About Us

CONSTRUCTING AN AFRICAN REALITY

Statement of the Problem

 Many of society’s major issues today cannot even be broached without addressing their global dimensions and context. How, for example, can public-interest journalists investigate and write comprehensively about international arms and drug trades, political corruption, financial fraud, wire fraud or environmental degradation without information on these subjects from different parts of the world? How can journalists investigate political fund-raising scandals involving illegal foreign campaign contributions without on-the-ground reporting in those countries? When a fraudulent bank headquartered in one country operates in 73 others and controls billions in deposits, how can it be reported on – or regulated – at the nation-state level?

 Too often, most of these kinds of significant but complicated issues are ignored as too complex or inaccessible because of insufficient time, expertise, or money to investigate them. Meanwhile, in Nigeria and other African countries, investigative reporters are killed, threatened, or imprisoned with alarming regularity. Some even lose their jobs because of their uncompromising attitude.The problem of poor remuneration and general condition of service strike an average African journalist on the face. The case becomes worst when the publisher or the editor indicates interest in a story and goes out to see that the story is killed in the name of protecting the interest of ”a friend of the house.” Amazingly unbowed by these life-and-death realities, they are unable to communicate or collaborate with colleagues who may be doing similar work.

The media have crucial role to play in presenting the facts, bringing out the arguments and generating in-depth knowledge and perspectives that spark ordinary people to action

The role of the media is no doubt critical in promoting good governance and curbing corruption. The media does not only raises public awareness about corruption, causes consequences and possible remedies but also investigates and reports incidences of corruption aiding other over sight bodies.

A critical element of a country’s anti-corruption programme primarily should be an effective media; and the effectiveness of the media depends on access to information and freedom of expression, as well as a professional and ethical cadre of investigative journalists. In addition, such issues as private versus public ownership of the media, the need for improved protection of journalists who investigate corruption and media regulation are critical. The corrupting of the media mission through excessive reliance on advertisers and sponsors is one of the major problems in Nigeria and Africa in general, where political manipulation remains a more powerful influence, but increasing commercialization carriers with it real.

 AFRICAN INTEREST showcases the best international investigative reporting and seeks to be a model for detailed, well-documented research in the broadest public interest of African citizens.

We strongly believe that the presence of an effective networking mechanism for investigative reporters will lead to a better-informed populace, as well as an enhanced civil society and greater accountability among governments in Africa.

 AFRICAN INTEREST is published by Landmark Communications Network Services; in the United States of America. Our aim is to set new standards for African media in Diaspora.

Because of our highly-trained, carefully chosen manpower and our modern production processes- an integrated, computerized pre-press unit and our brand new colour press- AFRICAN INETEREST will be a visual delight to the reader. With judicious use of computer graphics and illustrations, intelligent use of photographs and superior page planning, AFRICAN INTEREST stands for easy reading.  AFRICAN INTEREST believes that newspaper content must be aggregated, collated, and arranged in a style and structure that is relevant to its audience. The focus should be on substance, not style.

Editorial Outlook

AFICAN INTEREST is a monthly newspaper offering objective reporting, commentary and analysis on Africa, and world politics, business and economics, science and technology, culture and society. Editorial independence and objective sense of judgment are the hallmarks of AFRICAN INTEREST.

AFRICAN INTEREST is a mirror that reflects reality with fresh and sometimes bloodied brazenness. And, like a good mirror, it reflects life from all nuances – politics, economy, crime, religion, sports, arts and culture, fashion and lifestyle, the rich, the poor, the stars and the ordinary, the sinners and the saints, warts and all. In other words, AFRICAN INTEREST as a newspaper mirrors the totality of people’s actions or inactions in bold and dramatic language.

AFRICAN INTEREST devotes about six pages to news coverage.  This is aside special pages for Crime stories, Arts & Entertainment, Information Technology, Health, Inside Politics, science, technology Star Feature, Features, business and finance, stock market, arts and society, special surveys, reports environment, essays and columns. There is also the vital provision for communication feedback in form of letters to the Editor which usually share the page with rib-cracking cartoons. 

