Tag Archives: Lagos

Called To Serve – Ayo Abimbola For House of Representative

10675781_10152951433832347_7094382037492715617_n

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.

 

Female Genital Mutilation – What You May Not Know

female2

What if I Refuse?

female3

The Child Weeps

By Menassah Imonikebe, a well-known Nigerian painter from Edo State, he has many solo and group exhibitions to his credit

female genita

The Ugly Hand that Maims

female4

The Midnight Act

By Wande George, born in 1962, he earned the N.H.D. at Auchi Polytechnic in painting and illustration. Wande George presently works as a visualiser/illustrator at Lintas: Lagos, Nigeria‘s best known advertising agency. He has participated in several group exhibitions.

According to the World Health Organization, the most common type of female genital mutilation is excision of the clitoris and the labia minora, accounting for up to 80% of all cases: the most extreme form is infibulation, which constitutes about 15% of all procedures.

The WHO estimates that, around the world, between 100 and 132 million girls and women have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Each year, a further 2 million girls are estimated to be at risk. Most of them live in 28 African countries, a few in the Middle East and Asian countries, and increasingly in Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.

A 1998 WHO Overview on Female Genital Mutilation provides details of their physical, psychological and sexual consequences for women and girls. Physical consequences include: death, haemorrhage, shock, injury to neighbouring organs, infection, severe pain, failure to heal, Abscess formation, dermoid, cyst, keloids, scar neuroma, painful sexual intercourse, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and other bloodborne diseases, pseudo-infibulation, reproductive tract infection, dysmenorrhea, urine retention, urinary tract infection, chronic urinary tract obstruction, urinary incontinence, stenosis of the artificial opening to the vagina, complications with regard to labour and delivery.

There was this girl, a friend of mine, named Vokke who I went to school with. She hails from Delta State Nigeria. I remember, she got circumcised at  the age of 12 by her parents. Vokke went through a gruesome ordeal, like the little girls in the video, you are about to watch. Vokke was cut with an unsterilized sharp object without anesthetics, after which she suffered numerous infections. She almost lost her life.

Female Genital Mutilation is a traditional practices that are deeply entrenched in many cultures and traditions worldwide. The practice is more prominent in Africa including Nigeria, where many belief that female genital mutilation makes the girl more fertile and aid easy delivery, while some does not regard a female as a woman until she undergoes female genital mutilation. The general belief is that genital mutilation reduce level of promiscuity in women.

How can the process of putting an end to female genital mutilation be accelerated, especially when victims do not speak out against it because of family or religious traditions? One way is by encouraging men to take action alongside women to challenge religious, cultural and traditional arguments used to justify this practice.

On March 4, a new game on Facebook, inspired by the book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” will be introduced, with a focus on raising awareness of issues like female genital mutilation and child prostitution.

Half the Sky Movement: The Game, more than three years in the making, is one of the most ambitious efforts yet to entice a mass audience to social media games with the goal of social change. It is a concept, however, that even its supporters say is largely untested.

The game seeks to engage new audiences not reached by the 2009 book, written by the married team of Nicholas D. Kristof, a columnist for The New York Times, and Sheryl WuDunn, a former Times journalist.

UNGUARDED – PREMIERES IN NEW YORK CITY NOVEMBER 3, 2012

 

Synopsis
Elvin (Ramsey Nouah), an apparent successor to Software Solutions, a multi-million dollar company, is dropped into the deep end after he finds out that his undeniably clever, manipulative fiancée, Natasha (Edosa Edosomawan), has been sleeping with his father. Out of his despair, he convinces himself that every woman is despicable and resolves to take his own pound of flesh against women from every continent.

With his warm, charming personality, Elvin craftily weaves his way through the hearts of these women and successfully stands each of them up at the altar. In other to get to his last victim, an African journalist, Jane (Uche Jombo), Elvin takes up a job as a cleaner in Cool’s magazine company, same company Jane works for. Somehow a genuine romantic entanglement ensues between them.

Caught in the heat of the moment, Elvin proposes to Jane. His proposal triggers sudden unexpected visits and calls that sow seeds of skepticism in Jane’s mind. Undeterred by the circumstances, Elvin insists on winning Jane over even if he has to undergo a personality transformation.

