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Celebrating One of Our Own – Amb. Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie

Born in Uromi, Amb Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie was raised in Benin City, Edo State, as the daughter of Prince Albert Okojie, OON, a former parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance, founding member of the Action Group, commissioner and house of representative during the midwestern region in the era of Awolowo, who was among those that moved the motion for the creation of Bendel State.

Her early education at Ebenezer Primary School and Adesuwa Grammar School in Benin City demonstrates her strong connection to her roots. After Pursuing a OND program in arts at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, she continued her education in the United States, which reflects her determination to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth on an international level, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Information Management and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Growing up in Edo State, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary people in her community. Her experiences and deep connections with the local population have afforded her valuable insights into their needs and aspirations. This profound understanding forms the heart of her mission: to eradicate hunger, poverty, and illiteracy in Edo State and create a thriving middle class through reforms, economic growth and infrastructural development.

Amb Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie, comes from a lineage of political and social leaders in Nigeria, and her family’s history is marked by significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence and self-governance. Her grandfather, King Ogbidi Okojie of the Uromi dynasty, stands out as a notable figure in Nigeria’s history. He is renowned for his courage and resistance against British control during the colonial era. His leadership and efforts to protect the sovereignty of his people left a lasting impact on the region and contributed to the preservation of the local culture and traditions.

Amb Princess Asha’s cousin, Chief Anthony Enahoro, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s self-government movement. As a prominent nationalist and politician, he was instrumental in fight for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. His significant contributions to the nation’s political landscape earned him a place in history as one of Nigeria’s founding fathers as well as her cousin, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, who holds the distinction of being the first Esan Catholic Cardinal in Nigeria whose spiritual leadership, activism, and dedication to his faith have influenced and inspired many in the country.

Princess Asha Okojie’s deep-rooted connection to a lineage of political and social leaders in Nigeria, notably as a direct descendant of Oba Ewuare I and the sixth generation of his son, Igiesan, who left the Benin kingdom to become the first monarch of Uromi, reflects a rich heritage that has profoundly influenced her values and sense of responsibility, keeping her grounded.

Fondly referred to as Ine Edo (Mother of Edo), Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie willingly embraces the significant role of bridging tradition and modernity. She recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of contemporary governance.

With a family history marked by leaders like her cousin, late Chief Anthony Enahoro and late dad, Hon. Prince Albert Okojie, who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s history, Princess Asha stands resolute in her commitment to lead Edo State toward a new order. Her acceptance of the leadership mantle signifies a continuation of a legacy of service, activism, and dedication to community well-being.

This commitment is not only a personal endeavor but a reflection of her understanding of the evolving needs of Edo State. By embracing the responsibilities passed down through generations, Princess Asha aims to contribute to the progress, development, and positive transformation of Edo State, addressing contemporary challenges while drawing on the wisdom of tradition.

As she steps into this role, Princess Asha brings with her a unique blend of cultural heritage, modern perspectives, and a dedication to fostering positive change. Her leadership is guided by a vision that seeks to uplift the people of Edo State, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and progress in the pursuit of a better future.

Currently serving as CEO of AfriQtalk Consult, a multifaceted company specializing in media, healthcare and business consultancy, investment and trade facilitation. Her leadership has resulted in strategic collaborations, marketing partnerships, and sponsorship initiatives in both the public and private sectors.

As the founder of the US-Nigeria Legislatives and Executive Forum, she has used her platform for bringing together U.S and African state legislators, business executives, and private sector leaders to connect, share ideas, promote bilateral trade and investment, innovation, security, and good governance for the betterment of communities.

Initiator of FACE Honors and Global leadership Initiatives, a cultural organization that recognizes outstanding individual’s services, commitments, dedications, contributions, passion and influence in the global economy, entertainment, sports, culture, arts, good governance, education, research, and philanthropy, in Africa and the African diaspora. The list of past honorees, include:

  • Hon. Mildred Crump, Council President, Newark, New Jersey
  • Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark, New Jersey
  • Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman Chrome Group
  • Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Chairman, Island Club, Nigeria
  • Mr. Rob Brunner, VP Arik Airlines, USA
  • Chief Edem Duke, former Hon. Minister of Culture Tourism and National Orientation, Abuja
  • Mayor, Kasim Reed Atlanta, GA
  • HON. ARC. Micheal Oziegbe Onoleme, former Minister of Works, Abuja
  • Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, former Amb. /Consul General, Nigeria Consulate of Atlanta, GA
  • Lt. Governor Boyd Kevin Rutherford of Maryland State – Outstanding Leadership Impact
  • Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo – Outstanding Nigerian Philanthropist Award, for Community Achievement in Human Development Capacity and Philanthropy and Community Recognition Award for Exceptional Leadership in Youth Empowerment.
  • Chris Kehinde Nwandu, Publisher and Editor in Chief CKN News – Outstanding Online Media Personality
  • Sia Finoh, CEO, Education for Africa – Outstanding African Diaspora Women in Leadership
  • Sade Oshinubi Esq. UPAC, Chairwoman – Outstanding African Diaspora Women in Leadership
                                      This initiative has contributed significantly to the enrichment of cultural understanding and collaboration within Africa and the African diaspora, to mention a few.

As Vice President of the Ivorian-Nigeria Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry, she has been engaged in fact-finding investment missions and trade facilitation to Africa, including advocacy against human trafficking. In addition, she plays a critical role in enhancing trade and economic relations between Ivory Coast and Nigeria to strengthens economic ties, fosters cooperation, and paves the way for mutually beneficial business opportunities between the two nations.

Having grown up in Edo State, Amb Princess Asha Okojie understands the challenges faced by the ordinary people in the community. Her educational achievements, experiences, business acumen, and connections with the people have given her valuable insights into their needs and aspirations. This understanding forms the core of her mission to eradicate hunger, poverty, and illiteracy, combining her passion for fighting causes for women, girls, and children to improve lives has demonstrated her empathy and leadership abilities, which are evident in her commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Addressing the pressing challenges faced by the people of Edo State has shaped her sense of responsibility and instilled in her a commitment to public service as well as advocating for gender equity further showcases her dedication to the welfare of marginalized and disenfranchised groups.

Through her platform InvestEdo, Amb Princess Asha Okojie have been able to create awareness and empower the people of Edo State by providing economic opportunities, promoting education, and addressing the root causes of poverty and envisions a prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens as she bid for the office of the governorship 2024.

Before venturing into politics herself, her involvement in various organizations and advisory committees reflects her dedication to addressing critical issues. She played a crucial role behind the scenes in various political campaigns in Edo State. Her invaluable experience and understanding of the intricacies of political processes have equipped her with insights as she now stands as a front-runner in the 2024 Edo gubernatorial race.

She actively supports research into traditional alternative treatments for sickle cell disease in Africa, extending her care to orphanages, providing financial assistance to sick patients, offering nutrition and medical care to pregnant women, and providing tuition assistance to underprivileged children in Edo State, and gender equity on both national and international levels.

Princess Asha Okojie’s advocacy extends to empowering the youth in her community. She has been a steadfast supporter of young individuals aspiring to hold local and state offices, actively participating in various initiatives to nurture the next generation of leaders. Her commitment to voter sensitization and education for numerous elections has ensured that citizens are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities in the democratic process.

Moreover, she has tirelessly worked alongside grassroots organizations, enlisting them as invaluable observers in the voting process, thus upholding the integrity of elections and bolstering public trust in the democratic system. Her passion for driving positive change shines through as she explores pathways to a brighter future through informed voting.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s career journey is marked by versatility and dedication. Her early career involved roles as a publicist, supporting high-profile clients and celebrities. She was the executive producer and director of “Let’s Talk Africa,” an online blog radio and red carpet where she’s interviewed dignitaries, celebrities, and thought leaders from around the world, showcasing her commitment to cultural exchange and fostering diplomacy for mutual understanding.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie has been a trailblazer in transforming traditional television news and entertainment. Her online talk show and blog served as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness of African cultures, entertainment, music, ideological diversity, and entrepreneurial innovation, while also promoting African artists in communities throughout the United States with her extensive network.

Under her leadership, her company AfriQtalk provided media and communications consulting for the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. AfriQtalk co-hosted President Obama’s Young African Leaders Summit (YALI) in Atlanta in 2014 and provided coverage of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Washington, D.C., in 2015. The company collaborated with selected institutions such as the African Business Round Table and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN in hosting the UN Security Conference in New York, with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as the keynote speaker in 2015. Additionally, AfriQtalk facilitated interviews with various media outlets, including CNN, The Dr. Phil Show, and VH1 during her tenure as the media consultant for the Nigeria Consulate General office in Atlanta, GA.

Amb Princess Asha Okojie possesses a transformational leadership style that inspires and motivates others to work towards a common vision of positive change. With her extensive experience in leading organizations as well as advocating for positive change, she brings valuable insights and practical knowledge to drive transformative initiatives.

As a visionary leader in the corporate entity, Amb Princess Asha Okojie is committed to creating jobs through a public–private partnership trade and incentives to uplift marginalized businesses and providing opportunities for them to thrive, creating a path towards sustainable development and progress in the state.

With her diverse experience in executive and leadership roles, Amb Princess Asha Okojie has made a positive impact in leading organizations and people with her visionary leadership skills, articulating and communicating organization’s vision to help align stakeholders and their team towards achieving common goals as well as strategic planning, team building, decision-making, performance management, strategic partnerships, change management, innovation and creativity and financial acumen.

Her transformational leadership style, strategic planning, experience, and dedication to teamwork position her as an inspiring force driving positive change and empowerment in Edo State. Her credibility and international influences is an added value, which will bring support of indigenes in the diaspora and the international community, to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the people and make Edo State a beacon of progress and prosperity in terms of investment opportunities and development, if elected to office.

Her advocacy extends to promoting African arts, entertainment, and culture, as well as addressing critical issues such as the repatriation of stolen artifacts and the rejuvenation of heritage sites in Africa. In 2018, she was nominated as the diaspora cultural ambassador for the United States by Hon. Osaze Osemwegie Ero, former commissioner of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, highlighting her role in enhancing cultural understanding between Edo State and the U.S.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie’s advocacy efforts and dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on humanity by helping orphanage homes, pregnant women, and patients who cannot afford to pay their hospital bills, promotion of culture, entrepreneurship, and empowering women, children, and youth, including humanitarian services, have earned her recognition both locally and internationally from various organizations

In 2023 The National Union of Journalists, Edo State, acknowledged her contribution to humanity in 2024, in 2017, she was conferred UN Ambassador for her humanitarian efforts, under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a testament to her commitment, in 2018 she was honored as International Person of the Year, in 2015 she was received the Africa’s emerging leaders in the diaspora, in 2014, she received a recognition from Stanford Who’s Who, and Nigerian Promoters Media Personality of the Year in 2012, among others, underscoring her exceptional contributions to various fields.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie’s impressive and diverse experience in executive and leadership roles has left a significant positive impact on the organizations and people she has served. Her visionary leadership skills, strategic thinking, and effective communication have played a pivotal role in guiding these organizations towards success. Some key aspects of her leadership include:

Articulating and Communicating Vision: Ambassador Okojie excels in expressing a clear and compelling vision for organizations. She has the ability to convey this vision to stakeholders, team members, and the broader community, which helps align everyone’s efforts toward achieving common goals.

Strategic Planning: She is skilled in developing and implementing strategic plans that set organizations on a path for long-term success. Her strategic planning expertise ensures that organizations are well-prepared to adapt to changing environments and achieve their objectives.

Team Building: Ambassador Okojie understands the value of building strong, cohesive teams. Her leadership fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, enhancing team performance and productivity.

Decision-Making: Her decision-making skills are marked by a well-balanced approach that considers both short-term and long-term consequences, ensuring choices are in the best interest of the organization.

Performance Management: Ambassador Okojie is dedicated to optimizing performance within organizations, implementing effective performance management systems that drive accountability and continuous improvement.

Strategic Partnerships: She recognizes the importance of forming strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals, establishing and nurturing relationships that contribute to growth and success.

Change Management: Ambassador Okojie is skilled in managing change within organizations, understanding that it is often necessary for growth and development, ensuring transitions are handled effectively.

Innovation and Creativity: She encourages and supports innovation and creativity within organizations, fostering an environment where new ideas are valued and embraced.

Financial Acumen: Ambassador Okojie has a strong understanding of financial management and budgeting, ensuring organizations are financially sound and able to invest in their growth and development.

Trade and Investment: With her background in trade and investment, Princess Asha Okojie possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to foster economic growth and development within Edo State. Her understanding of business dynamics can contribute to job creation and increased economic opportunities for the state’s residents.

Entertainment Promotion: Her previous role as a Nigerian entertainer promoter and media personality underscores her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Her charisma and rapport-building skills can be effectively utilized for leadership and community engagement.

Facilitator of Legislative and Executive Summits: Her role as a facilitator of legislative and executive summits underscores her steadfast commitment to inclusive governance, where ideas are exchanged for the betterment of the state. This approach promotes transparency and progress within Edo State.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s extensive and diverse skill set, coupled with her dedication to service and profound understanding of Edo State’s challenges, positions her as a dynamic leader capable of fostering economic growth, innovation, and positive change in the state.

Ambassador Princess Asha’s robust network, well-established partnerships, ongoing collaborations, and strategic alliances across various sectors and with diverse stakeholders are invaluable assets that greatly amplify her capacity to harness talent for the socioeconomic development of Edo State.

Her multifaceted background, technical, hard and soft skills, including commitment to excellence make her a transformative force for Edo State’s future prosperity, development and mutually beneficial relationships extends to the following range of entities:

Investors: Her connections with investors provide Edo State with access to potential sources of funding for critical development projects, spurring economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation.

Business Communities: Ambassador Princess Asha’s engagement with business communities fosters an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and business growth within Edo State, leading to increased economic activities locally and internationally.

Educational Institutions: Collaborations with educational institutions can enhance the state’s educational infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and equip the local workforce with the skills needed for the modern job market.

Cultural Organizations: Partnering with cultural organizations helps preserve and promote Edo State’s rich cultural heritage, attracting cultural tourism and contributing to the local economy.

US Governors, Senators, Legislators: Her interactions with US political leaders at the state and federal levels can open doors for advocacy and support for Edo State’s development initiatives, including securing partnerships, investments, and resources.

State of Maryland: Ambassador Princess Asha’s connections within the state government and local communities can facilitate collaboration between Maryland and Edo State, covering areas of mutual interest.

African Communities in the Diaspora: Ambassador Princess Asha’s engagement with African communities in the diaspora extends Edo State’s reach globally, leading to investments, cultural exchanges, and contributions to the state’s development.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s active involvement in a wide range of organizations underscores her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact across multiple spheres. Her leadership, strategic vision, and dedication shine through her contributions to the following organizations:

Co-chairman of THINKWEST Initiative (TWI) in Nigeria: In her role as Co-chairman of TWI, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie plays a pivotal leadership role in an organization dedicated to driving good governance, eradicating hunger, poverty, and illiteracy, fostering positive change and development in Nigeria. Her strategic planning and visionary leadership skills have been instrumental in shaping TWI’s initiatives, empowering individuals, and fostering human capital development.

Board Member of the International Forum for Sickle-Celled in the Diaspora (INFORSID): Serving as a board member of INFORSID reflects Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting individuals affected by sickle cell disease within the diaspora community.

Member of the Women Empowerment Network (WOENET): Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s membership in WOENET demonstrates her alignment with an organization that empowers women, supporting gender equity and women’s rights.

Former Member of the Nigerian Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation (NDDTF): Her previous involvement with NDDTF signifies a history of engaging in initiatives related to healthcare and trauma support for the diaspora community.

Member of the National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS): Her membership in NAMAS highlights her engagement in the field of medical auditing, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare excellence.

Member of the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC): Her membership in AAPC indicates her active engagement in professional coding and billing practices within the healthcare industry.

Member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s affiliation with AHIMA demonstrates her commitment to healthcare data quality and patient information privacy.

Member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS): Membership in ASIS reflects Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s involvement in industrial security practices, showcasing her commitment to ensuring safety and security in various industrial settings.

Amb Princess Asha Okojie possesses empathy and transformational leadership skills that inspire and motivate others to work towards a common vision of positive change. Her strategic planning abilities enable her to craft comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies to address underserved and underprivileged populations in our society.

In her free time, Amb Princess Asha Okojie enjoys mentoring young women, men, and girls, writing motivational quotes, and traveling. Her commitment to family values, faith in God, and empathy for humanity serves as the driving force behind her work, keeping her focused and motivated. Ambassador Princess Asha okojie-Odigie is happily married with five grown up boys.

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I CAN’T STAY QUIET ANY LONGER! SAYS TAWO

 

These last few days have been nothing but gut wrenching. What has happened to George Floyd, Eric Gardner, Michael Brown, Ezell Ford, Tamir Rice, Joseph Mann, Sandra Bland, Christopher Davis, Antwon Rose II, Breona Taylor and countless others is beyond acceptable and nothing more than a show of pure evil. We have a problem in this country and you would be foolish to try to downplay it or sweep it under the rug.

America has always been a nation with evil dark demons lurking in the air. A nation where race has been the single biggest factor on how you progress and the box you fit in. Blacks and Browns have every right to be MAD! Every right to be frustrated and desperate. 400 years of oppression. 400 years of our culture being drained, manipulated, reshaped and mass manufactured. This should not be up for debate. Point. Blank. PERIOD!

The police force in this nation needs a total and complete psychological overhaul. A restructure that puts community first. A police force that has, instilled in it a more humane way of dealing with problems. At the same time if you know me you know I am a realist and someone who doesn’t get pushed around by the media. I am not for the “status quo” even within my own community. All cops aren’t bad just as all people aren’t bad or in relation to what is going on: As to all black folks aren’t bad. In my own personal experience (and believe me I have done my fair share of craziness that sometimes I wonder how I am still alive).

I have came across so many good and amazing cops. Yes I’ll say it again: I have came across so many GOOD and amazing cops. Take that how you will. Still we have to hold accountable the bad apples among the bunch and persecute them to the highest levels of government. But at the same time let’s not add injury to insult by taking what the police in this country “should stand for” = like servants of the public, protectors of all people, advisors, and mentors as an EXCUSE to degrade its institution and purpose.

Some may not know it or care to admit it but a lot of people would not be alive today if it wasn’t for a law enforcement officer directly or indirectly doing their job. Now to some, what I just mentioned sounds appalling and unfathomable. I will tell you that’s what we need to strive and fight for. The anger and pleas in the streets during the last few days of protests and riots are very well deserved and I feel your pain to the core of my being.

Let your voices be heard! But once again I am a realist and someone who looks at things from all angles to form ideas and opinions. YELL! SCREAM! Destroy the cop cars and say the names of the fallen! But when you start mindlessly destroying the city and your own local black community your message starts to have zero meaning because at the end of the day these would be the same people who would rob someone like Floyd in broad daylight for a gang initiation.

I am not speaking to all cities as a whole but to the ones I’ve seen where black boys I know personally are destroying things. And I’m no fool; I know a lot of the people are PEACEFULLY protesting. I see that and I am here with you! You spit on the cops or destroy their vehicles, once again I am here with you and I understand the fury.

But to those who are blindly inciting violence and say it’s for George Floyd or black lives…SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! Not only are you destroying your own local black community, you are playing right into the hands of the white supremacist and those who fear us! They will only buy more guns and get more prepared. I guarantee half of you do not want a civil war (your anger is telling you do but I promise you the reality will be shocking and painful. More painful than what you see now).

I don’t want to even begin to address something that is killing us more in this country: black on black crime. But it is not about that right now (we need to have that conversation sooner rather than later). Some are going to hate me for saying this but race relation in America has come along way and has and will get better. We just have to now focus on the systematic element of it and root it out. Majority of the core racists in America are older folks from a different time. We younger generation is a much more inclined and compassionate bunch and I’m happy for that.

It’s unfortunate that we currently have a President that is an inhibitor of malicious energy, but we have the power to kick him out! “Racism isn’t getting worse, it’s getting filmed” – Will Smith. Right now it is about you making sure your voice is heard and heard the right way! GO AND VOTE! And I’m not only taking about for President but for Attorney Generals, Sheriff’s, Mayors, Reps, Senators, Governors. Vote on amendments, on propositions. A lot of y’all black folks don’t vote! Even non-felons. Create more dynamic organizations that are adamant and agile with getting things done. This is where a lot of white people can come in. FULLY partner up with us minorities and let’s get things going. Stage blackouts and boycotts. Not just right now in the heat of the moment but until we get this country fixed.

I’m not saying it’s a perfect system or path, but I guarantee you in the long term it will pay off. This isn’t a battle that will be won overnight with riots, but by generations through the PEN! And it might not be something you want to hear. BUT HEAR IT! AND HEAR IT LOUD! We are better than this. Go educate yourself. Learn more about your culture. Visit Africa and see your land. Become more open minded. More enlightened. Learn more about the political system than the gang system. Yes the cards are stacked against us. It’s always been. It only makes us stronger.

To those who didn’t destroy anything, yet are cleaning up… GOD BLESS YOU! To those who caused the destruction yet are back in your neighborhood laughing or excited about it. GO TO HELL! United we stand. Divided we fall. Together we can truly make this nation great! God bless you and God bless the United States of America!

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TAWO: A RISING STAR SAYS ONE DAY HE’LL BE AS BIG AS DRAKE

Tawo - American rapper, singer-songwriter and actor2

To make it to the top, you have to be willing to meticulously watch the greats and apply what you’ve learned, all while being patient. This is a strategy rising music star and producer, TAWO has put a lot of effort into perfecting his artistry since the age of 14, the Atlanta, GA., native has only just begun. Making a point to keep his lyrics and music content appealing to the masses the 26-year-old rapper (TAWO has been adamant at shaking the ‘rapper’ label) is a walking embodiment of thinking beyond his years and in staying power.

Back in 2014, TAWO (then rapping under the moniker ‘William Blaze’) released his first project, New Vtlvntv Sound, a collaboration mixtape with another Georgia native, Jay Mays, that was hosted by DJ Iceberg. Followed in 2015 by an EP project, Season of The Sting. Both were met by hurdles and unforeseen personal life events that slowed their success and impact. Then came 2020. Using his middle name as his stage name, more focus and better honing his craft, TAWO is on track to make this his breakout year.

Having already released three projects so far: Closer Than I Appear, Blaze Loves MoMo and Spring Fever, and on track to releasing his debut album later in the year, TAWO has no plans of slowing up.

OUR INTERVIEW

Seated in the AfriQtalk studios living room flashing his signature goofy smile, TAWO discusses his initial jump into the music scene, one day being bigger than Drake, experimenting with his music and much more.

AfriQtalk: What convinced you music is what you wanted to do?

 TAWO: Music is just one of numerous things that I’m drawn to like acting, fashion or politics. I just think it was the earliest and easiest way for me to express myself creatively. It was so accessible in my household growing up. My dad had and still has such a crazy CD collection and my mom would just keep the TV on like MTV Jams and stuff like that. So naturally I was drawn to the storytelling and impact certain songs had on people and that was something I wanted for myself.

Why do you think the acting wasn’t a first choice for you?

 For me at least back in the day, and when I say back in the day I mean like early 2000’s it was hard to just go out and start acting from a starting out standpoint. You have to audition and so forth. With music I was able to just connect a mic to a computer and let it rip.

How did you end up finding yourself musically? You have a unique music voice.

I would say at first that was my biggest obstacle. I was taking in so much music that I would go on a track and sound like that artist and that really bugged me. Then when I went to experiment and try something new, I felt like people would not vibe with it. So there was this constant back and forth within myself and it really slowed me down in the beginning. I had to take some time to live life and really get to the core of who I was and take that and translate to my music. Now I just vibe, I don’t know what else to call it.

How did things change for you in 2020?

It’s weird answering that question with this whole pandemic thing going on. I just pray that the world heals and people like learn to be more compassionate to everybody and all that. On a more music note though I started this year off with a go-and-get-it mentality. Like I have no excuses anymore. I’m in a space where I can dedicate all my time to my craft and really hit the ground running. I’ve dropped three projects so far. I’m working on this dope video and also on an album. I’m not letting off the gas. This has been ten years in the making. I’m not getting any younger.

What was it like in the beginning for you?

Lost. Like when I was in high school doing the whole Facebook rapping thing it was cool. It made me popular and all but when I went to the real world I was just like confused really. I didn’t know the first thing about the music industry and how to progress from where I was. That’s pretty much how everything started to fall apart. Even with a project with a well known DJ on it I couldn’t move to the next level. I did some shows here and there but the consistency was off. It was hard.

“Closer Than I Appear” really started the run you’re currently on. How did that come about?

