By Ayo Onikoyi

Representing Nigeria, Horeb Midjochedo Anthony, a multilingual broadcaster, translator, and interpreter, has been honored with the prestigious African “Meilleur Présentateur Live” award at the 11th edition of the Stars of African Cultural Integration (SICA).

This international event took place in Cotonou, Benin, from September 15 to 18, 2016, and brought together participants from across Africa in a competitive showcase of contributions to cultural integration through media, art, music, and communication.

SICA is a highly competitive event where participants vie for recognition of their work in promoting African unity and development through cultural integration. The award of “Meilleur Présentateur” (Best Live Presenter) is given to outstanding young individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing cultural dialogue, especially through the use of language and media. Judges for the event are nationally and internationally recognized experts in media, communication, and cultural diplomacy, further underlining the prestige of the award.

Mr. Anthony’s recognition is rooted not only in his work as a bilingual volunteer broadcaster for Unilag FM 103.1, where his French and English programs have helped bridge the communication gap for Francophone communities in Lagos, but also in his active role in resolving longstanding conflicts between communities on the Nigeria-Benin border.

Mediation and Conflict Resolution at the Idoroko Border

One of the most significant aspects of Horeb’s work that contributed to his win is his pivotal role as a volunteer with the Benin-Nigeria Inter-border Forum, led by Dr. Bonny Botokou, at the Idoroko border in Ogun State. This border, which separates Nigeria and Benin, has historically been a hotspot for frequent conflicts between local communities, customs officials, and law enforcement agents. These disputes often arise from misunderstandings and communication barriers due to the diverse languages spoken in the region, including English, French, Gugbe, and Yoruba.

The border is a tense zone where issues such as trade disputes, smuggling, and tensions between law enforcement agencies frequently escalate into larger conflicts. The locals, feeling marginalized and sometimes subjected to harsh enforcement actions, often clash with customs officers and border agents from both countries. These conflicts, left unchecked, have the potential to disrupt trade and peace between the two nations.

Horeb Anthony’s contribution has been crucial in this volatile environment. Fluent in English, French, Gugbe, and Yoruba, Mr. Anthony serves as an interpreter in meetings between border officials and local communities, ensuring that critical information is accurately communicated in all the relevant languages. His linguistic expertise has helped defuse situations that could have otherwise escalated into violence, fostering dialogue and understanding between parties that might otherwise be at odds.

Beyond his role as a translator, Horeb also applies conflict resolution techniques, acting as a mediator in tense situations. He works to bring both sides together, facilitating discussions and offering solutions that allow for peaceful resolutions. His presence has significantly reduced misunderstandings that often arise due to language barriers, which in turn has led to more harmonious relationships between customs officials and the communities they serve.

By interpreting in multiple languages and using culturally sensitive conflict resolution strategies, Mr. Anthony has made the border region a more peaceful space, reducing hostilities and promoting cooperation. His ability to bridge linguistic and cultural divides has been instrumental in preventing conflicts from spiraling into larger disputes that could affect the stability of the region.

A Dedication to Nigeria and Africa

In his acceptance speech, Horeb Midjochedo Anthony expressed his deep pride in representing Nigeria at such an esteemed event and dedicated the award to his home country. “I dedicate this award to all Nigerians for the cause of our integration as a multicultural nation and to the world for the purpose of peaceful cohabitation,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to fostering unity through his work in media and conflict resolution.

Nominated by Dr. Bonny Botokou for his outstanding contributions to cultural integration, Horeb competed against participants from across the African continent, proving his mettle in a field of highly skilled individuals. His work in using language to bring together divided communities at the Nigeria-Benin border showcases not only his linguistic talents but also his dedication to promoting peace and understanding in a complex, multicultural world.