April_life and times magazine by TBG London

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

LIFE and TIMES Magazine is Published by LIFE and TIMES Network Inc, a publishing and Public Relations Company. 7095 Hollywood Blvd, #485, Hollywood CA 90028-6035 COMPANY BOARD: CEO/Publisher: Chike Nweke MEMBERS: Dan Musa, PhD Ebere Anakwenze Lara Okunubi Chinwe Dunu-Nze Bruce Nwachie, Clem Ainabe Ph. D Arthur Abraham JP Halilu Haruna; CPA Joachim "Joe" Nwude, JD Eugene Edoga, LLM (Abuja FCT) Chioma Iwuchukwu (Lagos) EDITORIAL BOARD: Chair: Clem Ainabe, PhD Deputy: Jude Akudinobi, PhD Executive Editor: Arthur Abraham Editor: Chinyere Ifeacho Associate Editor: Jones Okeke Osayande Aghazebamwan Stella Johnson Correspondents/Columnists: Ambrose Ehirim,Okey Nwachie Tommy Musa, Queenkay Anadu-Amangbo Photographers: Ade James, Aluma Nkele, Boniface Uzondu, Frank Osemeka Marketing/Advertising: Head Marketing/Advertising: Jude Nwosu

The news we are getting from home about the ongoing Nigerian national elections is heartwarming. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan from the minority Ijaw tribe of South South, Nigeria has shattered a lot of glass ceilings in Nigerian politics and redefined politics in Nigeria as we know it forever. Jonathan polled over 22 million votes with a 25% or more of votes cast in 32 States and a total of 59.64% of total votes cast to beat his closest rival General Mohammed Buhari who polled 12.4 million votes with a 25% or more of votes cast in 12 states all in the North and a total of 32% of valid votes cast. The first myth broken is the assumption that politics in Nigeria belonged to the three major tribes of Hausa/Fulani, Igbos and Yorubas. Goodluck Jonathan from the minority Otueke Village of the minority Ijaw tribe proved that with clarity of vision, tenacity of purpose and building a broad based coalition spanning tongue, tribe and religion you could climb to the pinnacle of power in Nigeria. The second myth broken is that the Hausa/Fulani controlled the levers of power in Nigeria through a monolithic North. President Jonathan proved that the notion of a monolithic North is basically what it is - a myth. Completing the work started by the Obasanjo/Dajuma alliance, Jonathan's coalition exacerbated the cleavages in the North and peeled off the thin veneer of darkness that has been hiding the simmering discontent in Northern Nigeria. Over the years, religious intolerance perpetuated by a tiny extremist cabal in North bent on foisting the Islamic religion as a way of life in Northern Nigeria has totally destroyed any semblance of Northern unity built by the late great Northern leader Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, The Sarduana of Sokoto.

The third myth broken is that the old guard led by Obasanjo, Danjuma, Babangida, Ciroma, Buhari, etc, still controlled the apparatus of power in Nigeria. Obasanjo and his daughter lost in the elections, Babangida was disgraced out of the presidential nominations, Buhari lost again for the third time in his bid to reoccupy Aso Rock..etc.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; What this clearly shows is that there has effectively been a transfer of guards in Nigerian politicsâ&#x20AC;?

What this clearly shows is that there has effectively been a transfer of guards in Nigerian politics. Men like Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola in the West, Sullivan Chime and Peter Obi in the East, David Mark and Murtala Nyako in the North and an army of new foot soldiers have taken over Nigerian politics and is defining the face of the New Nigeria. The fourth and final myth broken is that we cannot conduct free and fair elections and that nothing spectacular can come out of Nigeria. For the first time in Nigeria's history we have conducted a free and fair elections that all accept is clear and transparent.

We are poised for a smooth inauguration of the Jonathan administration and the dawn of a New Nigeria. If what has happened in the last year that Jonathan served out the mandate of the Musa Yardua presidency is anything to go by, we will continue to experience steady supply of petroleum products, improvements in our infrastructure, an 8% growth in our national economy, improved electricity supply and other promises of a better life for the masses of Nigeria. Chike Nweke Publisher/CEO April 2011

Cover Profile 6. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde To Receive 2011 Achievement & African Goodwill Ambassador Award United Nations People and Places 24. The Surge of Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora 28. The Asomugha Foundation 36.