It was just a collection of songs I made over the years. 2019 was a really bad year for me and it put a mindset in my head that I need to get on my game. So compiled some records I had laying around and recorded like one or two songs and just threw it out there. After that I was like why stop now, and I just kept going. I never even liked the project to be honest. I just wanted something out there. I know a lot more about the music industry than I used to and so I’m incorporating all my knowledge and really grinding. It’s still a challenge and I’m learning new things like everyday.

Why didn’t you like the project?

 I have this problem of just hearing my old music and cringing. I think it’s a maturity thing. I want to push myself to the next level all the time so when I hear old songs like that it irks me. I was still William Blaze when I recorded a lot of those songs. And it sounds dumb because I put it out this year but I just wanted something to get my metadata and SEO going on the streaming platforms. Don’t get me wrong I have a lot of people who loved that project. It’s just a personal thing.

What’s the difference between TAWO and William Blaze as a person?

It’s a combination of a lot of things. Life experiences, maturity, deeper thinking and a better appreciation for the simple things. I think William Blaze saw the world as only what was in front of him. The music was more taunting, more careless. Now everything I do is calculated.

What makes Georgia such an important part of your image?

It started this journey I’m on now. From my street smarts to how I view music to looking at the country through the lenses of the south. When you leave and look back a lot of things become clear and I want to always translate that into my music even though I don’t talk like I’m from the south. I still want to paint the experience in my music.

What are you looking for in a label?

 As of now I have no plans to ever sign to a major label. I have my own that I started and I just want to build on that.

As of now?

Yeah, nothing in this life is for certain. Things change and so do people’s thinking. That’s just my current thinking. And it will take a lot to change it.

Where were you mentally when you started making Spring Fever?

Man…. I was just in a constant state of reminiscing. I spent all of 2018 living in Denver, Colorado and I met so many women that touched me in some way or another. So that was just me expressing myself towards that direction. I have a lot of content to record about my experiences in Denver. My mind really changed while living there.

Why do you think that’s a good direction to go in your music?

It was a moment in my life where I was really stripped to the bones physically and mentally. I was put into situations that really opened my mind and changed my way of thinking. The whole energy in that city is powerful. And I don’t want to sound corny or anything but just from that one year I have enough personal material to be the next Drake. The stories I have to tell and how things panned out is remarkable. I’m going to really start diving into it in my album.

The next Drake?

Of course! I say that with complete confidence. I want to be bigger! I have so many stories to tell. So many styles of music I want to try. You know like I hate being called a rapper because I don’t want to be put into that box. I have no idea what a genre is when I record music. It sounds almost like a safety net to say I make hip-hop music. I just make music. My debut album is going to really prove that point.. And all of this is just the start. I want to make a leap into acting too.

What sound were you aiming for with Spring Fever? 

I just wanted a real modern retro feel. I wanted it to sound like the whole project was floating in air. Something that gave off bubbly vibes. I was also just experimenting with the whole thing. I really loved what came out of it.

What about Blaze Loves MoMo?

 When I heard heard those two beats produced by Yunnygoldz I was like I just have to jump on those songs and really laser beam my deliverance. I didn’t want anything sounding to static or boring. I had a lot of fun working on that one. I’m actually working on a video for Bahm3x right now with this young dynamic director from South Carolina.

Take a listen

Bahm3x was such a vibe! You plan on making more music like that?

No doubt. My verse on there was nice. I’m definitely incorporating stuff like that on my album.

How has your parent’s response to your music been?

They have been real supportive, especially my mom. She was the one who took me to my very first real studio session. I used to record music on the computer and microphone she had for work. At first I used to hide my music from my dad because he was always the “go to college’ and focus on a career type of guy so I wasn’t really eager to show him but he is always asking me to play my music these days.

I know it sounds premature but what’s next for you?

I’m guessing you mean after this year?

Yeah.

I really don’t even know where to begin. Music for me is just the beginning of another journey. From music I want to create visuals that are story telling and like short films and from there I want to make feature films that tie to one album. And also breaking into mainstream acting as well as fashion. I just want o build this mammoth of a beast company and just change the dynamic of everything possible. Also somewhere down the line I want to get into public service but that’s far down the road. If I were to just pinpoint to 2021 I would say I want to be Grammy nominated and have a really good foundation under my feet to build on. So I really have to get on my game and grind.

You can catch Tawo doing his thing at  https://www.tawoofficial.com

or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/willtawo

 

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Repositioning Africa in the 21st Century

Amb Princess Asha Okojie, with her extensive background in entertainment, media, and business consultancy, has now shifted her focus to Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new endeavor. As the descendant of the renowned Esan monarch King Ogbidi Okojie and the niece of Chief Anthony Enahoro and Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, Amb Princess Asha Okojie comes from a lineage of distinguished political and social leaders in Nigeria.

Currently serving as the CEO of AfriQtalk LLC, Amb Princess Asha Okojie leads a PR, branding, consultancy, event management, multimedia services, and trade facilitation company. AfriQtalk has a proven track record of strategic collaborations, co-branding, marketing, and sponsorship partnerships in both the public and private sectors. Amb Princess Asha Okojie is also the Founder and President of FACE (Festival of Arts, Culture & Expo) Honors and Global Leadership Initiatives. This organization recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to service and humanity in Africa and the African diaspora. Additionally, she initiated the African Legislatives and Executive Forum, which provides a platform for state legislators, business executives, and leaders in the private sector to connect and exchange ideas for the betterment of governance.

Under her leadership, AfriQtalk provided media and communications consulting for the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. She co-hosted President Obama’s Young African Leaders Summit (YALI) in Atlanta in 2014 and covered President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Washington, D.C. in 2015. AfriQtalk collaborated with the African Business Round Table and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN to host the UN Security Conference in New York, where former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered the keynote speech.

Amb Princess Asha Okojie has made significant contributions to the transformation of traditional television news and entertainment through her online blog radio and YouTube talk show channel. Her platform spreads awareness of African vibrant cultures, entertainment, music, ideological diversity, and entrepreneurial ingenuity while collaborating with cultural organizations to promote African artists in African communities in the U.S.

With her extensive network and experience, she has interviewed dignitaries, celebrities, and thought leaders from around the world. She has supported numerous local events and facilitated interviews with various media outlets, including CNN, The Dr. Phil Show, and VH1during Amb Geoffrey Teneilabe tenure at the Nigerian Consulate of Atlanta, GA. Amb Princess Asha Okojie has also, been recognized as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in the diaspora. She was elected into Stanford Who’s Who, an organization that honors outstanding executives, professionals, and businesspeople worldwide.

Her advocacy extends to the promotion of African arts, entertainment, and culture, as well as efforts to address issues such as the return of stolen artifacts and the revitalization of heritage sites in Africa. In 2018, she was nominated as the cultural ambassador for the United States by the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs to enhance cultural understanding between Edo State and the U.S.

Recognized locally and internationally for her humanitarian work and activism against female genital mutilation, gender inequality, and child marriage, Amb Princess Asha Okojie dedicates her time to charitable efforts and engages with women and youth. She was conferred the title of UN Ambassador in 2017 for her philanthropic activities and humanitarian work in Africa. Amb Princess Asha Okojie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to become the first and youngest African woman to launch the African catering and delivery business known as Fashwill Kitchens. She started the business in Miami, Florida, and later moved it to College Park, Georgia, catering to prominent figures such as former NBA player Hakeem Olajuwon.

Her blogs, known for their captivating content, have been cited as academic references in her efforts to promote African culture, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. She actively supports research into traditional alternative treatments for sickle cell disease in Africa through her philanthropic initiatives. In addition to her professional pursuits, Amb Princess Asha Okojie enjoys mentoring young women and girls, writing motivational quotes, engaging in photojournalism, and traveling. Her commitment to family values and faith in God serves as her guiding principles, keeping her focused, humbled, and motivated.

Amb Princess Asha Okojie holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Information Management and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). She is involved in various organizations, including serving as the Co-chairman of THINKWEST Initiative (TWI) in Nigeria, a board member of the International Forum for Sickle-Celled in the Diaspora (INFORSID), and a member of the Women Empowerment Network (WOENET), the Nigerian advisory committee, the former Nigerian Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation (NDDTF), the National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS), the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS).

Contact, email, and website Info:

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Princess Asha Okojie, CEO AfriQtalk
AfriQtalk on Air
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INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN NIGERIA

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Oil prices in Nigeria have fallen below 55% since September 2014, impacting public sector spending. However, infrastructure development is critical to the growth of the economy. The GDP indicator, indicates the non-oil sector has been the main driver of growth with services-oriented economy, such as retail, wholesale trade, real estate, information and communication.

The fall in oil prices has created investment opportunity in other sectors, like agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Particularly, in the export sector, leveraging on Nigerian Maritime Industry in the following areas.

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Governance issues remains a huge challenge within the Nigerian Ports sector about delays in getting their goods moved through the ports but the latest funding boost from the federal government could change the growth prospects for this sector. 

For more information about Maritime Investment opportunities, contact us at info@faceawardusa.com

About FACE

FACE is a not-for-profit organization that supports African Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals representing over 60,000 African Immigrant Communities in the United States. Our goal is to encourage policies and practices that promotes sustainable socioeconomic development, and youth empowerment programmes by creating awareness to make available the necessary infrastructures for the development, and maintenance of viable primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors in Africa, and the African Diaspora.

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Princess Asha Receives IIM Africa Fellowship

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Culture Ambassador, Princess Asha Okojie, CPC, CAHIIM, CEO of AfriQtalk Consult, and Founder of FACE USA has been nominated among the distinguished elites of professionals, and personalities to receive the most prestigious IIM Africa Honorary Fellow Awards from Institute of Information Management. Scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the University of Lagos.

The unique award, is specially reserved for personalities who have distinguished themselves in the society through service, selflessness and other peculiar contributions through which the lives of many have been affected positively.

Some of this year’s inductees are; Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) – The Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Lai Mohammed – Minister of Information and Culture, Mandy Olowu – President/Founder, Hope Ambassadors and Childcare Organization, Prof. Ibrahim Garba – Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Engr. Aliyu Aziz Abubakar, Director General/CEO- National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Nsebong Akpabio, Mon Amipr Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone RS2 Federal Road Safety Corps, Amb. Toye Okanlawon- Chairman & Chief Executive – Fountain Bleau Global Consulting.

Past inductees, include; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Oba Dr. Olusanya Adegboye the Olowu-of-Owu Kingdom, HE Bar. Babatunde Fashola, HE Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, HE Dr. Rabiu Kwankwanso, HE Godswill Akpabio, HE Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Labaran Maku to name just a few.   

IIM-Africa “Fellow of the Institute of Information Management (FIIM)” award has also, been conferred on a good number of dignitaries within and outside of the country since inception for exemplary performance and achievements over the years in the Industry and the society. 

For more information visit http://www.iim-africa.org/.

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Export-Import Bank of the United States Annual Conference

If you’re an Exporter, Broker, Foreign Buyer, Foreign Government, Legal Services, and U.S. Federal Government Agency. EXIM Bank’s Annual Conference presents a unique opportunity for com…

Source: Export-Import Bank of the United States Annual Conference

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AfriQtalk to Host Mandela Washington Fellowship

AfriQtalk in collaboration with Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will be hosting a dinner reception for 25 of Africa’s brightest emerging business and entrepreneurship leaders in July, 2016. Atlanta, GA.

If you are an African organization, business owner, chambers of commerce, association or simply a friend of Africa, and interested in participating or to join in welcoming our young leaders, contact us at afriqtalk57@gmail.com.

For sponsorship information, contact info@faceawardusa.com. Lets keep Africa shinning.

About The Mandela Washington Fellowship

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, is the flagship program of President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), empowers young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and support for activities in their communities. Fellows are young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa who have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive change in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.

Click here for more pics

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2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards

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The 4th Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards that were held on Saturday, March 5 at the Eko Hotels in Lagos. The AMVCA is an annual awards show which features nominations in over 20 categories in African film and TV series. It was hosted by seasoned media personality IK Osakioduwa and Minnie Dlamini

It was a great night and was graced by actors from different African countries as well as broadcast live across Africa.

Here are some of the photos from the event, the after party, and a full list of all the winners at the event.

Best Art Director – Frank Rajah (The Refugees) Best Television Series Award – Ariyike Oladipo (Daddy’s Girls)

Best Makeup Artist in a Movie or Series – Louiza Calore for Ayanda

Best Short Film or Online Video Award – Oluseyi Amuwafo (A Day With Death)

Best Writer for Movie and TV series – Trish Malone (Ayanda)

Best Lighting Designer (Movies/TV) – Stanley Ohikhuare (Common Man)

Best Cinematographer – Paul Michaelson (Tell Me Sweet Something)

Best Sound Editor – Jose Guillermo (Cry)

Best Picture Editor – Shirley Frimpong-Manso (Rebecca)

Best Costume Designer – Uche Nancy (Dry)

Best Local Language Movie/TV Series (Swahili) – Single Mtambalike (Kitendawali)

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Hausa) – Salisu Balarebe (Dandi Kowa)

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Yoruba) – Binta Ofege

Best Indigenous Movie/TV Series (Igbo) – Paul Igwe (Usekwu Igbo)

Best Documentary – Remi Vaughan (Faaji Agba)

Best Supporting Actor In A Movie – Sambassa Nzeriba (A Soldier’s Story)

Best Supporting Actress – Tunbosun Aiyedihin (Before 30)

Best Actor In A Comedy – Folarin ‘Falz The Bahd Guy’ Falana (Jenifa’s Diary)

Best Actress In A Comedy – Funke Akindele (Jenifa’s Diary)

Trail Blazer Award – Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju

AMVCA 2016 Industry Merit Award – Bukky Ajayi and Sadiq Daba

Best Movie (Southern Africa) – Joyce Chavura – (Lilongwe)

Best Movie (East Africa) – Elizabeth Miachael – (Mapenzi)

Best Movie (West Africa) – Genevieve, Chinny Onwugbenu and Chichi Nwoko – (Road to Yesterday)

Best Actress In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Adesua Etomi (Falling)

Best Actor In A Movie/Drama/TV Series – Daniel K. Daniel (A Soldier’s Story)

The Best Director – Akin Omotosho (Tell Me Sweet Something)

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Export-Import Bank of the United States Annual Conference

If you’re an Exporter, Broker, Foreign Buyer, Foreign Government, Legal Services, and U.S. Federal Government Agency. EXIM Bank’s Annual Conference presents a unique opportunity for companies from around the world to meet U.S. exporters. Attendees include more than 1,100 exporters and representatives of financial institutions, foreign trade partners, and government officials. At the event, participants also meet EXIM Bank staff and obtain detailed information about export credit products and programs.

 Where?

Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008

When?
Thursday, April 7, 2016 – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, April 8, 2016 – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

What?
EXIM Bank’s Annual Conference presents a unique opportunity for companies from around the world to meet U.S. exporters. Attendees include more than 1,100 exporters and representatives of financial institutions, foreign trade partners, and government officials. At the event, participants also meet EXIM Bank staff and obtain detailed information about our export credit products and programs.

Exhibitor Information:
If your organization is interested in participating as an exhibitor, please send an email inquiry to Capital Meeting Planning via email: exhibits@cmpinc.net, or submit an application here(link is external).

Conference Registration:

Early-bird Discount: The early-bird deadline for both Participant and Exhibitor registration is Friday, March 18, 2016.

Registration Categories and Fees

Annual Conference – $550.00/person ($800.00/person after Friday, March 18, 2016). Includes all Seminars and Meals.

Group Registration – $500.00/person – 4 or more individuals from the same company ($700.00/person after Friday, March 18, 2016). Includes all Seminars and Meals.

Group Registration with Reserved Lunch Table – $6,000.00/group ($7,000.00/group after Friday, March 18, 2016). Includes ten (10) individual registrations plus one (1) reserved table at both luncheons.

Small Business Participant – $250.00/person ($300.00/person after Friday, March 18, 2016). Small Business is defined as having 500 or fewer employees. Includes all Seminars and Meals.

To register for the Conference or to participate as an exhibitor, click here 

About FACE

FACE is a not-for-profit organization that supports African Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals representing over 60,000 African Immigrant Communities in the United States. Our goal is to encourage policies and practices that promotes sustainable socioeconomic development, and youth empowerment programmes by creating awareness to make available the necessary infrastructures for the development, and maintenance of viable primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors in Africa, and the African Diaspora. For more info about us click here.

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FistBank Growing its Trade Finance

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, has thrown its weight behind the development of trade financing in Nigeria and beyond. This, according to the bank, informed the collaborative effort with FBNBank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of FirstBank to sponsor the 7th Annual West Africa Trade & Export Finance two-day conference which commenced in Lagos on Wednesday. finance

In a statement by the Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions, FirstBank, Ini Ebong, the bank would continue to create and support initiatives that will create business opportunities and investments in Nigeria and the African continent.

“We will continue to grow our mileages in developing trade and commodity finance across the continent,” he said.

FirstBank’s Head, Structured Trade & Commodity Finance, Mr. Ikenna Egbukole will be a panel discussant on the topic: “Tracking trends within West African banking sector,” at the event.

“The progress FirstBank had made in trade finance is further buttressed by its consistent win of the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Nigeria’ by Global Finance Awards for seven years including 2015. FBN Bank (UK) Limited has also been named Best Trade Finance Bank in West Africa for five consecutive years by Global Trade Review Awards,” the statement added.

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s Media Chat

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President Buhari during his media chat spoke on current national issues. Some of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria, like the Boko Haram insurgency, failing economy, war against corruption among others.

19.00 All eyes on President Buhari as media chat begins.

19.02 Kayode Akintemi of Channels TV, the anchor of the chat, welcomed Mr. Buhari and introduced his colleagues.

19.04 And the first question. Nigerians love you. You are the man of integrity. You were elected on the promise to fight corruption. The honeymoon is over. How do you think we are doing with the fight against corruption?

19.05 Buhari answered: “We are doing quite well. We have some documents where Nigerian crude oil were lifted illegally and proceeds diverted into personal accounts”

19.06 “We are taking the people suspected of corruption to court. We cannot comment. We want Nigerians to be patient,” the president says.

19.07 Kayode Akintemi: “Who are the people that the gov’t claimed have returned money and how much have they returned?”

19.08 “Under whatever circumstances we cannot prejudge what the court would do,” President Buhari.

19.09 Buhari continues: “Money has been recovered but whatever has been recovered, will have to remain in court.”

19.11 The next question is “What we have now is an iceberg, and I am just wondering whether there is any way to rejig ICPC and EFCC?”

19.15 “We have to be very sure of the documents we get. We have to cross check records. I have confidence in the way EFCC and ICPC are structured now,” Buhari added.

19.16 “How long are you willing to go in this fight against corruption?” the journalist asks the next question.

19.19 Buhari answers: “I have said that I will defend every property of Nigeria. We are appealing to countries to please cooperate with us.”

19.21 “When do you intend to make full declaration of your assets?”

19.22 “When I was being harassed, I told people that I had declared my assets four times. I mentioned which banks I borrowed money, the number of cars – where they were – and deposited the documents at the ministry of justice. If they cannot produce the documents that I declared, they should also answer questions on documents of public officers.” the Nigerian leader says.

19.25 “Nigerians to know progress of the anti-corruption war by end of 1st quarter of 2016,” the president continues.

19.27 “My ministers must make sure they declare their assets; that is a constitutional requirement,” Continuing, “I am going to make sure that nobody is above the law.”

19.28 The next question comes: “On Chibok girls and technical defeat of Boko Haram, when are we bringing the girls back?”

19.29 “I have answered questions on Chibok Girls and we know so far from our attack on Sambisa that the girls are not intact. We are more than willing to negotiate to free the girls without compromising our National Security,” he responds.

19.32 The president continues: “Some supposed leadership wanted to make contact, but we insisted on identifying the leadership of the so called Boko Haram.”

19.34 “Are you sure the girls are there and alive?”

19.35 “Do we have any intelligence that the girls are alive? No credible information. We’re working with Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Boko Haram kept shifting them around,” Buhari said.

19.36 President Buhari speaks also on IDPs; he stated that there are about two million IDPs in the country, especially in Borno state.

19.37 Buhari says the Boko Haram victims are orphaned and Dangote, Danjuma have donated.

19.38 The president says he has money to take care of IDP’s and he wants to settle the kids in schools/communities. His words: “We are determined to resettle children transported across the country as a result of insecurity.”

19.41 The conversation moves to the confrontation between the army and the Shi’ia sect, and its similarities with the start of the Boko Haram insurgency.

19.43 Both the president and interviewers avoid giving names: “When it (clashes with Shiites in Zaria) happened in the state (Kaduna), the governor (Nasir El-Rufai) was visiting the area,” Buhari.

19.45 “I don’t want to speak about it in detail now,” the president continues.

19.46 “The President of Iran spoke to me about it and I told him as a government, we have a system. I am awaiting the report of the military,” Buhari says.

19.47 Another question for Buhari: “Who would you be expecting the report of the Shi’ites’ killings from?”

19.48 Last question on security and the next subject comes.

19.49 The interviewer asks about the Boko Haram deadline. “Can you say whether the war has been ‘technically’ or otherwise won?”

19.50 Is banning hijab an option or not?

19.51 “People die, it’s very serious. Hijab will have to be banned if this (female suicide bombings) continues,” the president says.

19.52 “When I say Boko Haram had been defeated technically, we have weakened capacity for conventional attacks” – Buhari.

19.53 The next portion of questions is on economy.19.55 Buhari answers on Naira devaluation issue. “Should we be looking at devaluing naira?”

19.57 “I don’t support devaluation,” the President says.

19.58 “There are 45 accounts in NNPC alone. We introduced the Treasury Single Account so that we can know what comes in and goes out.”

19.59 “Insecurity, downturn of petroleum are very unfortunate incidents in this country,” Buhari continues.

20.02 “But, Mr. President, would you support the devaluation?” The answer from Buhari: “If you devalue the Naira, against what? Against the Dollar, Sterling, Yen, Dutch? I need to be convinced about devaluing the Naira. We are importing including toothpick!”

20.04 “Our priority is for welders, barbers, building our roads & railways, not rice and expensive textile wears,” the president.

20.06 On the issue of people being unable to withdraw hard currencies, PMB says: “I will ask the Governor of the Central Bank. Those who want to import rice and toothpick should go somewhere else to get foreign currency.”

20.07 The president being asked: “Are you considering putting a stop to the issue of subsidy?”

20.09 “Our first priority now is to get our refineries working,” he says.

20.10 “By the end of next quarter, we might stop subsidy. I hope that our refineries can be functional,” Buhari states.

20.11 He continues: “Our priority is to get our local refineries working, to reduce cost. The cost of petrol is so low; you don’t have to subsidize it.”

20.14 Question: What is the president’s understanding of job creation? And what was he thinking when the decided to make Fashola minister with three portfolios. What was the president’s vision for him?

20.15 “Fashola was not made a super minister for nothing. The issues associated with power, which will take time, will be answered. He added that government is looking at different means of generating power.” President Buhari answers.

20.16 “We had 42 ministries, with 42 perm secs. We had to cut them to 24 and asked some to go,” he continues.

20.18 The conversation moves to the questions on change – the slogan of Buhari during the presidential campaign. The interviewer asks: “What has changed?”

20.19 “The change is in the TSA.”

20.23 “The policy on foreign currency withdrawal cannot be lifted because the money is not there. A N100bn goes to the National Assembly for transport allowances alone,” the conversation continues.

20.25 President Buhari speaks on 2016 budget. “I think I will use veto power to stop the national assembly from using N47 billion to buy cars.” – Buhari. He continues that he will review N3.6b for BMW cars scandal. “I turned down a huge bill for vehicles, but I know we need some vehicles for foreign visitors.”

20.26 “Who checks the National Assembly? After hesitating… the president says: “The judiciary.”

20.27 Nigerians are expected to send in their questions via twitter, using the hashtag #askbuhari

20.29 “The question of parastatals earning money, spending it and giving government the change will stop.” – PMB

20.30 “I turned down a N400million car proposal; the cars I have are good enough for 10 years.” Buhari.

20.32 President Buhari answers first question from Twitter.

20.34 The question is: “How would the president respond to criticism of plans to borrow to fund a part of the 2016 budget?”

20.36 “We are not depending on debt, we are renegotiating with those who agreed to build infrastructure for us. Nigeria is not borrowing to fund the 2016 budget but renovating with creditors to build capital projects,” Buhari answers.

20.37 Nigerians ask what Buhari’s government will do with corrupt judges.

20.39 “Those making the allegations would have to prove it,” the president says.

20.40 “The Judiciary is a seating dock; we need the police and other arms to take cases to them; it’s unfair to blame the judiciary,” Buhari added.

20.43 The president further answers on minimum wage: “I cannot answer the question of 18 thousand minimum wage now; and the federal govt will not touch that. The federal gov’t will not touch minimum wage.”