 Target Audience

AFRICAN INTEREST is a newspaper designed to serve Africans in Diaspora and also to serve as a link between home and abroad.

AFRICAN INTEREST is born to fill the room which exists for a quality newspaper that will occupy the high ground professionally and meet the needs of an informed and influential African audience in Diaspora for news, analysis, comment and specialized features.

Circulation

The newspaper circulates in the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa.

Advertising

AFRICAN INTEREST offers the best advertising opportunity available from any magazine in the sub-region.  Our advertising prints represent the highest standard in the industry. Colour reproductions are of superb quality, just as the black and white reproductions. The magazine undertakes special advertising projects such as supplements, spotlights and special features. The publication guarantees to get your message to your chosen target audience.

Special Projects

This is a vital department, set up to compliment the advertising department to serve the special needs, interest and demands of our special clients and readers.

AFRICAN INTEREST will:

Provide an accurate and comprehensive report of the news in the context that gives it meaning

Act as a forum for the exchange of comment and criticism

Articulate and advance the goal of the good society

Project a representative view of the society

Act as a check on the abuse of power at all levels of society

Advance the course of free but socially responsible enterprise.

AFRICAN INTEREST Believes that:

As journalists we need to explore and strengthen the relationship between journalism and democracy.
Journalism and democracy work best when news, information and ideas flow freely; when news fairly portrays the full range and variety of life and culture of all communities; when public deliberation is encouraged and amplified; and when news helps people function as political actors and not just as political consumers.

Journalist should stand apart in making sound professional judgments about how to cover communities, but cannot stand apart in learning about and understanding these communities.
The multiplicity and disintegration of  the African Society call for new techniques for storytelling and information-sharing to help individual communities define themselves singularly and as part of the whole set of communities.
The stories and images journalists produce can help or hinder as people struggle to reach sound judgments about their personal lives and their common well-being.
 
Democracy is rewarding when journalists listen to the people.

 We can learn and grow as journalists, by examining, experimenting with and enhancing the theory and practice of journalism in relation to the theory and practice of democracy.

In the value of studying the dynamics of communities and the complexity of public life. Just as journalists need to adhere to professional and financial discipline to succeed, we believe they must adhere to democratic discipline.
 The best journalism helps people see the world as a whole and help them take responsibility for what they see.

Team Members

Samuel ‘Seyi Oduyela studied Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained B.A (hons) in religious Studies (1990) and M.A in Old Testament (1992).

 He worked as a lecturer at the Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State (Now Tai Solarin University of Education) from 1992-2000.

 He joined the services of Tempo Magazine in 1998 as a reporter/researcher.

 He became the Defence Correspondent in 1999. In 2000 he became the first person to win the Brig-Gen Buba Marwa Prize for the Nigerian media Merit Award as the defence Reporter of the year 2000-2001. He left Tempo in 2001 for the Anchor on Sunday, and later to Sunday Punch as Senior Correspondent in March 2002. He is the Nigeria Editor of Vernacular media an online news provider. 

He is also a contributing writer to Focus magazine (London), Eagle View Press (Stamford, Connecticut, USA, African Abroad, New York, West African News, New York.

He is an investigative reporter, one of his reports gave him the media merit award, in the report he exposed the embezzlement of Soldiers’ transfer allowance by the then Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi. This report forced the Chief of Defence Staff to cough out the allowance.

 It was his interview with Lt Gen Victor Malu (Military Pact: We will resist the Americans, Tempo March 8 2001) that led to his retirement in April 2001. General Malu was a former Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria from 1999-2001.

 As a lecturer, he has many academic journal articles to his credit, conference and seminar papers. He was also a contributor to a book written and published on the Late Tai Solarin titled: ‘Tai Solarin’s views on Religion; A critique ’Tai Solarin- The Making of a Humanist, Edited by A.B. Okanlawon & O.T. Fasanmi, Ijebu- Ode: Admass Publishing Co. Ltd (2000).

 He is  a member of the Investigative Reporters and Editors, National Association of African Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, and World Communication Association.

Seyi Oduyela is the Chief Executive of African Interest.

