When more than 200 young schoolgirls were kidnapped on 15th April 2014, in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Chibok, by the extreme Islamic terrorist sect Boko Haram, it captivated the world and catapulted the oil-rich west African state into the international media spotlight.
Who was this bizarre Muslim fundamentalist group threatening Islamic terrorism in Africa? What was happening to the abducted children, and would they survive this horrific ordeal? What was the Nigerian government doing to secure their release? And who was the President with the unfortunate name of Goodluck Jonathan?
After securing interviews from contacts in Nigeria, including the President and his aides, Mark Hollingsworth and Von Kemedi reveal the first inside account of this kidnapping, including Boko Haram’s activities and its secret sponsors. This new book also contains the first biography of Goodluck Jonathan and accounts the challenges facing Nigeria – corruption, oil and a fast-growing population.
Against The Odds assembles all the major issues of today – terrorism, corruption, politics, business, oil and Islam – into one assessment of the country. It is a book that will appeal to readers interested in current affairs, exploring the President, the notorious corruption, the vast oil revenues and the colourful people and entrepreneurs who are develping Nigeria into the largest economy in Africa.

Mark Hollingsworth is a London-based journalist and author and has written ten books, notably Londongrad – From Russia with Cash, the Inside Story of the Oligarchs. He writes about international affairs, particularly Africa and Russia, and contributes to The Sunday Times, The Independent and The Guardian.

Von Kemedi is the Managing Director of VP Global Advisory Limited, a political strategy and policy consulting company based in Abuja, Nigeria. Kemedi was brought up in Bayelsa state, Nigeria, and has known Goodluck Jonathan since 2000. He has been a political consultant to the President since he first came to office.