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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Articulating and Communicating Vision: She excels in expressing a clear and compelling vision for organizations, aligning stakeholders towards common goals.

Strategic Planning: Her strategic planning expertise ensures that organizations are well-prepared to adapt to changing environments and achieve their objectives.

Team Building: She values building strong, cohesive teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Decision-Making: Her well-balanced decision-making considers both short-term and long-term consequences, ensuring the best interests of the organization.

Performance Management: She optimizes performance within organizations, implementing effective performance management systems.

Strategic Partnerships: She recognizes the importance of forming strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals.

Change Management: She skillfully manages change within organizations, ensuring effective transitions.

Innovation and Creativity: She encourages innovation and creativity within organizations.

Financial Acumen: She has a strong understanding of financial management and budgeting, ensuring financial health.

Trade and Investment Expertise: Her background in trade and investment equips her with knowledge to foster economic growth.

Media and Cultural Promotion: Her platform promotes cultural exchange, understanding, and the arts.

Diplomatic Skills: Her representation of Nigeria on the global stage demonstrates her diplomatic capabilities.

Environmental Advocacy: Her commitment to environmental sustainability supports conservation and protection efforts.

Advocacy for Critical Issues: She actively opposes harmful practices and advocates for vulnerable populations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THINKWEST Initiative (TWI): As Co-chairman, she plays a pivotal leadership role in an organization dedicated to driving good governance and development in Nigeria.

International Forum for Sickle-Celled in the Diaspora (INFORSID): Her board membership reflects her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting individuals affected by sickle cell disease within the diaspora.

Women Empowerment Network (WOENET): Her membership aligns with her commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality.

National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS): Membership reflects her engagement in medical billing and auditing practices.

American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC): Her membership underscores her dedication to healthcare coding and billing standards.

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): Her affiliation with AHIMA demonstrates her commitment to healthcare data quality and patient privacy.

American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS): Membership reflects her involvement in industrial security practices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on the link to know Who is Ambassador Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie

For more information visit https://ashaokojie.com/ | Email:ashaokojie@gmail.com |

I CAN’T STAY QUIET ANY LONGER! SAYS TAWO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/hkMULAO7H24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources ~ NASA AEROSPACE FRONTIERS

Called To Serve – Ayo Abimbola For House of Representative

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

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

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

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

10 Examples of Gender Inequality Around the World

Originally posted 05/30/2013 By Molly Edmonds

1: Education Attainment

Of the children that aren’t in school right now, the majority of them are girls. Women make up more than two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults. When it comes to education, girls worldwide get the short end of the stick. Girls may be kept out of school to help with household chores, they may be pulled from school if their father deems it’s time for them to marry, or there may only be enough money to educate one child from the family — and the boy assumes the responsibility.

This gap in educational attainment becomes particularly maddening when you consider the numerous studies that have been done which show that educating girls is a key factor in eliminating poverty and aiding development. Girls who complete school are less likely to marry young, more likely to have smaller families and exhibit better health outcomes in relation to maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS. These women also go on to earn higher salaries, which they then invest in their own families, thus ensuring that future generations of girls get to go on to school. Indeed, it’s addressing the inequalities in education that may solve many of the other problems on this list.

2: Political Participation
Analysts often posit that many of the issues on this list could be solved if women had higher levels of political participation. Despite making up half the global population, women hold only 15.6 percent of elected parliamentary seats in the world. They’re missing from all levels of government — local, regional and national. Why is it important that women take part in politics? A study that examined women in leadership in Bolivia, Cameroon and Malaysia found that when women could take part in shaping spending priorities, they were more likely to invest in family and community resources, health, education and the eradication of poverty than the men, who were more likely to invest in the military. Some countries have experimented with quota systems to increase female participation, though these systems are often criticized for getting women involved simply because they are women, as opposed to their qualifications.

3: Freedom to Marry and Divorce

In the United States, love (and the lack of it) is a subject for romantic comedies and conversation over cocktails. In other countries, love may not enter the discussion at all when it comes to marriage. In many countries, young girls are forced to marry men two or three times their age. According to UNICEF, more than one-third of women aged 20 to 24 were married before they turned 18, which is considered the minimum legal age of marriage in most countries. Child brides give birth at early ages, which increases the chance of complications in childbirth and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

When a woman wants out of a loveless marriage, her options are limited in many countries. In some places, courts automatically grant custody of children to the husband, and women often have no chance of receiving any measure of financial support. In other places, such as Egypt, women don’t even have access to a court. While men are allowed a divorce after an oral renunciation registered with the court, women face years of obstacles to get in front of a judge. For this reason, many women around the world are trapped in abusive marriages.