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE: Q and A with Chief George Ilouno

62.

Spotlight on Igbo Farm Village

Entertainment and Culture 32. Spotlights on 9ja Villa Beauty and Fashion 17. ON DESIGNER Yemi Osunkoya 20. The Reconstruction & Transformation Of Queen Kay 23. Beauty of the moment

Environmental, Science and Technology 70. Green Energy from waste, it's naturally a great idea! News and Politics 10. An Overview of Elections in Nigeria 11. Report from the Abuja Bureau on the Nigerian presidential elections 14. Q & A with Dr Sarah Jibril

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Lifes issues from the heart 67. Effective Parenting and Finding Balance in the Whirlwind of Life Religion/Spiritual Affairs 71. What is your lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Metaphor? Feature 66. Demistifying the immigration puzzle

Youth 34. Facebook Activism 35. Fun and inexpensive things to do during the summer Regulars 3. From the desk of the Publisher 73. Subscription to Life and Times Magazine

20 14 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Cover Profile

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

Receives 2011 Achievement & African Goodwill Ambassador Award Nigeria loves Omo Sexy. This mother of four, Nollywood Diva and sex symbol has become Nigeria's sweetheart. Omotola was honored in Los Angeles on April 30, 2011, by African Focus Incorporated (AFI) with the African Goodwill Ambassador Award for her achievements as a distinguished award-winning actress, model, music artist and Goodwill Ambassador. Omotola graduated from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and started

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Cover Profile

called OMOTOLA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (OYEP). It was founded to encourage Nigerian youth to know their rights and discover their potentials, as well as assist them in achieving this. OYEP has also berthed an initiative GIVE AND LET GIVE which was launched September 2010 with the support of Unicef. GIVE AND LET GIVE is geared at receiving and giving gifts only to the less privileged. She is happily married to Mr. Jalade, a seasoned pilot, with four children. Among the other 2011 African Goodwill Award honorees are: her career as a model in 1995. The same year, she crossed over to the film industry. She stared in her first film called Venom of Justice where she played the lead role. Her breakthrough came in quick succession afterwards, in 1996, when she played the lead role in Mortal Inheritance. Her performance won her the best English actress and overall best actress at the prestigious THEMA AWARDS 1996/1997. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputed with these awards to be the youngest Nigerian to have won such at the age of 19. As a recording artist, Omotola has just finished her 2nd album. Her singles Feel Alright and Missing You are enjoying

massive airplay both on radio and TV. Omotola is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in Nigeria. She has a new film called (the journey), shot on locations in Los Angeles. Ije has gone on to become the highest grossing movie in Africa beating Salt and many other movies at the cinema. Omotola is a United Nations Ambassador for WFP (World Food Program) and has done countless of fund raising for the aforementioned. Omotola works with Amnesty International and campaigned in Sierra Leone to end maternal mortality. She also works with the demand dignity team. She is a valued crusader for the SAVE THE CHILDREN FOUNDATION. Omotola founded a movement

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

The Oakland Raiders Nnamdi Asomugha, an American born Nigerian, who plays the game of football with an undeniable passion and dedication. This three-time All Pro selection has emerged as the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best defensive back, earning him a starting position in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Pro Bowl and a

Cover Profile

three year contract worth $45 million. A testament to the silver and black, his hard work and determination on the field is preceded by his undeniable commitment to education and community off the gridiron. 2009 marked another monumental season for Asomugha, who was the best shut down corner in the league. Quarterbacks feared him and did everything in their power to eliminate Asomugha from offensive plays. During the 2009 season, Asomugha was thrown at only 28 times through 16 games, an astounding figure and a testament to his prowess on the field.