Directed by Desmond Elliot, and Bethels Agomuoh. Produced by Chisom Oz-Lee, featururing Ramsey Nouah, Uche Jombo, Desmond Elliot, Chisom Oz-Lee, Chet Anekwe, Ebbe Bassey, and Edosa Edosomwan. MOVIE OFFICIALLY PREMIERES IN NEW YORK CITY ON NOVEMBER 3, 2012 @
TRIBECA CINEMAS

 

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.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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.

The Pain and Agony of Hon Ike C. Ibe: Dana 153 Plane Crash

Submission of Rt. Hon Ike C. Ibe to The National Assembly Committee on Aviation on The Dana Airline Crash of June 3, 2012

Mr Chairman and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak at this public hearing. I have come neither as a regulator nor as an operator, neither did I come as an official or stakeholder. I came because I’m involved, and I’m involved because I’ve been dazed by Dana. Half of my family – my wife Nancy, my daughter Jennifer and my wife’s Aunt Maria were victims of the Dana crash.

On January 1 1997, I married an angel called Nancy Echendu Ibe (nee Okwulehie). God blessed us with a warm and caring family and sent two other angels to the world through us named Jessica and Jennifer aged 13 and 11. On Sunday June 3, 2012, I drove my family to the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport for Nancy and Jennifer to catch a flight to Lagos on their way for a family event in India. They were joined by another family member, Mrs Maria Okwulehie. They were to be away for ten days. Now they will be away permanently.

When I decided to move my family back to Nigeria from the United States, many people thought I was crazy and that I would regret the move before long. They were right. Here I was, yanking my family away from a society where everything works, where life is good, where the government works, where rules and regulations are obeyed, where there is a high level of certainty of public and private actions, where schools are highly rated, where hospitals are properly equipped and very well staffed, where drivers are intelligent enough to pass junctions without relying on traffic wardens or lights, where there are hardly potholes in the roads, where official corruption is hardly present, where leaders are trustees of the people’s power and people are the custodians of the power. I was dragging my family out from this society and taking them to Nigeria where everything seemed entirely and sadly apocalyptic.

My wife and my daughters tried so hard to adapt after the first year, but it was tough for them. Of all things, my family couldn’t understand the constant blaring of horns by drivers on the road, nor why there were always traffic jams, especially at intersections. They did not understand why there was constant power failure and blackouts, or why we always had to generate our own home electricity, pump our own water and hire our own security personnel.

They could not understand either why we had to spend hours on fuel queues, or why people were always angry and desperate on the roads. They wondered whether Nigeria will survive, whether our people will ever be happy, whether our officials will ever be responsible, whether the legal system will ever work, whether the ordinary masses will ever benefit from our vast natural resources, whether there will ever be electricity or good schools or running water or good roads or clean hospitals or safe skies. They wondered whether the street children who hawk goods will ever leave the roads and go home to comfortable environments where government will provide their needs.

In the last several months, my family had become more worried each time I set out to travel. They would always be curious about where I was going. “Dad!” they would always yell. “Don’t go to the East, they will kidnap you.” Or, “Don’t go to the North, Boko Haram is bombing there.”

I dare not let my kids see my travel tickets and each time they did and saw an endangered territory written on my ticket, I tried to assure them that I would come back safely, even though I couldn’t be sure of that myself. Whenever I was out of town, they would call a hundred times a day to check whether I was safe.

Nancy, my wife, was a medical laboratory scientist and a public health specialist. Since she relocated from the United States of America barely three years ago, she had not held any paying job. The last position she held in America was head of blood transfusion services at the Laurel Regional Hospital in Maryland.

She devoted her three years in Nigeria to charity work and philanthropic activities. She spent her time traversing different rural areas with her groups, giving medical assistance, public health education, food, money etc. to the most vulnerable people in the communities, especially women and children. She spent her time campaigning about the issues that matter most to the ordinary person, the voiceless, the weak and hungry. Week after week, the lowest of the low looked up to seeing them for their salvation.

These people will never see Nancy again. She had written to many government agencies and organizations, making suggestions and giving ideas about how to make life better for ordinary Nigerians. These letters have never changed anything, but she has touched many lives in amazing ways. Nancy believed in her cause in Nigeria. She gave her time, her money, her sweat and now her blood.

Jennifer my daughter was just 11 years old. She was innocent, pure and angelic. All she did was sing, smile and make people happy. She took to the stage early – in kindergarten in America and all the way to Nigeria and up until her last day in International Community School Wuse, the weekend before she boarded the Dana aircraft that fateful June 3rd afternoon. Jenny will never sing again here on earth.

