My Naija News - 'The Colourful Black Auctioneer’ Launches in the UK

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'The Colourful Black Auctioneer’ Launches in the UK

Thursday, 22 November 2007

Kunle Thomas (author) in top hat at the London book launch. Flanked by Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, OON (in glasses), acting Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK and Dele Banjoko, Chief of Protocol, Nigeria High Commission UK.

‘The Colourful Black Auctioneer – Biography of Andrew W Thomas (1856 -1924)’ was recently launched at the London College of Communication (LCC), Elephant and Castle (a college of the University of the Arts London) as part of its Black History Month celebration. His Excellency, Ambassador Dozie Nwanna, acting Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, was the guest of honour at the event. Rudolph Walker, actor, (plays Patrick Trueman in EastEnders) was another special guest at the book launch.

Written by Kunle Thomas, the book traced the different aspects of Andrew Thomas’ life – his royalty, auctioneering career (including the auctioning of German assets in Nigeria and the Cameroons, as part of First World War strategies to weaken Germany), his presidency of the African Church, Lagos, his vice presidency of the civil rights group - the Aborigines Protection Society and his wealth. The biography also gives readers a flavour of Nigeria in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and of its colonial heritage.

Speaking at the event, Kunle said: “Andrew Thomas’ achievements, with Nigeria still firmly under colonial rule and the memory of slave trade still fresh, should challenge and inspire black and minority ethnic communities of today, both in the UK and elsewhere”.

African drumming and dancing, led by Oduduwa talking drummers, added colour and festivity to the book launch.

The Lagos launch will be held on Monday 7 January 2008, to coincide with the 84th anniversary of the transition of Andrew W Thomas who died on 7 January 1924. The launch will take place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, starting at 11.00am.

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Last Updated ( Thursday, 22 November 2007 )

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