Other distinguished persons to be honored include Her Excellency Josephine Elechi, wife of the Executive Governor of Eboyi State, Nigeria. A dedicated and committed philanthropist who has sponsored and provided scholarships to many students to enhance

their educational and social status in the society. In the area of community development, in addition to being at the forefront of various development-oriented organizations. Mrs. Elechi is also a core foundation member of the popular Abakaliki Women Association (AWA). She has continuously contributed in no small measure to the advancement of the course of the association in particular and women development in general.

Bishop Noel Jones, born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on January 31, 1950. One of seven children born to Bishop Robert and Marjorie Jones, Noel Jones is the founder of City of Refuge Ministries, a home for more than 20,000 worshipers in inner city of Los Angeles, which is home to the renowned, chart-topping City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir. Viewers around the world welcome Bishop Jones into their

homes via his TV program, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fresh Oil.â&#x20AC;? Rita Cary was born in 1945 and raised in the West Cork town of Dunmanway, Ireland, the seventh in a family of fifteen children. After training and working as a nurse in Dublin, Rita moved to Scotland in 1968 and trained as a mid-wife. In the late 1960's, the civil war in the defunct Biafra region of Nigeria was a nightly news item. For over two years, images of ravaged villages, starving children, and fleeing refugees filled UK TV screens. Rita decided on completing her training to join the humanitarian group Africa Concern and travel into the heart of the Biafra war zone. In the shadow of the fighting, Rita and her team set up clinics and feeding centers for abandoned and orphaned children. Daily excursions to nearby villages brought back dozens of starving abandoned and orphaned sick children. The Africa Concern team vaccinated, bandaged, fed and nursed them to health when possible. Those beyond help, they comforted. Highlight of the awards program was the colorful African induction ceremony officiated by His Royal Highness Eze Osuchukwu Julis Iheanyi, The Obaire of Eziama-Obaire, Imo State, Nigeria. Details of this event in our June/July edition.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

News and Politics

An Overview of Elections in Nigeria Since the first post-colonial election in 1964, the history of elections to political offices in Nigeria at the local, state and federal levels has unfortunately and regrettably been one laden with despicable violence and corruption. Documentation of killings, maiming, intimidation, property destruction, etc., tied to electioneering campaigns abound. The acrimony of the November 1965 elections into the Western Nigeria House of Assembly that led to operation wetie which literarily meant to spray gasoline on people and property and set them ablaze, is still fresh in the minds of many. In addition to loss of lives and wanton property destruction in the 2003 and 2007 elections, both years witnessed elections that had malpractices indelibly engraved on them. Allegedly, ballot boxes were forcefully taken from electoral officers and replaced with ones prestuffed with ballots that were later counted in determining the winners/losers of the election. Electoral officials were conspicuously absent in some polling centers resulting in no voting at those centers. That notwithstanding, results were claimed to have been declared for those centers. Even in some centers where electoral officials were present, some of them were reported to have used their position to facilitate voting malpractices to the advantage of the party or candidates they owed allegiance. Incidents of violence in electioneering campaigns in Nigeria continue to be on the rise and deadlier. In a 2011 article in allAfrica.com Wisdom Patrick wrote: Up to this point, there have been 16 bomb explosions in the country, all in the pre-election period. Compared to two explosions in 2007, 10

according to Shehu Sani of Civil Rights Congress, that number continues to increase on almost daily basis. For security purposes the federal government, continued the source, ordered the deployment of the military during the elections. Electioneering campaign should not be synonymous to violence. Not in Nigeria - the Giant of Africa. Not in any country in Africa or in the world. Many countries in Africa look up to Nigeria for leadership not only in governance but also in many areas where decisions affecting the populace are made. This (leadership) is something; a collective responsibility, we all (Nigerians) should take on seriously. There is no record indicating conviction or punishment for electoral offenses in Nigeria since 1960 when we emancipated from the colonial rule. This, to me, is the foundation for fostering electioneering campaign violence, as a lack of punishment for any crime constitutes a recipe for the fomentation of more crime. It is my belief that until procedures that are currently in place to identify election violence/malpractices are used to do so, and identified perpetrators are punished accordingly, the malpractices and violence that the Nigerian electioneering campaigns are now known for, will continue. We can do this. Yes, we can. God bless Nigeria. Dr. Clem Ainabe. Ph.D Chairman , Editorial Board