20.44 On 5k monthly, Buhari says: “When my people have been quoted, how can I come here and say otherwise?”

20.45 “We may have to send the young unemployed youth seeking N5k fee to farm to earn the money” – PMB

20.47 Buhari continues: “We will look into the students already in school to be able to use their Master Card Debit/Credit cards abroad.”

20.49 One more round of questions from journalists (the panel) is expected.

20.50 “The standard of tertiary institutions is really poor, I don’t want students sitting on windows to take lectures,” Buhari answers the question on tertiary institutions from Twitter.

20.51 President Buhari answering questions from Kayode Akintemi, Ibanga Isine, Ngozi and Mannir Dan Ali.

20.55 Are you not worried about Kanu? the journalist asked the president.

20.56 Buhari’s answer: “DSS disobeyed court orders, people got legitimate bails from courts, and they are still being held. It’s due to atrocities they committed. They go against the country, and you expect them to jump bail? The one we are calling ‘Kanu’ he has two passports, he brought equipment. Do you know Kanu brought in sophisticated weapon into the country; there’s treasonable felony case against him.”

20.57 “You want people who stole N50B to be granted bail to go to London when we have 2 Million IDPs in camps?” – President Buhari continues.

20.58 The president speaks on Biafra issue: “Why does it have to worry me, when I have militants of all kinds, Boko Haram and etc. The question is, who marginalised them (Biafra agitators)?”

20.59 “Please ask your colleagues to do more investigative journalism, so the people know the truth,” Buhari in his last words addressed journalists.

21.00 The first media chat has finished. Thanks for being with us.

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE DEPOSITS IN COMMERCIAL BANKS AND SALES TO BDCS BY GOVERNOR GODWIN I. EMEFIELE

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1.     Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Management of the Bank has called this Press Conference to give you updates on recent developments in our Foreign Exchange Market as well as the decisions we have taken to ensure that we continue to strive to attain our mandates as set out in the CBN Act of 2007. In order to do so, let me first give you a brief overview of both the global and domestic contexts.

2.     As we all know by now, Nigeria has been dealing with the effects of three serious and simultaneous global shocks, which began around the third quarter of 2014. These are:

  • The over 70 percent drop in the price of crude oil, which contributes the largest share of our Foreign Exchange Reserves;
  • Geopolitical tensions along critical trading routes in the world including between Russia and Western Powers, Saudi Arabia and Iran, etc; and
  • Normalization of Monetary Policy by the United States’ Federal Reserve Bank.

3.     In the aftermath of these shocks, growth in the global economy in the first two quarters of 2015 was less than envisaged thereby leading to a weak outlook for the rest of the year. Indeed, estimates of global growth for 2015 have been revised from almost 4 percent to 3.1 percent. The challenges of these global developments are having lopsided effects in many emerging and developing countries. Within this context, and especially when juxtaposed with comparable countries, the Nigerian economy remains moderately robust. Nonetheless, these strong global headwinds are impacting the domestic economy considerably. In 2015, GDP growth decelerated from 3.9 percent in the first quarter to 2.4 percent in the second quarter. However, it has increased slightly to 2.8 percent in the third quarter.

4.    Although headline inflation remained single digit, it stayed slightly above the Bank’s tolerance range of 6-9 percent, having risen marginally from 9.3 percent in October to 9.4 percent in November 2015. A breakdown of the inflation dynamics indicates that the underlying pressure derives largely from the lingering base effects of unfavourable energy prices and exchange rate pass-through which may have been exacerbated by delayed harvests.

5.     Following the drop in crude prices from a peak of US114 barrel in July 2014 to as low as US$33/barrel in January 2016, the country’s reserves has suffered great pressure from speculative attacks, round tripping and front loading activities by actors in the FX market. This fall in oil prices also implies that the CBN’s monthly foreign earnings has fallen from as high as US$3.2 billion to current levels of as low as US$1 billion. Yet, the demand for foreign exchange by mostly domestic importers has risen significantly. For example, the last we had oil prices at about US$50 per barrel for an extended period of time was in 2005. At that time, our average import bill was N148.3 billion per month. In stark contrast, our average import bill for the first nine months of 2015 is N917.6 billion per month, even though oil prices are now less than US$35 per barrel. The net effect of these combined forces unfortunately is the depletion of our foreign exchange reserves. As of June 2014, the stock of Foreign Exchange Reserves stood at about US$37.3 billion but has declined to around US$28.0 billion as of today.

6.     To avoid further depletion in the reserves, the CBN took a number of countervailing actions including the prioritization of the most critical needs for foreign exchange. In this regard, and in order of priority, we decided to provide the available but highly limited foreign exchange to meet the following needs:

  • Matured Letters of Credit from Commercial Banks
  • Importation of Petroleum Products
  • Importation of critical Raw Materials, Plants, and Equipment, and
  • Payments for School Fees, BTA, PTA, and related expenses

7.     In the total disregard of the difficulties that the Bank is facing in meeting its mandate of “maintaining the country’s foreign exchange reserves to safeguard the value of the Naira,” we have continued to observe that stakeholders in some of the subsectors have not been helpful in this direction. In particular, we have noted with grave concern that Bureau de Change (BDC) operators have abandoned the original objective of their establishment, which was to serve retail end users who need US$5,000 or less. Instead, they have become wholesale dealers in foreign exchange to the tune of millions of dollars per transaction. Thereafter, they use fake documentations like passport numbers, BVNs, boarding passes, and flight tickets to render weekly returns to the CBN.

8.     Despite the fact that Nigeria is the only country in the world where the Central Bank sells dollars directly to BDCs, operators in this segment have not reciprocated the Bank’s gesture to help maintain stability in the market. Whereas the Bank has continued to sell US Dollars at about N197 per dollar to these operators, they have in turned become greedy in their sales to ordinary Nigerians, with selling rates of as high as N250 per dollar. Given this rent-seeking behaviour, it is not surprising that since the CBN began to sell foreign exchange to BDCs, the number of operators have risen from a mere 74 in 2005 to 2,786 BDCs today. In addition, the CBN receives close to 150 new applications for BDC licenses every month.

9.     Rather than help to achieve the laudable objectives for which they were licensed, the Bank has noted the following unintended outcomes:

  • Avalanche of rent-seeking operators only interested in widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates;
  • Potential financing of unauthorized transactions with foreign exchange procured from the CBN;
  • Gradual dollarization of the Nigerian economy with attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative; and
  • Prevailing ownership of several BDCs by the same promoters in order to illegally buy foreign currencies multiple times from the CBN.

10.   More disturbing, though, is the financial burden being placed on the Bank and our limited foreign exchange. The CBN sells US$60,000 to each BDC per week. This amount translates to US$167 million per week, and about US$8.6 billion per year. In order to curtail this reserve depletion, we have reduced the amount of weekly sales to US$10,000 per BDC, which translates into US$28.4 million depletion of the foreign reserve per week and US$1.476 billion per annum. This is a huge hemorrhage on our scarce foreign exchange reserves, and cannot continue especially because we are also concerned that BDCs have become a conduit for illicit trade and financial flows.

11.   In view of the above, the Management of the Central Bank of Nigeria has reached the following decision, which take immediate effect:

  • The Bank would henceforth discontinue its sales of foreign exchange to BDCs. Operators in this segment of the market would now need to source their foreign exchange from autonomous source. They must however note that the CBN would deploy more resources to monitoring these sources to ensure that no operator is in violation of our anti-money laundering laws;
  • The Bank would now permit commercial banks in the country begin accepting cash deposits of foreign exchange from their customers.

12.   In closing, let me note very importantly that these measures are not intended to be punitive on anyone or any group. Rather it is meant to ensure that the CBN is better able to carry out its mandate in an effective and efficient manner, which guarantees preservation of our scare commonwealth, and that our hard-earned financial system stability remain intact to the benefit of all Nigerians.

 

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Amb. Teneilabe Receives Highest Honor From GA State Senate

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Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, the outgoing Consulate General of Nigeria on January 22, 2016, received Senate Resolution, the highest honor from State Senate, during the Georgia General Assembly. Presented by Donzella James, a democratic senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia for his exemplary diplomatic service to the community.

In his acceptance speech, Amb. Teneilabe commended Senator James for supporting the Nigerian Communities, and thanked the Senate Chamber, stating that Georgia-Nigeria economic relations has been mutually beneficial.

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Nigeria-US Trade Relations

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A trade delegation of 16 United States companies representing multiple sectors visited Nigeria recently. The trade group was part of the largest overall US Government-led trade mission to Africa in history.

A statement from the US Consulate General in Nigeria, explained that the Winds-Africa spinoff trade mission to Lagos saw a day of meetings for US business executives with Nigerian Government leaders and entrepreneurs.

This, it said also strengthened further, numerous US-Nigerian business leads and deals. It also stated that to date, the overall Trade Winds-Africa trade mission in 2015 has brought more than 100 US companies to the continent.

“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with countless business opportunities, and it can be a great launching point into other African markets,” the US Acting Consul General in Lagos,Dehab Ghebreab, said.

 The Trade Winds-Africa mission is part of a concerted effort under President Obama’s Doing Business in Africa campaign, under which the US Government has committed billions of dollars in financing to stimulate trade and investment in a wide range of industrial sectors”Nigeria’s burgeoning market means untold possibilities for U.S. companies, which can provide quality goods, services, and solutions in a broad array of sectors,” the U.S. Senior Commercial Officer, Brian McCleary, who is based in Lagos, added.

The overall delegation was in South Africa from September 16-18 for business-to-business meetings and a forum with regional leaders and representatives of U.S. and African companies. Many of the U.S. companies also visited other markets on the continent. The trade mission ultimately stopped in eight countries: Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa.

The U.S. Commerce Department and U.S. Mission to Nigeria teams expect to facilitate more than 200 business-to-business meetings

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2015 FACE HONORS Global Leadership and Security Summit Debut in New York City

For Immediate Release
September 28th, 2015

FACE (Festival of Arts, Culture and Expo) Honors Global Leadership and Security Summit in collaboration with African Business Round Table and partnership with Nigeria Consulate of Atlanta, GA was held on the week of the 70th General Assembly, in New York on September 26th, and 27th, 2015.

FACE Honors Global Leadership with the THEME: “Bridging Skills Gap: Maximising Human Capital in a Rapidly Evolving Economy” was held on September 26th at the Flatiron Hotel, to recognise individuals, organisations, corporations, and institutions whose outstanding leadership, service or activities has contributed to the promotion of culture, security, diplomacy, enterprises, and entrepreneurship in Africa and the African diaspora. The conference and award celebration, promotes diplomacy through arts by  recognising Africa’s influences on global economy, and cultures to promote bilateral relations for exchange of information, networking opportunities, and promote Nigeria and well being of the African immigrant community in the diaspora.

In attendance were Amb. Geoffrey Teneilable, Amb./Consul General of Nigeria, Atlanta, Amb. Howard Jetter, former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Hon.Crump, Council President City of Newark, Ugo Nwaokoro, Deputy Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, SAN, and Chairman of The Island Club, Lagos, Dr. Edwin Ndukwe, Head Communications, Chrome Group, Bob Brunner, Vice President of Arik Airlines, Barrister Tony Egbase, Principal Counsel, A.O.E Law & Associates, Mrs. Olamide Davies, CEO, MISS Africa Tri- State and delegates from Ivory Coast representing, Donatien BEUGRE, President of the Regional Counsel of San-Pedro, including, personalities, dignitaries, entrepreneurs, beauty queens, professionals, performing artists, journalists, government officials, State officials, and business executives, some of whom were recognised for their outstanding leadership and service to the community.

In his opening remarks, Amb. Teneilabe expressed enthusiasm, and commended the organisers of FACE for their effort in creating awareness, aimed at promoting cultural ties arts and bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States, as well as the provision of opportunities and platform for exchange of information, ideas and interactions, between private sector investors of the two countries. Guests were entertained into the night, with performances by “Perfecta Ekpo”, “OKO The Artist”, fashion show by Allflow Couture, and media coverage by Afrik diaspo News.

The security summit, was held on September 27th at the United Nations Headquarters, with the THEME: “Beyond The Millennium Development Goals: The Sustainable Development Agenda and Challenge of Combating Persistent and Emerging Threats To Peace And Security In Africa”, in collaboration with African Business Round Table, and partnership with the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.

The Keynote Speaker at the security summit were H.E. former, President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obansajo, attendees include, Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, Heads of delegation of African countries, Heads of key institutions such as the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, SADCC, IGADEAC, ECCAS, Mahgreb Union, Ambassadors, and securities companies. Presentations were also, made by Amb. Renee Sanders, former, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Brian Colella, CEO, SOSB Incorporated, and Henry Morgenstern, CEO, Security Solutions International SSI, Miami.

Honorees of Esteemed FACE:

1. Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe – EXEMPLARY DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE YEAR

2. Sir Emeka Offor Foundation – OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION OF THE YEAR

3. Barrister Anthony Egbase – INTERNATIONAL PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

4. Hon. Mildred Crump, Newark, New Jersey – OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LEADERSHIP OF THE YEAR

5. Chief Benjamin Omale, CEO, Edi-jen Group- OUTSTANDING INNOVATION ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

6. Shaka Ssali, VOA – OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

7. Eva Banks, CEO Eva Banks Production – BEST ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

8. OKO – BEST NEW ACT OF THE YEAR

9. Nigerian American Lawyers Association (NALA) – OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

10. Flory Ramoreboli, CEO, Allflo Couture – BEST DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

11. Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark, New Jersey – LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR

12. Donatien BEUGRE, CEO, TRC San- Pedro, Cote d’Ivoire, Ivory cost – LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR

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Barr Anthony Egbase

Receiving FACE HONORS International Personality of The Year 2015

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Nigeria Export Promotion Council Call to Action

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has announced clear commitments towards ITC championed 5 year Call to Action on growing global economy through women’s participation in trade. The announcement was made in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 1 September 2015 at the Trailblazer Summit organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) to launch a call to action for women’s economic empowerment through trade that commits to take one million Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) to market by 2020.

It will result in a Roadmap to 2020 for sourcing from Women with concrete and measurable annual targets for research, robust database development, training for market readiness, access to capital and strategic utilization of technology.

Announcing NEPC’s Commitments to the Call to Action, Ms Maureen Ideozu, Technical Advisor to the CEO – NEPC, an Elumelu Fellow who represented the CEO, Mr Olusegun Awolowo said that NEPC has articulated four strategic interventions which encompass data gathering, capacity development, mentoring, market access and advocacy.

The four key commitments are – Commissioning a diagnostic field research on export survival strategies for women; Implementing strategic interventions for achieving women inclusiveness in domestic, regional and global markets; achieving sustainable gender inclusiveness in trade policies and; monitoring and evaluation with review of gender inclusiveness strategies.

Ms Ideozu stressed that women hold a hidden economic growth potential for the country. According to SMEDAN’s 2013 MSMEs survey, MSMEs in Nigeria account for 84% of Nigeria’s labour force with women owning 43% of the micro enterprises and 22.75& of the small and medium enterprises. With the right level of support and innovation, these women businesses can join the global economy through participation in value chains.

Closing the Summit, Ms Arancha Gonzalez – Executive Director of ITC announced the launch of http://www.procurementmap.intracen.org a platform that provides procurement information from countries around the world with over 100000 worldwide tenders. In addition were seven other concrete commitments from ITC.

The Summit was the beginning of a three day Women Vendors Exhibition and Forum (WVEF15), which gathered hundreds of women and large corporations from across over 40 countries. The programme holds from 1 – 3 September 2015.

 

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ANPA Making Nigeria Proud

ANPA

The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) held its 21st Anniversary Convention and Gala Banquet on Saturday, July 8-12, 2015 at the Marriott Orlando World Center, Orlando, FL. Theme: “Healthcare Delivery During Conflicts, Disasters and Epidemics”.‪In attendance were Amb. GeoffreyTeneilabe, Amb./Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta, the Surgeon General of Florida State, John Armstrong Parker, MD, former Rivers State Commissioner of Health, ProfessorOnyebuchiChukwu, former Minister of Health, Nigeria, former Lagos State Commissioner for Health, BenjaminOhiaeri, MD, CMD, Dr AdaIgonoh a survivor of the Ebola virus infection, the national executives, Dr. MikeEtomi, Dr. AustinOsemeka, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, residents, allied health professionals, media press, other notable personalities and distinguished guests from around the world.Following the ANPA Florida Chapter meet and greet, a Golf Tournament, Hat and Tea raffle was organized by ANPA members to raise funds for medical missions. Presentations were made by the invited speakers, and ANPA members, concluding a three day event filled with scientific, professional, social and cultural activities.

John Armstrong Parker, MD commended the Federal and Lagos State Governments of Nigeria for their swift response to the Ebola crisis in Nigeria. Also, Dr. Nkem Chukwumerije, ANPA President, thanked the Ambassador/Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta, Amb. Geoffrey Teneilabe for their partnership in providing Nigerian passport renewal services, as well as speakers, members, guests, exhibitors, and sponsors.

His Excellency, Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, expressed optimism during his remarks at the Gala Banquet Night held on July 11th 2015, commending the organization for their commitment in providing health services in Nigeria through its Medical Missions, and initiatives in reaching out to other organizations in the Nigerian Diaspora, urging all Nigerians to come together to support good causes. The Gala Banquet and award night was filled with enthusiasm, and laughter as MC Comedian Seyi Brown kept an audience of over 500 people entertained.

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Philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor Donates $10 Million to Carter Center in the Fight Against River Blindness

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On Thursday June 12, 2015 over 300 individuals, international communities, and Nigerians in the diaspora, including guests from Atlanta’s Consular Community, Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, The Carter Center, Board of Councilors members, Government, Charities and Corporations of Nigeria were present at the Grant Signing Ceremony that took place at The Carter Center between the Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor for a partnership to eliminate river blindness (onchocerciasis) in Nigeria.

Also, in attendance were other notable personalities such as Ambassador Teneilabe, Amb./Consul General of Nigeria, Atlanta, Ambassador Howard Jester, Former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Hon. Chudi Ofodile, Former member of the House of  Rep, Nigeria, Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), Former Minister of Defense, Nigeria, Hon. Ken Nnaman, Former Senate President, Nigeria, and members of the international press.

Prior to the signing, another ceremony was held on June 11, 2015 to honour Philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor as Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia by the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus of the Georgia Parliament, Rep. Dee Dawkins for his contributions in the fight against diseases in Africa and Nigeria which had impacted, positively on the lives of many Nigerians through his Foundation programmes and projects.

The grant support of $10 million by Sir Emeka from the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) is the largest grant in Carter Center history given by an individual African donor to help facilitate treatment in previously uncovered areas in Nigeria, increase distribution of Mectizan from once a year to twice a year treatment and provide treatment as needed, specifically,  in states like Abia, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, and Enugu by 2020 in collaboration with the government.

In a press interview, the Former President stated that the grant will help to extend the reach of the Carter Center’s work in South East and South South Nigeria and help accelerate river blindness elimination throughout Nigeria where The Carter Center works with the Federal Ministry of Health, including Sir Emeka’s native home, Anambra State in Nigeria, West Africa.

“  I am deeply honored to work closely with The Carter Center, through the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation to help eliminate river blindness, ” said Sir Emeka Offor. “ Nigeria has more cases of river blindness than any other country in the world. Yet, we know that with adequate resources, hard work, and perseverance, we can defeat this terrible neglected disease that can steal a person’s ability to see the beauty of the world in which we live and to enjoy a full and active life.”

“ Today’s unprecedented donation from Sir Emeka Offor Foundation will allow us to ramp up the program and close in on elimination, impacting many more people in southern Nigeria. ” said  Dr. Emmanuel Miri, Country Representative of The Carter Center. “With SEOF and the Nigerian government, we believe we can surpass the caliber of success we’ve already demonstrated and will meet the 2020 river blindness elimination target in the states where we work.”

His Excellency, Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, expressed optimism about the project’s prospects to eliminate river blindness during a private dinner reception held on June 13, 2015 in his residence at Roswell, GA. He also, commended Sir Emeka Offor for his commitment in the fight against diseases in Nigeria, urging him to continue the good work.

CARTER CENTER

Since 1996, The Carter Center has assisted the Nigerian Ministry of Health in nine states to fight river blindness through community-based health education, Merck and its Mectizan Donation Program; the World Health Organization (WHO) and the WHO-World Bank African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC); the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation; the Lions Clubs International Foundation; the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); RTI International; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mr. John J. Moores; the former River Blindness Foundation; The Margaret A. Cargill Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Henry McConnon; the A. G. Leventis Foundation; and many other generous donors and partners.

SIR EMEKA OFFOR FOUNDATION

The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Oraifite, Anambra State, Nigeria. The Foundation seeks to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged through philanthropy, and focuses primarily on giving support and hope to those in need irrespective of tribe, creed, religion and nation. The Foundation has affected the lives of many Nigerians through its domestic programs and projects which include youth empowerment, widows cooperative, education, health service and infrastructure development. For more information, visit: http://sireofforfoundation.org/

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Undefeated Nigerian Superstar – Gifted Cole

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Gifted Cole Chiori, is an undefeated professional boxer based in the United States- originally from Nigeria. Gifted is a welterweight fighter, with a current record of 11-0. He has fought professionally In Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and the United States.

His last bout, was internationally televised by Super Sports from Accra, Ghana, and was attended by President John Mahama, and over 25,000 spectators. The fight was stopped in the 6th round, as his opponent could not continue.

Gifted won the official Intercontinental WBF Title by way of knockout on November 9, 2013, against German opponent Tom Reiche. The self- promoted event in Atlanta, was graced by thousands of his Nigerian supporters and dignitaries from all over the United States. He has earned the respect and admiration of fans all around the world, and continues to entertain them with his unique style of fighting. Chiori was also honored by the Minister of Works Honorable Arc Mike Onolememen at the prestigious ‘Face Award USA’ for Sports Athlete of the Year in Atlanta, GA, and has many U.S. based Nigerian fans who greatly support his efforts.

Gifted is currently training to fight his next opponent this July in Australia and plans to promote several more fights before the end of the year in the United States, and possibly in Nigeria. He sees the potential for the growth of boxing as a major source of entertainment, and has his eyes set on bringing boxing back to Nigeria in a big way. His campaign to ‘Bring Vegas to Nigeria’, will require stakeholders that share in his vision to make Nigeria a desirable location to breed and promote elite professional boxing.

Gifted is proud to continuously provide guidance for less fortunate youth through his charity work in Nigeria. He has single- handedly funded and promoted boxing clinics and tournaments for at risk youth, and does his part to provide them with the necessary equipment and facilities to sharpen their skills in boxing. Many of the participants are being groomed by Chiori’s team for a career in boxing, with hopes of bringing them to train and fight in America in the form of an exchange program. Chiori is looking forward to partner with anyone who shares in his vision, and welcomes all support.

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The Annual Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition

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The Annual Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, under the auspices of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources & NNPC, took place from 16 – 19 March 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference provided a platform for the Nigerian oil and gas industry to discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing the industry as well as share successes and network with industry peers.

The distinguished speaker line-up included senior representatives from government, new and existing MDs of the international oil companies operating in Nigeria, independent oil companies, international and indigenous services companies, financiers and lawyers who were able to address the delegates, voicing the different perspectives of the industry.

The Nigeria Oil & Gas Exhibition welcomed over 6500 visitors visiting over 250 exhibiting companies, of which 85% were indigenous. The NOG exhibitors were able to showcase the latest technologies, products and services to current and potential business partners to secure deals and drive business forward.

 2015 Key Decision Makers Included:

H.E. Diezani Alison-MaduekeHonourable Minister of Petroleum ResourcesFederal Republic of Nigeria

H.E. (Prof) Chinedu O NeboHonourable Minister of PowerFederal Republic of Nigeria

Joseph Thlama DawhaGroup Managing DirectorNNPC

George OsahonDirectorDepartment of Petroleum Resources

Jonathan Kwame OkehsGroup General ManagerNational Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS)

Markus DrollVice President, Nigeria & GabonShell Upstream International Operated

Wale TinubuGroup Chief ExecutiveOando Plc

Babs OmotowaManaging Director

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Why Nigerian Professionals in the Diaspora want to establish a Diagnostic & Trauma Center in Nigeria

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Nigerian Professionals in the Diaspora have come together to establish a healthcare facility that will save lives, empower better-informed healthcare decisions, and reduce the rates of preventable mortality in Nigeria, using their expertise, and experiences already gained in the U.S .

Out of sheer concern for the millions of medically under-served Nigerians who suffer needlessly, and even die due to curable and preventable illnesses. The facility will help with early prevention, and life saving techniques that could save lives, and reduce the morality rate in Nigeria.

