Africans on the Table

Discover the latest stories and insights from africans on the table across Africa

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Featured Stories

Meet Enesi A Young Kogi Footballer
Featured
July 15, 2026 • 140 views

Meet Enesi A Young Kogi Footballer

My football story didn’t start on a perfect pitch. It started on the streets. Growing up in Lokoja, football was everywhere. The bare ground was our stadium. No boots, no referees, just passion. That’s where I fell in love with the game. After high school, I told my dad I wanted to start a career in football. At first it didn’t sit well with him. I had just graduated from high school and everyone was expecting me to be preparing for JAMB and university. But eventually, my family later on supported me. They provided everything I needed. Months before resuming at Kwara Football Academy in Ilorin, Coach Sunny who is now head coach of Aifa helped me join FOSAC which was headed by him here in Lokoja. Alongside Coach Awala, who later became head coach of Naija Ratels, they taught me the basics and how to navigate the pitch.

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table
Featured
February 3, 2026 • 542 views

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table, a platform dedicated to meaningful conversations shaping Africa’s future. The session featured Dr. Fagbemi, Head of Department of Anatomy, Federal University Lokoja, in a thought-provoking discussion on the topic: “Education Without Skill — Are Students Really Prepared for the Real World?” Hosted by Aliu Azeema, the conversation explored the relationship between education and practical skills, the readiness of students for life beyond the classroom, and the role of institutions in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Africans on the Table bring African voices to the center of conversations that matter, one table, one topic, one honest discussion at a time.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
Resilience by the Roadside: How a Boli Seller Raised Her Children Against All Odds
Featured
February 3, 2026 • 203 views

Resilience by the Roadside: How a Boli Seller Raised Her Children Against All Odds

Every day, thousands of people pass by roadside vendors without knowing the powerful stories behind their struggles. One of such stories is that of a woman who sells boli—roasted plantain—by the roadside. To many, she is just another vendor. But behind her small stand is a life of sacrifice, courage, and unbreakable resilience. Years ago, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband left her and her children. Suddenly, she became both mother and father, provider and protector. With no stable job and no formal support, she turned to what she could do with her hands—selling boli by the roadside. Under the scorching sun and beside burning charcoal, she worked tirelessly every day. From morning till night, she roasted plantain, greeted customers with a smile, and saved every possible naira. Her goal was clear: to train her children through school and give them a better future than she had.

By John Fagbemi Read More →

Latest Africans on the Table

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Meet Enesi A Young Kogi Footballer
africans-on-the-table
• 140 views

Meet Enesi A Young Kogi Footballer

My football story didn’t start on a perfect pitch. It started on the streets. Growing up in Lokoja, football was everywhere. The bare ground was our stadium. No boots, no referees, just passion. That’s where I fell in love with the game. After high school, I told my dad I wanted to start a career in football. At first it didn’t sit well with him. I had just graduated from high school and everyone was expecting me to be preparing for JAMB and university. But eventually, my family later on supported me. They provided everything I needed. Months before resuming at Kwara Football Academy in Ilorin, Coach Sunny who is now head coach of Aifa helped me join FOSAC which was headed by him here in Lokoja. Alongside Coach Awala, who later became head coach of Naija Ratels, they taught me the basics and how to navigate the pitch.

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table
africans-on-the-table
• 542 views

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table

The TalkAfricaNG team in Kogi State held an interview session as part of the official launch of our new project, Africans on the Table, a platform dedicated to meaningful conversations shaping Africa’s future. The session featured Dr. Fagbemi, Head of Department of Anatomy, Federal University Lokoja, in a thought-provoking discussion on the topic: “Education Without Skill — Are Students Really Prepared for the Real World?” Hosted by Aliu Azeema, the conversation explored the relationship between education and practical skills, the readiness of students for life beyond the classroom, and the role of institutions in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Africans on the Table bring African voices to the center of conversations that matter, one table, one topic, one honest discussion at a time.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
Resilience by the Roadside: How a Boli Seller Raised Her Children Against All Odds
africans-on-the-table
• 203 views

Resilience by the Roadside: How a Boli Seller Raised Her Children Against All Odds

Every day, thousands of people pass by roadside vendors without knowing the powerful stories behind their struggles. One of such stories is that of a woman who sells boli—roasted plantain—by the roadside. To many, she is just another vendor. But behind her small stand is a life of sacrifice, courage, and unbreakable resilience. Years ago, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband left her and her children. Suddenly, she became both mother and father, provider and protector. With no stable job and no formal support, she turned to what she could do with her hands—selling boli by the roadside. Under the scorching sun and beside burning charcoal, she worked tirelessly every day. From morning till night, she roasted plantain, greeted customers with a smile, and saved every possible naira. Her goal was clear: to train her children through school and give them a better future than she had.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
Oshodi: A Market Built on Resilience
africans-on-the-table
• 310 views

Oshodi: A Market Built on Resilience

Oshodi is not just a marketplace in Lagos. It is a place where determination lives and hope refuses to fade. When I walked through Oshodi, I did not just see stalls and umbrellas. I saw people chasing their dreams with bare hands and brave hearts. Women arranging fabrics under the hot sun. Young men learning trades instead of giving up. Traders negotiating with smiles despite long hours and little rest. Here, nobody waits for opportunities.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
Adebayo — a young carpenter hustling in the city of Lagos
africans-on-the-table
• 327 views

Adebayo — a young carpenter hustling in the city of Lagos

This week on Africans on the Table with King John, we tell the story of Adebayo — a young carpenter hustling in the city of Lagos, surviving and striving through the work of his hands. “My name is Adebayo Babalola. I am a professional carpenter. People say I know my job very well. Even though carpentry wasn’t my first dream, I have come to love it. I have done this work for a very long time, thanking God and hoping that one day He will help me fulfil my destiny and take me to the next level. I am always happy when I am working. I work with patience and honesty, and my heart is at peace.” Adebayo’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dignity in labour.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
Africans on the Table
africans-on-the-table
• 177 views

Africans on the Table

A Talk Africa NG Initiative Africans on the Table is a focused initiative under Talk Africa NG dedicated to amplifying African voices, resilience, and leadership in global and local conversations. For this phase, operations are active in: Abuja (FCT) Kogi State Lagos State Through storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement, we are intentionally placing Africa where it belongs — at the table.

By John Fagbemi Read More →
The Old, The New: Where Do We Stand?
entertainment
• 246 views

The Old, The New: Where Do We Stand?

Nigeria's entertainment industry is going through a quiet handover. The legends who built the foundation are stepping back, and a new set of creators is stepping into the light. That shift has taught us something worth sitting with, and it leaves us asking what comes next. The truth is simpler than most people expect: what's coming is creativity, and it is already here.

By ThePeculiarEsther Read More →
MOKY MAKURA: THE WOMAN KING OF AFRICAN STORYTELLING
lifestyle
• 184 views

MOKY MAKURA: THE WOMAN KING OF AFRICAN STORYTELLING

The title "Woman King" is best fitting for Moky Makura Not as a reference to power or status, but as a tribute to her quiet strength, unwavering resilience and exceptional leadership. Moky Makura has spent much of her life fighting one of Africa's most important battles, the battle for its image. Through persistence, vision and an enduring belief in the continent, she has helped reshape conversations about Africa and reminded the world that no one is better placed to tell Africa's story than Africans themselves. Some people leave behind projects. Others leave behind movements. Moky Makura is building a legacy that will continue to shape how Africa is seen for generations to come.

By Victoria Abiodun Read More →