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

News and Politics

REPORT FROM THE ABUJA BUREAU ON THE

Sixteenth of April, 2011 will go down in history as a memorable day in Nigeria. It was the day that all men and women of this great nation went to the polls to decide who will continue to lead Nigeria to the promised land. It was the day that security was the center of concern with threats electoral violence across the nation. Thousands of police and soldiers swarmed all corners of the nation ahead of the presidential election, when Nigerians trooped out en mass to pick the candidate who will become the next leader of Africa's most populous nation; the giant among the nations of Africa, the oil-rich nation of 150 million people. As the Abuja Bureau Chief Reporter/Observer for Life and Time Magazine and a voter as well, the summary of my report/observation is that the presidential elections went very smoothly. Security was robust and visible. The Nigerian government deployed members of the Armed forces, the police and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) al-

NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS lowing no room for irregularities. Political Party Representatives, National and International Observers, were also on hand to ensure close monitoring of the voting process.

Amazingly, all voting activities ended at exactly 4:00 PM Nigerian time, and the counting of votes began immediately. All votes were counted, recorded and signed by all political party representatives. The Police immediately transmitted the hard copies to INEC office in Abuja. Results as announced by Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Atahiru Jega for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) gave PDP a total of 22,495,187 votes; CPC 12,214,529 votes; ANPP 917,365 votes; and ACN 2,088,791 votes. Total valid votes are 37,716,842 out of 73

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

by CHIKA DURU Ph.D. million registered voters, representing 51.7% per voter turnout. The outcome of all these was that Goodluck Jonathan won enough votes that avoided a run-off election. That means that he also won majority of the overall votes cast nationwide. Under the constitution, the winner of a presidential election must have a simple majority as well as 25 % of the votes in two thirds of the states. According to Reuters tally, Jonathan has already won 25 % of the votes in 24 states (17 in the South and 7 in the North). The only way there would be a run-off election is if Buhari has majority of the overall votes cast nationwide which reports indicate he falls short of. The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

News and Politics

Prof. Attahiru Jega at 8:32 p.m. on April 18th, 2011, declared the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, winner of Saturday, April 16th, 2011, presidential election. Prof. Jega further and repeatedly announced that Jonathan amassed a total of 22, 495, 187 votes, Muhammadu Buhari of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) 12, 214,853 votes, Nuhu Ribadu of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) 2,790,151 votes and Ibrahim Shekarau of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) 917,012 votes. As of the time this piece was put together, only the PDP representatives had heeded Prof. Jega’s call for party representatives to sign the final results of the votes that he declared. How it All Happened For Jonathan. Muhammadu Buhari of the CPC had more than mobilized the North for his candidacy, especially in the wake of the zoning brouhaha of the PDP. Goodluck Jonathan, coming from the South South geo-political zone, had his aspiration serve as a catalyst for many other minority groups in Nigeria that when you dare to dream, possibilities would not be far from your imagination. Here was the ACN of the South West geo-political zone which could not forge an alliance with the CPC. The North was fully charged to sympathise with the aspiration of Buhari, while not discounting the efforts of the PDP state governors in some states of the North, the South was also sufficiently primed to ensure that the South South zone, from where Jonathan come, produces the President and Commander-inChief for the first time through a sincere election. Observers from all over the world including Nigerian Policy Institute USA