The idea to bring hope and possibly save lives was initiated during the 2013 Atlanta chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations in the Americas conference, (NIDOA) in partnership with the Consulate of Nigeria, Atlanta, under the leadership of Amb. Geoffery Teneilabe.  The project has brought Nigerians in the diaspora together in determining the future of healthcare situation in Nigeria for a common cause to “Save lives, one at a time”.

At the first Stakeholders’ monthly meeting held in Roswell, GA. Amb. Geoffrey Teneilabe, Amb. Adebowale Adefuye, and Amb. Habib Habu, New York, pledged to support the effort to advance the role of Nigerians in Diaspora in building an outstanding Medical facility in Abuja, Nigeria.

“We came together to set up a committee to allow Nigerian professionals to contribute immensely to the establishment of a Center of Medical Excellence, built by Nigerians. “I must tell you that virtually everyone that I have spoken to so far on the project has indicated interest to contribute and give back to their fatherland, said Ambassador Teneilabe.

The President of  the Nigeria Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation (NDDTF), Prof. Martin Okafor on behalf of the Management Board and Members of the foundation, thanked the three Ambassadors of the Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta, New York, and Embassy of Nigeria in Washington DC for their encouragements, contributions, and continued support, since the deliberation of the establishment of the project started in May 2014.

It is worth to mention that the Consulate of Nigeria in Atlanta hosted, and facilitated NDDFT’s first maiden meeting, March 23, 2014 as well as all subsequent stakeholders’ meetings of the project, including; The secretariate, sponsorship and other logistics, since its conception in 2014.

The Nigeria Diaspora Diagnostic Trauma Foundation (NDDTF) and Nigeria Diaspora Diagnostic Trauma Center (NDDTC) are non-profit organizations both which were founded in 2014 with the committed support of the Consulates- General of Nigeria, New York, Atlanta, and the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC creating an enabling platform of unprecedented collaboration of Nigerian organizations, entrepreneurial groups, and small businesses as board members and stakeholders.

An International Conference on Tropical Health, and Fund Raising Gala will be held on March 21, 2015 at Holiday Inn, Atlanta/Roswell 909 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076. An event organized by the Nigeria Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation (NDDTF) stakeholders.

For more info about the conference go to the event page on Facebook or  you can visit the website for additional details.

 

 

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African History 101

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The Nok culture appeared in Nigeria around 1000 B.C. and mysteriously vanished around 500 AD in the region of West Africa. This region lies in Central Nigeria. The culture’s social system is thought to have been highly advanced. The Nok culture was considered to be the earliest sub-Saharan producer of life-sized Terracotta. It is suggested that the society eventually evolved into the later Yoruba Kingdom of Ife.

The refinement of this culture is attested to by the image of a Nok dignitary at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The dignitary is portrayed wearing a “shepherds crook” affixed with an elastic material to the right arm. The dignitary is also portrayed sitting with flared nostrils, and an open mouth suggesting performance. According to some accounts, based on artistic similarities to both early Yoruba art forms and Nok forms, there may be connections between them and the contemporary Yoruba people. Later brass and terracotta sculptures of the Ife and Benin cultures show significant similarities with those found at Nok.

Iron use, in smelting and forging for tools, appears in Nok culture in Africa at least by 550 BC and more probably in the middle of the second millennium BC (between 1400 BC and 1600 BC depending on references).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsiwPKB_qko&feature=player_embedded

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INTRODUCING NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA- Dr. Robert Okojie ” The Man Behind NASA Success Stories”

https://youtu.be/hkMULAO7H24

At first glance, he looks like your average Joe. Dr Robert Okojie is ” The Man Behind NASA Success Stories” has numerous engineering contributions to high temperature aerospace technologies, in particular, electronic devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors.  These techniques are now being licensed for use by a leading manufacturer of microsensors.

He has extended his silicon carbide expertise to batch fabrication of silicon carbide laminates for advanced fuel injectors that satisfy international civil aviation standards. His advance enables the use of this high performance semiconductor in the active control of engine combustion. He has even developed the first accelerated stress test protocol published in the IEEE International Reliability Physics Symposium, the venue by which reliability testing is accepted by world industry.

Dr. Robert S. Okojie working with silicon wafer in NASA GRC clean room.

Dr. Robert S. Okojie working with silicon wafer in NASA GRC clean room.

These are the latest in an impressive list of Dr. Okojie’s achievements. Among his past successes, he demonstrated the world’s first thermally stable ohmic contact metallization on silicon carbide at record breaking temperatures for extended periods of time. In turn, this paved the way for high temperature sensors and electronics at these temperatures that can substantially improve safety and efficiency, as well as directly impacting the air quality around airports.

His many patented device contributions extend to numerous MEMS structures that can reduce air and noise pollution, provide new deep well drilling tools, and supply sensors for the temperature and chemical extremes of aerospace environments. Okojie’s work is a combined effort of the Aviation Safety and Fundamental Aeronautics programs under NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.

A descendant of royalty from Nigeria, Okojie came to the United States in 1986 to attend college. After a brief stint at Essex County College, Newark, N.J., he attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology, also in Newark, where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s in Electrical Engineering in 1991 and 1993, respectively.

He, continued, and later earned a doctorate in philosophy in 1996. His grandfather, King Ogbidi Okojie of Uromi, Nigeria, was an ardent supporter of higher education.  While Okojie has achieved a type of technical celebrity status with his colleagues, after work he is just a regular dad who spends time with his family.

For more information on Glenn’s silicon carbide electronics work, visit http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/SiC

Sources ~ NASA AEROSPACE FRONTIERS

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Called To Serve – Ayo Abimbola For House of Representative

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Called to serve his country, Henry Ayo Abimbola is running to be the next house of representative in Ogun State, Nigeria. Election will be held on Sat, March 28, 2015. Henry Ayo Abimbola is a native of Ijebu Remo origin who was born at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria on April 20, 1964 to High Chief Festus Olatilewa Abimbola and Princess Agnes Okalo Momodu. His early childhood was mostly spent between Lagos and Edo States. He attended his primary school education at Government School Irrua, Edo State as well as Government Demonstration School, Gbaja, Surulere, Lagos.

He received his ordinary levels secondary education at the Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua and completed his advanced levels secondary education at Parkadale Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He joined the United States Navy’s elite Hospital Corpsman career field where he received medical and hospital management training before he attended the United States Marine Corps’ Field Medical Service School (FMSS) in order to serve with U.S. Marines of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). He later attended the Joint-service Defence Medical Readiness Training Institute (DMRTI) for specialized Instructor training on Combat Casualty Care Course (C4), and served as a Joint-service C-4 Instructor, from where he later retired from active duty status into veteran status. He has trained and variously worked in the sociological, medical management, and public health fields.

He attended Georgia Perimeter College and Texas Southern University to study Health Information Management. A graduate of Saint Leo University in the USA, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, his leadership, management and analysis expertise in government and healthcare sector spans two decades; including prior service with the former National Provident Fund Management Board in Nigeria in the mid to late 80s. An avid social commentator, freelance columnist, writer, and civil society leader, he has authored numerous pro-democracy features published Online. He is on the Board of three US-based civic organizations, and he is founder and president of a US-based national non-profit Veteran Service Organization, which operates shelters for homeless U.S. military veterans.

He is also the founder of International Reform Order of Nigeria (IRON), a Texas-based political think tank. He currently serves as executive director of Citizens for Nigeria (CFN), a civil society organization which operates and runs Againstbabangida.com web site. Ayo currently manages War Casualties Tracking (WCT) programs for the United States Marine Corps’ Wounded, Ill and Injured Tracking Systems as a Recovery Care Coordinator by way of Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC) in San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. Ayo’s administrative, organizational and analytic skills will bear positively at the Nigerian National Assembly, on his people in Ogun State, and on Nigerian nation as a whole. Ayo is happily married to Mariam Bukola Abimbola (nee Lekuti), and they are blessed with children.

 

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What Does Nigeria Economic Growth Mean?

Nigeria has a bold vision of becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020, as outlined in its “Nigeria Vision 2020” strategy. Although currently eighth in the world in terms of population, the country ranks 41st in terms of GDP and 161st in terms of GDP per capital. Despite being described as a developing country, Nigeria is a powerhouse on the African continent by virtue of its size. Its vast oil wealth also promises much in the way of potential finance for development.

How can this enormous potential be realized, and what policies are needed to achieve this ambitious dream of economic growth and prosperity? The goal of becoming a top-20 economy can only be achieved if Nigeria also makes the transition to a new economy based on knowledge, productivity, and innovation that will enable it to be competitive in a 21st century context. According to the World Bank, there are common factors that are associated with successful development. No country has attained development outside these common denominators.

These are:

Economic growth:

This has to do with poverty reduction. Experience shows that countries that have reduced poverty substantially and in a sustained manner are the ones that grow fastest.Successful development is predicated on a country having sustained periods of high per capital income growth. Mass poverty and economic development don’t go together.

Vibrant private sector:

It has been established that private firms, including small and medium-sized businesses in rural non farm sectors, play a critical role in generating employment, particularly for the youth and the poor.This is where the contribution of the micro finance banks is needed. Undeveloped real sector coupled with mass unemployment are obstacles to development.

Empowerment:

The citizenry must be empowered to contribute to development. Accordingly,every person should be able to enjoy good health and education. People should shape their own lives by being able to participate in the opportunities provided by economic development. People should have their voices heard about decisions affecting their own lives. Furthermore, there should be essential public services such as health, education and safe water. These are critical social services that should be provided equitably.

Good governance:

Good governance is perhaps the most important factor in development. Without good governance, every other thing is in disarray. Good governance in both public and private sectors creates an environment where contracts are enforced and markets can operate efficiently. It ensures that basic infrastructures are provided, with adequate health, education and security. People can effectively participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Ownership:

A nation’s development agenda must be homegrown. This ensures that there is widespread support for the programmes and reform measures that underpin it. State collaborations: To achieve economic development in Nigeria, collaborative efforts with other countries may be beneficial to the mutual interest in economic advancement. For example, the President of Benin Republic and African Union (AU) President, Dr. Boni Yayi announced his intention to collaborate with Nigeria to ensure economic development of both countries through the provision basic infrastructural facilities.

The two countries were tie through Ife, Benin, Sokoto Caliphate, Kanu Kingdom and other affinities, and currently, more than 50 percent of Benin populations are Nigerians, hence the need to bring about the synergy to better the lots of the people as proposed by the President of Benin Republic. Collaborative action and partnership of States can help foster economic roles in development through mutual benefit investments and infrastructural expansion.

Knowledge development:

Knowledge has always been central to development. Traditionally,cultures that knew more than others were better able to adapt to their environments, survive, and thrive. In ancient times, knowledge was spread through the most serendipitous ways from migratory movements to religious pilgrimages, from wars to inter tribal marriages and, thus,traveled across continents. Nowadays, the Internet has become the primary vehicle of knowledge dissemination almost the entire gamut of human history and knowledge is available in an instant and at little cost through the World Wide Web. Knowledge is becoming truly global, accessible, and democratic.

The impacts of this paradigm shift are all around us. Countries such as the Republic of Korea, India, and the United States of America that can harness the power of new technologies nurture a cadre of knowledge workers that can push the productivity and innovation frontiers. Others that fail to do so remain mired in poverty.

The global financial crisis has shown that countries can no longer rely on narrow and static paradigms of growth, such as Nigeria and its natural resource endowments. The era when natural resources dominated trade has given way to an era in which knowledge resources are paramount.

Our world is changing rapidly and those who will be able to acquire, adapt, and utilize new ideas and innovations, regardless of who has invented them, will create tremendous wealth in the process. To achieve Vision 2020, Nigeria needs to move beyond the stop-start development patterns of an oil-based economy to create a stable and prosperous base for a 21st century society built on a critical mass of knowledge workers.

From 1914 to 2014, the Nigerian economy has witnessed several phases in development. The economic status of the nation has been affected by political instability, exploitation and a myriad of other factors just like many other nations of the world but amidst such obstructions, Nigeria’s economy has evolved over the years and it is still on a journey to its rise in fiscal and industrial development.

Attaining 100 years of existence since the 1914 amalgamation, Nigeria has course to celebrate its economic strength and diversity in several areas of development but at such a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, it is a strategic moment to redefine her economic policies, promote the expansion of investment, trade and agriculture as well as control natural resources to the fullness of their productivity and of course eliminate all forms of misuses and venality that hinders the maximum achievement to our economic expansion. With good governance and the best economic approaches, Nigeria will surely advance to the zenith of economic development.

After reading the above piece written by Okechukwu Effoduh, the question becomes: What Does Nigeria Economic Growth Mean? It means four more years of the Jonathan’s administration to continue its sound economic policies as reflected in the economic achievement of The Jonathan’s Administration to mention a few.

See below:

  1. Improvement in Economic Indices – In October 2011 International Ratings agency, Fitch Ratings revised the country’s Outlook upwards from Negative to Stable.

  2. Standard and Poor’s another internationally respected and independent ratings agency, revised Nigeria’s ratings from stable to Positive.

  3. Implementation of Niger Delta Amnesty Scholarship Program

  4. Signing into law the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Bill 2010 (Local Content Bill) which has increased Local Content in the Oil and Gas sector.

  • As a direct result of that law Royal Dutch Shell awarded a N7.8 billion ($49.9 million) contract to a Nigerian firm, S.C.C Limited, for the manufacture of high pressure line pipes that would otherwise have been awarded to a foreign firm.

  • As a result of this law, Exxon Mobil awarded an off shore platform contract to a local firm, NigerDockNig. PLC that would otherwise have been awarded to a foreign firm.

  1. Initiated the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). A seed capital of $1 billion was provided to kick start the fund as well as establish three sub funds- the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund; the Future Generations Fund and the Stabilization Fund which will be the pillars of the SWF.

  2. Launched the Youth Enterprise with innovation in Nigeria (YOUWIN) initiative on the 11th October 2011 which is the administration’s job creation center piece.

  3. CNN Lists Nigeria as 3rd Expected Fastest Growing GPD.

  4. Launched the Public Works Women and Youth Empowerment programmer, an intervention programmer designed to employ 370,000 youths in the year 2012 with 30% of those jobs being reserved for women.

  5. Secured investment commitments worth 4.89 Trillion Naira.

  6. Launched the NigComSat-1Rsatellite which will help expand Internet Bandwidth, monitor the weather and provide early warning to prevent natural disasters like floods, crop monitoring and urban planning. It has the attendant benefit of reducing the over $1 billion spent in purchasing Internet Bandwidth from abroad.

  7. Nigeria’s banking industry rescued and stabilized by the establishment of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) in the year 2010.

  8. MasterCard made Nigeria its regional headquarters for its West/East and Indian Ocean islands zone raising the profile of Nigeria’s e-commerce industry.

  9. Nigeria’s GDP grew by a record 8.29% during the last quarter of 2010 and by over 7% in 2011. In the first quarter of 2012 Nigeria had verifiably become the third fastest growing economy in the world as recently attested to by several multilateral bodies and trading partners.

  10. Revival of the Textile industry via the 150 billion Naira Textile Industry Bailout, as a result the United Nigerian Textile Limited was reactivated amongst others and over 2000 employees re-engaged

  11. Non-oil exports from 2010 (standing at $2.3 Billion) and subsequent years are ten times what they were in 2000 (which were $200 Million) as a direct result of this administration’s intervention in the Textile Industry and Real Sector.

  12. Implemented the National Transformation in priority areas, including power, rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and employment generation.

  13. Created an estimated 1.6 million new jobs in 2013 as a result of his government’s policies and actions.

  14. Implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan, NIRP, aimed at industrializing Nigeria and diversifying the economy into sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals.

  15. Common External Tariff, CET, agreement with the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to protect the country’s strategic industries from foreign domination.

  16. Nigeria moved from being a net importer to a net exporter of cement, with its production capacity growing from just 2 million metric tons in 2002 to about 28.5 million metric tons today.

  17. Nigeria named by UN Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD as the No.1 destination for investments in Africa.

  18. Distribution of fertilizers and seeds to about 4.2 million farmers, directly through an e-wallet system.

  19. Building of 72 new libraries in Federal Unity Schools and laboratories rehabilitated in all the 51 Federal and State polytechnics across the country.

  20. Privatization of 10 power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP to ensure effective evacuation and distribution of power generated, an addition of $1.5 billion was advanced for the upgrade of the transmission network to boost electricity

  21. Cut down on public expenditure and wastage by government personnel in all ministries, departments and agencies.

  22. Deployment of the three electronic platforms namely, the Treasury Single Account, TSA; the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS; and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS- to curb leakages in the system.

While we may have differences of opinion, we must take away sentiments, and take a closer look at President Jonathan’s and General Buhari’s economic track record. Today, Nigeria is the 26th biggest economy with a GDP of over $510 billion. Is this progress in action, it left for your to look at the facts, and decide.

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Stuck By Cupid’s Arrow

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Love at first sight may be attributed to Cupid love. The name Cupid itself was derived from the Latin word “Cupido,” meaning love, passion, desires, yearnings, wanting or longing. Cupid is the most famous of Valentine symbols and everybody knows that boy armed with bow and arrows, and piercing hearts . He is known as a mischievous, winged child armed with bow and arrows. The arrows signify desires and emotions of love, and Cupid aims those arrows at Gods and Humans, causing them to fall deeply in love. Cupid has always played a role in the celebrations of love and lovers. In ancient Greece he was known as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. To the Roman’s he was Cupid, and his mother was Venus.

Sounds like a Mythological tale?

Well, Cupid just happens to be a part of one of the great love stories from Classical Mythology. Cupid, the Roman God of love was the son of Venus the Roman Goddess of love and Mercury, the Roman messenger God. He is believed to carry two types of bows in his quiver. The ones made of gold represent true love whereas the ones with lead tips stood for wanton lust. This makes him the God of both romantic as well as erotic love. Cupid is generally believed to have ignited romance in unsuspecting hearts. But the result of his actions didn’t bring pleasure at all instances. He is also known to have struck love between odd couples and then enjoyed watching them work out the situation. However, Cupid himself gets trapped in the game of mismatches which is evident with his love story, and just who is this great lover that he pricked with his love arrow?

There was a beautiful princess named Psyche means “butterfly” and also means “soul”. In many ways, what Psyche goes through is symbolic of the path of each woman’s soul in life. Psyche was so adored by the people that they began to forget about Venus. Venus grew so jealous of this that she sent her son Cupid on a mission to make Psyche fall in love with the ugliest man alive. But upon seeing Psyche, Cupid was so overcome by her beauty that he dropped his arrow on his foot and fell passionately in love with her. He visited Psyche every night and the couple became lovers. There was one condition, however, that Psyche was not allowed to see Cupid. She was forbidden to look upon him.

One night, Psyche’s curiosity overpowered her so she took a peek at Cupid as he slept. But he soon awoke to catch Psyche looking at him and he left her because he feared his mother’s wrath should she discover their affair. Psyche spent years searching the world for Cupid with a broken heart until finally Jupiter granted her immortality so that she could remain with Cupid forever. The couple eventually had a daughter, Voluptas (Pleasure) and Nyx (Night) and they lived happily in their castle. Despite the antiquity of Cupid – God of love and beauty, he is still known by human beings as one that ignites love and passion in mortals. He has become synonymous with Valentine’s day and is commonly represented as shooting arrows at hearts of individuals.

Ironically, the origin of Valentine’s Day comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr, Saint Valentine a Roman who was killed for his faith on February 14, 269 A.D. He had refused to worship pagan gods, and some stories say he was a priest who would marry young lovers in secret because they did not have parental permission. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.

Also, Valentine is associated with love because he fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, and would pass notes to her. The tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer’s daughter on the eve of his execution. The young Christian wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter, signing it, “From your Valentine.” The first valentine was really a Christian witness. On the contrary, instead of us remembering the content of the original Valentine’s card which was a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love. In Italy, St Valentine’s Day became the traditional day to be engaged. Young Romans would spend Valentine’s day gathered together in gardens to listen to romantic poetry and music. Also, around the world, Valentine’s day is celebrated, I’m sure you’ll notice all of the hearts, the flowers, the chocolates, the plush toys, the greeting cards, the special lingerie, and the romantic getaway packages being advertised and offered in the stores.

Statistics shows that people find true love when they least expect it. Have you ever experienced a warm passion? Feelings of contentment that is unexplainable? unconditional love? not lust or imaginary desires, I’m talking about agape love. If so, there is a 100% chance that you’ve being stuck by Cupid’s arrow, the ones made of gold, which represent true love. Some may call it, finding their soul mates. Whatever it may be, It’s an experience that one out of a million people may encounter, once in their life time . Facts or fiction? You decide.

© 2016  AfriQtalk Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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Mrs. Angela Esekhaigbe Celebrate’s Surprise 50th Birthday in Grand Style

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Dignitaries, guests, friends, and well wishers came from Africa, Europe, and North America to celebrate Mrs. Angela Esiekhagbe’s surprise 50th birthday party in grand style. Held privately in Roswell, GA on December 27, 2014 by the celebrant’s husband, General Cecil Esiekhagbe.

The tables, and chairs were beautifully decorated with royal purple, and antique gold, the chandeliers surrounded with a panel of white, purple, and a hint of gold ceiling decoration. Guests tables were lavished with the finest wines, champagne, and liqueur.

In attendance were: The deputy Consul General and Staff of the Nigerian Consulate, Admiral Joe Aikhomu, Chief & Mrs. GC Nweze, Dr Victoria Okojie, Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, Bar Anthony Egbase, Chris Erewele, Ken Erewele, Prince Henry Iseghohi, Vasco Momodu, Andy Ighile, Mr & Mrs Abraham Eichie, Austin Okoruwa, Henry Omodiagbe, Austin Agboinfo, Kingsley Jatt, Mrs Doris Braimah, Haj Aisha Aliyu, Mrs Vivian Okojie, Mrs Doris Theman, Bar Chi Chikwendu, Mrs Tammy Welli, Mrs. Oyovwi Attah, Dr. Charles and Chitu & family to name but a few.

The event proceeded with an opening prayer, opening remarks by The Esiekiagbe’s family, Mrs. Esiekhabge’s siblings, and  Chairman of the occasion, Admiral Joe Aikhomu. Guests were entertained by Comedian MC Rhema, including performances by The Grass Root Band, and OKO as they sat enjoying the buffet style Nigerian cuisines, continental dishes, and drinks being served by professional chefs, banquet servers, waitresses, and bartenders with great spirits. Following the reception was the cake cutting, and closing remarks.

The air was filled with excitement, a reminiscent of thanksgiving, and sense of accomplishment as the party continued into the early morning.

Event planning and official coverage by AfriQtalk 

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A Taste of Culture Debuts in Atlanta, Dec 26, 2014.

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A Taste of Culture Debuts in Atlanta, Dec 26, 2014. Come join us for an evening of Conversation, Cuisines, Dance, Live Afro Jazz & Pop this Friday December 26, 2014 at Nations Cafe, Sandy Spring, Roswell, 30350. Featuring, acclaimed Nigerian Saxophonist, Shola Emmanuel & OKO from North Carolina. 10 % of Proceed will be donated to The Nigerian Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation – NDDTF for The Trauma & Diagnostic Center Project in Abuja, Nigeria. Donations are Tax Deductible. Admission is free. To RSVP click here 

 

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Amb. Teneilabe Celebrates with Nigeria at 54. Highlights President Goodluck Jonathan’s Achievements

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The 54th Independence Anniversary began with photo ops, welcoming of Nigerians in the Diaspora and friends of Nigeria, including official representatives from other countries by Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe and his wife at Westin Atlanta Perimeter North in Atlanta. Oct 5, 2014.

The program was lined up with entertainment, presentations, and activities. Guests were treated to a cuisine of Nigerian dishes, and cocktail reception. One of such presentation was a video that showed a brief history of the 1914 Amalgamation. Followed by a night of comedy, and poetry as the over flowing crowd cheered on.

In his address to the attendees, Amb. Teneilabe used the occasion to remind the audience that it was a dual celebration that also marked the 100 anniversary of the 1914 Amalgamation of Southern and Northern Protectorates. He also, highlighted President Jonathan’s achievements, while telling Nigerians in the diaspora to be informal Ambassadors of Nigeria, despite the challenges, and encouraged the spirit of unity among the different ethnic groups in Atlanta.

The keynote speaker was Prof. Martin Okafor, who said that Nigeria in the diaspora should support the efforts under way to build a Diagnostic and Trauma center in Abuja, by Nigerians in the diaspora, diagnostics and trauma foundation. He added that Nigerian Americans can provide assistance in those areas by coming together for a good cause. After the program was completed, attendees jumped to their feet and danced the night away.

See pictures and Video, courtesy of Consulate General of Nigeria, Atlanta GA.

 

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NNPC Raises The Alarm Over Fake Authorisation Letters in Nigeria

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Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of fake letters of authorization purportedly from the NNPC to buy and/or sell Nigerian crude oil.

