What's Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean

Moronke Oshin-Martin & Grace Oshin
  • 5.0 (7)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

"What’s Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean" brings a biweekly conversation with people who know and work extensively and at the ground level in African and/or the Caribbean to the people of the African diaspora to keep us connected to the events and the places we love and left behind. Join us as we follow social and economic development issues in and around Africa and the Caribbean, including issues about youth, health, education, business, and emerging entrepreneurs. "What’s Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean" wants you to stay connected to the people and places that you love. Podcast cover photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash

  1. 02/28/2024

    Remembering Abimbola Ogunbanjo and His Vision of Transforming Nigeria

    This episode is dedicated to the memory of the late Abimbola Ogubanjo, former head of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and an esteemed figure in Nigerian corporate law, who died in a helicopter crash in California on February 9. The crash also claimed the lives of the CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son. Their legacy continues to resonate around the world.  Our conversation with Abi, a pivotal force in Nigeria's legal landscape, sheds light on the transformation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the evolving specialization within the legal profession. Abi's unique journey from banking to becoming a cornerstone in Nigeria's oldest indigenous law firm is an odyssey that mirrors the country's own legal metamorphosis. The narrative then shifts to the frontlines of Nigeria's capital market, where the digital revolution is making waves. We peel back the layers of MTN's digital IPO success and scrutinize the strategies that could magnetize foreign investment to Nigeria. Join us in the conversation about infrastructure, foreign exchange stabilization, and the pivotal question of privatization. As we cast our gaze towards Nigeria's horizon, we consider the unmined potential of Nigeria's youthful populace and the fintech sector's explosive growth. We explore the profound link between taxation, quality governance, and the social contract that underpins Nigeria's society's fabric.  Abi's conversation not only covers the intersections of political stability and economic sustainability, but he also shares a deeply personal crusade against cervical cancer, reminding us that behind every statistic, there's a human story waiting to be told.

    49 min

  2. 01/05/2024

    "Switch It or Ditch It": Taking Charge of Your Career and Life!

    When your career is no longer fulfilling, it's time to explore how to switch it or ditch it, says author, human resources expert and executive coach Dr. Shelley Cameron, who joins us to illuminate the path to success and work-life balance. Dr. Cameron unpacks her empowering book, "Your Career: Ditch It or Switch It," which not only provides insight into the success strategies of African American and Caribbean American leaders but also doubles as a practical workbook for your own journey. If you're at a crossroads in your career, seeking to navigate through the complexities of leadership, or simply searching for a blueprint to self-directed achievement, tune in.  Dr. Cameron says: “The top signs to identify when it is time to leave your job: You lack passion—that fired-up feeling you had when you started You are miserable every morning and dread going to work Your company is sinkingYou really dislike the people you work with or your bossYou are consistently stressed, negative, or unhappy at workYour skills are not being tappedYou have been passed over for promotion or more challenging assignmentsYour job duties have changed or increased, but your pay has not.  If you identify with any of these signs, it might be time to ditch that job!” Dr. Cameron explains the decision-making process necessary to determine the right moment to make a career switch and the strategic steps necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, this episode tackles the complexities of leadership and self-leadership, providing insight into handling difficult bosses and fostering a positive workplace environment in a post-COVID-19 landscape. Join us, and arm yourself with the knowledge to steer your career course with confidence.

    53 min

  3. 10/11/2023

    Author Maurice M. McCallum: Blending Jamaican Folklore and Fantasy in New Novel

    Ever wanted to decode the mysteries of the Caribbean fantasy genre? Our riveting exchange with author Maurice M McCallum gives you an insider's glimpse into this captivating world in his novel, "Return of the Owl." In an intricate blend of Jamaican folklore and fantasy, McCallum weaves the tale of the Ol Hige, a shape-shifting witch, alongside three young protagonists on a quest to uncover a nefarious secret. McCallum speaks candidly about his passion to exert Caribbean stories and perspectives in the fantasy realm, ensuring a rich, diverse narrative. "Return of the Owl" by Maurice M. McCallum is available now on Amazon online bookstore.  Grab your copy today!

    44 min

  4. 05/30/2023

    Kadian Snow: Writing to Heal

    Several traumatic experiences encouraged Jamaican author, Kadian Snow, to follow her therapist's advice to write about her experiences. Four books later, Kadian is living her best life and looking to help others to heal through writing by coaching writers through the process of writing. Her books, all of which are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, include: Black Woman is Queen: Pamper Up "encompasses self-care and self-love tips for Black Women all over the world to start incorporating in their daily life in order to take care of ourselves a lot better in this ever-changing world."  F@ck Him and Keep it Moving, deals with life after divorce and domestic abuse.  The book, Kadian said "was written at a time in my life when I was going through an illness and a divorce while living in a new country."   Kadian draws from her own experience to write the book The Silent "P"  which she says "highlights a hidden problem in our society today, Period Poverty. This is where girls are unable to afford sanitary products. Many young girls miss school as a result of it because they can’t buy sanitary napkins."

    46 min

  5. 02/14/2023

    What's In Your Drinking Water?

