Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has addressed Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative Party leader of Yoruba descent, urging her to reconsider her public remarks about Nigeria. Shettima suggested that Badenoch could remove “Kemi” from her name if she was not proud of her Nigerian heritage rather than speaking negatively about her ancestral country. Badenoch, who spent part of her childhood in Lagos, has been candid about her experiences in Nigeria, describing it as a city “where fear was everywhere,” according to a recent report by The Telegraph. She often highlights the insecurity and corruption she witnessed growing up during a military dictatorship. Vice President Shettima, however, criticized her remarks, emphasizing that Badenoch should reflect pride in her roots. He compared her to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who, despite his Indian heritage, has never disparaged his ancestral nation. Shettima remarked, “Rishi Sunak is originally from India, yet he has never denigrated his roots or poured venom on his country of ancestry.” Badenoch’s spokesperson responded to Shettima’s remarks, stating that she stands by her statements, noting, “She tells the truth as it is and doesn’t sugarcoat her words. She is not a PR representative for Nigeria.” During a recent trip to the U.S., Badenoch recounted her experiences in Nigeria during the 1980s, saying, “Almost everything seemed broken. I watched my family’s financial stability crumble due to inflation caused by destructive government policies.” She highlighted issues such as capital controls, restricted freedom of movement, state control of businesses, and human rights abuses, including arrests without trial and extrajudicial killings. Despite her criticisms, Shettima underscored Nigeria’s significance, describing it as “the greatest black nation on earth.” Born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke in Wimbledon, south London, Badenoch’s Nigerian parents had traveled to the UK for private healthcare. The family later returned to Nigeria before she moved back to the UK at age 16 to pursue her education. Now married to investment manager Hamish Badenoch, she has maintained her candid stance on her childhood experiences and their impact on her worldview. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel. Tags: Nyesom Wike good govern
With over 40 million speakers, Igbo is a rich and widely spoken language rooted in southeastern Nigeria. Historically, the Igbo people referred to themselves as “Ndi Igbo,” and their language belongs to the Kwa subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family. While Nigeria is the cultural and geographical heart of the Igbo language, it has also spread beyond its borders. Here are five countries where the Igbo language and culture have left a lasting impact: 1. Barbados Barbados, an island nation in the West Indies, is known for its blend of Portuguese, British, Indian, and West African influences. The locals, called Barbadians, often refer to their country as “Bim.” Interestingly, this nickname is derived from the Igbo phrase “bi mu” meaning “my people.” While English is the official language, Barbadians have borrowed many words from West African languages, with Igbo being a notable contributor. 2. Cuba Cuba, the third most populous nation in the Caribbean after the Dominican Republic and Haiti, also has strong Igbo linguistic and cultural connections. The fusion of languages over centuries has shaped the country’s cultural identity, with Igbo ancestry playing a significant role. For example, Afro-Cuban religious practices, particularly within the Abakuá society, reflect the influence of the Igbo language and traditions. 3. Jamaica Jamaica, a prominent island in the Caribbean, has deep ties to the Igbo language due to the transatlantic slave trade. Many Igbo people were brought to Jamaica, significantly shaping its local culture and language. Even today, the Igbo word “unu,” meaning “you,” is commonly used in Jamaican Patois. This connection highlights how Igbo culture has endured and blended with Jamaican traditions. 4. Equatorial Guinea Located in Central Africa, Equatorial Guinea is home to a significant Igbo-speaking population, particularly on Bioko Island. Approximately 40,000 people in the country speak Igbo as a regional language. The proximity of southeastern Nigeria to Equatorial Guinea has facilitated cultural exchanges and migration, further embedding the Igbo language in the region. 5. Cameroon Cameroon, another Central African nation sharing a border with Nigeria, has been influenced by the Igbo language since the 1920s. Before colonial boundary adjustments, parts of southeastern Nigeria overlapped with Cameroon, allowing Igbo-speaking communities to settle there. Today, the Igbo language is part of everyday vocabulary and is even used as a lingua franca in certain areas. The spread of the Igbo language beyond Nigeria showcases its resilience and cultural significance. From the Caribbean to Central Africa, Igbo has not only endured but has also influenced diverse cultures around the world. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