 

Onyango Oloo William started his journalism career as a Writer with The Standard Newspaper in 1985, joined the Nation Newspaper in 1990 as a Writer/Associate Editor. Mr. William is a writer and an Associate Editor of the Link Newspaper.

He freelance for the BBC, Kenya Television Network, among other media organizations and has done media and communications training /consultancy for a number of organizations.

He won the Community Media Initiative Award, Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET) and Association of World Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC).

His Professional responsibilities / membership are:

Chair, Kenya Correspondents association (KCA)

Members – Board of Trustees, Media Network (MCK)

Members, Network and environment Media Network (HEMNet)

Member, Network of Environmental Journalists of Lake Victoria (NEJLV)

Member, Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET).

Director, Janak Communications – a media and communications agency.

Professional courses are:

Environmental Journalism and Communication (Daystar University): Economic Journalism in Kenya (World Bank, Media Council, ICJ)

Science Writing (Health and Environment Media Network / Action Aid): Media Training on Poverty Rights and economic Development.

Inter Region Economic Network and Friedrich Naumann Stiftung)

Environmental Journalism and Communication (St. Augustine University of Tanzania)

Community Media writing skills (Kenya Community Media Network and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung)

Investigative, Development and Human Rights (The Media Institute)

Reporting Human Rights Course (United State International – Nairobi)

Correspondent Journalism (Media Development Association)

Other Course skills:

Training on Governance/Democracy, Human Rights and Community Development.

 Mr. William has a Diploma in English and History.

 

Evans Wafula lives in Nairobi, Kenya. Wafula has been practicing journalism since 1998. He holds a Diploma in journalism and has other specialty in other fields; including human rights training. He has worked for various including the West Africa Magazine, Central Africa Journal, Eastern Africa Magazine, Business Week, and the London based Africa Week magazine.

Areas of interest: His main area of interest is market intelligence- including investigative reporting on business trends in Africa, developmental, political and social development in Africa, World Trade policy on Africa, Liberalization, and transport (aviation).

Wafula is a board member of the Foreign Correspondent Association of East Africa (FCEA)-a media organization that represents the interests of over 300 foreign journalists working in East Africa region

In 2003, he launched the first human rights journal in Kenya which reports on Kenya’s human rights situation.

 

Perpetual Sichikwenkwe began her journalism experience at the Zambian National Broadcasting Service in 1999; between 2000 and 2001 she worked with the Yastani Radio. Presently, she works for the Legal Resources Foundation news.

She holds a Diploma in Diploma in Journalism Public Relations and Advertising and another in International Journalism Diploma and Democracy.

She has attended journalism training in the following areas:

KAS/Gender Links:   Business Unusual; Reporting Gender, economics and elections

NSJ:  Rural and poverty reporting                                                                          

British Council:  Interaction International Communication Workshop

JWOP: Media Training in human rights for widows and orphans

SAHRIT: Economic, Social & Cultural rights

ZAMCOM: Gender Media Monitoring       

University of Zambia:   Paralegal training (School of law)

Pact Zambia/PAZA:   Advocacy Media Personnel.    

 

 Uzo Nwokwu’s journalism career began back in his days at Government Secondary School Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria in the early 1980’s. As a founding member of the National Union of Amichi Students NUAS in 1981, and its pioneer Assistant General Secretary, he was very influential in the founding and publication of the Union’s magazine NUAS Magazine where he rose to be Assistant Editor.

An alumnus of the University of Calabar, Uzo was a member of the leading publication on campus, “The Press Klobb” where he maintained the pen name “UZONNA”.

Upon graduation in 1988, he moved over to Kaduna for the National Youth Service scheme, serving at the Nigerian Defense Academy as a lecturer. While in Kaduna, he was elected Secretary General of the State NYSC’s Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS). He was to eventually emerge the leading speech writer of the Kaduna State NYSC during the service year.

After his national youth service, he moved down south to Lagos in August 1988 and joined the Guardian newspapers as a Reporter- In- Training. After his training, he moved briefly to the supplements unit of the highly influential Daily, before moving on to the WEEKEND POST,(now defunct,)as pioneer sports correspondent, in 1990.