4: Access to Health Care

In many countries, a pregnant woman in labor can head to any hospital, confident that she will receive assistance in delivery. That seems like a luxury to women in developing countries, however. According to the World Health Organization, one woman dies in childbirth every minute of every day. That’s more than 500,000 deaths every year, many of which could have been prevented if the woman had been allowed to leave her home to receive treatment, or if she’d had a skilled attendant by her side. Childbirth is but one example of how women receive unequal access to health care services. Another example is the growing number of women infected with HIV/AIDS. For many years, men comprised the bulk of new infections, but in Sub-Saharan Africa, women now form half of the infected persons. One reason for this growth may be laws that force women to stay married, even when their husbands are adulterous and engaging in extramarital sexual activity that could bring the virus into the marriage.

5: Feminization of Poverty

As we mentioned on the previous page, women in some countries have no right to own the land on which they live or work. Not only can such a state trap women in abusive marriages, it also contributes to a phenomenon that economists have deemed the “feminization of poverty.” More than 1.5 billion people in the world live on less than one dollar a day, and the majority of those people are women. The United Nations often cites the statistic that women do two-thirds of the world’s work, receive 10 percent of the world’s income and own 1 percent of the means of production

Women can be left destitute if they’re denied access to land, as we discussed on the previous page, but inability to claim land also perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Let’s consider the case of a woman who is essentially managing a farm due to an absentee husband. Land is a major factor for securing credit from financial associations or co-ops, which means that a woman can’t apply for loans that would allow her family to expand its business. Without financial support, the woman can’t upgrade her equipment, expand her production or keep up with competing farmers. Many female entrepreneurs have been foiled and left to dwell in poverty because of restricted access to basic legal rights.

6. Restricted Land Ownership

In some countries, such as Chile and Lesotho, women lack the right to own land. All deeds must include the name of a man, be it the woman’s husband or father. If one of those men were to die, the woman has no legal claim to land that she may have lived on or worked all her life. Often, widows are left homeless because the deceased man’s family will throw them out of their homes. And some women remain in abusive marriages so that they won’t lose a place to live. Such restricted rights can be particularly frustrating in rural areas where agriculture is dominant. Women may spend their entire lives cultivating and harvesting foodstuffs for no pay, only to lack a safety net when the father or husband leaves or dies. The inability to hold land is a factor in the next item on our list.

7: Feticide and Infanticide
You’ll often hear expectant parents say that they don’t care if they have a boy or a girl, as long as the baby is healthy. In some countries, such as China and India, a male child is more valuable than a female child, and this gender bias causes parents to care very much if they have a boy or a girl. Thanks to advances in genetic testing, parents can find out if they’re having a boy or a girl, and they may elect to end a pregnancy that would yield a female child. And if the parents don’t receive advance notice, they may kill the child after its birth. As a result, the gender ratio in some countries is skewed; in India, for example, there were 927 girls per 1,000 boys in 2001. The female fetuses and infants who are killed are sometimes referred to as the world’s “missing women.”China’s one child policy may have led to many sex-selective abortions.

8: Violence

In 2008, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported that one in every three women is likely “to be beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime”. In both the developed and the developing world, violence against women in the form of rape, spousal abuse, child abuse or spousal killing is such routine behavior that it rarely even makes the news anymore. In conflict zones, rape of women and children is increasingly used as a weapon of war. In other countries, marital rape is condoned, and some countries have laws that require a certain number of male witnesses to testify before a court will acknowledge that a rape has occurred. Even in developed countries, women are often blamed and questioned about actions if they become the victims of rape or physical abuse, while their attackers may not face such questioning. Because of the stigma of reporting any form of abuse, we may never know the true extent of this problem.

9: Limited Mobility

Saudi Arabia provides the most extreme example of limited mobility for women: In that country, women are not allowed to drive a car or ride a bicycle on public roads. The strict Islamic law in the country prohibits women from leaving the home without a man’s permission, and if they do leave the home, they can’t drive a car. Doing so would require removal of their veils, which is forbidden, and it could potentially bring them in contact with strange men, another forbidden practice. While Saudi Arabia is the only country that prohibits women from driving a car, other countries restrict women’s overseas travels by limiting their access to passports, and even women in developed countries may complain of limited mobility. While these women may have the legal right to drive cars and ride planes, they may elect not to go out by themselves at night due to the threat of rape or attack. We’ll discuss such violence against women on the next page of this article. Women in Saudi Arabia inspect a new car. The women are allowed to own cars, but they are not allowed to drive them.

10: Professional Obstacles

Women fought for decades to take their place in the workplace alongside men, but that fight isn’t over yet. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Census, women earn just 77 percent of what men earn for the same amount of work. In addition to this gender wage gap, women often face a glass ceiling when it comes to promotions, which is evident when you survey the lack of women in leadership positions at major companies. Women who have children often find themselves penalized for taking time off; if they’re not dismissed, they may face discrimination and outdated ideas of what a woman can accomplish if she’s pregnant or a mother. Also, jobs that are considered traditional women’s work, such as nursing and teaching, are often some of the lowest-paying fields.

Still, women in the workplace have one right that women in other countries lack — the right to leave their own homes.