Africa Debate - Chikodili Emelumadu

Should the law dictate how you discipline your children?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:22:22 +0000

A bill currently before lawmakers in Nigeria's Lagos State could make corporal punishment against children a criminal offence.

If the Criminal Law Bill is passed, parents and teachers could face spells in prison for causing 'grievous harm' when beating or flogging children with a cane.

Does the government have the right to decide how you treat your children or do you think this is a step too far? Could this affect discipline among school children? Would you like to see a similar law passed in your country?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Thursday 29 July at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

How clean are your teeth?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:15:07 +0000

BBC Africa Have Your say is having one of its regular medical check-ups, and we're asking you to open wide.

How seriously do you take oral hygiene? As children we were taught to brush our teeth every morning and night but how many of us still have this routine as adults? And how many dental problems can be solved by simply brushing them away?

Perhaps the state of your teeth and the smell of your breath is having a negative impact on your life. How far have you gone in the search of healthy teeth and gums?

If you would like to put your questions and concerns to our dentist LIVE on air on Thursday 15 July at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Does football encourage superstition?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:31:04 +0000

Are you superstitious? Some people believe that by engaging rituals or routines they can bring about good fortune; a lucky pen to write examinations, charms to grant a safe journey or special underwear to attend a job interview. But does the hysteria of football take this desire to fever pitch?

With the approaching climax of the World Cup, a python in South Africa and an octopus in Germany have been in the news, credited with predictive powers or the ability to influence the results.

Have you observed any superstitions? What outcome were you hoping to achieve, and did it work?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Wednesday 7 July at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Will you give up your UK dreams?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:25:55 +0000

The UK government has announced that it will permanently cut the number of skilled, non-EU workers entering the country in 2011.

Theresa May, the Home Secretary has said that a temporary cut of five percent will take effect immediately, "In order to avoid a sudden rush of people coming in this year to try to get in before that {permanent} limit," bringing the number of non-EU immigrants coming into the UK to 24,000 this year.

But critics of this policy have pointed out that the cuts could lead to shortages in much-needed skills which could badly affect the UK's economy.

Could these cuts affect you? Have you tried to apply to work or live in the UK? What skills do you think you could bring to the country? Which country would you go to if you were not allowed into the UK? Share your stories.

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 29 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Should prisoners get the vote?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:10:55 +0000

A court in Kenya has ruled that prisoners will be allowed to vote in a referendum on a new constitution.

This is the first time in East Africa that prisoners have been allowed to vote. Could this lead to more concessions in future?

Over on our Facebook page, the debate is already raging. Hachi Beekay in Zambia says:

I think that convicted prisoners MUST lose certain rights as punishment for not following the law. The right to vote is certainly one that I believe must be denied them.

Do you agree? What rights do prisoners in your country have? Would you like to see more prisoner rights in the future?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Thursday 24 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Can Africa stay in the World Cup race?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:38:16 +0000

It is crunch time for South Africa's Bafana Bafana. Their next game against France will decide whether the host team will continue in the World Cup race.

The match takes place in Bloemfontein, a rugby-oriented Afrikaaner stronghold. We will be joining our reporters in Bloemfontein to find out how much local interest the game is generating.

Back in 1995 the Rugby World Cup was credited with having a hugely positive effect on race relations in the country. Will this World Cup have a similar effect?

Will any African teams make it to the next round of the World Cup? What hopes do you have for your favourite team?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 22 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Do Africa and South America make the best partners?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:25:15 +0000

Ivory Coast versus Brazil must be one of the first round fixtures at the World Cup that lovers of the beautiful game are looking forward to the most. There is no doubt that Africa and South America have mutual respect for one another on the football field. But what about in other areas?

These are two continents with much in common. Apart from the obvious cultural ties, both are rapidly-expanding, developing regions, and in recent years they have striven to promote a stronger economic bond. The start of the Africa-South-American summits in 2006 is one way in which these common interests are being nurtured.

So how else can South America and Africa cooperate? What can these two continents learn from one another in order to thrive in future? Are they more naturally suited as partners than they are with the west?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Thursday 17 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Have you escaped the World Cup?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:55:55 +0000

On a continent that is football crazy, some people might be reluctant to admit that they do not like football.

If this is you, then this is the forum for you to confess all, and vent your spleen. Africa Have Your Say is inviting all non-football fans to a special 'World Cup antidote' show.

Are the sound of vuvuzelas setting your teeth on edge? Do you shudder when you hear the crowds cheering? Perhaps you simply prefer another sport and object to football's dominance. Or you feel obliged to take an interest in the World Cup so as not to feel like an outcast.

Tell us, what are you doing to get away from World Cup fever?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Wednesday 16 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Is the World Cup bad for productivity?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:11:54 +0000

Africa's first World Cup is truly underway but most matches are played during working hours. So are people skipping work to watch the games?

What is going on in your work place? Has your productivity gone down as you keep one eye on the football? Are you a boss struggling to keep people interested in work?

We would like to know how you are juggling work and the World Cup. Send us your views

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 15 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published.

Has Africa got World Cup fever?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:16:26 +0000

The World Cup is here, and we are taking the temperature from across the continent.

Listen again to the BBC's Vera Kwakofi in South Africa, where excitement is building among fans and players who have converged on the country from all over the world.