Nwokwu joined Footprints Communications Ltd, an event Marketing Company in 1992 as Client Services Manager.

In 2001, he joined the Champion newspapers as a political correspondent where he soon emerged one of the newspaper’s leading authorities on the political beat.

In October, 1993, Uzo once again resigned his appointment, this time, to attend the Nigerian Law School. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in October 2004, just before proceeding to join his family in the United States in November, 2004.

Nwokwu holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in History from University of Calabar, 1988, a Bachelor of Law, University of Lagos, 2003, as well as Certificate, Certified Addiction Counseling Level 1, from the University of the District of Columbia, United States 2006.

He is a member of several professional groups including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, N.U.J.; Nigerian Bar Association, N.B.A; the Nigerian Institute of Management, N.I.M; as well as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, (NIPR).

 Mr. Nwokwu is a member of African Interest Editorial Board.

 

Dr Jide Dasaolu was born some 39 years ago in the rock city of Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria. He started his educational carrier at the St James’ African Church School Idi-Ape Abeokuta. He attended the prestigious Baptist Boys High School Abeokuta between 1979 and 1984. He attempted and passed the dreaded A’L papers at the Ogun state Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) Ojere Abeokuta in 1986.

He later proceeded to Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University) Ago Iwoye where he studied Philosophy and came out with Second Class Upper division. At Olabisi Onabanjo University, he did not just pass in flying colours; he was indeed the best graduating student in the Department of Philosophy and the Faculty of Arts for the 1991/92 set.

Dr Dasaolu’s brilliance was equally discovered during the NYSC camping orientation to the extent that his services were specifically requested for by the Department of Philosophy, University of Uyo, Akwa- Ibom where he eventually had a meritorious service. His diligence and excellent leadership qualities made the University to appoint him as the Corper Liaison Officer (CLO) for the University corpers who numbered about 60.

Dr Dasaolu’s passion for academic excellence and self-less service made him to reject all overture to take an appointment with a reputable bank (even when it was the desire of every graduate to work in the banking sector in those days for easy fortune) Dr Dasaolu, on his own, decided to take up a less paid appointment as a Graduate Assistant in his alma-mata (O.S.U) in 1995.

He got elevated to the rank of an Assistant Lecturer in 1996 after completing his Masters programme at the University of Ibadan. By 1999, he was promoted to the rank of a Lecturer 11. His love and passion for continuous education took him back to the University of Ibadan lecture rooms when he enrolled and successfully bagged another Masters degree in Communication and Language Arts in 2003 again with a Ph.D grade.

Dr Dasaolu later got promoted to the Lecturer 1 Cadre in October 2004 and crowned his academic achievements with a successful defence of his Ph.D on Friday 27^th May 2005 at the University of Ibadan. Dr Dasaolu has published in various Journals and contributed many chapters to books of readings in Philosophy. He has equally attended many conferences both local and international. Dr Dasaolu has visited The Republic of Benin and University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

In Philosophy, his areas of research interest are Ethics, Bioethics, Medical ethics, Logic and African Philosophy. In the field of Communication, he has interest in the following areas: Indigenous Communication Systems, Public Relations, Investigative Journalism and Communication theories.

 

Dr Dasaolu equally served the University and the society at large in the following remarkable ways.

Editorial Staff Adviser; The Knowledge, NAPS Journal      

Business Editor, Journal of Philosophy and Development.

Staff Adviser, National Association of Philosophy Students

Member, Faculty of Arts Seminar Committee

Chairman, Faculty of Arts Admission Committee.

Departmental Coordinator, CESAP Programmes

Staff Adviser, The Federation of Egba Student Association.

Chairman, CESAP Task Force on Payment of School Fees.

Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Member, Departmental Postgraduate Committee.

Vice-Chairman, Olabisi Onabanjo University Alumni Association, Ijebu-North Chapter.  

Member, National Mobilisation Committee of the Olabisi   

Onabanjo University Alumni Association.

Dr Jide Dasaolu belongs to the following professional bodies:

Member- Nigerian Philosophical Association (NPA).