(NPI-USA) and The Life and Times Magazine Press witnessed the first presidential election in Nigeria that was transparently clean, clear and fair election. Echoing this are NTA, AIT, AlJazeeraTV, PressTV, ArabTV, CNN, BBC, BBC Hausa Service etc. Nigeria has received commendations around the world on how transparent the election turned out. CNN related that it was the best election conducted in the history of Nigeria. The ECOWAS Observation Mission had stated on Sunday in Abuja that â€œthe Nigerian Presidential election of April 16th, 2011, haven found no major incidents or irregularities, met the criteria of Fairness and Transparency.This has made a historic step for the strengthening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria the ECOWAS Observation Mission said. The ECOWAS Observation Mission further commended INEC for its leadership and professionalism. Head of the Mission, Prof. Amos Sawyer, former Liberia’s President, in a preliminary declaration on the polls, also commended the Federal Government and stakeholders for ensuring a peaceful and orderly election. Prof. Sawyer appealed to all candidates in the race to accept the outcome of the polls. Prof. Sawyer further commented that candidates may resort to constitu-

tional and legal channels for remedy where absolutely necessary. He further disclosed that his 300-member team was deployed to the six geo-political zones to effectively monitor the polls. Prof. Sawyer further reported saying, We observed the relatively good knowledge of and compliance with voting procedures by election officials, timely availability of election materials in majority of polling stations, and consequently their enhanced capacity to effectively administer the process. We also noted the presence of representatives of major political parties including the CAN, CPC and PDP in all polling stations, he further stated. President Goodluck Jonathan, during his victory speech and while receiving his certificate of return at the INEC office said, We are all winners, there is no victor and no vanquished. Nigerians have proved to the world that we are capable of holding free, fair and credible elections. Goodluck promised that his victory is just the beginning of great things that would happen to Nigeria as a nation. He commended INEC for a job well done, and promised that he would continue to work with the Independent Electoral Commissions (INEC) to maintain quality level of transparent electoral services in all future elections in Nigeria. Reported By: Prof. Chika E. Duru, BSBA., MBA., Ph.D.Professor of Leadership, Ken Blanchard College of Business Grand Canyon University. Phoenix, Arizona LEADS Scholar National Universities Commission Abuja, Nigeria. Abuja Bureau Chief of Life and Time Magazine

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

News and Politics

â&#x20AC;&#x153;WHY THE PDP TROUNCED ALL OTHER PARTIES IN THE APRIL GENERAL ELECTIONSâ&#x20AC;? ....Dr Sarah Jibril Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Jibril fondly referred to by her friends as Mama PDP is a dogged fighter. She has been in the Presidential race in Nigeria since contesting against Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola for the SDP Presidential race in 1993. Despite losing all the races against Abiola, Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. (Mrs) Jibril has refused to quit. She says her motivation is to prove the point that Nigeria has to recognize that its women have to be given the chance to steer the ship of the nation to the promised land since the men who have been piloting the affairs of the country since its independence in 1960 have not brought the promises of good governance and a better life to the generality of the citizens of Nigeria. Mrs. Jibril was in Los Angeles recently on March 19, 2011, on a private visit and met for a one-on-one chat with our Pub-

lisher. Below are excerpts from this revealing interview: Q: What are your hopes about the presidential elections and the chances of the PDP's candidate President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan? A: The PDP's chances are Excellent! That is why I am mobilizing and campaigning for the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan despite losing the primaries to him. We are mobilizing the youth and women to vote massively for him and we have adverts and CDs that are reaching all youth and women in many parts of the country. The PDP remains the broadest based political movement in the country. It has better ideological and structural underpin-

nings than all the other parties combined. From the foregoing, you can see that the chances of our Presidential candidate, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, winning are very bright. None of the other candidates has the depth and reach that the PDP candidate has from the Niger Delta, to the farthest reaches of Northern Nigeria. President Jonathan has succeeded in building a broad based coalition spanning all the six geo-political zones of the country. This is something none of the other opposition candidates can boast of. My prediction is that he will trounce all of

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

News and Politics

ward into an advanced nation.