Mrs Maria Okwulehie was a consummate administrator who turned the Federal Government College Bwari from nothing into something. Her family loved her dearly. Her students loved and admired her, but they will never see her again. They have also been dazed by Dana. So have the families of all the other victims; each will never see their loved ones again. This crash was one too many. Enough!

All kinds of commentaries have been written and all shades of reasons have been adduced for the Dana crash. I have read stories that the black box has been recovered and taken abroad for analysis. If my wife were to be here, she would tell you that there is only one reason that the black box will give for the crash and that is corruption.

I agreed with my wife on many things during our 15 years of marriage. I would have agreed with her on this. I will therefore not bother to speak on the reasons for that crash. It is very clear that over the years, the Nigerian system and structure has broken down. For every disaster or incident in Nigeria the same templates have been adopted, being investigation, recommendations, white papers etc.

There is never implementation until the white paper turns brown, or another disaster happens and the template is dusted off as the cycle continues. In Nigeria, operators are regulators and regulators are operators. Government officials are contractors and contractors are government officials. There has never been a shortage of investigations of corruption. More often than not, investigators unearth massive fraud in the system, but end up also committing their own fraud. The tendency has been for the investigators to end up being investigated and the beat goes on, as if government is one huge joke.

I am therefore here today on behalf of Nancy Echendu Ibe, Jennifer Ibe, Maria Okwulehie and all the other victims as well as our dazed families and friends, to charge this National Assembly and indeed this nation, that the bloodshed from corruption has got to stop. I have been to many countries of the world. I have flown in all manner of aircraft, long haul and short haul flights in all regions of the world.

The aviation sector is very tightly regulated and controlled. But here in Nigeria, it’s all about business and profits. Many questions are left hanging. Was the Dana airline qualified to be an operator in our country? Were its aircraft worthy, or were they just certified with money? Was their technical crew qualified? Were their planes a danger to our people? It is obvious now that from all the information available, my wife, my daughter, my sister-in-law and all the other victims of the ill-fated flight walked into an untimely death once they boarded that flight.

They didn’t know it, but the regulators knew it. Safety is the least of our considerations. Unnecessary loss of life has occurred because regulators in this country close their eyes to even latent irregularities, because money usually changes hands. I have been a legislator for over twenty years, I have practiced law for over twenty-four years in different jurisdictions and I have participated in congressional public hearings in the United States.

I can state, therefore, without prevarication, that the real last hope of the common man is the effective and responsible use and application of the nation’s legislative powers. This Legislature has often cried that their resolutions and laws are not implemented by the government. I also watch with amusement how the Legislature does not apply its constitutional powers to ensure that things are done properly.

I have often wondered whether it is because of the climate of corruption also.
Mr Chairman, I came here today not to cry, because my wife already cried a lot for Nigeria. I am not here to sing praises, because my daughter sang enough.

I am here to formally tell Nigerians what my wife has been trying to tell us all these years. Her voice was not heard by our leaders during her lifetime, perhaps it will be heard now that she has paid the supreme price of dying in and for a nation that did not bother to do anything for her.

Will these investigations give us hope as the chairman answers, or are we going to continue to be a hopeless nation? Only time will tell. But I am certain of one thing, the blood of my wife Nancy, my daughter Jennifer, Aunty Maria and all the other victims will be a wake-up call for this nation, so help us God.

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,

Akon Make Good on Promise – 2Face, Wizkid and P-Square?

At first, it was between Kanye West‘s GOOD Music and D’banj of the Mo’hits record in August of 2011. Although, a deal was made with Mo’hits, it’s rumored that record producer and singer Akon recently signed Nigerian artistes: Wizkid, Tuface and P-square as representatives of his record label Konvict Muzik in Africa. The Senegalese-American singer and music producer, who is currently in Nigeria, make good on promise, his new energy drink ‘Citron’ was launched over the weekend in Lagos, which took place in footballer Jay Jay Okocha‘s club Number 10.

Akon, tweeted online “In Nigeria with my brothers about to take over Africa with @2faceidibia and @wizkidayo Big up to Psquare”. Okay! What does this mean?  They join international artistes; Brick and Lace, T-Pain and Lady Gaga in the Konvict Muzik family as representatives of his record label Konvict Muzik in Africa. Kudos to my brother Akon, doing big things in Africa! Oshey.

Celebrating Women – “Matriarchs & Protégés”

Genevieve Nnaji CEO of St. Genevieve Clothing & Monalisa Okojie CEO of Nehita Jewelry.

