INNE Other Stories: Bookshops & Boko Haram
A weekly roundup of the most interesting stories about Nigeria and Nigerians worldwide. Hand curated with love. Delivered via email on Sundays.
Sunday, 28 January 2018 | In an interview during La Nuit des Idee (A Night of Ideas) in Paris last week, French Journalist Caroline Broue asked Chimamanda Adichie, “Est-ce qu’il ya des librairies au Nigeria?” Translation: Are there bookshops in Nigeria?
Yes, a whole journalist on behalf of a whole country declared that in France, they “speak very little about Nigeria, and when (they) do it’s about Boko Haram and problems of violence and security.” I wont blame Caroline, or anyone else, for knowing what they know, and what they don’t, about Nigeria. [Sidenote: Chimamanda’s response was as brilliant and epic as she is.] Rather, I’ll continue to applaud the visual artists, writers, musicians, photographers, entrepreneurs and all others who add perspective to the global discourse on Nigeria and Nigerians.
I’m sure Caroline would be surprised to learn that one of my favorite things to do in Lagos is get lost amongst the book selection at Jazzhole and Quintessence. They both offer a very well-vetted and up-to-date selection of Nigerian, African, and Best-Selling authors, as well as other literary and music discoveries.
In case you missed last week’s newsletter, you can catch up here. Otherwise, enjoy this week’s compilation of stories you won’t hear in France.
WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK
1 The Future Of Work In Africa Is Uncertain Despite Technology’s Promise Or Perhaps Because Of It | Story by Abdi Latif Dahir via Quartz
Technology as a mechanism for economic prosperity is exciting. But when it comes to automating processes and reducing the need for manual labor in a country with an unemployment rate close to 20%…the future of work begins to look a bit more grim. There is a middle ground, however. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are exploring the future of work in developing countries, with the objective of recommending government led solutions that will “reduce the fear of digitization and machine learning.”
SIZE MATTERS
2 How Unilever And Rivals Are Navigating The Nigerian Consumer Market | Story by Alexis Akwagyiram via Reuters
Restrictions on foreign exchange and increased costs associated with importing foreign goods has made the operating environment in Nigeria particularly challenging for businesses without borders. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Consumer focused companies like Unilever and Nestle continue to profit from the 190 million strong consumer class by increasingly offering smaller packaged products and moving manufacturing onshore.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
3 Oil In Our Creeks: A Cinematic VR Experience | Story via Contrast VR
Oil spills in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have immensely devastated entire food ecosystems and communities for over 40 years. As we know when it comes to storytelling, often times seeing is believing. Contrast VR, Al Jazeera’s virtual reality and 360-degree content production studio, adds depth to the Niger Delta oil spill story by immersing viewers into the communities and lives of people who have been affected first hand by the oil spill. The resulting 360 degree documentary, in partnership with Amnesty International, combines animations and live action footage to tell a tale of two oil spills through the communities who have been affected and the young activists who are fighting the good fight.
MEDIA MAVENS
4 How These Nigerian Women Are Cashing In On Social Media | Story by Tom Bouchier Hayes and Munachim Amah via CNN
Nigerians are social. Both online and off. With over 15 million Nigerians using social media, opportunity abounds to bridge the gap between indulging in sweet gist online and living the good life offline. Linda Ikeji, Sisi Yemmie, and Chiamaka Obuekwe are all carving out a lucrative niche for themselves, ranging from building Nigeria’s largest privately owned television station to utilizing social media to run a successful tourism business.
BOOKED
5 10 Nigerian Writers Writing About Lagos | Story by Books Africana
Sometimes the best way to travel is through reading books. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing like booking a flight, hopping on a plane, and waking up in a new land. But, there’s also nothing like picking up a book and immediately transporting yourself. You can go to Lagos right now if you want. These 10 books will provide you with varying glimpses and experiences set amongst Africa’s Big Apple.
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