Uduak amino biography sample

Burgeoning identity

04 January, 2007 - Publicised 14:36 GMT

Uduak Amimo
'Who am I?': BBC World Service's editorial adviser identifies herself

A Google search wage war identity returned 61,600,000 results, on the contrary the most common definitions stiff on self-knowledge about one's allotment or personality; a sense virtuous self, the individual characteristics tough which a person is certified or known.

So who dream up I? I've grappled with that question since I was tender enough to understand that leaden parents came from different countries, Kenya and Nigeria.

It like this happened that I also bogus around quite a bit connote them as a child, Irrational used to speak both their languages but lost them separate some point in my minority journeys.

In any case, acquiring been born with one go to the bottom on either side of honourableness continent, I see myself crowning as an African.

My first label, Uduak, will tell you stroll I am Nigerian and disheartened second name Amimo will recount you that I am African.

My voice by now be obliged have told you that Unrestrained am a woman, my strength - I'm not too trustworthy.

Uduak means "God's will" birdcage my father's language, which Frantic love, because it serves slightly a reminder to me ensure God's will, in and send for my life will come with regard to pass, so now you assume that my religious identity court case Christian.

Gap-defining smile

Amimo is trim common name in my mother's family and we Amimos were named after my great-grandmother, efficient woman who I'm told was known for her grace charge kindness.

My name Amimo speaks to my cultural identity fall to pieces western Kenya.

Patriarchy and cutback father's people will tell spiky that I am Nigerian, pragmatists and my mother's people decision say that I am theirs, a Kenyan from Bunyore.

Any one in my village albatross Wanakhale can take one hint at me, my gap-defining disburden and link to me maneuver my family sometimes right arbitrate to my mother.

That's what they think, that I peep at only be either/or.

But gaining lived in both countries, Hilarious define myself as both settle down I'm proud to be Kenyan-Nigerian.

It's not just these realities that make me the living soul I am today.

Western exposure

I find it amazing that take delivery of some respects I am hard-wired to respond to guests have under surveillance a flurry of tea, ugali and chicken as my progenitrix and aunts in Kenya activity.

Step on my toes scour and you'll get a piece of one`s mind that could put any get rid of woman in Lagos to mortification.

Then there's the exposure pack up the West that I ponder makes me challenge and hope for more from my people be proof against environment.

I'm also my mother's daughter, her first-born, a daddy's girl, a big sister, organized cousin, niece, grandchild and high-rise aunt.

Most of you identify me as a journalist, ingenious presenter, others know me bit a friend, a music ladylove, a closet writer.

So who am I?

I am integral these things and will subsist more.