The Corporation yesterday called on members of the public to be wary of persons with fraudulent intents circulating letters authorizing the lifting of Bonny Light crude oil from Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by NNPC group general manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, a paragraph in one of the fake letters of authorization in circulation reads:

“We hereby confirm that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has entered into contractual arrangements directly with Lavi International Corp to supply Bonny Light crude oil to the Lavi International Corp Associated Refineries and or Global Traders, and that the Lavi International Corp has the power and authority to sell or otherwise deal with the Bonny Light crude oil, the subject of those contractual agreements.”

The NNPC, however, stated that Messrs Lavi International Corp is not one of its crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 Term Contract Period and, therefore, has not been allocated any crude oil volume as speculated in the fake letter of authorization.

It further noted that the list of local and international companies duly approved as NNPC’s crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 Term Contract Period had been widely publicized and called on members of the public to avail themselves of such information to avoid being duped by unscrupulous elements.

“Meanwhile, we are working closely with relevant security agencies to track and bring to book all those behind these nefarious activities,” he said.

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A MUST READ! EGOS AND EGOMANIACS – Film Making and Film makers in the Diaspora.

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– By Austeen Eboka

EGOS AND EGOMANIACS – Film Making and Film Makers in the Diaspora.

First, reference the recently concluded FACE Awards ceremony in Atlanta, I greatly applaud the organizers for their selfless, generous and noble efforts at putting together such a prestigious and glamorous event. It was highly impressive, and humbling to be in the same room with such high-powered personalities. Thank you Princess Asha Okojie of AfriQ’talk Culture Beyond Borders and the FACE team. I pray more blessings and God’s continued favor on you all.

For some time leading to the FACE awards event, it had come to my hearing that some individuals attempted to sabotage the ceremony by instigating some negative responses and acceptance of the prestigious affair which, by the way, was not only well attended but, graced by Ministers from the continent, a US Senator, the Nigerian Consular General himself, Arik Air Vice President, some notable US TV Network personalities, entrepreneurs and several highly placed dignitaries both here and abroad.

Not to mention a written congratulatory message from Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed to both the organizers and award recipients. These incorrigible elements, I understand, had the boldness to go as far as to challenge the authenticity and validity of the awards, the organizers as well as the recipients. What height of impertinence.

Secondly, some of us are privy to the unfortunate egocentricity currently pervading our beloved Nollywood industry where some do not understand the concept of team work, professional etiquette and collaborative ventures. There seems to be constant squabbling for dominance in terms of the quantity of movies they churn out yearly. To these individuals, quality and professionalism are foreign. Meanwhile, the ‘real filmmakers’ continue to struggle to accomplish their objectives and get the required resources to achieve their goals of producing quality work. But, change will definitely come when the wheat will be separated from the chaff.

Having said this, I do not comprehend the reason to have Nollywood validate Diaspora filmmaking. Basically, the coinage of the term “NOLLYWOOD USA” denotes just that. Common sense tells us that Nollywood relates to Nigerian Film Industry; just as Bollywood is to India. But then, here in the USA, where we have a mesh of artistes from across the continent coming together for the purpose of creating art, we still call this congregation Nollywood?

Is this deficiency due to a lack of intellectual capability or competence to actually device a more appropriate title for Diaspora film making? Try DIASWOOD, if you are so inclined to having the ‘wood’ attached. And, by the way, there is a DIASWOOD NETWORK in existence, ably put together by one of our very own here in the USA, ATL to be precise; a very well rounded professional in the industry, known across the world, whom I have been blessed to have worked with and continue to work and associate with. But, being who we are, because we did not initiate it, we cannot be a part of it. So, we’d rather become conniving, slippery and antagonistic towards such efforts. We’d rather tie our loins to someone else’s who has no bearing whatsoever on your existence or what you do here.

Furthermore, in relation to the Arts, there are over 2,000 film festivals organized yearly just here in the US. We never see or hear one party running the others down, asking such stupid questions as, “Who gave you the right”, “What qualifications do you have” to set up shop? If anything, there is support across the board. Also, there have been a few African awards shows done here in America that some of us do not even relate to. But no one has openly challenged or questioned the validity of such organizers, some of whom know nothing about the Arts. Of course, I do commend such efforts.

May be someday, we would have the good sense to merge all these different cells together to form ONE reputable, world class African Awards Body. Frankly, I am at a loss as to where to place my judgment on such. Whenever I hear that term – Nollywood USA – it takes all the fibers of my being to keep me from screaming out loud. Try ‘Hollywood Africa’ or ‘Bollywood Asia’ for good measure. I never heard of such intellectual mediocrity in conceptualizing a term or title.

It usually is not in my character to openly express my disgust at the some human follies, as no one is perfect. However, when some elements tend to continually indulge in heedless and irrational exhibition of their absurdities, it becomes imperative for me, and incumbent upon me to call some of this recklessness to order. And, at the end of the day, I DARE anyone of these individuals to tackle or challenge me with regard to my stand on this matter.

Some even had the temerity to confront one of the award recipients, and another member of the organizing body to accuse them of having rigged the whole thing. SERIOUSLY? What impudence! Half education is dangerous; no education at all, especially in the field of one’s endeavor is catastrophic. If you want to debate me on this issue or, any other relating to the Arts, please, let me know the date and time and I shall be there. I only need a 5-minute notice.

To the organizers, and my fellow recipients, do not let your spirits be dampened. In the same token, do not also let such awards get to your heads as humility is the key to achieving greater heights. Just be thankful to God that your efforts, no matter how little have been recognized and appreciated by others. Being nominated is not only gratifying but, a motivation to go out and do bigger things, because the world is watching. Even the Good Book says to rejoice with whomever is rejoicing and be happy for others so that, in like manner, you also may have others rejoice with, and be happy for you.

Film making is not the sole prerogative of any one entity, person or group. Organizing award shows likewise, should not be anyone’s birthright. That some nonentities have decided, out of their indecisive decision to claim “ownership” of not just the African film making industry here in the USA but, to also arrogate to themselves all power and office to decide who or who does not have the right to initiate such ventures is most unbecoming.

To realize that, as much as we are trying to build an industry of and for artistes in the Diaspora, some of us are filled with a mixture of animosity, avarice, self-aggrandizement and a bit of momentary goodness, if any at all, is not a pleasant discovery. It is on record that, one of the very first African movies, if not the first shot here in the US, I was a part of. This was in New York in 2004. The producers of this movie have not claimed proprietorship of Diaspora film making. Who then is it that has placed him/herself as the governor of African film making in the Diaspora?

Ordinarily, I would not have bothered myself with such trivialities as they do not merit any response from me. But, I feel pained that, here we are, Africans, instead of coming together to form a team, pulling our resources to encourage, stimulate and promote African Art, and Films, and those who have the courage to engage in same, as is typical, we embark on destroying, castigating, back-biting and undermining each other.

I ask, who the heck gives YOU the RIGHT or the PLUCK to challenge, dispute, question or contest other people’s well-meaning gestures? What gives anyone the impetus or audacity to claim ownership of any of these ventures? Winning an award, as far as I am concerned, is only a testament to the fact that your peers recognize and appreciate your contribution. It does not mean you are the best as there are so many out there doing great and greater things yet unknown. It is humbling and inspiring as well. However, what does it cost for us to be happy for, and rejoice with one another? Is it in the African DNA to be naturally antagonistic and unprogressive?

As a pioneering member of the Nollywood industry, with over 30 yrs in the field, both stage and screen, I can confidently, and in all modesty say that, none of those referred to here can claim to have been in this field as long as I have or paid as much dues as I have. Not to mention the fact that some of them do not know a thing about the arts. But I do not go around degrading their efforts or questioning them about their works. And there are so many out there like me or even much more experienced in this field whom we are yet to come across.

They are not running around provoking their peers or contesting some of the award shows being put together by others. Be mindful, though, it is not the length of time one has expended on an enterprise that matters but, our objective, dedication, zeal and passion. Some of my fellow award recipients, I know for a fact, have likewise put in a great effort at their craft. And they keep working at it. There are still many more out there, unknown to us who are achieving a remarkable lot.

So, do we undermine them because they do not belong to our clique or yours? How do we grow if we cannot support and motivate each other? But you feel others must come seek permission from you in order to shoot a film, organize an awards ceremony? So, I ask again, WHO THE HECK ARE YOU? What credentials or qualifications do you possess that make you the sole proprietor/proprietress of this supposedly honorable and wholesome institution? For the purpose of decorum, I have decided to refrain myself from calling out the individuals involved as none of them has had the courage to confront me.

However, it is said that, “When dry bones are mentioned in a proverb, the old woman feels uneasy.” It would be wise for these ludicrous elements to nip this idiocy in the bud before it festers uncontrollably. Nonetheless, our people also say that, “The head of an old man is not good for knocks; but may they not give us reason to reverse that saying.” If anyone feels the need to take me up on this, please be my guest. I live there. To succeed, one needs to follow the footsteps of those who have succeeded. I do not know that Hollywood engages in such squabbles, bickering and egocentric ranting. Here we are, in our infancy, power-struggling. Yet, we know NOTHING.

Please, let us all sit on our EGO. Your attitude determines your altitude…

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Nigerian-American to Represent GA at the 26th Annual National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C.

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Eight-grader, Nigerian-American, Ansel Ahabue  will represent Georgia at the 26th Annual National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., May 19-21. The top 10 finalist will compete in the May 21 final round, moderated by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, and taped to air on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD at 7 p.m.  May 22, and later on public television.

Ansel brought onlookers to tears, when he surprisingly & boldly asked to speak when he was awarded The National 2014 ALL- STAR AWARD at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn, where he passionately dedicated his 2014 All Star Win to the Nigerian missing girls (#BRING BACK OUR GIRLS).

According to his mother, Blessing Ituah- Ahabue, Ansel stressed the fact that all kids regardless of where they are born deserve a good education,   “I am sure that the people of Nigeria appreciates you as well” we appreciate you, Ansel,  you made us proud! said One of the officials. 

On behalf of AfriQtalk, we wish you the best in D.C. You make Nigeria Proud Ansel.

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FACE Showcase Nigerian Culture, and Tourism in US

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Festival of Arts and Cultural Expo Africa, 2014 Press Conference was held at the Consulate General of Nigeria, 8060 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30350 on Friday 28th at 4:00 pm, hosted by AfriQtalk, PAN African Chambers of Commerce and the organizing team of FACE, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Atlanta.

Ambassador Geoffrey I. Teneilabe. Amb./Consul-General also, gave an opening remarks at the event on Culture, and Tourism Investment Opportunities. Theme; “Harnessing Culture for Competitive Advantage” Other speakers were CEO of AfriQtalk “Culture Beyond Borders” Princess Asha Okojie-Osazuwa, Mr. Toks Onabanjo, Chairman of Pan Africa Chamber of Commerce, and William Stewart, Chairman of Embrace Music Foundation, Miami, Florida.

The objective of the event was to celebrate African and African-American influences on global cultures, promote culture, and tourism investment opportunities for exchange of information to enhance bilateral trade, create awareness, bridge the cultural gap in education, technology, research, business, entertainment.

This event showcased Nigeria’s cultural heritage and tourism, aptly described as the ‘Giant of Africa’ and the heart of Africa for a good reason. It is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition from threads of history, diversity, legend and conquest. With Nigeria’s booming tourism industry, its development and growth must meet international standards, awareness must be created, other cultures must be made sufficiently known not only because the world has become a global village but because people appreciate what they understand, according to Princess Asha Okojie-Osazuwa, one of the organizers of FACE 2014.

The platform created an environment to network, do business and capitalize on the fast growing hospitality and tourism sector in Nigeria. There were live performances from artists, and entertainers, including; cultural dance groups, beauty contest pageantry, and activities.

Endorsed by Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta and Nigeria Ministry of Culture & Tourism National Orientation, Abuja, Nigeria. The two day culture and tourism investment expo & award is expected to attract more over one thousand attendees, dignitaries, delegates and people from all walks of life to the city of Atlanta from around the world.

2014 RECIPIENTS OF FACE 2014 AWARD 

1. DISTINGUISHED AWARD
Andrew Jackson Young, Atlanta GA

2. IMAGE AWARD
Mayor, Kasim Reed of Atlanta, GA

3. BEST CULTURAL CONTRIBUTION
Chief Edem Duke, Hon. Minister of Culture,Tourism and National Orientation

4. OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION/NETWORK
Alliance of Nigeria Organization in Georgia (ANOG), USA

5. OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR/EXECUTIVE
Robert Brunner, Arik Airlines

6. PUBLIC INTERGRITY AWARD
Hon. Mike Onolememen, Minister of Works, Abuja, Nigeria

7. LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, Nigeria Consulate Office, Atlanta GA

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Immediate Press Release – Sensational Gospel Singer and Grammy’s Academy Award Member Shines

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Immediate Press Release – Sensational Gospel Singer and Grammy’s Academy Award Member Shines  with her Third Album ” Yes You Can” Who is Princess Pat Akpabio? Princess Pat is an Evangelist who has touched the lives of people in her home town of Akwa Ibom and around the world through her message of Hope, Love, and Worship. The Nigerian- American gospel singer, song writer, producer and actress will have her Album Release Party and Concert on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 3099 Breckinridge Blvd, Duluth Georgia 30096.  To know more about Princess Pat Akpabio click here.

Click here to heck out Princess Pat Akpabio Album Release Pictures

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Mayor of the Month- Richard Arnold of Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany

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By Tann vom Hove

After representing Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s second most prosperous state, at the European Union (EU) in Brussels for nine years, Richard Arnold could have moved to any number of senior government positions in either Berlin or Stuttgart. Instead he decided to return to his hometown of Schwäbisch Gmünd to run for mayor. In an interview with City Mayors, Mayor Arnold explained that at local level a politician is not only closest to ordinary people but can also influence and implement cutting-edge changes. “I cannot imagine anything more rewarding than to be able to be part of and help shaping these changes in my hometown,” he said.

Richard Arnold was born in 1959 in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a city of some 60,000 people, 50km east of Stuttgart and, following his education at a local high school, studied public administration at the universities of Konstanz and Frankfurt. After a scholarship year at one of America’s elite universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology“ (MIT) in 1988, Arnold worked for two years at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels as expert on EU agricultural and environmental policies. Before returning to Brussels in 2000, he occupied several senior posts with the state government of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart. From 2000 until 2009, Arnold headed the representative office of Baden-Württemberg at the EU. In 2007, during the German presidency of the Council of the European Union, Arnold was voted one of the best-known and most influential Germans in Brussels. In May 2009, Arnold defeated Schwäbisch Gmünd’s incumbent Social-Democrat mayor in the first round of the election.

Mayor Arnold is a member of Germany’s centre-right Christian Democrat Union (CDU) and one who cherishes his Christian, liberal-humanistic values. He considers people and their concerns central to all major decisions. “Whatever we aim for, we have to achieve it for the people and not regard them as a means to an end.” He believes in a modern conservatism that recognises that more and more people no longer want to be dominated by a cold, soulless, purely profit-orientated technocracy.

During his years outside Germany, Arnold embraced globalisation – he now speaks German, English, French, Dutch and Spanish – but also learnt that in an increasingly mobile, outward-orientated society, the role of the local community was more important than ever. Even while working in Brussels, he never cut the ties that bound him to his hometown. As an accomplished tenor, Arnold was particularly keen to remain part Schwäbisch Gmünd’s cultural scene.

Recently the mayor has attracted national and international attention for his advocacy for greater rights for refugees. At Schwäbisch Gmünd he regards himself as mayor of all people including asylum seekers and believes they should be allowed to participate more actively in society. “Forced idleness can lead to apathy and even crime.”

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Discover Who You’re

When was the last time you sat down with your friends, family or perhaps your kids to talk about your family history or heritage? When things happen, we often talk about it, except our history, unless we go back in time, which should be the exact opposite. Our experience may differ, but we’re interconnected by our destiny. We always look at important figures, important events, important groups, ideas, and movements but not within ourselves.

When we start sharing our history, we can then educate others who do not know much about their history or about your culture. Our birth right is in our DNA, our culture is in us and history is in our destiny. Whether good or bad, we share the same experience through similar events, relationship, cause and effect. Therefore, our past, present and future is shaped by our history. Your understanding of culture is what defines you as a person, so understand the basic concept of history and who you are as a person.

~ Princess Asha Okojie
© 2011  AfriQtalk Entertainment. All rights reserved.

 

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Manage Better Foot Care with Diabetes

Roberta Kleinman, RN, M.Ed., CDE

by Roberta Kleinman, RN, M.Ed., CDE

Hello !

This week I consulted with a new patient who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The only thing he could focus on during the hour long education session was proper foot care.

The reason is – he has a family who had 3 male generations of diabetes and each member of that family had an amputation either on their toes, the entire foot or the lower leg and foot. He knew this was his wake up call to start paying close attention to overall prevention of complications.

According to the C.D.C., “half of diabetes related amputations can be prevented by patient education and regular foot exams.” Recent research notes that we are making progress with better foot care, but there is still room to improve. Once an amputation is performed because of diabetic neuropathy, there is a 50% increase for a second amputation within the next 3 years.

After a second amputation there is an 80% death rate within the next 5 years. Learning correct foot care after a diabetes diagnosis can change these statistics dramatically. This particular gentleman came to his visit in flip flops since we live in sunny hot Florida. Looking at his toenails was an automatic reason to get into foot care quickly.

The obvious was that his nails were thick, yellow and splintering from fungus and it was impossible for him to trim them properly. They were way too long and made it uncomfortable to put on his shoes and socks. He is Medicare age which allows him several monthly covered visits per year to a podiatrist for nail care.

He already felt better! Since he is still employed as a car salesman and on his feet most of the day we discussed the need for proper shoes and diabetic socks. He was also pleased to find out that Medicare will cover a pair of sturdy safe shoes with certain criteria established by your physician or podiatrist.

I explained what neuropathy is (nerve damage with lack of sensation), as well as P.A.D. – peripheral vascular disease – or reduced blood flow. Because of these conditions there is less blood and less oxygen to the tissue. There are fewer white blood cells to help fight off infection.

We discussed the need for diabetic socks which he never realized was that important. Things to keep in mind when purchasing diabetic socks are:

Socks always provide a layer between you and the shoe. An extra layer is very important.

Fabric – Diabetes socks should be a blend. Cotton is good for comfort and its natural allergy free properties, but it should contain some other fabric such as acrylic, spandex, polyester or synthetic material to help with a good fit and to stay in place. A good blend would be 50% cotton and 50% blend. The fabric should have some anti-static properties to help prevent rubbing which creates blisters. Blisters can lead to diabetic foot ulcers if not treated.

Colloidal silver – The silver is woven into the sock to help pull moisture away from the skin and actually absorbs the moisture. People with diabetes are more at risk for infections like athlete’s foot or other fungus infections as well as bacterial infections, and perspiration will increase that risk. Any product that helps wick away moisture and has an anti-microbial property would be a benefit. Roughly 80% of the general population experience athlete’s foot with the largest number coming from people with diabetes. The anti-microbial fibers will also reduce foot odor.

Elastic content – Athletic socks generally have large amounts of elastic which tends to constrict especially around the lower leg and ankle. This impairs blood flow and circulation – a danger to people with diabetes. Make sure you do not have skin indentations. Diabetes socks tend to have less elastic.

Fit – Try to find socks that are like a second skin to your foot. You should not have bunching or wrinkling which will cause blisters sores, hot spots, pressure points or ulcers.

Seams – Diabetes socks should not contain seams. They tend to create pressure points that also increase foot problems like ulcers. They are also uncomfortable. Even, smooth surfaces should rest against the foot.

Color – Depending on your needs, white socks are always the best when you have diabetes and foot issues. They allow you to quickly notice blood or discharge when sensation is diminished. White socks do not contain artificial color dyes or additives which could bleed into your skin when perspiring. Make sure the socks do not contain latex which causes allergies in a majority of people. Purchase a few pair of dark diabetic socks for special occasions.

Cushioning – Diabetes socks do offer extra comfort due to extra cushioning in the sole of the sock especially in the heel and toe area which lessens pressure. The toe area should be wider to give extra space and not cramp toes. Along with well fitted shoes cushioning can really protect diabetic feet.

Care of diabetic socks – The guidelines generally suggest that you wash your socks after each use with either cold or warm water on a gentle machine cycle with a mild detergent like Ivory. You can dry them on a short gentle cycle or air dry on a clothes line.

It is suggested you purchase new diabetes socks at least every 6 months or when you notice signs of wear. If the elastic starts to pull, the cushioning starts to shrink or the fibers start to split- think new socks. Order a few pairs at a time. They may seem like an investment but your feet are worth it.

These are just a few tips for better everyday foot care. Remember to always cover feet – even in your own home. Accidents happen quickly and can easily be avoided. Think prevention!

For more Health news, visit  our Health and Wellness page.

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Rising Hip-Hop Star Lineo Ignites Ghana Music Industry Nite

Rising hip-hop star, Adegboyega Yusuf Adekoya, better known as Lineo, excites the fans with his newly introduced style of music, Afro Hip House, at the first Ghana Music Industry Nite held at Accra, Ghana, recently. Lineo  was at his best with brilliant performances alongside Hypertek Music and 2Face Idibia’s protege, Dammy Krane. At the industry nite was also R2Bees, Chidinma and others to mention but few.

“Funky High is a song that is dear to me. It is a complete deviation from the regular Nigerian contemporary hip hop. The song is a blend of Afro beats, Funk, Hip and House Music,” said Lineo. The Elepepe Master ignites the fans with his newly introduced style of music, AFRO HIP HOUSE. However, the Ogun State born singer, “LINEO” experiment with his new single FUNKY HIGH. ‘ The experiment has been awesome.

A lot of music buffs love it that is why we released it.  The song is a blend of Afro beats, Funk, Hip and House Music’, he said “Funky High is a song that is dear to me. It is a complete deviation from the regular Nigerian contemporary hip hop. It is new, it is fresh and above all, it is fun! It’s a song my team strongly believe would open a new chapter in Nigerian music.

The Afro Hip House chapter!”

It may interest you to know Lineo is one Nigerian artiste that understands the essence of the social media in music promotion on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, Google. Having his own online-based Tv channel with over 200,000 views. In fact,the single, Funky High is already on Spinlet, a mobile application platform to distribute music.

The Icon award winner, Lineo is being Signed to Dengit Music Group under Dengit House Productions.

Kindly Download  #FunkyHigh can be downloaded by clicking on the link: http://bit.ly/KGXhoD . Also Available on www.spinlet.com # DengitHouse. You can follow @MyLineo on Twitter. Email : Dengithouse@gmail.com.

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King Jaja of Opobo – England’s Affair With Him And The End Of It


Born in Umuduruoha, Amaigbo in Igboland and sold as a slave to a Bonny trader at the age of twelve, he was named Jubo Jubogha by his first master. He was later sold to Chief Alali, the head of the Opubo Annie Pepple Royal House. Called Jaja by the British, this gifted and enterprising individual eventually became one of the most powerful men in the eastern Niger Delta.

In the nineteenth century—after the abolition of the slave trade in 1807—the trade in slaves was supplanted by the trade in palm oil, which was so vibrant that the region was named the Oil Rivers area.

The Houses in Bonny and other city-states controlled both the internal and external palm oil trade because the producers in the hinterland were forbidden to trade directly with the Europeans on the coast; the Europeans never left the coast for fear of malaria.

Astute in business and politics, Jaja became the head of the Anna Pepple House, extending its activities and influence by absorbing other houses, increasing operations in the hinterland and augmenting the number of European contacts. A power struggle ensued among rival factions in the houses at Bonny leading to the breakaway of the faction led by Jaja. He established a new settlement, which he named Opobo. He became King Jaja of Opobo and declared himself independent of Bonny.

Strategically located between Bonny and the production areas of the hinterland, King Jaja controlled trade and politics in the delta. In so doing, he curtailed trade at Bonny and fourteen of the eighteen Bonny houses moved to Opobo.

In a few years, he had become so wealthy that he was shipping palm oil directly to Liverpool. The British consul could not tolerate this situation. Jaja was offered a treaty of “protection”, in return for which the chiefs usually surrendered their sovereignty. After Jaja’s initial opposition, he was reassured, in vague terms, that neither his authority nor the sovereignty of Opobo would be threatened.

Jaja continued to regulate trade and levy duties on British traders, to the point where he ordered a cessation of trade on the river until one British firm agreed to pay duties. Jaja refused to comply with the consul’s order to terminate these activities, despite British threats to bombard Opobo. Unknown to Jaja, the Scramble for Africa had taken place and Opobo was part of the territories allocated to Great Britain. This was the era of gunboat diplomacy, where Great Britain used her naval power to negotiate conditions favorable to the British.