DR SARAH JIBRIL AND FRIENDS WITH CHIKE IN LOS AGELES

them come the presidential elections in April 2011. Q What are the chances of female presidential aspirants in Nigeria and is Nigeria ready for a female Pesident? A: Yes Nigeria has been since 1993 when with only N8,000 in my pocket and raising just over N350,000 I was able to successfully run against Bashorun Mosshood Abiola for the SDP presidential primaries. The impact I made has broken that glass ceiling for women who want to purse this ambition. I want to add that Nigeria has to give women the opportunity to lead in the inner reaches of power and the commanding heights of the econ-

omy. Women are excellent managers of resources. Since men who have been piloting the affairs of the country since its independence in 1960 have not brought the promises of good governance and a better life to the generality of the citizens of Nigeria, it is high time women are given a chance!

I will advise Nigerians in Diaspora to conduct a mock election despite the fact that the National Assembly has not approved voting rights for them. You can vote via facebook or through an online service. Nigeria has over 15 million people in Diaspora and Diaspora Nigerians are estimated to contribute over $40 billion annually to the Nigerian economy. It is therefore not right that they cannot exercise their rights to vote.

Q What impact can Diaspora Nigerians make in the electoral process in Nigeria?

The Obasanjo regime took a step in the right direction by creating a committee on Diaspora affairs in the National Assembly that was headed by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Eruwa. Just recently President Goodluck appointed Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu as Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs. These actions show that Nigeria is recognizing the importance of Nigerians in Diaspora.

A: Diaspora Nigerians remain a growing and potent force in Nigerian politics and it is time they are allowed to vote. Nigerians in Diaspora have access to foreign capital and technologies that will help propel Nigeria for-

Diaspora Nigerians should therefore seize the moment and fight for more inclusion of Nigerians in Diaspora in running the affairs of the country including the rights to vote and elect political office holders in Nigeria.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Beauty and Fashion

ON DESIGNER

Yemi Osunkoya YEMI OSUNKOYA has won renown as a a top class couture Bridal and eveningwear designer with clientele ranging from Britain's upper crust to beautiful brides in London, Los Angeles, Ghana, Nigeria etc . Yemi has come a long way from growing up in Ibadan

to the klieg lights and runways of some of the top fashion shows around the world In this interview with Ihuoma Egbeogu our Fashion Correspondent, Yemi talks about his background, his work and his inspiration

>>> LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Beauty and Fashion

How did you get into designing? From a very early age, I showed a talent for drawing, especially human figures. As a result of great encouragements from my parents and Art teachers in Primary and secondary schools, I developed and honed this talent into fashion sketching. What is your family background? I am the third of four sons born to (Late) Professor B.O. Osunkoya and Mrs. B.C. Osunkoya. I grew up in a very happy family that lived in at the University of Ibadan campus because both my parents worked for University College Hospital, Ibadan. Where did you get your training as a designer? After obtaining a BA Degree in Fine Art, specializing in Textile design from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, I went on to study Womenswear and Menswear at The Paris Academy School of Fashion, in London; a small private school that trained itâ€™s students in Old School Couture. We were taught pattern drafting, pattern cutting, draping, the skills of hand finishing garments, etc. This is where my love for and skills in Couture tech-

niques emerged. I must point out that before my first day, I had never sat down in front of a sewing machine. I initially found it a bit overwhelming, but by the end of my first year, I produced a 6 garment Collection that received a letter of commendation from the representative of the South African embassy that attended the end of year fashion show my school organized.

method through my pattern drafting and use of integral corsetry within my gowns that moulds and fits the body into recreating the classical hourglass silhouette.

What are your specialties?

Creating the wedding gown for British singer and judge of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing’s Alesha Dixon, getting the Mahogany Bridal Designer of the Year award

I specialize in figure enhancing couture, Bridal and Eveningwear. I have over the years developed a

What is the name of your clothing line? Kosibah What are some of the high points of your career?