It’s refreshing to see women in the spotlight. A couple of weeks ago, an event was put together by TW Magazine celebrating the ” Matriarchs & Protégés” of the Phoenix Gala to honor great Nigerian women who have made tremendous contributions to shaping our society in Lagos, Nigeria. A champagne brunch was held at Medici in Lagos hosted by Veuve Clicquot. In attendance was our very own Monalisa Okojie of Nehita Jewelry, Los Angeles, California, Genevieve Nnaji , Joke Silva,Bella Niaja, including  other celebrities  from  academia to entrepreneurship and artist. Kudos to you Monalisa and women of excellence all over the world.

Below are some pictures taken at the Champagne Brunch, exclusively brought to you by AfriQtalk.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Leroy Bamidele Fagbemi – An Advocate For People With Disability

Leroy Bamidele Fagbemi, “aka” Mr. Flint” is an American based Nigerian entertainer, born to the Fagbemi family of Lagos. He is also, an advocate for people with disability for a good reason.  Leroy Bamidele Fagbemi, sustained a spinal cord injury from a road accident, late 90’s in the United States (USA), which confined him to the wheel chair, not giving up his dreams, he returned to his first love, music.

As a successful hip hop artist, Mr. Flint is back with good news for the physically challenged, his foundation “Second Chance in Life”  is an organization that is all about helping  people with disabilities to discover their passion and help them achieve their dreams in whatever career they want to pursue. Fagbemi’s  new video “You think my life is easy”  shows a young man, who deals with everyday challenges but not deterred.

In my conversation with Mr. flint, he expressed his frustration with celebrities, artist and governments in Africa for not doing enough to bring awareness about disability, especially in Nigeria, where people with disability are often discriminated against or seen as liabilities. ” Handicaps are humans beings, they do what normal people do, but the difference is that they can’t walk”.

As for any his future projects, Mr. Flint’s goal is to see that the Nigerian Government gets involve in disability awareness campaigns and foundations, provide adequate rehabilitation facilities and infrastructures to ensure that people with any form of disability live a normal life, learn life coping skills and are accepted by society.

He emphasized, how such programs has helped him to become independent. However, Leroy Bamidele Fagbemi, believes that appealing to corporate organizations and Nigerians in the diaspora is key to supporting his pet projects in Nigeria. For more information, contact Mr Flint at http://facebook.com/lfagbemiskinnyjoe

Facts About Disability in Africa

According to The World Bank, 20% of people with disabilities make up the poorest of the poor, which translates to approximately 260 million people with disabilities living in absolute poverty.  The unprecedented level of poverty among this group and the associated hunger leads to Malnutrition, which in turn can result in a number of disabilities, such as stunting, blindness, and diabetes. Also, hunger is a driving force, which push disabled persons into street begging. Generally speaking, disabled people are seen as ‘good for nothing’ and they suffer severe psychological problems in Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 500 million people live with disability worldwide, with about 75% living in the developing countries (Mickailakis, 1997; Lang and Upah, 2008). In Nigeria, WHO estimates put the number of people with disability at 19 million or approximately 20% of the country’s population (Lang and Upah, 2008).

There are no credible and robust statistics in Nigeria about most things, including disability. There is therefore a big knowledge gap that needs to be bridged.The Nigerian government supported the UN standard rules on the equalization of opportunities for people with disability. There was also a decree promulgated in 1993 to enhance the social and societal position of people with disability.

Nigerians living with disability are no better off when compared with others living in other parts of the developing world, in terms of the challenges they face — they are poor, marginalized and excluded (The Guardian, April 12, 2009; Lang and Upah, 2008).

Despite the declaration of full participation in the disability agenda of the United Nations by the Nigerian government, Nigerians with disabilities are still faced with these challenges (The Guardian, April 12, 2009; Michailakis, 1997). A recent review of disability issues in Nigeria identified many factors why the disability agenda continues to suffer.

Notable among them were: the absence of disability discrimination laws, lack of social protection, poor understanding of disability issues by the public, and poor access to rehabilitation services. The report recommended, among others, the collection of robust and reliable data, and advocacy for the passage of the disability bill into law (Lang and Upal, 2008).