Lured into a meeting with the British consul aboard a warship, Jaja was arrested and sent to Accra, where he was summarily tried and found guilty of “treaty breaking” and “blocking the highways of trade”.

Jaja was forced into exile at St. Vincent, as a political prisoner, and placed on annual income of 800 pounds which was far below estimated at 50,000 pounds income per annum in Opobo, and where he enjoyed a lavish life style, in his three storey pre-fabricated house imported from Liverpool. He was to remain is St. Vincent, against his will, for three years, and for four additional month in Barbados, from where it was decided he should return home to Opobo from exile.

Meanwhile, Jaja’s health in exile began to deteriorate to the extent that his doctor in St. Vincent reported in 1899 that, the more Jaja was retained in St. Vincent the nearer he would approach his grave. Jaja report was threatening to commit suicide unless he was allowed to return.

It took another two years for Jaja to be evacuated from St. Vincent , from where in February, 1891, he was transferred to Barbados. He was to remain in Barbados for another three months before he was conveyed to Spanish colony of Teneriffe, instead of Sierra Lone, on May 11, 1891. The plan was for him to remain there until the arrival of the British consul, Macdonald who was to take him back to Opobo, but, due to an outbreak of epidemic in the island, Macdonald did not arrive in June as expected.

Consequently Jaja waited hopelessly and in abject misery, soon contracted dysentery from which he died on July 7, 1891, after nearly four years in exile. His body was buried at Teneriffe. But in October, 1892, his body was exhumed and taken to Opobo where on October 12, it was received by a fleet at 60 war canoes each carrying each of the old warriors of King Jaja.

Years after his exile in St. Vincent Jaja, is still remembered in anecdotes, today in the West Indies, as he stays there made the land favourable impact on the people of St. Vincent and Barbados. To them Jaja remained a legendary figure. He is remembered for upholding the diginity and self respect of the African even in the most difficult conditions in which he found himself while on exile in Caribbean.

Based on the illegal exile of King Jaja of Opobo in the Caribbean, the situation in the Delta today is not different. The same vicious struggle for the control of the oil resources in the Delta has continued in a post colonial and independent federal Nigeria. The British Buccaneers have been replaced by non-indigenous local predators, that in collusion with the big foreign-owned oil companies have seized control of vast oil resources in the Delta area in a manner that can not be said to serve the economic interest of the people of the Delta. Like Jaja, the people of the Delta want to control their own resources.

This is what is responsible for the rebellion of the people of Niger Delta and the continuing violence in the area. What the situation call for is some restitution with the people of the Delta through real fiscal federalism.

Legacy

King Jaja was exiled for many years in Barbados, the West Indies. Then due to immense civil unrest caused by the presence of King Jaja by the enslaved people of Barbados and after years of campaigning for his freedom. Jaja was moved to the island of San Vicente, Cape Verde, West Africa. To prevent the possibility of a slave revolt.

When Jaja eventually won his liberty after years of fighting against his wrongful abduction and consequent exile by the British. It was agreed by Parliament that he could be reunite to his Kingdom State of Opobo. Jaja now an old man and after years in exile in San Vicente, his health had deteriorated but this did not deter him from embarking on a British vessel bound for Opobo.

His health had failed and on his way back to his beloved Opobo Jaja died due to ill health. He was then shipped instead to Tenerife where he was buried. Due to the anger and fury felt by his people on the chain of events that had preceded, Opobians made the demand for the body of their King which was promptly exhumed and transported back to Opobo where Jaja was buried.

As a loved King his people never forgot about him nor gave up hope that one day he would return. When his body was returned they proceeded to honour him in a manor befitting a much loved & Powerful King (Amayanabo) with 2 years of mourning and with a ceremony immortalising Jaja as a deity.

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African Destination- Meet The Himba Tribe

 

By Alex Ohan

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The Himba; are an ethnic group of about 20,000 to 50,000 people living in northern Namibia, in the Kunene region. Recently they have built two villages in Kamanjab which have become tourist destinations. They are mostly a semi-nomadic, pastoral people, closely related to the Herero, and speak Otjihimba, a dialect of the Herero language.

The Himba breed cattle and goats. The responsibility for milking the cows lies with the women. Women take care of the children, and one woman will take care of another woman’s children. Women tend to perform more labour-intensive work than men do, such as carrying water to the village and building homes. Men handle the political tasks and legal trials.

Members of an extended family typically dwell in a homestead, “a small, circular hamlet of huts and work shelters” that surrounds “an okuruwo (ancestral fire) and a central livestock enclosure.” Both the fire and the livestock are closely tied to their belief in ancestor worship, the fire representing ancestral protection and the livestock allowing “proper relations between human and ancestor.”

The Himba wear little clothing, but the women are famous for covering themselves with otjize, a mixture of butter fat and ochre, possibly to protect themselves from the sun. The mixture gives their skins reddish tinges. This symbolizes earth’s rich red color and the blood that symbolizes life, and is consistent with the Himba ideal of beauty. Women braid each other’s hair that they extend with plastic hair that they usually have to purchase, and cover it except the ends, in their ochre mixture.

Modern clothes are scarce, but generally go to the men when available. Traditionally both men and women go topless and wear skirts or loincloths made of animal skins in various colors. Adult women wear beaded anklets to protect their legs from venomous animal bites.
Boys are generally circumcised before puberty, to make them eligible for marriage.

Because of the harsh desert climate in the region where they live and their seclusion from outside influences, the Himba have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle. Members live under a tribal structure based on bilateral descent that helps them live in one of the most extreme environments on earth.

Under bilateral descent, every tribe member belongs to two clans: one through the father and another through the mother. Himba clans are led by the eldest male in the clan. Sons live with their father’s clan, and when daughters marry, they go to live with the clan of their husband.

Himba woman

Himba Girls Bilateral descent is found among only a few groups in West Africa, India, Australia, Melanesia and Polynesia, and anthropologists consider the system advantageous for groups that live in extreme environments because it allows individuals to rely on two sets of families dispersed over a wide area.

The Himba are a monotheistic people who worship the god Mukuru. Each family has its own ancestral fire, which is kept by the fire-keeper. The fire-keeper approaches the ancestral fire every seven to eight days in order to communicate with Mukuru and the ancestors on behalf of his family. Often, because Mukuru is busy in a distant realm, the ancestors act as Mukuru’s representatives. However, the difference between Mukuru and the ancestors is that while Mukuru only blesses and never curses; the ancestors do both.

The Himba traditionally believe in omiti, which some translate to mean witchcraft but which others call “bad medicine”. Some Himba believe that death is caused by omiti, or rather, by someone using omiti for malicious purposes. Additionally, some believe that evil people who use omiti have the power to place bad thoughts into another’s mind or cause extraordinary events to. But users of omiti do not always attack their victim directly; sometimes they target a relative or loved one. Some Himba will consult a diviner to reveal the reason behind an extraordinary event, or the source of the

 

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Harlem’s Nnamdi Okonkwo Nigerian Sculpturist

 

THREE WOMEN FRIENDS Sculpture by Nnamdi Okonkwo, Harlem, New York City

“Three Friends” is a sculpture by the Nigerian born Nnamdi Okonkwo that currently resides at the front of Fifth Avenue on the Park, a condominium building in Harlem.
Nigerian sculptor Nnamdi Okonkwo created this monumental sculpture that stands outside of Fifth Avenue on the Park, a condominium building in Harlem area of New York City.

The condominium overlooks Marcus Garvey Park and is located at 120th Street and Fifth Avenue. This bronze sculpture was installed in July of 2010 and truly beautifies the front of the building and the entire area.

The following words from the sculptor:

I believe that life is not ordinary, but that there is a heroic, monumental, and divine capacity to the human spirit. Sculpture is an avenue for me to express this beauty and nobility that is inherent in humanity. In short, I seek for the sublime in the emotions and feelings, which my figures evoke. I have chosen the female form to portray this magnificence of the soul, because in my indigenous culture, womanhood is venerated, and “mother is supreme.”

I believe that the noble virtues such as serenity, love, hope, humility, charity, and inner strength, which enable us to face and transcend the adversities of life, are best exemplified in womanhood. The voluminous shapes are aesthetically pleasing and intoxicating to me, but they also serve to emphasize the largeness of soul of womanhood.

Born in Eastern Nigeria in 1965, Nnamdi is the first of three sons. He currently reside in Fayetteville, Georgia with his  wife and three children. After obtaining a Degree in painting in Nigeria, basketball became the avenue for Nnamdi to come to the United States because of his height.

He was recruited by BYU-Hawaii where he played from 1989-1993, and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture. After which he enrolled in the graduate program at BYU-Provo and received an MFA degree in sculpture in 1997.  His work is represented in galleries across the country, and can be seen in individual and public sculpture gardens as well.

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Catching Up With Former Third World Percussionist – Willie Stewart

http://youtu.be/tKRJlmqXPVY http://youtu.be/EcJ61-pee70 Have you ever wondered what became of the group Third World ? Well! I had the pleasure of catching up with former Third World Percussionist – Willie Stewart through a phone conversation. Willie is the founder of Solution in Music, he has shared his brilliant talent in rhythm and percussion with kids through his foundation. In my conversation with him, I realized that his excitement was not in past tales of his world travels, multiple Grammy nominations nor his celebrity status twenty-two years ago as the drummer for Third World band, but rather, his passion to bring music to people – especially children. “It’s not about me and what I can play, he said, “It’s about using the programme to make the people feel like they achieved something – to be inspired, to be motivated.”Children are our most treasure asset, we must love, protect and nurture them so that they may realize their dreams.

Although, he left the Third World band nearly 20 years ago, drummer Willie Stewart is still making rhythmic noise in South Florida. His commitment to continue to work hard and stay committed to empowering  our youth and communities. The power of music has definitely earned Willie recognitions in Jamaica, the U.S and in South Florida, where he currently reside.

Willie is among the recipients of the 2012 Jamaica Diaspora Honours which were recently announced by Jamaica’s Consul General, Sandra Grant-Griffiths. Through his non-profit organization, Embrace Music Foundation (EMF), Willie conducts percussion workshops in schools and communities.

EMF’s latest programme is Rhythms of Africa/Music Around the World, seven two-hour workshops that unite musical concepts such as rhythm and tone, with ethnic studies and language. The London-born Stewart started his career in the early 1970s as a member of the popular Inner Circle band, then toured with Byron Lee (his older brother) and the Dragonaires.

Willie joined Third World in the mid-1970s, playing on the band’s landmark albums such as 96 Degrees in the Shade and Journey to Addis, as well as the hit songs, Now That we Found Love and Try Jah Love.

I asked Willie ‘ do you see yourself coming to perform in Nigeria any time soon? It’s been in the radar, he replied, “I had a good time in Lagos, Nigeria and would like to give something back to the people of Africa.

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Nigerian Political Independence and Pro-democracy Icon- Chief Anthony Enahoro

TODAY, I REMEMBER ONE OF THE TITIANS OF NIGERIA’S STRUGGLE FOR POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE AND PRO-DEMOCRACY ICON, MY UNCLE, CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO.  AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE NIGERIA’S 52 INDEPENDENCE DAY ON OCT 1, 2012, LET’S NOT FORGET THE MEANING OF SACRIFICE, FREEDOM, UNITY AND PATRIOTISM. ……….ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. R.I.P PA.

Chief Anthony Enahoro (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010) was Nigeria’s foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He was born the eldest of twelve children in Uromi in the present Edo State of Nigeria. His Esan parents were Anastasius Okotako Enahoro (d. 1968) and Fidelia Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (d. 1969). Chief Enahoro has had a long and distinguished career in the press, politics, the civil service and the pro-democracy movement. Educated at the Government School Uromi, Government School Owo and King’s College, Lagos, Chief Enahoro became the editor of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 at the age of 21, thus becoming Nigeria’s youngest editor ever. He later became the editor of Zik’s Comet, Kano, 1945–49, also associate editor West African Pilot, Lagos, editor-in-chief Morning Star from 1950 to 1953.

And In 1953, Chief Anthony Enahoro became the first to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence and consequences,he has been regarded by academics and many Nigerians as the father of “Nigeria State” Though his motion was rejected by Parliament and the northern MP’s staged a walkout as a consequence of the attempt. The actual successful movement of the motion for Nigeria’s independence did not take place until 1958. After Enahoro’s initial attempt in 1953, Chief S.L. Akintola attempted to move the second motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1957 and though his motion was passed by Parliament it was not acquiesced to by the British colonial authorities and it therefore failed.

The successful moving of the motion for Nigeria’s independence did not take place until August 1958 and this was done by Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. Fani-Kayode’s motion was not only passed by Parliament but it was also acquiesced to by the British. His motion had called for independence to be granted to Nigeria on April 2, 1960 and though it was passed by Parliament and acquiesed to by the British a slight amendment proposing that the month of independence should be moved from April 2 to October 1 was proposed by a fourth motion to Parliament by Sir Tafawa Balewa in 1959 and it was passed.As a consequence of that Nigeria gained her independence in 1960.

He was born the eldest of ten children in Onewa village, Uromi, in the present Edo State of Nigeria. His Esan parents were Anastasius Asuelinmen “Okotako” Enahoro (d. 1968) and Fidelia Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (d. 1969). Chief Enahoro has had a long and distinguished career in the press, politics, the civil service and the pro-democracy movement. Educated at the Government School Uromi, Government School Owo and King’s College, Lagos, Chief Enahoro became the editor of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 at the age of 21. AS a student then at the famous Kings College, Chief Enahoro plunged into the Nigerian turbulent liberation struggle against colonial rule in the early 1940s, leading to student revolts at the college, in Lagos where he was a student leader. He was prominent in politics at a time of rapid change. He was twice jailed for sedition by the colonial government, for an article mocking a former governor, and then for a speech allegedly inciting Nigerian troops serving in the British army. The British marked him as a firebrand, but even as he was jailed for a third time, he was beginning to reassess his position.

During the Nigerian crisis that followed the 1966 coups, Chief Enahoro was the leader of the then Mid-West delegation to the Ad HocConstitutional Conference in Lagos. He later became Federal commissioner (Minister) for Information and Labour under the General Yakubu Gowon Military Government, 1967–74; Federal Commissioner for Special Duties, 1975. He later became member of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, 1978–83. He was the president, World Festival of Negro Arts and Culture, 1972–75.

Chief Enahoro was the chairman of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that fought dictator Sani Abacha till Abacha’s death. Chief Enahoro was conferred with the national honour of Commander, Order of the Federal Republic, CFR, in 1982, and is the chairman of the Movement for National Reformation, MNR; as well as the Pro-National Conference Organisation, PRONACO. He was awarded honorary DSC by the University of Benin in 1972. Among his publications include the treatise Fugitive Offender. Chief Enahoro played golf and followed cricket ardently. [1][2][3] Chief Enahoro was a delegate to most of the constitutional conferences leading to the independence of Nigeria in 1960.

During the 1962 crisis in the old Western region, he was detained along with other Action Group members. Accused of treason during the Awolowo alleged coup trial, Chief Enahoro escaped via Ghana to the United Kingdom in 1963, Nigeria requested Enahoro’s extradition under the 1881 Fugitive Offenders Act, preventing his application for political asylum. Early in 1963, the new leader of the Labour party, Harold Wilson, detected the embarrassment caused by Enahoro’s arrest and imprisonment. Labour went on the attack in the Commons, with support from some Tories, backed by a media furore. He was once one of the best-known Nigerians in Britain. He was the “fugitive offender” who triggered days of debate in the House of Commons in 1963 as he battled against extradition.

“The Enahoro affair” became an issue of human rights versus the government’s pusillanimous wish not to offend Nigeria, and put the Tory prime minister, Harold Macmillan, and his home secretary, Henry Brooke, in a difficult position.

He was extradited from the UK and imprisoned for treason. In 1966, he was released by the Military Government.

Legacy

In 1953, Chief Anthony Enahoro initiated the self-government motion in the Western House of Assembly, which eventually led to Nigerian Independence on the 1st day of October, 1960.

Sport

Chief Enahoro came from a sporting background. He excelled in sports at King’s College and is credited with being the first Nigerian National to gain membership of a golf club in Nigeria. He managaged to bring his handicap down into single figures during his long golfing career. He was also the driving force behind bringing FESTAC to Nigeria in the 1970s, during which time both Muhammed Ali and Pele visited the country to widespread acclaim.

All his children excelled at sport during their schooling and University years, playing Football, Rugby, Golf and Tennis. Currently, Kenneth and Eugene are avid golfers and founding members of the Saturday Society at Benin Golf Club. Annabella practices Pilates and Gabriel is an avid cyclist.

Chief Enahoro is survived by his wife Helen (née Ediae),their five children; Kenneth Enahoro, Eugene Enahoro, Victor Enahoro, Annabella Enahoro and Gabriel Enahoro and several grandchildren.

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TEXT OF BILL CLINTON’S ADDRESS TO THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

Former President Bill Clinton waves as he arrives to address delegates during the second session of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte,N.C., Sept. 5, 2012. REUTERS/Jason Reed

Here is the text of President Bill Clinton’s speech to the Democratic National Convention as prepared for delivery and released by the convention’s press office:

We’re here to nominate a President, and I’ve got one in mind. I want to nominate a man whose own life has known its fair share of adversity and uncertainty. A man who ran for President to change the course of an already weak economy and then just six weeks before the election, saw it suffer the biggest collapse since the Great Depression.A man who stopped the slide into depression and put us on the long road to recovery, knowing all the while that no matter how many jobs were created and saved, there were still millions more waiting, trying to feed their children and keep their hopes alive.

I want to nominate a man cool on the outside but burning for America on the inside.  A man who believes we can build a new American Dream economy driven by innovation and creativity, education and cooperation. A man who had the good sense to marry Michelle Obama.I want Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States and I proudly nominate him as the standard bearer of the Democratic Party.In Tampa, we heard a lot of talk about how the President and the Democrats don’t believe in free enterprise and individual initiative, how we want everyone to be dependent on the government, how bad we are for the economy.

The Republican narrative is that all of us who amount to anything are completely self-made.  One of our greatest Democratic Chairmen, Bob Strauss, used to say that every politician wants you to believe he was born in a log cabin he built himself, but it ain’t so.We Democrats think the country works better with a strong middle class, real opportunities for poor people to work their way into it and a relentless focus on the future, with business and government working together to promote growth and broadly shared prosperity.  We think “we’re all in this together” is a better philosophy than “you’re on your own.”

Who’s right?  Well since 1961, the Republicans have held the White House 28 years, the Democrats 24.  In those 52 years, our economy produced 66 million private sector jobs.  What’s the jobs score?  Republicans 24 million, Democrats 42 million! It turns out that advancing equal opportunity and economic empowerment is both morally right and good economics, because discrimination, poverty and ignorance restrict growth, while investments in education, infrastructure and scientific and technological research increase it, creating more good jobs and new wealth for all of us.

Though I often disagree with Republicans, I never learned to hate them the way the far right that now controls their party seems to hate President Obama and the Democrats.  After all, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to my home state to integrate Little Rock Central High and built the interstate highway system.And as governor, I worked with President Reagan on welfare reform and with President George H.W. Bush on national education goals. I am grateful to President George W. Bush for PEPFAR, which is saving the lives of millions of people in poor countries and to both Presidents Bush for the work we’ve done together after the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the Haitian earthquake.

Through my foundation, in America and around the world, I work with Democrats, Republicans and Independents who are focused on solving problems and seizing opportunities, not fighting each other.When times are tough, constant conflict may be good politics but in the real world, cooperation works better.  After all, nobody’s right all the time, and a broken clock is right twice a day.  All of us are destined to live our lives between those two extremes.  Unfortunately, the faction that now dominates the Republican Party doesn’t see it that way.  They think government is the enemy, and compromise is weakness.

One of the main reasons America should re-elect President Obama is that he is still committed to cooperation.  He appointed Republican Secretaries of Defense, the Army and Transportation.  He appointed a Vice President who ran against him in 2008, and trusted him to oversee the successful end of the war in Iraq and the implementation of the recovery act.  And Joe Biden did a great job with both.  He appointed Cabinet members who supported Hillary in the primaries.Heck, he even appointed Hillary! I’m so proud of her and grateful to our entire national security team for all they’ve done to make us safer and stronger and to build a world with more partners and fewer enemies.

I’m also grateful to the young men and women who serve our country in the military and to Michelle Obama and Jill Biden for supporting military families when their loved ones are overseas and for helping our veterans, when they come home bearing the wounds of war, or needing help with education, housing, and jobs.President Obama’s record on national security is a tribute to his strength, and judgment, and to his preference for inclusion and partnership over partisanship. He also tried to work with Congressional Republicans on Health Care, debt reduction, and jobs, but that didn’t work out so well.

Probably because, as the Senate Republican leader, in a remarkable moment of candor, said two years before the election, their number one priority was not to put America back to work, but to put President Obama out of work. Senator,  I hate to break it to you, but we’re going to keep President Obama on the job!

In Tampa, the Republican argument against the President’s re-election was pretty simple: we left him a total mess, he hasn’t cleaned it up fast enough, so fire him and put us back in. In order to look like an acceptable alternative to President Obama, they couldn’t say much about the ideas they have offered over the last two years. You see they want to go back to the same old policies that got us into trouble in the first place: to cut taxes for high income Americans even more than President Bush did; to get rid of those pesky financial regulations designed to prevent another crash and prohibit future bailouts; to increase defense spending two trillion dollars more than the Pentagon has requested without saying what they’ll spend the money on; to make enormous cuts in the rest of the budget, especially programs that help the middle class and poor kids.

As another President once said – there they go again. I like the argument for President Obama’s re-election a lot better. He inherited a deeply damaged economy, put a floor under the crash, began the long hard road to recovery, and laid the foundation for a modern, more well-balanced economy that will produce millions of good new jobs, vibrant new businesses, and lots of new wealth for the innovators.Are we where we want to be? No. Is the President satisfied? No. Are we better off than we were when he took office, with an economy in free fall, losing 750,000 jobs a month.  The answer is YES. I understand the challenge we face.  I know many Americans are still angry and frustrated with the economy.  Though employment is growing, banks are beginning to lend and even housing prices are picking up a bit, too many people don’t feel it.

I experienced the same thing in 1994 and early 1995.  Our policies were working and the economy was growing but most people didn’t feel it yet.  By 1996, the economy was roaring, halfway through the longest peacetime expansion in American history.President Obama started with a much weaker economy than I did.  No President – not me or any of my predecessors could have repaired all the damage in just four years.  But conditions are improving and if you’ll renew the President’s contract you will feel it.

I believe that with all my heart. President Obama’s approach embodies the values, the ideas, and the direction America must take to build a 21st century version of the American Dream in a nation of shared opportunities, shared prosperity and shared responsibilities.So back to the story.  In 2010, as the President’s recovery program kicked in, the job losses stopped and things began to turn around. The Recovery Act saved and created millions of jobs and cut taxes for 95% of the American people. In the last 29 months the economy has produced about 4.5 million private sector jobs.  But last year, the Republicans blocked the President’s jobs plan costing the economy more than a million new jobs.

So here’s another jobs score: President Obama plus 4.5 million, Congressional Republicans zero. Over that same period, more than more than 500,000 manufacturing jobs have been created under President Obama – the first time manufacturing jobs have increased since the 1990s.The auto industry restructuring worked.  It saved more than a million jobs, not just at GM, Chrysler and their dealerships, but in auto parts manufacturing all over the country.  That’s why even auto-makers that weren’t part of the deal supported it.  They needed to save the suppliers too. Like I said, we’re all in this together.

Now there are 250,000 more people working in the auto industry than the day the companies were restructured.  Governor Romney opposed the plan to save GM and Chrysler. So here’s another jobs score: Obama two hundred and fifty thousand, Romney, zero.The agreement the administration made with management, labor and environmental groups to double car mileage over the next few years is another good deal: it will cut your gas bill in half, make us more energy independent, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and add another 500,000 good jobs.

President Obama’s “all of the above” energy plan is helping too – the boom in oil and gas production combined with greater energy efficiency has driven oil imports to a near 20 year low and natural gas production to an all time high.  Renewable energy production has also doubled.We do need more new jobs, lots of them, but there are already more than three million jobs open and unfilled in America today, mostly because the applicants don’t have the required skills.  We have to prepare more Americans for the new jobs that are being created in a world fueled by new technology.  That’s why investments in our people are more important than ever.

The President has supported community colleges and employers in working together to train people for open jobs in their communities. And, after a decade in which exploding college costs have increased the drop-out rate so much that we’ve fallen to 16th in the world in the percentage of our young adults with college degrees, his student loan reform lowers the cost of federal student loans and even more important, gives students the right to repay the loans as a fixed percentage of their incomes for up to 20 years.That means no one will have to drop-out of college for fear they can’t repay their debt, and no one will have to turn down a job, as a teacher, a police officer or a small town doctor because it doesn’t pay enough to make the debt payments.  This will change the future for young Americans.

