Toledo Union Journal

Nigerian Tells Journal Even
Africa Has Labor Unions
By W. 'Bill' Hubbard

(This is the story of the visit to the United States of a Nigerian student, Godwin U. Meniru, as told to Mr. Hubbard.)

"Sure we have labor unions in Nigeria," replied Godwin Meniru when asked by Mr. Hubbard, If there were any Unions in Africa?

Mr. Meniru, a 29-year-old Nigerian, has been studying the various phases of engineering at the Willys Motors plant for the last two years.

During these two years in Toledo. Mr. Meniru has written a book called, "African-American Cooperation". This book due for release in early spring, deals with the economic and political potentials of Africa.

Edward Uhlan, president of the Exposition Press. publishers of the book, said. "It is a strong argument for the long overdue recognition by the west of its dependence upon the people of Asia and Africa. More important, however. is the fact that your book is outlining the fears. aspirations, ideals, and hopes of the Nigerians."

Mr. Meniru told the Journal that the modern building trend has hit most of the larger Nigerian cities, The new structures are the open side type with many windows. The majority of the buildings do not have windows because insects are scarce and the open windows make the buildings very cool, while outside it is very hot.

Spectators at outdoor events usually stand or set under roofs in veranda boxes to keep out of the sun.

The youthful engineer, is the son of a prominent textile manufacturer, and has been studying in the United States for seven years.

He is a graduate of Howard University, where he received his bachelor of science degree.

"When I get back to my homeland, it will be expected of me to be a leader of my people.

"As for marriage I think I will wait a while, until I am established. The old tradition of family arranged marriage has just about vanished from our country.

"Our plan is to develop our industry, by means of pooling money from all groups, management, citizens, and merchants. There are at present between five and six hundred students from my country studying here. Nearly all of them have been sent here on private capital.

"Our people are paid very little. If we should have an automotive factory. like Willys Motors, in our country the worker would make about $34 a month.

"I am very thankful to Mr. Ward Canady. president of Willys-Overland, for writing the forward in my book.

"The English part of my name Godwin came as a result of my Christian baptism. When I got back to my own country I will drop the first name and only use an initial."

"African American Cooperation" by Godwin U. Meniru is scheduled for publication on March 15, 1954 by Exposition Press, New York. The list price is $3.50.

Miss Helen Tiffany of the Lamson Brothers Book Department is now accepting advance orders for copies to be autographed by the author at a special pre-publication offer.