeria remains a shining example of how African leaders have failed at home and abroad for if the foreigner is not oppressing him, he must be oppressing his brother. Describing the Niger Delta as the treasure base of Nigeria and the goose that lays the golden egg, the writer expresses fear for the negative attitude of the African leaders towards God, even as most of them have turned themselves to demigods. The author blamed the deplorable state of the Niger Delta on the leaders of the region.
Chapter four of the book focuses on the failed efforts of the British colonial masters to stabilize Nigeria after Independence in 1960.
Discussing on the topic, “Federalism: The Nigeria Experience, the author states that the leaders failed to foresee that the tensions of combining federalism, the parliamentary system and regional interests would cause crisis capable of plunging the country into a civil war characterised by bitterness and vengeance.
The author also noted that the inability of Nigerian leaders to negotiate successfully some special problems and complex political forces made nonsense of our parliamentary system of government which landed the country into executive presidential system and will be judged on how far it had succeeded first in solving our special problems of diverse tongues and conflicting interests and cultures … so essential in the founding of a nation.
Nigeria: A case study of blackman’s evil upon fellow blacks is another issue treated in Chapter Six of the book. The author cited the case of the wickedness of the whites on blacks in South-Africa linking it to that of the black Africans on fellow blacks from the Nigerian experience. In that chapter, the writer asserted that Europeans inherited civilisation from Egypt and Asia, developed the system and imported it back into Africa, while the black man inherited the developed system from the whites and engaged in onward destruction.
The author noted that despite man’s faulty nature, the Whiteman has used his acquired resources to build his country, while the blackman destroys his God-given resources. The whites used their knowledge to develop the alphabets that we use today, but the blackman goes to higher institutions to learn mere paperwork. An African president or Head of State sits in his office like the Pharisees receives the nation’s revenue and embezzles the money and shares some to his cronies, while the country begs for development and economic empowerment.
The author in chapter twenty three stated that over five decades, after independence, the black man was better of under the whites. Despite the shortcomings of the whites, they exported beautiful things to Africans including good food, shelter, medical care, better environment and education, but today, the black leaders have vandalised all that the whites imported into Africa.
Other interesting and tantalizing topics that stimulate a good reading of the four-part and 407-page book include “Oppression: The Ndoni Kingdom Experience,” “The Unbroken Curses,” “The Nigerian Presidency in Retrospect,” “The Nigerian National Assembly and Abortive Probes,” Fulani Herdsmen and the Nigerian Farmers,” “the Potentials of the Blackman,” among others.
The author of the book, Chief (Mrs) Adaobi Whyte is a renowned fashion designer, horticulturist, critic/social crusader, mother, politician and writer. Privileged with only the basic primary education, Standard six, as it was called then, the Ndoni-born author has over the years, developed her knowledge by reading and seeking experience in many other areas of life.
She has also proved, through her contribution to life and everything about her that determination is the key to success. Adaobi has four other books: “Abuse of the Nigerian Child,” “Plight of the Nigerian Woman,” “Dr. Peter Otunuya Odili: Threading the path of Destiny” and Ndoni Kingdom and Peaceful Co-existence” to her credit, which are currently in the market.
Indeed, the book is people’s book of lamentations, well written and it will cause many university students and graduates feel challenged to record such outstanding achievements in their lifetime. It is a good source for research students and scholars. The book is recommended for all seekers of historical, socio-political and cultural greatness.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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