After building a career in entertainment, and media for ten years, Amb. Princess Asha Okojie’s path turned into foreign direct investment consultancy when she served as Media Consultant for Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia for the 17 Southeastern States of the United States and territory, during former President Jonathan Goodluck’s Administration where she brought cultural diplomacy as a form of international communication in facilitation of bilateral trade and investment between Africa and United States.

Amb. Princess Asha, Okojie comes from a generation of politicians, and social activists. She is the granddaughter of King Ogbidi Okojie of Uromi dynasty (1857 – February 3, 1944), who was a ruler of the Esan people in what is now Edo State in Nigeria, still remembered for his opposition to British rule. She is also, a niece of Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, the first Esan Catholic Cardinal of Nigeria, and late politician, Chief Anthony Enahoro, who in 1953 initiated the self-government motion, which eventually led to Nigerian Independence on the 1st day of October 1960.

Amb. Princess Asha wears many hats; She is the CEO, of AfriQtalk consult (Investment and Trade Facilitation Firm) and AfriQtalk Media (Branding Entertainment, Media and Corporate Event Management), Executive Producer and Director of Let Talk Africa (An Online Radio Blog and Talk Show). Founder and President of Festival of Arts and Cultural Expo, Global Leadership and HONORS, (FACE) a non profit social and cultural organization that promotes cultural diplomacy, empowerment, trade and investment  with affiliates in North America, Africa and Europe.

Under her leadership, AfriQtalk Consult provided media coverage for President Muhammadu Buhari’s first visits to the U.S, Washington, D.C. Co-hosted President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Atlanta, GA. Conducted press interviews at the Annual Export and Import Bank conference (EXIM), Washington, DC, and Oil Technology Conference (OTC), Houston, TX as well as organized corporate/group events at United Nations General Assembly, New York, entertainment consultancy for VHI, CNN, The Dr. Phil Show, and coverage of meetings/press conference at the Georgia Senate Chambers, Carter Center, and former Mayor Kasim Reed’s office of International Affairs, Atlanta, GA to mention a few.

Also, FACE Global Leadership and HONORS have partnered with selected organizations, and supported small businesses, social and cultural institutions, in the empowerment of youth and women, promotion of culture, arts, tourism development, entrepreneurship, trade and investment opportunities in Africa through philanthropic activities, conferences, forums, training, workshops and exchanges programs, such as trade/medical missions, pageantry, awards, cultural activities, music concerts, and entertainment.

As a Foreign Direct Investment Consultant, Amb. Princess Asha have consulted for private and public sectors, governmental agencies, embassies, consulates, diplomatic corps, and international communities to promote artisanship, entrepreneurship, and policies that would create investment/business opportunities for the development, and maintenance of viable primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors in Nigeria. She is also, a Life Coach and Publicist to some high profiled celebrities, artists, personalities, and public figures.

Amb. Princess Asha have interviewed public figures, and celebrities, from likes of former President Jimmy Carter, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and Sir Emeka Offor, 2Face, Bracket, Kalu Ikeagwu, Blessing Egbe, and Olu Maintain, to house of representatives members, senators, foreign service diplomats, authors, movie producers, community leaders, ambassadors, business/community leaders, government officials, and company executives, using her Talk Show platform at times in high profiled events.

Besides being recognized as one of the emerging African leaders, media personality and international person in the African diaspora, This ex-beauty queen, and model is not a new face to the entertainment industry. She is a media icon who was among the first Africans to introduce online reality talk show channel on YouTube and Blog Talk Radio in 2009, a trend that revolutionised online freelance journalism, news and traditional media in Africa and African diaspora.

The Brand Ambassador for Imperial Bizzo is also, an activist against gender inequality, human trafficking, FGM and child marriage. Her philanthropic initiatives and work with women and youths has received both local and international recognitions. She was  nominated as the first U.S Culture Ambassador to Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs and a conferred United Nations Ambassador for Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Amb. Princess Asha, have routinely exhibited the enthusiasm, vision, and dedication necessary to be considered among the best. As a result of her extraordinary efforts, she was elected into Stanford Who is Who, U.S.A, an elite organisation of selected executives, professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world. She’s walked on fashion runways, graced the front cover of Magazines and featured on print publications, TV, radio talk shows and ads.

She is compassionate, caring and fun-loving with high-energy. Her passion for culture, fashion and indigenous music is evident in her creativity and love for culinary arts, which made her the youngest female entrepreneur of African descent, to own the first African cuisine restaurant (Fashwill Kitchens) College Park, GA, catering to celebrities, such as former NBA Star, Akeem Olajuwon and Who’s Who in town.