    Dr. Catherine Ngila, Africa's leading expert on water technology, is on a mission to make clean drinking water a reality for people in Africa, particularly those in rural areas, but accomplishing that goal will require more than just her scientific skills and prowess.  In the meantime, she is also devoting her energy to helping African girls and women become leaders in science and technology.  The Kenyan-born scientist is the head of the Chemical Sciences Department at the University of Johannesburg. Her work focuses on applying nanotechnology for water purification.  Dr. Ngila is passionate about water research.  Why?  Because “Water is life! Nanotechnology can play a vital role in water purification techniques. My dream is to produce a commercially viable water nano-filter that removes contaminants in one filtration cycle, enabling rural African families to install affordable water filters in their homes.”

    1h 4m

  6. 10/31/2022

    Yinka Rickford-Anguin Recounts the Story Behind Sierra Leone's 1994 Peace Concert, "Jamaa Fest"

    In December 1994, a peace concert took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during a civil war. You won’t find much information about it online, but you will find the story on Afropop Worldwide and here on Eyes on Africa, courtesy of Afropop Worldwide. In this episode, Yinka Rickford-Anguin delves into the story behind the making of Jamaa Fest and gives us a first-hand account of the show’s inception, evolution, aftermath, and legacy by one of the primary organizers of the concert in 1994. Jamaa Fest, Sierra Leone’s Forgotten Festival, first aired on Afropop Closeup,  Afropop.org, in September 2022.  It was Produced and Narrated by Yinka Rickford-Anguin. Producer & Narrator: Yinka Rickford-Anguin Artists: Abdul Tee-Jay; Culture; King Masco Country: Sierra Leone

    22 min

  7. 07/31/2022

    Tech Entrepreneur Segun Johnson Discusses the Plight of Small Business Owners in Nigeria

    This episode features Segun Johnson, a young entrepreneur,  who explains the struggles of small business owners in the tech industry in Nigeria. Segun owns Johnsonscode, a digital agency that does web development, graphic designs, and branding. Johnsonscode services clients from all over the world.  It's no secret that entrepreneurism is the backbone of a growing economy. Over the years, entrepreneurism has fueled the economies of countries such as India, China, Brazil, and many Eastern European countries. Yet for the most part, despite its enormous youth population and high smartphone usage, many African countries lag behind.  In Nigeria, for example, where the information communication and technology sector is one of the fastest growing, according to a 2021 report by the Center for Global Development for the World Bank. In 2020, despite the COVID 19 pandemic, the tech industry contributed 15% of Nigeria's gross domestic product (GDP), second only to agriculture. And this trend has been growing over the last five years. The sector grew by 18% between 2016 and 2019.  According to the report, this growth has positioned Nigeria as the largest tech market on the African continent with 90 tech hubs and a growing and vibrant customer base.  The report estimates that the sector will add at least $88 billion to the economy by 2027. Yet, this growth hasn't translated into jobs for Nigeria's growing youth population. In fact, in 2017, the sector only employed 497,000 people or 1% of the population. So what's going on?  The report suggests that one problem is a lack of digital skills among the youth population. We put the question to our guest, Shagun Johnson.  To find out how he's coping and what's going on.  If you are interested in supporting Segun's business, you can contact the company by email at  Info@johnsonscode.com.ng.   Or by phone at:  +234 8100852872.  If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review, and subscribe to our podcast. If you are interested in being a guest on the show or you would like to recommend a possible guest, please contact us on our website to let us know.

    43 min

  8. 05/30/2022

    "The time has come to invest in different parts of Africa," Says New York City Pension Fund Trustee, Gregory Floyd

    In 2015, The New York State Common Retirement Fund, one of the largest US Pension Funds began investing in Africa-- with plans to invest as much as 3% of its assets on projects on the continent in the next five years to diversify its portfolio and boost returns. The New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) may be following suit, according to Gregory Floyd, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237 union and a NYCERS trustee. In this episode, Floyd discusses NYCERS’ investment possibilities in Africa and why he is committed to making it happen.  Two years ago, the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) and USAID signed an investment partnership for “Mobilizing Institutional Investors to Develop Africa’s Infrastructure” or “MiDA.” The initiative seeks to facilitate and expand opportunities for infrastructure investments in Sub-Saharan Africa for investors seeking higher returns while making an impact on development and advancing U.S. interests in the region (https://nasphq.org/africa-initiative/)Floyd was among the U.S. delegation that participated in one of the first USAID/NASP-sponsored trips to Africa to discuss investment opportunities with Asset Managers, financial and banking professionals, and high-ranking government ministers in several African countries. The US delegation included fund trustees from Maryland, California, Virginia, New York, and Philadelphia, as well as a cross-section of business leaders and investors.NASP is the premier organization that helps Blacks, ethnic minorities, and women achieve inclusion in the financial services industry.  Floyd stated: "Hopefully we can find a fund in Africa in one or two countries that we can invest in that will bring both good returns to our funds and also help Africa, whether it's in South Africa, Kenya Senegal, one of these regions, maybe even Nigeria.”

    23 min
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About

"What’s Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean" brings a biweekly conversation with people who know and work extensively and at the ground level in African and/or the Caribbean to the people of the African diaspora to keep us connected to the events and the places we love and left behind. Join us as we follow social and economic development issues in and around Africa and the Caribbean, including issues about youth, health, education, business, and emerging entrepreneurs. "What’s Going On? Eyes on Africa and the Caribbean" wants you to stay connected to the people and places that you love. Podcast cover photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash

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