I know we’re better off because President Obama made these decisions. That brings me to health care. The Republicans call it Obamacare and say it’s a government takeover of health care that they’ll repeal.  Are they right? Let’s look at what’s happened so far.Individuals and businesses have secured more than a billion dollars in refunds from their insurance premiums because the new law requires 80% to 85% of your premiums to be spent on health care, not profits or promotion.  Other insurance companies have lowered their rates to meet the requirement.More than 3 million young people between 19 and 25 are insured for the first time because their parents can now carry them on family policies.  Millions of seniors are receiving preventive care including breast cancer screenings and tests for heart problems.  Soon the insurance companies, not the government, will have millions of new customers many of them middle class people with pre-existing conditions.

And for the last two years, health care spending has grown under 4%, for the first time in 50 years. So are we all better off because President Obama fought for it and passed it? You bet we are. There were two other attacks on the President in Tampa that deserve an answer. Both Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan attacked the President for allegedly robbing Medicare of 716 billion dollars.Here’s what really happened. There were no cuts to benefits. None. What the President did was save money by cutting unwarranted subsidies to providers and insurance companies that weren’t making people any healthier. He used the saving to close the donut hole in the Medicare drug program, and to add eight years to the life of the Medicare Trust Fund.

It’s now solvent until 2024. So President Obama and the Democrats didn’t weaken Medicare, they strengthened it.When Congressman Ryan looked into the TV camera and attacked President Obama’s “biggest coldest power play” in raiding Medicare, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  You see, that 716 billion dollars is exactly the same amount of Medicare savings Congressman Ryan had in his own budget. At least on this one, Governor Romney’s been consistent.  He wants to repeal the savings and give the money back to the insurance companies, re-open the donut hole and force seniors to pay more for drugs, and reduce the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by eight years. So now if he’s elected and does what he promised Medicare will go broke by 2016.  If that happens, you won’t have to wait until their voucher program to begins in 2023 to see the end Medicare as we know it.

But it gets worse.  They also want to block grant Medicaid and cut it by a third over the coming decade.  Of course, that will hurt poor kids, but that’s not all.  Almost two-thirds of Medicaid is spent on nursing home care for seniors and on people with disabilities, including kids from middle class families, with special needs like, Downs syndrome or Autism.  I don’t know how those families are going to deal with it. We can’t let it happen. Now let’s look at the Republican charge that President Obama wants to weaken the work requirements in the welfare reform bill I signed that moved millions of people from welfare to work.

Here’s what happened.  When some Republican governors asked to try new ways to put people on welfare back to work, the Obama Administration said they would only do it if they had a credible plan to increase employment by 20%.  You hear that? More work.  So the claim that President Obama weakened welfare reform’s work requirement is just not true. But they keep running ads on it. As their campaign pollster said “we’re not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact checkers.” Now that is true. I couldn’t have said it better myself – I just hope you remember that every time you see the ad.

Let’s talk about the debt. We have to deal with it or it will deal with us.  President Obama has offered a plan with 4 trillion dollars in debt reduction over a decade, with two and a half dollars of spending reductions for every one dollar of revenue increases, and tight controls on future spending. It’s the kind of balanced approach proposed by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission.I think the President’s plan is better than the Romney plan, because the Romney plan fails the first test of fiscal responsibility: The numbers don’t add up.It’s supposed to be a debt reduction plan but it begins with five trillion dollars in tax cuts over a ten-year period. That makes the debt hole bigger before they even start to dig out.They say they’ll make it up by eliminating loopholes in the tax code.  When you ask “which loopholes and how much?,” they say “See me after the election on that.”

People ask me all the time how we delivered four surplus budgets.

What new ideas did we bring? I always give a one-word answer: arithmetic.  If they stay with a 5 trillion dollar tax cut in a debt reduction plan – the – arithmetic tells us that one of three things will happen: 1) they’ll have to eliminate so many deductions like the ones for home mortgages and charitable giving that middle class families will see their tax bill go up two thousand dollars year while people making over 3 million dollars a year get will still get a 250,000 dollar tax cut; or 2) they’ll have to cut so much spending that they’ll obliterate the budget for our national parks, for ensuring clean air, clean water, safe food, safe air travel; or they’ll cut way back on Pell Grants, college loans, early childhood education and other programs that help middle class families and poor children, not to mention cutting investments in roads, bridges, science, technology and medical research; or 3) they’ll do what they’ve been doing for thirty plus years now – cut taxes more than they cut spending, explode the debt, and weaken the economy.  Remember, Republican economic policies quadrupled the debt before I took office and doubled it after I left.  We simply can’t afford to double-down on trickle-down.

President Obama’s plan cuts the debt, honors our values, and brightens the future for our children, our families and our nation. My fellow Americans, you have to decide what kind of country you want to live in.  If you want a you’re on your own, winner take all society you should support the Republican ticket.  If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities – a “we’re all in it together” society, you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. If you want every American to vote and you think its wrong to change voting procedures just to reduce the turnout of younger, poorer, minority and disabled voters, you should support Barack Obama.  If you think the President was right to open the doors of American opportunity to young immigrants brought here as children who want to go to college or serve in the military, you should vote for Barack Obama.

If you want a future of shared prosperity, where the middle class is growing and poverty is declining, where the American Dream is alive and well, and where the United States remains the leading force for peace and prosperity in a highly competitive world, you should vote for Barack Obama. I love our country – and I know we’re coming back. For more than 200 years, through every crisis, we’ve always come out stronger than we went in.  And we will again as long as we do it together. We champion the cause for which our founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor – to form a more perfect union. If that’s what you believe, if that’s what you want, we have to re-elect President Barack Obama.

God Bless You – God Bless America.

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Press Release – BRACKET To Receive Honorary Award from the City of Philadelphia

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The group Bracket is fast becoming a house hold name in North America, thanks to their fans and supporters. The Enugu born duo is poised to receive a Honorary award from the city of Philadelphia at the African American Museum of Philadelphia in a Banquet event, August 3, 2012. They will join the likes of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey who received a similar recognition in Boston.

Nominated for Best Indigenous Artist/Group at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York, September 2, 2012. The group has won many awards, including NMVA 2009 Best Hi-Life Video Wedding planner song of the year award 2009 Museke Africa Song of the Year award 2010, Soundcity Nominee for Discovery of the year 2009 and becoming the most sought after artistes by show promoters in the African Disaporas and around the globe .

They aren’t slowing down and are taking North America by storm with their new album release, girl featuring award winning Wizkid BET best international act, even though Yori Yori still remains indisputably the most popular. Also, they will be performing at the 5th Annual African Music Festival, September 5, 2012. A three days event kicking off a one month tour in the U.S. Click the following link for more info http://t.co/XzWuuefW

Bracket is brought to you by ACANA and AfriQtalk in collaboration with the African American Museum of Philadelphia, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and Peco Energy. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African & Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual Disabilities, Children Crisis Treatment Center, Browns Family Shoprite, Cozen O’Connor, The Welcoming Center, Chester Avenue Business Association, Funtimes Magazine, and Liberian United Women in Progress.

Who is ACANA? African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc., ACANA was founded in Southwest Philadelphia in 1999 in order to bridge the gap between African immigrants and the existing African American communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an area of the city where most of the agency’s targeted clients, (African refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrant populations) have been resettled. ACANA was originally started by Voffee Jabateh, MSW, as a cultural organization to support African artists/ musicians in their efforts to establish themselves within the United States.

The goal is to help African immigrant artists ensure continuity within their new location, as well as to assist in cultural preservation within this new environment. However, due to overwhelming requests for additional help by the ever-expanding population of African refugee, asylee and immigrant community members in dealing with the stressors associated with adjusting to their new community; ACANA was incorporated in 1999 as a non-profit social service agency. For information about BRACKET-MANIA TOUR  click here  http://t.co/XzWuuefW. To purchase your tickets for  3 days ACANA African Music Festival, click the following link http://acanafestweekend.eventbrite.com/. A family event that you don’t want to miss.

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Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Princess Asha Okojie, CEO AfriQtalk LLC

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo – From Grace To Grace

Kudos to Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the founder of Trinity House Ministries, Lagos, Nigeria who was recently appointed as member of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force to probe oil earnings. The new committee is designed to enhance probity and accountability in operations of the Petroleum Industry in charge with the following terms of reference:

  1. To work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes, royalties, etc.) due and payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria;
  2. To take all necessary steps to collect all debts due and owing; to obtain agreements and enforce payment terms by all oil industry operators;
  3. To design a cross debt matrix between all Agencies and Parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources;
  4. To develop an automated platform to enable effective tracking, monitoring, and online validation of income and debt drivers of all Parastatals and Agencies in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources;
  5. To work with world-class consultants to integrate systems and technology across the production chain to determine and monitor crude oil production and exports, ensuring at all times, the integrity of payments to the Federal Government of Nigeria; and,
  6. To submit monthly reports for ministerial review and further action.”

Other members of the panel are:

FULL LIST OF MEMBERS

1.   Mallam Nuhu Ribadu                     -Chairman

2.   Mr. Steve Oronsaye                         -Dep. Chairman

3.   Mallam Abba Kyari                         -Member

4.   Ms. Benedicta Molokwu                 -Member

5.   Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN                     -Member

6.   Mr. Tony Idigbe, SAN                     -Member

7.   Mr. Anthony George-Ikoli, SAN  -Member

8.   Dr. (Mrs.) Omolara Akanji          -Member

9.   Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN            -Member

10.  Mr. Bon Otti                                   -Member

11.  Prof. Olusegun Okunnu             -Member

12. Mallam Samaila Zubairu           -Member

13. Mr.Ignatius Adegunle                 -Member

14. Mr. Gerald Ilukwe                        -Member

15. Rep. of FIRS                                     -Ex-Officio

16. Rep. of FMF Incorporated           -Ex-Officio

Observers believe the appointment of Ribadu is to buy credibility for Allison-Madueke and also tie the hands of EFCC from doing any serious work. It is also believed that the latest move may be to counter whatever is going to be the outcome of the house of reps committee which appeared more determined to expose all the culprits involved in the scam going on in the petroleum ministry headed by Allison-Madueke.

Pastor Ituah, worked as Associate Pastor of Freedom Hall, (later renamed Hope Hall) as well as the City of David Parishes of R.C.C.G. He’s been involved in international missions, helping to pioneer several Redeemed Christian Church of God parishes abroad and happily married to Ibidun Ighodalo.

I believe pastor Ituah will not only do his job diligently, but will bring about transformational change for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. His thoughtfulness, discipline, simplicity and work ethics motivated me,  especially, growing up as a teenager with an absent father in my life.

 

Posted by Princess Asha Okojie,

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Eye Problems and Diabetes

cataract

SOURCES:
American Diabetes Association: “Eye Disease.”  American Diabetes Association: “Mental Heatlh Problem Linked to Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Take Charge of Your Diabetes.” Colucciello, M. Arch Ophthalmol 2005; 123:1273. Hernandez, C. Diabetes Care, 2006; 29:2028.

If you have diabetes, regular visits to your ophthalmologist for eye exams are important to avoid eye problems. High blood sugar (glucose) increases the risk of diabetes eye problems. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 20 to 74.

If you have eye problems and diabetes, don’t buy a new pair of glasses as soon as you notice you have blurred vision. It could just be a temporary eye problem that develops rapidly with diabetes and is caused by high blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar in diabetes causes the lens of the eye to swell, which changes your ability to see. To correct this kind of eye problem, you need to get your blood sugar back into the target range (90-130 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL before meals, and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal). It may take as long as three months after your blood sugar is well controlled for your vision to fully get back to normal.

Blurred vision can also be a symptom of more serious eye problem with diabetes. The three major eye problems that people with diabetes may develop and should be aware of are cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

 

Cataracts and Diabetes

A cataract is a clouding or fogging of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens is what allows us to see and focus on an image just like a camera. Although anyone can get cataracts, people with diabetes get these eye problems at an earlier age than most and the condition progresses more rapidly than in people without diabetes.

If you have a cataract with diabetes, your eye cannot focus light and your vision is impaired. Symptoms of this eye problem in diabetes include blurred or glared vision.

Treatment is usually surgery followed by placement of a lens implant, with glasses or contact lenses as needed to further correct vision.

Glaucoma and Diabetes

When fluid inside the eye does not drain properly from a buildup of pressure inside the eye, it results in another eye problem with diabetes called glaucoma. The pressure damages nerves and the vessels in the eye, causing changes in vision.

In the most common form of glaucoma, there may be no symptoms of this eye problem at all until the disease is very advanced and there is significant vision loss. In the less common form of this eye problem, symptoms can include headaches, eye aches or pain, blurred vision, watering eyes, halos around lights, and loss of vision.

Treatment of this eye problem in diabetes can include special eye drops, laser procedures, medicine, or surgery. You can prevent serious eye problems in diabetes problems by getting an annual glaucoma screening from your eye doctor.

retinopathyLarge

Diabetic Retinopathy

The retina is a group of specialized cells that convert light as it enters though the lens into images. The eye nerve or optic nerve transmits visual information to the brain.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the vascular (blood-vessel related) complications related to diabetes. This diabetes eye problem is due to damage of small vessels and is called a “microvascular complication.” Kidney disease and nerve damage due to diabetes are also microvascular complications. Large blood vessel damage (also called macrovascular complications) includes complications like heart disease and stroke.

The microvascular complications have, in numerous studies, been shown to be related to high blood sugar levels. You can reduce your risk of these eye problems in diabetes complications by improving your blood sugar control.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in industrialized nations. The duration of diabetes is the single most important risk for developing retinopathy. So the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of this very serious eye problem. If retinopathy is not found early or is not treated, it can lead to blindness.

People with type 1 diabetes rarely develop retinopathy before puberty. In adults with type 1 diabetes, it is also rare to see retinopathy before five years’ duration of diabetes. The risks of retinal damage increase with progressive duration of diabetes. Intensive control of blood sugar levels will reduce your risks of developing retinopathy. The DCCT, a large study of people with type 1 diabetes showed that people with diabetes who achieved tight control of their blood sugars with either an insulin pump or multiple daily injections of insulin were 50%-75% less likely to develop retinopathy, nephropathy (kidney disease), or nerve damage (all microvascular complications).

People with type 2 diabetes usually have signs of eye problems when diabetes is diagnosed. In this case, control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol with diabetes have an important role in slowing the progression of retinopathy and other eye problems.

Types of Retinopathy in Diabetes:

  • Background retinopathy. Sometimes the blood vessel damage exists, but there is no vision problem. This is called background retinopathy. It’s important to carefully manage your diabetes at this stage to prevent background retinopathy from progressing to more serious eye disease.
  • Maculopathy. In maculopathy, the person has developed damage in a critical area called the macula. Because this occurs in an area that is critical to vision, this type of eye problem can significantly reduce vision.
  • Proliferative retinopathy. New blood vessels start to grow in the back of the eye. Because retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes, a disease of small vessels, this type of retinopathy develops because of an increasing lack of oxygen to the eye from vascular disease. Vessels in the eye are thinned and occluded and they start to remodel.

Here, it is important to address the risks factors that can worsen the occluded vessels. Smoking cessation, high blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and blood sugar control must take place in order to stop the progression of new vessels from forming into the orbit of the eye. These are fragile vessels that can bleed and eventually cause a clot to form in the orbit, which scars and causes detachment of the retina. This eventually leads to irreversible vision loss.

Treatment of diabetic retinopathy may involve laser procedures or surgery. In a study of people with diabetes with early retinopathy, laser therapy to burn the fragile vessel resulted in a 50% reduction of blindness.

To prevent retinopathy with diabetes, have your eye doctor screen your eyes annually. Women with diabetes who later become pregnant should have a comprehensive eye exam during the first trimester and close follow-up with an eye doctor during the rest of their pregnancy to avoid serious eye problems with diabetes. (This recommendation does not apply to women who develop gestational diabetes, since they are not at risk for retinopathy.)

Preventing Eye Problems With Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association offers these eye care guidelines for people with diabetes to help prevent eye problems:

  • People with type 1 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within three to five years after diagnosis.
  • People with type 2 diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after diagnosis.
  • Annual eye exams should be done with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by an ophthalmologist or optometrist; more frequently if necessary.
  • When considering pregnancy, women with a history of diabetes should have an eye exam prior and during pregnancy. This does not pertain to women with gestational diabetes.

To prevent eye problems in diabetes, you should:

  • Control your blood sugar
  • Control high blood pressure

When to Contact Your Doctor About Eye Problems in Diabetes

If you have diabetes, contact your doctor about any eye problems in if any of the following occur:

  • Black spots in your vision.
  • Flashes of light.
  • “Holes” in your vision.
  • Blurred vision.
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Pastor Ituah Ighodalo – “Joel Osteen of Nigeria”

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the ” Joel Osteen of Nigeria” is the founder of Trinity House Ministries in Lagos, Nigeria, where all denominations gather in fellowship. An Accountant, and a writer, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo was born in Ibadan on April 6th 1961. He attended the King’s College, Lagos and the International School, University of Ibadan. He obtained a combined honours degree in Economics and Accounting in 1982 from the University of Hull, England.

He is also, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation and member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. An Editor-in-Chief of Timeless Newspaper, The Christian News and Timeless Business & leadership Quarterly. He sits on the board of several charitable foundations and NGOs including the Courage Education Foundation, Eden’s Fields and Heritage Homes and Partner at SIAO (a firm of Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants).

He has worked as Associate Pastor of Freedom Hall, (later renamed Hope Hall) as well as the City of David Parishes of R.C.C.G. and has been involved in international missions, helping to pioneer several Redeemed Christian Church of God parishes abroad and happily married to Ibidun Ighodalo.

Affiliations

SIAO, Courage Education Foundation, The Lydia Grace Foundation, Timeless NewsPaper, Heritage Homes, Timeless in Time (Radio), Timeless In Time on The Web, Jordan Transformation fellowship, Stephen Adams Social Reformation Foundation, Trinity Leadership Sc
Website: https://www.pastorituahighodalo.org

I wasn’t surprised when he gave his life to Christ in 1993 and was ordained a pastor in 1995, because he is God fearing, and a thoughtful person by nature, whom I looked up to him as a role model growing up.



Affordable Eyewear Revolution: How Warby Parker is Changing the Game

Did you know that over 60% of the world’s population needs vision correction? This staggering statistic underscores a critical issue: the eyewear shopping experience is often fraught with challenges. Many consumers find the process time-consuming and financially burdensome, from scheduling eye doctor visits to navigating an overwhelming selection of frames. Average prices can reach around $230 for frames and an additional $120 for single-vision lenses, making stylish eyewear feel out of reach for those on a budget. Enter Warby Parker, which is transforming the eyewear landscape with a fresh approach. 

The Warby Parker Model 

Founded in 2010 by four classmates from the University of Pennsylvania—Neil Blumenthal, Andrew Hunt, David Gilboa, and Jeffrey Raider—Warby Parker was created to disrupt an eyewear industry plagued by high prices and excessive markups. The founders recognized that by designing glasses in-house and selling directly to consumers, they could eliminate middlemen, making quality eyewear more accessible. With backgrounds in business and social entrepreneurship, they combined their strengths to build a company that is both innovative and socially responsible. 

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Strategy 

Warby Parker’s direct-to-consumer model is pivotal to its success. Selling online allows the company to cut retail markups, passing savings directly to consumers. This model also enables Warby Parker to gather valuable customer insights, refining product offerings and marketing strategies. This responsiveness ensures their eyewear meets and exceeds customer expectations, a crucial advantage over traditional retailers. 

Home Try-On Campaign

One of Warby Parker’s most groundbreaking initiatives is the Home Try-On Campaign. Customers can select five frames from the extensive online catalog, shipped directly to their homes—for free. This innovative approach removes the pressure of retail shopping, allowing customers to experiment with styles in comfort. A satisfied customer shared, “I was skeptical at first, but the Home Try-On experience was a game changer. I could try on different frames, get feedback from friends, and choose the perfect pair without any pressure.” This personal touch not only enhances customer satisfaction but also bridges the gap between online and in-store shopping. 

However, some consumers still express skepticism about purchasing glasses online, often concerned about fit and style. Warby Parker addresses these worries with detailed frame measurements, virtual try-on tools, and a straightforward return process, ensuring customers feel confident in their choices. 

Social Media Engagement 

Social media plays a crucial role in Warby Parker’s success, especially in promoting their Home Try-On experience. The brand encourages customers to share photos of themselves wearing the frames on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The #WarbyParker hashtag has gained traction, allowing users to see real-life examples of how different frames look on various individuals. User-generated content builds brand awareness and creates a sense of community. In fact, individuals who post photos of their Home Try-On frames purchase at nearly twice the rate of those who don’t. By engaging directly with customers—answering questions, responding to comments, and sharing tips on eyewear care—Warby Parker fosters a personal connection that enhances brand loyalty. A Socially Conscious Brand Warby Parker’s commitment to social responsibility sets it apart in the eyewear industry. Through their partnership with VisionSpring, they follow a “buy a pair, give a pair” model, donating a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair purchased. To date, they’ve donated over half a million pairs of glasses to individuals in underserved communities worldwide. This model not only addresses a significant social issue but also allows customers to feel good about their purchases. Stories from recipients highlight the impact of these donations, illustrating how a simple pair of glasses can improve access to education and employment opportunities. How Social Media Has Transformed Warby Parker’s Business Model Warby Parker has leveraged social media to communicate directly with customers, receive real-time feedback, and adjust marketing strategies as needed. This responsiveness fosters customer loyalty and keeps marketing relevant, a crucial advantage for a new company with a limited budget. Conclusion Warby Parker’s journey showcases the transformative power of rethinking traditional business models. By harnessing social media and user-generated content, the company creates a trustworthy buying experience that resonates with consumers. So, next time you’re in the market for new eyewear, consider checking out Warby Parker and experien

Breaking Barriers: My Journey as a Female Gubernatorial Aspirant in Edo State

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My experience in the Edo State gubernatorial primaries as a Former Labour Party aspirant is a significant testament to my determination and resilience in the face of cultural and systemic challenges. During my campaign, I encountered pervasive skepticism regarding the viability of a female governor in Nigeria. The establishment and many of my co-aspirants were entrenched in the belief that a woman could not be elected as governor, despite recognizing my capabilities.

I tirelessly campaigned throughout the eighteen local governments to sell my vision for a better Edo and worked to prove my competence among 28 male aspirants. I demonstrated my intellectual capacity and presented well-thought-out policies and strategies aimed at addressing the state’s issues. However, the prevailing cultural biases often overshadowed my efforts. The common refrain I encountered was not about my qualifications or potential to govern, but rather about the logistics of protecting votes in a political environment where power struggles are seen as a “do or die” affair. This mindset has led us to elect the wrong people into power. It is also fair to say we did this to ourselves because political office is often given to the highest bidder, not based on competence. This creates a division in leadership choices where the people’s voices do not matter, and a lack of accountability results in bad governance.

In cases where the highest bidder lacks competence, we see the consequences of poor leadership. Conversely, when you have competence but are not the highest bidder, the odds are stacked against you. Even if you possess both competence and the means to bid highest, you often have to engage in unethical practices to win. When you have no money, it doesn’t matter how selfless, intellectually capable, or ideologically sound you are—if you are a woman, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for you to aspire to office.

Interestingly, despite the doubts cast on my candidacy, I found myself frequently consulted on strategies and decision-making processes during the primaries. My intellectual acumen and strategic thinking were valued, highlighting a paradox in the political landscape: while there was confidence in my abilities, there was a cultural reluctance to embrace a woman as a leader.

My experience underscores a critical point in the pursuit of true democracy: the inclusion of competent women in leadership roles is essential. Until women are fully integrated into the decision-making processes at the helm of government, the true dividends of democracy cannot be realized. Training and empowering women have a ripple effect on society, encapsulated in the adage, “If you train a woman, you train a nation.” My journey in the Edo State gubernatorial primaries is a poignant reminder of the need to break cultural barriers and embrace gender inclusivity in political leadership.

Promoting Inclusivity and Confronting Marginalization Within the Labour Party by Amb Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie

For a better Edo State and to the Glory of God, we now have a Labour Party Candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State Gubernatorial Election in the person of Barr. Olu Akpata. Today, I make this submission not in the capacity of gubernatorial aspirant of the Labour Party in Edo State, but rather as a humanitarian and advocate deeply committed to the rights of women, youths, and persons with disabilities. 

Over the past year, my mission has been to envision a brighter future for Edo State while actively combating the pervasive issues of hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and disenfranchisement. After dedicating months to thoroughly covering all eighteen Local Governments, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and passionately advocating for a better Edo State.

