Please play this name game with me and let me know how you got on.

I have sent out my CV and cover letters more than 50 times in the last few weeks. In every single case, I have received polite, but quick replies. They apologise because they have more suitable candidates. Now, I have a degree in Economics, another in law, qualified as an accountant over 12 years ago and had been lucky enough to work in every aspect of finance, inluding as a finance controller in a large outsourcing company, so I have over 20 years UK experience, but still can bag an interview with the help of the top accountancy recruitment agencies. I dont think I am alone.

One of my friends have suddenly changed his name to XXXX West, I disagree with what he has done, but I understand the fraustration of a man who makes his living through non facial contacts with his customers. Is he doing well?, you bet. So just for fun, I want you to send out CV's, but change your names and see if you get a better response. If you have an English name, try an African one and see if you suddenly have a furry of rejection. In that case, you can start to live in my world.

Be rest assured, like Barack Obama, I will not be changing my name for anybody. My name is an integral part of my DNA, well, at least for now.

As the world celebrates the rise of Senator Barack Obama and his candicacy in the US, lets not forget the hundreds and thousands of other minority groups who are still struggling to overcome the every day chores of 'breaking' the ceiling and looking for productive work and trying to punch above their weights, especially in Europe.

Many people will tell me that we live in countries where things have moved on and the opportunities are far better, but I beg to disagree. We have made baby steps and those baby steps are only provided to the very few. We must celebrate the likes of David Lammy, UK MP. A man who is extremely talented and should be galloping through the ladders of government, but yet a junior minister. There are hundreds more though who are just as talented, but are punching away below their massive belts. In industry as in government departments, we strive but with limited opportunities to break the mould. We become dejected and disillusioned with a world that pays lip service to meritocracy. Yes, somebody will tell me that Europe is full of chances and that we all have equal opportunities, once again, I tell you to live in my world. I know many with degrees sweeping the streets of London. I know many accountants doing nothing more than clerical work. The list is endless and we wonder why some of these people end up in nut houses. Injustice breeds malice and malice breeds discontentment and mistrust.

At the moment, we shy away from discussing the issues of racial equality in Europe, we as enthic minority groups continue to tow the line. The majority continue to throw a few crumbles to the floor for some of us to snatch at. The rest of us are grateful for the opportunity to earn a living.

In a separate discussion with one of my friends yesterday, a smart guy said, "We must be ready to break some eggs, if we want to enjoy the omelette". Many of us are unwilling to endure the struggle, yet we want to enjoy the benefits of such a struggle. Forty five years ago, the black Americans decided they wanted their rights to be fully integrated into the American culture and be given equal opportunities. The struggle had been tough, but today, the likes of Oprah, Obama and many others enjoy that benefits. We must do the same, we must start the intellectual arguement, this is not the time to riot or be disobedient, this is the time for discussions about the rights and the opportunities. This is not the time for some lip service and token gestures. This is the time for real progress, not positive descrimination. The current system does not work. The equal opportunities commission needs to step up its game. We are failing our people.

Can you imagine a Black PM or even a very senior minister in the UK or anywhere in Europe?. It just ain't going to happen.

Please tell me I am wrong, but dont tell me that your best friend or neighbour is from the enthic minority and therefore you have fulfilled your obligation of understanding the issues of minority interest.

Something is definitely wrong with Nigeria. A country where everyone is given a title once they have a few pennies to their names irrespective of the source of the money. The self serving bofoons are now Asiwaju, Balogun, rather than contend themselves with being called ordinary thieves, sorry chiefs!.

Take the case of D-Banj, a musician of 4 years. Last week, Governors and others with little or nothing better to do lined up to award him every award possible on the bases of three albums, most of the songs not heard outside the country. Can you imagine how many awards he will get after 10 years?.

What about the rubbish being shown as Nollywood films. These films are no better than some thoughless nonsense that a five year old can put together. Somebody needs to tell these guys they are doing a disservice to the country with their trash.

Let's take our stupidity one step further, take the case of a chairman, who needed a juju man to get rid of his CEO, not contended with using charms, he resulted to burning money (£2 million of stolen money) and using its ashes to bath. Or the Governor who was caught half naked because his juju man insisted its the only way to win an election.

How in God's name do these people manage to get to such positions?. Where a judge, instead of determining cases based on the evidence, preferred the oracle to do the job for him. It makes you wonder, if these are our educated people.