GROWING up in Lagos, I thought Senegal was one of its suburbs. There was ‘ Bread Senega’ It was harder than other types of loaf but more filling. There were Senegalese men and women who were difficult to distinguish from other Nigerians. Of course, Senegalese dresses remain part of the traditional dresses dear to Nigerians. It is perhaps impossible today, to take a flight from Nigeria to Dakar without encountering Nigerian tailors and traders streaming to Dakar.

IN recent times, calls for Nigeria to divide along ethnic and regional lines were rife brought about by alleged marginalisation in one form or the other by different ethnic groups. United States Intelligence even said that if care is not taken, Nigeria, as we know it today, may stop to exist.

I am writing this week’s column from a hotel room to which I had to flee in utter, tearful frustration today because I’ve had almost no electricity in my home for the past few days.

The rich and brilliant display of culture bore close resemblance to the world famous Brazilian street carnival that is usually marked by breath-taking music, dance and colourful costumes. Indeed the event, the Third Black Heritage Festival, put together by the Lagos State government and its private sector partners was a week-long celebration and dramatization of the rich and limitless resourcefulness of the Black race.

DESPITE the orientation on acceptable practices in the conduct of cabinet members, staged at Wednesday’s meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation, EXCOF, three of the ministers came late to their first public function in the State House yesterday.