My decision to abstain from collecting the Expression of Interest Form after arriving in Abuja was not because I couldn’t afford it but was a deliberate choice to amplify the voices of the voiceless and to safeguard against the potential future marginalization and disenfranchisement that often targets women, youths, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, it stood as a principled protest against the exorbitant costs associated with these forms, reaffirming my dedication to promoting inclusivity within the Labour Party.

Furthermore, the revision of the previously free Expression of Interest Form for women has brought to light a significant disparity within our own party. This development was deeply troubling, as it underscored a lack of consistency in our approach to inclusivity and fairness. While there were some concessions made regarding the nomination form following my advocacy efforts, the oversight concerning youths and persons with disabilities remained unsettling. Additionally, the absence of clear implementation of party guidelines further emphasized the need for improvements in ensuring fairness and inclusivity within our political processes.

These changes not only stand in stark contrast to the inclusive practices of other political parties, such as the APC and PDP, but they also highlight a missed opportunity for our party to lead by example in fostering greater representation and participation from diverse segments of society. While it is recognized that no political system is flawless, these parties have taken proactive steps to address inequalities and ensure a more inclusive political landscape.

It’s important to stress that this decision wasn’t taken lightly; seeing the difficulties these communities encounter strengthened my resolve to oppose practices that might obstruct future political engagement. This dedication stems from directly experiencing the hardships and aspirations of marginalized groups during my extensive interactions across the State, motivating the decision to decline taking both the Expression of Interest (EI) and Nomination Forms, despite my preparedness.

As a party that prides itself on championing progressive values, it is imperative that we strive to match, if not exceed, the standards set by our counterparts. By doing so, we can reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable society where all voices are heard and represented. This entails not only rectifying the disparities highlighted by recent revisions but also proactively implementing measures to ensure that our party remains at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and fairness in the political arena.

This discrepancy not only challenges my position but also undermines my ethical principles as an advocate for the marginalized. It goes against everything I stand for to witness such disregard for the very people I’ve dedicated myself to fight for. I’m keenly aware of the global imperative inclusivity in the political process. It deeply troubles me to see our party deviate from these principles, especially when other political entities have shown unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

I expressed my deepest concerns at the LP reconciliation meeting in Abia, before His Excellency, Governor Otis Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, where the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi, and his Abia State counterpart, Ceekay Igara, alongside the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, were present. Also in attendance were the member representing Oredo federal constituency, Edo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Esosa Iyawe, Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Okezie Nmeregi, and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. Furthermore, seven out of eight governorship aspirants in the February 23 Edo governorship primaries who attended the reconciliation meeting with Barrister Akpata were present at the Emeka Omeruo Government Lodge in Umuahia on Wednesday 18th February 2024. However, the recommendation made by His Excellency to refund some part of the money, in addition to other issues, is yet to be addressed.

I wish to highlight the recommendations from the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank regarding women’s inclusivity in political spaces. These recommendations have been adopted as part of a working document by the Governments and political organizations by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women. Also, Initiatives such as the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and the World Bank’s Gender Equality Strategy provide actionable steps for promoting women’s participation in politics. Embracing these guidelines is essential for our party as we strive to create an inclusive environment where every woman and youth is heard and given due consideration, particularly persons with disabilities.

It is imperative for our party to adopt similar standards as it is incumbent upon us to remains true to our foundational principles and ensure inclusivity, justice, equity, and fairness. This entails not only making forms accessible and affordable to everyone but also finding sustainable ways to finance the party’s activities without compromising our values. I believe in moving forward 100% concession should be given to women and 50% to youths in order to build the party, fully engage them in the political process, and genuine representation of the people. I aim to contribute to a more equitable political landscape in Edo state, where the concerns of all citizens, especially the marginalized, are heard and considered.

My commitment is towards building a robust and sustainable party that celebrates the diversity of women and youths rooted in the spirit of “One Edo” for Prosperity, Equity, Development, and Unity (PEDU) as well as embodies inclusivity, equity, and justice objectives). Therefore, it’s imperative that we strive to achieve gender parity in Nigeria. For instance, women constituted 61.3 percent of the Rwandan parliament (lower or single house), making it the country with the highest share of women in parliament worldwide.

In my family, the torch of equity, fairness, inclusivity, and justice burns bright, a legacy passed down through generations. From my late grandfather, King Ogbidi Okojie, who valiantly opposed British colonization, to my uncle, retired Cardinal Olubumi Okojie, whose activism was a beacon for social justice, inspiring countless individuals to advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, and my late uncle, Chief Anthony Enahoro, a founding father of Nigeria’s independence. Not to be forgotten is my late father, Hon Prince Albert Okojie, OON one of those visionary leaders who played a pivotal role in moving the motion for the creation of Bendel State, instilling within me a deep sense of duty to uphold these values. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide my commitment to fostering progress, prosperity, and the well-being of our community.

Today, I carry forth this torch of equity and justice, fueled by the sacrifices and struggles of those who paved the way before me. It is a torch that I hold dear, a beacon of hope in a world too often clouded by darkness. And as I continue on this journey, I pledge to honor the legacy of those who blazed the trail, working tirelessly to build a future where fairness, inclusivity, and justice prevail for all.

I’m deeply grateful for the overwhelming support I’ve received, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have stood by me. Though my gubernatorial bid has ended, the quest for a fairer society continues. I solemnly pledge to persist in advocating for a future where every voice, regardless of origin, resonates in shaping our shared destiny, for the betterment of our community and our state as a whole. 

Oba gha tor kpere, Ise. God bless Edo State, God Bless the Republic of Nigeria.

“Selflessness is in My DNA,” Declares Ambassador Asha, 2024 Edo Gubernatorial Aspirant

In the heart of Edo State, where the sun sets over fields of green, a story unfolds – a story of democracy, fairness, equity, and justice. As the gentle breeze whispers through the leaves, a voice rises, determined and passionate, belonging to none other than Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie.

She’s not just a gubernatorial aspirant; she’s a humanitarian with a lion’s heart, driven by a commitment to place service above self. In her journey, the essence of democracy becomes more than just a political notion—it transforms into a fervent belief that the true dividends of democracy can only be achieved when fairness, equity, and justice prevail.

As the labor party’s beacon of hope, Ambassador Princess embarks on a quest to redefine the narrative of governance in Edo State. Her lion heart beats for the people, echoing a commitment to prioritize their well-being. The story she pens is not about personal ambition but about a relentless passion to serve, rooted in a belief that every citizen deserves a fair share of the democratic bounty.

To unravel the essence of her mission, Ambassador Princess opens the pages of her Electronic Press Kit (EPK). The EPK serves as a key to understanding the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of her passionate service to the people of Edo State.

Who:

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie, a lion-hearted leader with a profound humanitarian spirit. Her identity is woven into the fabric of Edo, an individual whose story intertwines with the collective narrative of the state.

What:

A commitment to fairness, equity, and justice—the pillars upon which the dividends of democracy stand. Her vision transcends mere political aspirations; it’s about creating tangible, positive change in the lives of the people she seeks to serve.

Where:

The landscape of Edo State becomes the canvas upon which her aspirations are painted. From the bustling streets of Benin City to the serene corners of Uromi, her vision spans across every nook and cranny of the state.

When:

Now, in this moment, when the call for transformative leadership echoes through the corridors of Edo. It’s a time when the yearning for true representation is palpable, and Ambassador Princess steps forward to answer that call.

Why:

Driven by a passion to serve, Ambassador Princess believes in a Edo State where democracy isn’t just a word but a lived experience. Her “why” is embedded in a desire to bring about positive change, to uplift communities, and to make the dividends of democracy a reality for every Edo citizen.

As the story unfolds, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie emerges not just as a candidate but as a protagonist in a narrative that seeks to rewrite the future of Edo State. Through her biography, the intricate details of her passion and dedication come to life, offering a glimpse into the transformative journey she envisions for the people she’s committed to serving.

To know more about Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie click here

Becoming Asha: 2024 A New Voice, A New Direction, A New Thinking By Hope Adeniyi

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie hails from a distinguished lineage of political and social leaders in Nigeria, whose legacy is marked by significant contributions to the nation’s struggle for independence and self-governance. Born in Uromi to the late Prince Albert Okojie, OON, a prominent figure and founding member of Action Group (AC) and Midwestern Democratic Front (MDF), she comes from a family deeply involved in the political landscape.

Her father, a former Member of Parliament in the Western Region, a Junior Minister, and a key player in the Midwestern region during the era of Awolowo, was also a philanthropist instrumental in the creation of Bendel State, actively advocating for its establishment and moving the motion for its formation. This historical context instilled in Ambassador Princess Asha a profound passion for humanity and a dedication to selfless service, shaping the trajectory of her own remarkable journey and commitment to public service.

Raised in Benin City, Edo State, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie embarked on her educational journey at Ebenezer Primary School and Adesuwa Grammar School in Benin City. After completing an OND program in arts at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, she pursued higher education in the United States, earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Information Management, and MBA both from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.

She is also, a certified Database Administrator, Data Analyst, Registered Health Information Administrator, Project Management Professional, Information Systems Auditor, Risk Management Assurance, and Professional Medical Auditor. This academic journey illustrates her commitment to personal and professional development on a global scale.

As the current CEO of AfriQtalk Consult, Ambassador Princess Asha leads a diverse company specializing in healthcare, business consultancy, investment and trade facilitation. Her leadership at AfriQtalk has been characterized by a strategic and forward-thinking approach, yielding notable achievements and impactful contributions. Ambassador Princess Asha’s leadership at AfriQtalk extends far beyond the domain of media consultancy.

Her strategic acumen has proven instrumental in establishing synergies between the public and private sectors, thereby facilitating bilateral trade and investments, contributing significantly to economic development, including leading people and management of Fortune 500 organizations in the U.S. This approach not only strengthens bilateral relationships between U.S and Africa but also serves as a driving force for the formulation and implementation of policies aligned with organization’s mission and vision, environmental sustainability, diplomatic, cultural, and economic objectives.

Vision for Edo State: Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie envisions a transformative future for Edo State as its first female governor. Her comprehensive agenda addresses a wide range of critical issues, aimed at creating a more inclusive, prosperous, and progressive Edo State. Her vision encompasses economic development, education, women’s empowerment, infrastructure, healthcare, cultural heritage preservation, good governance, security, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Some of the key elements of her vision include:

1. Economic Development and Job Creation: Ambassador Okojie is committed to fostering economic growth in Edo State. She plans to create an environment conducive to investment and entrepreneurship, generating job opportunities and reducing unemployment. Diversifying the state’s economy, especially in agriculture, technology, and tourism, is a priority.

2. Education and Skill Development: Recognizing the importance of education, Ambassador Okojie aims to improve the quality of education in Edo State. This includes enhancing educational infrastructure, promoting vocational training, and ensuring access to quality education for all.

3. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equity: A champion of women’s rights, Ambassador Okojie is determined to empower women in Edo State by providing them with opportunities for leadership and economic self-sufficiency. Her goal is to bridge gender disparities and promote gender equity in all sectors.

4. Infrastructure Development: Addressing the state’s infrastructure needs is a top priority. Ambassador Okojie intends to invest in road construction, healthcare facilities, and other vital infrastructure projects to enhance the overall quality of life for Edo State’s residents.

5. Healthcare Improvement: Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Ambassador Okojie is committed to improving healthcare services in Edo State by investing in modern healthcare facilities, promoting preventive healthcare, and ensuring access to affordable and quality medical care for all residents.

6. Cultural Heritage Preservation: Edo State boasts a rich cultural heritage, and Ambassador Okojie is determined to preserve and promote it. She intends to support cultural events, heritage sites, and tourism initiatives that celebrate the state’s cultural diversity.

7. Good Governance and Accountability: Transparent and accountable governance is a cornerstone of Ambassador Okojie’s vision. She aims to eradicate corruption, streamline government processes, and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of the people.

8. Security and Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of Edo State’s residents is paramount. Ambassador Okojie plans to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat crime and create a secure environment for all.

9. Youth Empowerment: Recognizing the potential of the youth, Ambassador Okojie intends to provide opportunities for skill development, training, and entrepreneurship. She believes that the youth are the future of Edo State and will support initiatives that harness their potential.

10. Environmental Sustainability: Edo State’s natural beauty and resources are invaluable. Ambassador Okojie will focus on sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and environmental protection to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the state’s natural riches.

As a visionary leader in the corporate sector, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie is committed to job creation through public–private partnerships, trade incentives, and support for marginalized businesses. Her focus on providing opportunities for businesses to thrive reflects her dedication to sustainable development and progress in the state.

In various executive and leadership roles, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie has made a positive impact, leveraging her visionary leadership skills, strategic thinking, and effective communication to guide organizations toward success. Her leadership qualities encompass a wide range of the following key attributes:

  • Articulating and Communicating Vision: She excels in expressing a clear and compelling vision for organizations, aligning stakeholders towards common goals.
  • Strategic Planning: Her strategic planning expertise ensures that organizations are well-prepared to adapt to changing environments and achieve their objectives.
  • Team Building: She values building strong, cohesive teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Decision-Making: Her well-balanced decision-making considers both short-term and long-term consequences, ensuring the best interests of the organization.
  • Performance Management: She optimizes performance within organizations, implementing effective performance management systems.
  • Strategic Partnerships: She recognizes the importance of forming strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals.
  • Change Management: She skillfully manages change within organizations, ensuring effective transitions.
  • Innovation and Creativity: She encourages innovation and creativity within organizations.
  • Financial Acumen: She has a strong understanding of financial management and budgeting, ensuring financial health.
  • Trade and Investment Expertise: Her background in trade and investment equips her with knowledge to foster economic growth.
  • Media and Cultural Promotion: Her platform promotes cultural exchange, understanding, and the arts.
  • Diplomatic Skills: Her representation of Nigeria on the global stage demonstrates her diplomatic capabilities.
  • Environmental Advocacy: Her commitment to environmental sustainability supports conservation and protection efforts.
  • Advocacy for Critical Issues: She actively opposes harmful practices and advocates for vulnerable populations.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s extensive network, well-established partnerships, ongoing collaborations, and strategic alliances span diverse sectors and stakeholders. These connections include:

  • Investors: Her connections with investors can provide Edo State with access to potential sources of funding for critical development projects, spurring economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation.
  • Business Communities: Ambassador Princess Asha’s engagement with business communities can foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and business growth within Edo State, leading to increased economic activities locally and internationally.
  • Educational Institutions: Collaborations with educational institutions can enhance the state’s educational infrastructure, promote research and innovation, and equip the local workforce with the skills needed for the modern job market.
  • Cultural Organizations: Partnering with cultural organizations can help preserve and promote Edo State’s rich cultural heritage, attracting cultural tourism and contributing to the local economy.
  • US Governors, Senators, Legislators: Her interactions with US political leaders at the state and federal levels can open doors for advocacy and support for Edo State’s development initiatives, including securing partnerships, investments, and resources.
  • State of Maryland: Ambassador Princess Asha’s connections within the state government and local communities can facilitate collaboration between Maryland and Edo State, covering areas of mutual interest.
  • African Communities in the Diaspora: Ambassador Princess Asha’s engagement with African communities in the diaspora can extend Edo State’s reach globally, leading to investments, cultural exchanges, and contributions to the state’s development.

In her capacity as the Vice President of the Ivorian-Nigeria Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie has actively participated in fact-finding investment missions and trade facilitation initiatives across Africa, with a special focus on advocating against human trafficking. By strengthening economic ties and fostering cooperation, she contributes significantly to creating a conducive environment for mutually beneficial business opportunities between these two nations.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s commitment to eradicating poverty, hunger, and illiteracy in Nigeria reflects her dedication to creating positive change in broader societal contexts. Her multifaceted approach, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to service make her a powerful force for transformation and progress in Edo State and beyond. Her platform, InvestEdo, serves as a catalyst for creating awareness to empower the people of Edo State.

By addressing the root causes of poverty, she envisions a transformative future for the state as she bids for the office of the governorship in 2024. Her commitment to promoting sustainable trade practices and addressing social issues reflects her dedication to fostering positive diplomatic and economic relations, mutually beneficial relationships and engaging in dynamic, collaborative initiatives, has positioned her as a visionary leader with a comprehensive vision for positive change and sustainable development.

Ambassador Princess Asha’s leadership in establishing the US-Nigeria Legislatives and Executive Forum has created a valuable space for collaboration and idea exchange. Her vision goes beyond diplomatic ties; it encompasses the empowerment of communities through enhanced governance, increased bilateral trade and investment, innovation, and a shared commitment to security. Through this forum, she continues to catalyze positive change and build bridges that foster enduring partnerships for the benefit of all involved.

Beyond her involvement in the US-Nigeria Legislatives and Executive Forum, Ambassador Princess Asha also the Initiator of FACE Honors and Global Leadership Initiatives. This cultural organization is dedicated to recognizing outstanding individuals across various fields, including the global economy, entertainment, sports, culture, arts, good governance, education, research, and philanthropy. Notably, both events are held bi-yearly and are conducted together.

The initiatives led by Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie have recognized and honored individuals of exceptional merit, acknowledging their outstanding services, unwavering commitments, dedicated contributions, profound passion, and influential impact. Among the distinguished honorees are luminaries who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields. Some of the esteemed honorees are:

  • Hon. Mildred Crump, Council President, Newark, New Jersey
  • Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark, New Jersey
  • Sir Emeka Offor, Chairman Chrome Group
  • Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria
  • Mr. Rob Brunner, VP Arik Airlines, USA
  • Chief Edem Duke, former Hon. Minister of Culture Tourism and National Orientation, Abuja, Former Mayor, Kasim Reed Atlanta, GA
  • Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe, former Amb. /Consul General, Nigeria Consulate of Atlanta, GA, Lt. Governor Boyd Kevin Rutherford of Maryland State
  • Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo of Kazeem Royal
  • Sia Finoh, CEO, Education for Africa

A trailblazer in revolutionizing online talk show and blog radio, she wielded powerful tools to amplify awareness of African cultures, entertainment, music, ideological diversity, and entrepreneurial innovation. Notably, she stands out as one of the early promoters in Nigerian diaspora, harnessing her extensive network to propel African music and films from Africa to the United States, garnering global recognition and visibility.

In 2018, her dedication to cultural promotion earned her a notable recognition. Nominated as the diaspora cultural ambassador for the United States by Hon. Osaze Osemwegie Ero, former commissioner of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Princess Asha was acknowledged for her role in enhancing cultural understanding.

Beyond entertainment, her advocacy extends to the promotion of African arts and culture. Ambassador Princess Asha is a vocal proponent for addressing critical issues such as the repatriation of stolen artifacts and the restoration of heritage sites in Africa. Her dedication to these causes reflects a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the continent.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s journey as a media innovator and cultural ambassador exemplifies her commitment to showcasing the diversity and richness of African heritage. Her relentless efforts in breaking new ground, fostering global recognition for African talents, and advocating for cultural preservation make her a driving force in bridging gaps and fostering a deeper appreciation for the African Diasporas on the world stage.

Ambassador Princess Asha actively supports research into traditional alternative treatments for sickle cell disease in Africa. Her compassionate initiatives extend to sickle cell sufferers, orphanages, providing financial assistance to sick patients, offering nutrition and medical care to pregnant women, and patients who cannot afford to pay their hospital bills, providing tuition assistance to underprivileged children in Edo State.

Her advocacy for gender equity, and dedication to the welfare of marginalized and disenfranchised groups, empowering women, children, and youth have earned her recognition both locally and internationally. In 2023 The National Union of Journalists, Edo State, acknowledged her contribution to humanity.

In 2017, she was conferred UN Ambassador for her humanitarian efforts, under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a testament to her commitment to charitable efforts. In 2018 she was honored as International Person of the Year. In 2015 she was received the Diaspora Award of Excellence. In 2014, she received recognition from Stanford Who’s Who, and Nigerian Promoters Media Personality of the Year in 2012, among others.

Before venturing into politics herself, Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie demonstrated her dedication to addressing critical issues through involvement in various organizations and advisory committees. Playing a crucial role behind the scenes in multiple political campaigns in Edo State, she actively contributed to shaping the political landscape.

Her advocacy also extends to empowering the youth in her community. She has been a steadfast supporter of young individuals aspiring to hold local and state offices, actively participating in various initiatives to nurture the next generation of leaders. Her commitment to voter sensitization and education for numerous elections ensures that citizens are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities in the democratic process.

Furthermore, she has tirelessly worked alongside grassroots organizations, enlisting them as invaluable observers in the voting process, thus upholding the integrity of elections and bolstering public trust in the democratic system.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie’s active involvement, leadership, strategic vision and affiliation in the following organizations show her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact:

  • THINKWEST Initiative (TWI): As Co-chairman, she plays a pivotal leadership role in an organization dedicated to driving good governance and development in Nigeria.
  • International Forum for Sickle-Celled in the Diaspora (INFORSID): Her board membership reflects her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting individuals affected by sickle cell disease within the diaspora.
  • Women Empowerment Network (WOENET): Her membership aligns with her commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality.
  • National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS): Membership reflects her engagement in medical billing and auditing practices.
  • American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC): Her membership underscores her dedication to healthcare coding and billing standards.
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): Her affiliation with AHIMA demonstrates her commitment to healthcare data quality and patient privacy.
  • American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS): Membership reflects her involvement in industrial security practices.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie’s family lineage is rooted in a rich and storied history that can be traced back to Oba Ewuare I Ogidigan, the great king of the Benin Empire. Her grandfather, King Ogbidi Okojie, the 12th king of the Uromi dynasty, is a direct descendant of Ijesan, the first son of Oba Ewuare I who left the Benin kingdom to become the first monarch of Uromi in 14700 AD. King Ogbidi Okojie’s remarkable courage and resistance against British control during the colonial era left an indelible impact on Uromi, contributing to Uromi’s sovereignty, preservation of culture and traditions.

This historical connection intricately weaves Ambassador Princess Asha’s roots into the royal family of both the Benin kingdom and the Uromi dynasty. Her familial ties establish her as a bona fide Edo Princess with a profound historical bond to the people of Edo, embodying the resilience, courage, and commitment to service that characterize her family’s legacy.

Amb Princess Asha’s cousin, late Chief Anthony Enahoro, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s self-government movement. As a prominent nationalist and politician, he was instrumental in the fight for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. His significant contributions to the nation’s political landscape earned him a place in history as one of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Her cousin, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, who holds the distinction of being the first Esan Catholic Cardinal in Nigeria, whose spiritual leadership, activism for justice, social equity, and human rights, and dedication to his faith, have influenced and inspired many shaping the religious landscape of Nigeria. His unwavering dedication to addressing societal issues has positioned him as a respected voice in the broader Nigerian context.

Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie’s lineage instills values that go beyond personal convictions, fostering a deep commitment to serving her people. This commitment is rooted in a genuine desire to honor the principles and traditions passed down through generations. Willingly embracing the significant role of bridging tradition and modernity, she recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of contemporary governance.

For her, running for the governorship office is a call to duty, not merely a personal endeavor but a reflection of her understanding of the changing times and evolving needs of the people of Edo. Her commitment to leading Edo State toward a new order through the spirit of nationhood reflects her dedication to the well being of the people of Edo by integrating Afrocentric ideology for good governance.

Fondly known as Ine Edo (Mother of Edo), Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges confronting ordinary individuals in her community. Her personal experiences and strong ties with the local population have provided her with valuable insights into their needs and aspirations.

At the core of her philanthropic mission lies this profound understanding, as she endeavors to eliminate hunger, poverty, and illiteracy in Edo State. Her vision includes building a thriving middle class through comprehensive reforms, infrastructural development, and diversification of economies, manufacturing, skills acquisitions, and self-sufficiency.

By embracing the responsibilities passed down through generations, Princess Asha aims to contribute to the progress, development, and positive transformation of Edo State. Her approach involves addressing contemporary challenges while drawing on the wisdom of tradition and Afrocentric ideology. Poised to break the glass ceiling, she brings a unique blend of cultural heritage, modern perspectives, and a dedication to fostering positive change.

Her multifaceted background, emotional intelligence, technical, hard and soft skills, coupled with her transformational leadership and strategic planning abilities, form a formidable combination. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with the ability to inspire positive change and address societal issues, positions her as a visionary leader capable of making a lasting impact on the lives of those underserved and underprivileged in our society.

Ambassador Princess Asha okojie-Odigie is happily married with five grown up boys. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring young women, men, and girls, writing motivational quotes, and traveling. Her commitment to family values, faith in God, and empathy for humanity serves as the driving force behind her work, keeping her focused and motivated.

Princess Asha transformational leadership style, strategic planning, experience, and dedication to teamwork position her as an inspiring force driving positive change and empowerment in Edo State.

Her credibility and international influences is an added value, which will bring support of indigenes in the diaspora and the international community, to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the people and make Edo State a beacon of progress and prosperity in terms of investment opportunities and development, if elected to office.

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