Nehita Jewelry Brand Makes Waves in Lagos, Nigeria

AfriQtalk, first announced back in May, 2011 that Nehita Jewelry was set to go global with plans to launch in fine boutiques and specialist stores worldwide. That’s right!  On 9th of October, 2011, CEO of Nehita Jewelry, Monalisa Okojie, once again showcased her luxurious collection of some of the finest handpicked exotic stones, golds and conflict free diamonds at the Clear Essence California Spa and Wellness Center in Ikoyi, Lagos. Guest were entertained with a fashion collections by Derin of Fablane and music performances by Haykm of Serengeti music.

Her jewelry, designed from exotic stones, has been worn by Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Alan Cumming, Melora Hardin, Michael Henderson, Sally Pressman, CCH Pounder, Katherine Joosten, Meagan Good, Brandy, Hosea Chanchez, Carrie Ann Inaba, Quinton Aaron, Malina Moye, Jackie Long, Gramma Funk, Lisa Raye. Monalisa’s next stop will be in Accra, Ghana before heading back to the U.S.

Monalisa has a strong commitment to support ethical causes through donating a generous portion of Nehita profits to charities such as the International Center of Education and Youth Development. She also personally ensures the ethical sources of materials and conflict free diamonds. Monalisa puts artistry into every piece of her gems.

Food For Thought

By Switz Chef (Olufemi Sweet)

Click to find out  AfriQtalk’s Pick of the day @ Palmview Manor Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Nigeria


To have a free recipe for my pick of the day, email me at afriqtalk@yahoo.com.

When Royalty meets Entertainment “Dking” is born

Rokan Adekola was born in 1967 at Iboropa Akoko in Ondo State, South West of Nigeria to the Adekola Royal Family, a.k.a, DKing.  Rokan attended St Mark’s Primary School Iboropa Akoko and Fadeyi Primary School 3 where he completed his primary education and moved on to Birch Freeman High Schoolin Lagos for his secondary education. Because of his passion for music, he enrolled in His Grace School of Music, Lagos where he became a full time percussionist.

Popularly known as King Rokan is a US-based Nigerian songwriter, recording artiste and performer. His music is a contemporary mix of Afro-juju, Fuji and Gospel Highlife with a soulful touch of traditional Yoruba rhythm. His songs are mostly in his Yoruba mother tongue and inspired by the desire to uplift and promote the rich indigenous culture of Africa.

Dking has performed at very important events around the world including; the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympics and black history month. He has entertained three presidents; President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1993 with Bolu and the Roots of African Percussion and two former Nigerian presidents; Gen. Abdusalemi Abubakar in Washington DC and President Olusegun Obasanjoin Ohio.

Also, he performed live at the grand opening of Animal Kingdom in Disney world Orlando Florida. After Losing his parents at the tender age of 10, at 12 years old he was determined to work hard and be successful. King Rokan became the choir master of Eternal Order of Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Alpha ET Omega Ilasamaja in 1983. In 1986 he moved to the branch at Esuola Okota as music director.

In 1994, he relocated to Atlanta where he started the band King Rokan & The Royal Crew in 1997 and was the first Nigerian to start a live band in Atlanta. In 2001, when he released “Rock On”; he scored another first as the first Nigerian artiste to release an album and a video the same day in America. “Showtime” followed in 2003, “4GveDem” in 2005, “Thank U God” in 2008 and “Oba Tide” in 2010 which was produced by Yinka Ayefele and Puffy Tee.

As a promoter and music entrepreneur, King Rokan started Rokan Entertainment, a music promotion and artiste management outfit. On this platform, he has worked with and promoted Late DR Sikiru Ayinde Barrister- , Gen. Kollington Ayinla,Sir Shina Peters, Obesere, Adewale Ayuba, Yinka Ayefele, Just to mention few including K1 D Ultimate(King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall) who gave him the title of Oluaye of Georgia in 2002.

King Rokan’s eclectic style earned him the best Indigenous Artist of the year award at the N.P.A summit in Atlanta GA. He has a new single, recently launched in Lagos, Nigeria 12/15/2011, FT 2FACE “MAGBAGBE”(NO 4GET) PRODUCED BY FEMI OJETUNDE(FEM DOUBLE PRODUCTIONS). Kudos to you Dking http://facebook.com/kingrokan. You rock!


Press Release -The Nigerian Promoters Association prepares for the 2nd Annual Summit & Awards Gala in Atlanta,Georgia

The Nigerian Promoters  Association prepares for the 2nd Annual Summit & Awards Gala in Atlanta,GA by Ovacom Consulting on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 3:10am.

