BLACK DOLLS

I never had a doll while growing up or maybe I did.  I just cannot remember playing with one. I have no idea why. Looking at Nigerian entrepreneur, Taofick Okoya's collection of black dolls got me thinking it would have been nice if I had them to play with as a toddler. Unfortunately, black dolls were scarce years ago.
Taofick was motivated to set up his company when he could not find any black dolls to buy for his niece.
He is making a difference by investing so much into his business in order to promote our African identity.
We recently did a story on him and it was exciting to see kids go for the Queen of Africa dolls and not the Barbie dolls. The dolls are dressed in colourful traditional attires representing the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups. Hopefully, he would grow to include other ethnic groups. The dolls are skinny though and Okoya plans to make the plus size ones. That will be really nice to see.
His business also highlights the fact that Nigeria needs to improve its local manufacturing industry. So things like this can be produced here and not in China. Getting to assemble them here is a relief as it creates employment for jobless youths.
Hopefully, this year, we will witness a growth of entrepreneurial Nigerians who will make a difference for their country.
Happy new year all!

Black Dolls

Taofick Okoya holding a Queen of Africa doll - Courtesy Reuters Akintunde Akinleye

Queen of Africa dolls - Courtesy Reuters Akintunde Akinleye

ENENCHE, YOU'RE GONE BUT STILL IN MY HEART

It is two years already! How time flies. It feels just like yesterday. I did not forget last year. I wanted to write something but I developed cold feet. Maybe I was still in shock.The thoughts just would not flow. I was still trying to make sense of it all. Death, a dreadful incident when young ones die. We all wonder why the good ones. You were just too good.
Memories, memories. I still hear your voice on the phone. I remember what you used to call me. I remember the day you said, "Sharon keep calling as I travel.... it will keep me company if I hear your voice from time to time, it will motivate me to be focused on my task." You travelled a lot then. I wondered why you did not stop by the office on your last trip to Lagos. I guess you were in a hurry to return back to Kano to continue your assignments of covering breaking news stories in the north. I recall the last time I dialled your number and it kept ringing. I did not know at that point you were no longer with us. My first thought when I heard of the Kano blasts two years ago was call Enenche. I did. And then my second thought was send a text asking if he is okay. I mean the need to know what is going on at that point should not make me forget that you could have been caught in the violent drama. And you were.
I still do not know the right version of what actually happened. Too many stories from different people.
I admire your passion for the job. You had a kind heart....... words fail me....
You were perfect. I miss you Enenche. Sleep on dear friend. I know you're in a better place.