We would like you to link your voices with theirs. Let us know what your experiences are of the teams representing the continent. Who do you think will win? What matches will you be attending? Have you mastered the art of blowing the vuvuzela? Perhaps you have made new friends from countries that you never thought you would visit? Send us your stories.

How important is Nigeria to Africa?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:56:55 +0000

The BBC Africa Kicks bus is now in Nigeria, on the final leg of the Africa Kicks bus tour, having been to Togo and Benin over the weekend.

The Africa Have Your Say team met a lot of Nigerians on the way as both these countries' economies are supported by close ties with Africa's most populous nation.

In recent times, the American President Barack Obama has said that Nigeria;

Is critical to the rest of the continent and if Nigeria does not get it right, Africa will really not make more progress.

Do you agree with this statement? How important is Nigeria? Which African country is most important to you other than your own, and why?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 08 June at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/africahys or follow us on Twitter @bbcafricahys. You can also send an SMS text message to +44 77 86 20 20 08.

The weekly round-up

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:54:44 +0000

This week, you grilled a UN bigwig, took part in crime busting and learned the best way to deal with anger. Below are some of our highlights:

Sir John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, answered some of your questions. As you know, the UN's mission to the DRC would like to conclude operations by the end of the year. Mohammed Bawa in Guinea sent us an SMS message voicing his rejection of that move:

The UN should stay and redouble their forces in Eastern Congo; they should be deployed to take care of the sexual violence and killing.

Here Sir John, implicitly gives the UN position on rape in the DRC:

holmes.mp3

In 'Would you pass information to the police?' on Wednesday, we made you aware that the Ghana police force was calling on members of the public to volunteer information on criminal activity. David in Ghana recounts an experience he had, when he tried to do just that:

dave.mp3

Unfortunately, try as we might, we could not get the Ghana Police Force spokesperson to address his concerns or ensure that people who help the police are kept safe. Luckily, Facebook friend Kathy Atenu in Uganda, came to the rescue:

An anonymous call to the police is what I would do. The police can take it from there. I would cover all my tracks so they (police) would never contact me.

But the biggest point of debate this week came about when two of our contributors, Mrs Gabriel on the telephone from Nigeria and Lucy in our studio in Kenya, disagreed on how best to manage anger. Keep it in, or let it out?

anger.mp3

We hope you enjoyed these shows as much as we did. Thanks to all of you who sent us ideas and comments on this blog or via SMS, Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget, you too can have your say as early as next week if you send us your suggestions to africa@bbc.co.uk. From us all on Africa Have Your Say, have a nice weekend.

Would you pass information to police?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Tue, 11 May 2010 12:55:12 +0000

If you were a witness to a crime, and could identify the perpetrators, would you report it to the police?

Ghanaian police are asking the public to do just this; to volunteer information to help fight crime in the country.

But police in many African countries are often accused of taking bribes and freeing petty criminals - would you feel safe enough to go to them with information?

In Nigeria, journalist Sola Odunfan observes:

Members of a family feel deprived when anyone steals from them; but when that same person steals from the public purse his family members expect to be enriched.

Are there instances where you feel a criminal should go scot-free?

Would you report a friend or family member if they committed a crime? Have you ever been a victim or been accused of a crime? How should the police make sure that people do not abuse this power by framing their neighbours?

If you would like to Join Africa Have Your Say to debate this topic LIVE on air at 16GMT, please include a number. It will not be published. You can also send an SMS message to + 44 77 86 20 20 08.

President Yar'Adua's Funeral

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:53:30 +0000

Nigeria is mourning the death of president Umaru Yar'Adua who died late Wednesday night following a long illness.

The president will be buried Thursday and the government has announced seven days of national mourning.

The continent has been reacting to the news of his death on our Facebook page.

Chuks Nnaji, in Nigeria says:

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua will better be remembered for his credo to foster the "Rule Of Law" which was indeed his most salient mantra. His administration witnessed series of election tribunals' verdicts, many of which nullified the elections of State Governors from his ruling party PDP.

Kofi Ntifo Bekoe from neighbouring Ghana has a different view:

May his soul rest in peace. His heart problems overshadowed everything. As to his legacy, I am not quite sure how he will be remembered.

What are your memories of the late President Umar Yar'Adua? What is his legacy in Nigeria and Africa? How can Nigeria honour its fallen leader?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Thursday 06 May at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. You can also send an SMS text message to +44 77 86 20 20 08.

How would you like your country portrayed on TV?

Chikodili Emelumadu Chikodili Emelumadu — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:16:16 +0000

Senior officials in Nigeria are complaining about a new BBC documentary series on Lagos.

The documentary, Welcome to Lagos, explores life at the sharp end of one of the most extreme urban environments in the world, through the eyes of slum dwellers - some living on rubbish dumps on land and water.

It shows them as they go about their daily lives, trying to make ends meet by scavenging for re-useable products from the dump, boiling blood from abattoirs to make feed for animals and dumping rubbish on the lagoon to make it solid enough to build - and rent - houses.

But critics say the documentary does not reflect the true state of Lagos. Mr Tafida, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK stated that, not airing other aspects of life in the city demonstrated lack of balance and fairness on the part of the BBC.

Are TV portrayals of your country accurate? What part of your country would you like to see reflected more in the Western media?

If you would like to debate this topic LIVE on air on Tuesday 27 April at 1600 GMT, please send us a telephone number to africa@bbc.co.uk. You can also send an SMS message to +44 77 86 20 20 08.