22nd November 2018
Abuja, Nigeria
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When I tell people I live in Lagos, Nigeria, I often get quite a lot of quizzical looks… Why did you move there with your family? Is it safe? What about Boko Haram? Is corruption not endemic? As the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, I know that the challenges of corruption, insecurity and poverty […]
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6th December 2017
Holy See
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To mark the UN-led 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls, the British Embassy to the Holy See is delighted to introduce you to Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, whose network of religious sisters in Nigeria is trying to make a reality of the UN’s theme “Leave no-one behind” for modern slavery victims […]
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7th September 2017
Abuja, Nigeria
I took up the Chevening portfolio in September 2015, a decision I have never regretted making. My passion for Chevening is so intense; I’m often asked if I’m an alumnus. Saddled with the task of administering and promoting this programme year-round in Nigeria, I find myself selling an opportunity that I know is absolutely priceless […]
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8th March 2017
London, UK
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I am always dubious about so-called silver bullets that allegedly solve a host of problems. “Life can’t be that simple,” I think. “Surely there must be a catch?” But there is one step that would improve countless lives — and make the world an infinitely better place — if only every government summoned the will […]
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21st December 2016
Lagos, Nigeria
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The second South Africa Science Forum 2016, which was held from December 8 -9 at the International Convention Centre of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, South Africa (SA) was a great opportunity for SIN Officers (Nairobi, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; and Lagos, Nigeria) to meet and interact with various […]
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21st December 2016
Abuja, Nigeria
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Last weekend I was part of a team from the British High Commission, joined by US and German colleagues who travelled to Rivers State, Nigeria to observe the Rivers State re run elections. The elections in Rivers State are notoriously problematic (this was the third attempt at running the elections here), but we hoped that things […]
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8th December 2016
Lagos, Nigeria
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I was opportune to present a speech about the Science and Innovation Network (SIN) at Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN) and Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)/ GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) GCMS Training which commenced 21 – 25 November 2016 at the University of Lagos (Unilag). Furthermore I wrote the speech for the Deputy High Commissioner at post […]
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7th December 2016
Lagos, Nigeria
I was privileged to represent SIN at a film screening ‘Nowhere to run’ recently hosted by the UK- High Commissioner to Nigeria- Paul Arkwright, at his British Residence highlighting environmental challenges in Nigeria linked to the global threat of climate change. This compelling documentary won the best documentary award at the African Film Festival, amongst […]
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28th November 2016
London, UK
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25 November marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, I have seen first-hand the impact of sexual violence against women and girls in countries like Bosnia, Burma, Colombia, DRC, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. I have seen the […]
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13th April 2015
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
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Stereotypical images tend to come to mind, at least the non-Catholic British mind, when we think of nuns. We think of Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. Perhaps Sister Wendy Beckett delivering art lectures. We might just stretch to Mother Teresa in the slums of Calcutta. Like most stereotypes, such images are both unhelpful […]
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