Benin - July 16, 2019

After Avutu, we were off to explore other parts of Nigeria. First, the ancient Benin kingdom. By road, we went to Onitsha and stopped on river Niger where Amaka took great pictures for the 2020 calendar. Police officers thought we were members of the press and did not disturb us.

Thanks to Ms. Umebe, we got good access to the Benin palace where the Oba lives and got a fantastic tutorial on this very impressive tradition. Sadly, not much is preserved. At the National Museum, Benin, the HOD (Head of Department) Omuako and curator gave us impressive guide and history of the place. Spent the night at Royal Palm Hotel in Benin.

Palm Trees at the Royal Palm Hotel

Avutu Obowo

We then headed to Avutu Obowo, the land flowing with milk and hony. We met with relatives and friends. Visited the Nwadinobi Orphanage where Amaka gave proceeds of the 2019 calendar to the orphanage and met with the growing children.

We hung out with cousins (Steve & Nkechi's children) Chima, Zara, and Chido in Avutu on Sunday.

We spent Monday processing palm oil with step grandmother and cousins and visited the last remaining mud house in our village.

EB-5 Meetings - Lagos

We had some very productive EB-5 meetings at Eko Hotel, Lagos with a good number of Nigerians exploring their U.S. options. Three full days of work and I was very impressed with how far people flew in to Lagos to meet. Obi was my office assistant and enjoyed lunch time and break time.

Nigeria Juy 6, 2019

We made it safely to our beloved Nigeria. It had been quite rainy. We were really looking forward to relaxing and an exciting time here. While Ugo returns to the U.S. for work, we had some summer camps for the kids and cultural exposures planned. We visited with Ugo's cousins and my uncle recently and  I met one of my Godsons for the first time. The kids relaxed in the pool. Go Super Eagles!

Dubai: July 2, 2019

We went to the Dubai Gold Mall. A friend advised 'don't go there with your wife.' Gold, silver, diamond, and everything in between including the worlds heaviest gold ring that weights 63kg. Before that, we had gone to the spice market where we bought frankincense, myrrh, Iranian saffron, and other spices. In the evening, we took a yacht from Dubai harbor to Atlantis, the Palm for sunset, followed by interesting chats about the city under the city skyline. Took in a great view of the city and it was a beautiful outing. Nigeria Awaits!

Worlds heaviest ring

The Desert Safari July 1, 2019

We went on a desert safari. It was a lot of fun and a lot cooler than we expected. We expected to be melting of heat when really, in some instances it felt cooler than the city itself. Some guys on Toyota Landcruisers speeding through the desert making unimaginable moves made the experience a lot more exciting. We arrived at the settlement and went on a camel ride, got dinner, watched the dancers and did so much more.

Summer 2019

We safely arrived Dubai, UAE on Sunday night. We planned to spend 4 days here and then head to Nigeria. Some of our luggage did not make it on time. It was pass midnight by the time we got to the hotel yet it was hot and humid. After that arrival, we were wondering just how hot it gets in Dubai.

We went to the Dubai mall. Considering how large the mall was we were surprised to find that there was no seating apart from the two seats by the entry way that was packed with people. It was very striking the number of Nigerians shopping, working, and vacationing here. We saw how a vision transforms a desert into a glistening city and destination.

The front of the mall with the Burj Kalifa

Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers 

Large aquarium in the center of the mall.