The Nigerian Promoters Association (USA), is set to polish the Nigerian Arts and Entertainment Business in the United States of America and in the diaspora. You will recall that undoubtedly, a message of hope for change had already been established upon a successful NPA Launch and it’s 1st Annual Summit held in Houston TX on October 9th, 2010.

NPA  2ND ANNUAL SUMMIT

The Annual summit is an annual meeting of Entertainment Administrators such as; promoters, music producers, event planners, record label companies, Artiste managers, DEEJAYS, Entertainment media personalities, film producers, fashion designers, Arts, sports est. coming together to meet and deliberate thoroughly on how to better improve the standard of  the Nigerian  Arts and Entertainment industry as a one point agenda by the year 2015. In addition, it should be categorically noted therefore, that the Nigerian promoters Association is not politically oriented and will not give room to be politically influenced by any Nigerian politician or political party as the case may be.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS AWARDS

The NPA 2011 Awards is planned to be bigger and better holding in Atlanta Georgia on SEPTEMBER 3RD respectively. The Arts and Entertainment  Business Awards is to recognize, to celebrate and to further promote the Nigerian entertainment practitioners  based in the United States of America.  This way more talents will be discovered because of the competition it will definitely create. While the already discovered talents will also have reasons to do better and remain relevant in the industry.

This award ceremony will award thirty-two (32) winners with thirty-two (32) awards each under thirty-two (32) competitive categories including three(3) international awards, the progressive image Award of Nigerian public office and eight (8) Honorary awards. Bringing the total number of awards to recipients to forty (40).

NOMINEES:

Nominations are based on  the available active entertainment person(s) with current material works, such as; Music and Film on; CD, DVD, including Media. Categories consists of two (2) to ten (10) nominees that are selected for each category respectively.

VOTING:

For transparency, an online voting is embed on the NPA website where fans can  cast their votes for their various nominees under various categories of the award and also view the entire result of the voting and who the winner is right away. Voting commences April 20-July 20,2011.

Dangote to invest $3.9 bln on cement plants in Africa

On April 12, 2011  In  Vanguard Headlines

Lagos –  The Dangote Group says it will invest 3.9 billion dollars (N585 billion) in the expansion of its cement plants in some Africa countries.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the company, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos while signing an agreement between his company and a Chinese firm, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd.

He said that the expansion project, expected to be completed in 2013, would produce additional 16.5 million tonnes of cement to achieve a target of 50 million tonnes in the next two years.

Dangote, represented by Mr Devakumar Edwin, the company’s Group Executive Director ( Business Development), said that the projects included installation of equipment, mining, quarry and power facilities, among others.

“Cement plants with installed capacity of 1.5 million tonnes each per year will be constructed in countries like Tanzania, Gabon and Republic of Congo.

“South Africa, Ibese and Obajana cement plants will each produce additional new lines of three million tonnes while the grinding plant in Cameroon is targeted at producing 1.5 million tonnes annually.

“The agreement signed today is for production of additional three million tonnes each from the existing plants in Obajana, Ibese and other plants,” he said.

Dangote said that the group was targeting the production of 20 million tonnes of cement before the end of 2011 from the plants.

He said that the new projects would provide over 40,000 additional jobs to truck drivers that would have multiplier effects on the nation’s economy and wealth creation.

Dangote said that the group was exploring many other power sources to save cost.

“In Senegal, we use coal to power the plant and we import the coal from South Africa. We use gas and hydro-power plant where they are available,” he said..

Mr Wu Shoufu, President of the Chinese firm, said that the agreement would strengthen business growth in the two countries.

Shoufu said that the expansion of cement plants in Africa by Dangote Group would make the region to achieve self sufficiency in cement production soon. (NAN)

Miss Nigeria Ireland 2010 marks the International Women’s day.

Miss Nigeria Ireland, 2010 Elizabeth Bolajoko, delivers her speech at the WCI Intercultural evening to mark the International Women’s day. With beauty and poise she speaks to the youths about ascertaining self esteem, values and culture. This is one beauty and brain. Take a listen.

Little Known African History 101

Do you know that Late Chief Anthony Enahoro‘s mother http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Enahoro and Archbishop Olubumi Okogie http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Olubunmi_Okogie were born of the same father, King Ogbidi Okojie 1 of Uromi Royal Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogbidi_Okojie Archbishop Olubumi Okojie (as his mum is yoruba, letter ‘g’ is always put in place of letter ‘j’ so it is always spelled Okogie, but both names are from the same family). AfriQtalk © 2011