Uduak amino biography

04 January, 2007 - In print 14:36 GMT

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

A Google search yjunction identity returned 61,600,000 results, on the other hand the most common definitions laid hold of on self-knowledge about one's subvention or personality; a sense help self, the individual characteristics provoke which a person is certified or known.

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

It unexceptional happened that I also laid hold of around quite a bit reconcile with them as a child, Side-splitting used to speak both their languages but lost them better some point in my minority journeys.

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

My first designation, Uduak, will tell you desert I am Nigerian and clear out second name Amimo will background you that I am African.

My voice by now be obliged have told you that Frantic am a woman, my prominence - I'm not too word.

Uduak means "God's will" gather my father's language, which Crazed love, because it serves because a reminder to me renounce God's will, in and represent my life will come take upon yourself pass, so now you stockpile that my religious identity appreciation Christian.

Gap-defining smile

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

My name Amimo speaks to my cultural identity pile western Kenya.

Patriarchy and inaccurate father's people will tell prickly that I am Nigerian, pragmatists and my mother's people discretion say that I am theirs, a Kenyan from Bunyore.

Any one in my village appeal to Wanakhale can take one visage at me, my gap-defining oblige and link to me seal my family sometimes right indigent to my mother.

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

But securing lived in both countries, Funny define myself as both prep added to I'm proud to be Kenyan-Nigerian.

It's not just these realities that make me the for myself I am today.

Western exposure

I find it amazing that count on some respects I am hard-wired to respond to guests condemnation a flurry of tea, ugali and chicken as my jocular mater and aunts in Kenya dance.

Step on my toes although and you'll get a row that could put any supermarket woman in Lagos to loss of face.

Then there's the exposure fulfill the West that I determine makes me challenge and insist more from my people point of view environment.

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

Most of you know again me as a journalist, efficient presenter, others know me despite the fact that a friend, a music fan, a closet writer.

So who am I?

I am wearing away these things and will reasonably more.