Bob Dewar

Sport matters in Nigeria

Sport matters in Nigeria. The country had a sad day a week ago when they drew with Tunisia in a must-win game to qualify for the soccer world cup. The score was two goals each. Twice a delirious sell out crowd was on its feet. Twice the other side equalised. Excitement and hope deflated in an instant. But Nigeria has great potential as a sporting nation- and not just in football. So many youngsters have natural talent.  Why not some new sports?

The High Commission lost a cricket match against a pretty good Abuja CC on Sunday. And rugby sevens could surely grow fast with the right encouragement.

Posted at 10:24 16 September 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

New BBC World Service Director visits Nigeria

A splendid 'soap opera' drama was acted out on our lawn by the BBC World Service Trust. Local actors were staging a scene about local corruption over the (non) repair of a road and the death of someone driving on it. At the end one of the actors came round with the microphone asking some of us in the audience who we thought was responsible! Makes you think.

That's the good thing about what the BBC World Service Trust do in Nigeria where they produce radio dramas- like soap operas- and discussion programmes about key issues that affect the life of ordinary people. This is real communication for development, poverty reduction and human rights. There are millions of devoted Nigerian listeners for these programmes (one of the names is ‘Story Story’) which are broadcast in English and local languages. They raise awareness about so many social issues including HIV, human rights, governance, you name it. People identify with the characters and get better knowledge and understanding of social and development issues. That means they can make more informed choices and build better lives.

The reason for the performance was the first visit to Nigeria by the new BBC World Service Director, Peter Horrocks. The BBC World Service is renowned for its independence, objectivity and balanced reporting. That's why millions and millions of people all around the world- including in Nigeria- trust it and depend on it for accurate information and news.  Accurate information is so important in giving people everywhere better information, understanding and choices.

Posted at 12:57 06 July 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

Sport is such a great way of empowering young people

Had an interesting chat with the Minister of Sport.  Sport is such a great way of empowering young people and getting communities involved, as well as bringing countries together. 

Minister has good ideas for improving facilities throughout the country, not just for football but for all sports.  Nigeria has such potential!  I explained how we hope that the Olympics in London will help bring about a "heritage" effect in many of our important partner countries such as Nigeria, e.g. helping bring sport into disadvantaged schools and improving the curricula, training etc. 

I also gave him a first hand account of the exciting launch last week at Wembley of the England 2018 World Cup bid which had been attended by David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and many of the 1966 team.

Not only does England already have great infrastructure, but also it has tremendous passion for the game on the part of its fans and communities at all levels.  Again, rather like the Olympics, it will be a tremendous event for the international community as well as for the UK.

Posted at 10:12 28 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

A visit to Enugu

Visited Enugu for the day with the Head of DFID Nigeria, Eamon Cassidy, and the World Bank Director.  Enugu is one of the States where the UK has a development partnership, offering technical support to help it improve governance, growth and human development.  The funds offered are relatively modest in comparison to Enugu’s own resources (and we design our support to bring about better use of the State’s own money) and much depends on the political will and commitment of the partner.  The Governor chaired an informal and direct talking round table with us, stressing that he wants to tackle corruption, improve infrastructure and agriculture, and reform the police.  An encouraging “relaunch” of our partnership with this important State.

Posted at 12:37 25 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]