Her devotion to God, love for nature and family keeps her going. In her spare time, she enjoys writing inspirational quotes, photojournalism, modelling, traveling, and mentoring young women and girls. A sickle cell advocate, who is committed to finding alternative traditional medicine for sickle cell disease through research and education.

She holds a B.A in Performing Arts, and B.S in Healthcare Administration & Management. An Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Information Management, Nigeria, Board Member of THINK=>WEST Initiative (TWI), Nigeria, and The International Forum for Sickle-Celled in the Diaspora (INFORSID), Germany, Advisory Committee Member of Women Empowerment Network (WOENET), Nigeria, Stakeholder Member of the Nigerian Diaspora Diagnostic & Trauma Foundation (NDDTF), USA, Member of National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialist,  (NAMAS), American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC), and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) U.S.A.

Contact, email, and website Info:

• afriqtalk – Windows Live Messenger | Skype | Yahoo! Messenger | Twitter
• https://www.youtube.com/user/AfriQtalk
• afriqtalk@facebook.com
• https://www.facebook.com/afriqtalk
• afriqtalk@yahoo.com.
• http://www.facegloballeadership.org
• https://www.linkedin.com/profile/public-profile-settings?trk=prof-edit-edit-public_profile

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Princess Asha Okojie, CEO AfriQtalk

AfriQtalk on Air

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Source: Amb. Teneilabe Receives Highest Honor From GA State Senate

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.

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 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

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

Receiving FACE HONORS International Personality of The Year 2015

Click here for more photos

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/

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.

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 

Former Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe served as the Ambassador/Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in Atlanta, GA with jurisdiction over 17 Southeastern States of the United States and territory. The States include:

a. Alabama
b. Arkansas
c. Florida
d. Georgia
e. Kansas
f. Kentucky
g. Louisiana
h. Mississippi
i. Missouri
j. New Mexico
k. North Carolina
l. Oklahoma
m. Puerto Rico
n. South Carolina
o. Tennessee
p. Texas
q. West Virginia

Ambassador Teneilabe obtained his Bachelor of Science (Mass Communications) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and Master’s degree in (International Law and Diplomacy) also from the University of Lagos. A pioneer graduate of Nigeria’s Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Teneilabe is also a member of the Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, and named for The Gambian National Honours.

Ambassador Teneilabe joined the Nigerian Foreign Service after his Bachelor’s degree. Before his assumption of duty in Atlanta as Consul-General, he was respectively the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President and the President of Nigeria on International Relations/Audience. He was similarly a Special Assistant to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sule Lamido, now Governor of Jigawa State and to the former Chairman of Nigeria’s ruling Political Party (PDP), Dr. Ahmadu Ali.

He has held several other important positions in the Foreign Service and served in various departments of the Ministry including Administration, Inspectorate, Public Relations & Culture, Multi-lateral Economic Co-operation, Trade and Investment, Policy Planning, etc. He is well travelled, having served in different capacities in Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions in Athens, Greece; Bonn, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; Banjul, The Gambia, where he served as Acting High Commissioner for over five years. In May 2012, Geoffrey Teneilabe was appointed Ambassador by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He has served on various advisory committees, including Welcome Atlanta, Carter Center, Organization of Africa, and Caribbean Consular Corps of Georgia. Amb. Teneilabe became the first African Ambassador/Consulate General to receive a Senate Resolution, for exemplary diplomatic service in the community, the highest honour from GA Senate.

He is happily married and has children. His hobbies include but not limited to Reading, Traveling, Current Affairs and Environmental Issues.

To continue its philanthropic efforts and support the community it serves, Clear Essence Cosmetics donated over 300 products to the 2014 Annual Festival of Arts and Cultural Expo and Awards (F.A.C.E.) hosted by AfriQtalk. The event took place May 2-3, 2014 with the theme “Harnessing Culture for Competitive Advantage” at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Atlanta, GA.

The annual goal of F.A.C.E. was to make Nigeria a more prosperous tourist destination and promote the culture that resides in the history and present day environment of the country. The festival’s main objectives are to foster intercultural relationships, promote cultural ties and multiculturalism, attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities, accelerate rural and urban integration and strengthen the economic engagement by creating mutual trade relationships.

The conference provided networking events, educational programs, presentations and cultural displays and exhibits. There were also celebrities present along with live performances during the award ceremony. Overall it was a fulfilling weekend that revealed the vast potential of Nigeria and other African countries.

The benefit and educational value of this event made it a perfect effort for Clear Essence Cosmetics to lend its support towards. The products were given to those in attendance along with other sponsored gifts in order to continue empowering the African community and instilling confidence in the attending group.

We were honored to be contacted by the F.A.C.E. awards team and we hope to participate again next year! Clear Essence Cosmetics will only continue to support similar and diverse events that benefit the local and expanded community.

Culled from http://www.clearessence.com/ethnic-skin-care-press