Member- National Association for Promotion of Studies in Arts and Social Sciences (NAPSASS)

Dr. Dasaolu is a member of African Interest Editorial Board.

 

TUNDE ODUNTAN is a public commentator on Nigerian and African politics, International relations and the Global environment politics. He also teaches History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and is currently conducting research at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

 He practiced journalism as a Special Projects Executive with The Guardian, Lagos and has published many opinion articles in Nigerian newspapers including The Guardian, The Punch and Nigerian Tribune and on-line at www.africananews.com. He has to his credit, many academic articles published in reputable Nigerian and international journals. He belongs to many international associations and he is widely traveled in Africa and Europe.

http://www.oauife.edu.ng/faculties/arts/oduntan.pdf

Mr. Oduntan is a member of African Interest Editorial Board.

ADEBAYO ‘DIMEJI SOMUYIWA

Adebayo Somuyiwa studied Political Science and Religious Studies at the former Ogun State College of Education (now Tai Solarin University of Education).

He later attended the University of Ibadan where he obtained Bachelors Degree in Educational management and Political Science in 1987.

Adebayo joined the Lagos state local government service in 1987 where he worked in various departments including the communication and Public Affairs

 In 2004, he won a scholarship from the Netherlands government to study graduate program in social Budgeting and he graduated with a Graduate Degree in social Protection Financing in 2005.  

 He started his journalism career, in 1990 with former Ijebu- Echo, a community newspaper. He also freelanced for the gateman newspaper and Ifako-Ijaiye Voice, both community newspapers in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.

Adebayo moved to London in 2006 where he reports for African Interest Online. Adebayo Somuyiwa is a founding member and an editorial member of African Interest.

TAYO ADELAJA

He started his career in journalism in his University days when he was the Editor of Sentinel Press Organisation with the titles: Parrot and Vigil Magazine. Parrot was a weekly tabloid while Vigil Magazine was a quarterly paper. He was Editorial Consultant for the first all gloss magazine on the campus – Tickles Magazine. He was in The Guardian Newspaper covering the volatile South-South region from 2003-2005. He joined The Sun Publication in 2005 to pioneer The SoccerStar as Senior Reporter. He had a brief stint with The Fortune and Class Magazine where he was the Business Editor before going back to The Guardian in 2006.

In 2007, he was asked to team up with the Management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Eruku, Itori, Ewekoro as the pioneer Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.) for the setting up of the first ICT Polytechnic in Nigeria by the governor of the state. With the fast and rapid growth of the Instituion, he became the Head of Academic Affairs with additional responsibilities because of his versatility and commitment to duty. The core departments of the Institution was brought under his supervision; as he was made to supervise not only the Academic Affairs but the Admission Departments, Examinations and Records Department as well as the Public Relations Department. He has 47 staffs working in the various departments under his supervision. He report directly to the Registrar of the Institution as the next officer in terms of hierarchy. He is a member of the highest decision making body in the Institution- The Academic Board which he act as the Secretary. He is also a member of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, Member of the board of the Polytechnic Consult, among other committee. The growth and expansion in the Institution was as a result of the ideas muted by him during the early stages of the Institution as they grow in leaps and bounds.   

 He graduated with a degree in Economics from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye in 1991. He is a member of the following professional bodies: Nigeria Union of Journalist, Nigeria Institute of Marketing, Nigeria Institute of Management, and Chartered Institute of Economics of Nigeria.

An Executive Director of Oilfield Facilitators Limited, Integral Media Communications Limited, Tom Pratt Nigeria Limited; and the founder of Democracy and Leadership in Nigeria (a non-political organisation advocating for good leadership and governance as a panacea for development and growth in the country with a strong focus on involving our in Diaspora towards the process of building our nation and reducing the brain-drain in the Nation).

He is the Nigeria Bureau Chief.

Shamsydeen Badmus

Shamsydeen Badmus joined African Interest in 2007 as a reporter; he started journalism from his High School days and was editor of his High School Magazine for 3 years.

At the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, where he obtained his Diploma in Journalism, Shamsydeen was very active.

He developed interest in investigative reporting and he is a Senior Staff Writer.