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Beauty and Fashion

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion designing?

about but because Iâ€™m mainly designing individual gowns for individual clients, the client in front of me at that time also plays a big part in the resulting design.

in 2002 and 2004. Being recognized by the 100+ Black UK Achievers project in 2010, and being awarded Fashion Icon at the BEFFTA (Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion & Arts) Awards in October 2010. Also being flown to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Ghana and Nigeria to dress High Society brides has been very rewarding. Where do your inspirations for your designs come from? My main aim is to celebrate and enhance the female form and I take my inspiration from that. I use various influences to bring this

What are the best perks in being a designer? Especially for a bridal designer, the appreciation of your work and it being the center of attention at a wedding is a great feeling. Also you get to go to some amazing places and venues as part of your work either for weddings, events or fashion shows.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Be very sure that is your dream and desire. If it is, don’t let anyone sway you from your goal. Acquiring some formal training in fashion is quite important from my point of view, but also getting as much work experience as you learn is vital as well. It’s a lot of hard w o r k and you must be prepared for that. Y o u m u s t also remember it is a business so just having a talent for sketching and a great imagination is not enough. You have to learn skills such as marketing, book keeping, Public Relations, etc.

Beauty and Fashion

Our Beauty and fashion Editor,

Kaykay Amamgbo also known as Queenkay by close friends and family is a total package. She is the mother of two amazing young boys under the age of 10. She is an Entrepreneur and a visionary. Queenkay resides in Northern California in the Oakland Bay Area. She is from Nigeria and has lived in the US over for half her life. Her first Literary Work " THE RECONSTRUCTION & TRANSFORMATION OF QUEEN KAY" is Autobiographical and touches on her life experiences growing up in Nigeria, being sort of a social misfit, moving to the US, at age 18, trying to find who she is really meant to be and meeting and falling in love with Emeka Amamgbo, who died tragically in 2007 after a battle with bone marrow cancer. This is her bitter-sweet story as a survivor,a widow, a mother and an accomplished entrepreneur. 20

THE RECONSTRUCTION & TRANSFORMATION OF QUEEN KAY LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Beauty and Fashion

THE RECONSTRUCTION & TRANSFORMATION OF QUEEN KAY

...Book Excerpt

Chapter 1: In An Instant October 31st 1997, I met Emeka Amamgbo. Who could forget Emeka, even after meeting him for just a few moments? It's amazing how one's life can change in an instant. I think back to that moment on that fateful day that almost never was. I reluctantly went with my friend Nikki, who never goes anywhere, especially not to Nigerian parties. I got there and I was thinking of making a Uturn back home to my cozy bed. We were gaining an extra hour due to daylight savings time, something I was still getting used to after living in America for 5 years. I was 23 and had moved to Los Angeles a year and a half prior. I was outside standing on the sidewalk chatting with Nikki, taking a breath of fresh air since it was so stuffy inside

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

the party. It was Halloween and the host was having a housewarming party. There were just too many men and a sprinkle of women. I felt like a moving target. Just as I was contemplating making a move for my car, a guy came in through the shadows, walked past Nikki and I, stopped and spun around. He came directly over to me and said, "Hi, I'm Charles". I could hardly breathe, much less say my name. I was stunned for the first time in my life. Wow! it is the closest thing I have experienced that feels like being under a spell. It was as though he came with the strong force of angels, like a powerful force. How could one human captivate me like that even without saying a word? I was spell bound and completely mesmerized by his presence. As soon as he walked away, I told Nikki, that's my husband! It wasn't as though I could even explain what it was about him I liked or what he even looked like seconds after leaving my side. It was the most magnetic strong pull I had ever felt. Ever! I left Nikki and went inside the house on my own to get back to Charles also known as Emeka. He was busy chatting with different groups of people and all I wanted was just a moment with him if only understand why I was so drawn to him. It wasn't sexual attraction it was more spiritual than anything I can ever explain. I started looking at him and began to notice the fact that he was drop dead gorgeous. He was about 6 ft tall, long and lean and had the smoothest brown skin I had ever seen. When he smiled, I felt the earth move under me. I continued to sneak glances from the corner of my eyes at him until our eyes met. He had the most amazing eyes. I was

Beauty and Fashion

captivated and I didn't know what to do. I had never been a woman to pursue a man but I felt a very strong pull towards this man. I asked myself, is he married, in a relationship, not interested? The only way to find out was by asking him. After drifting through the crowd and escaping a few guys who proposed marriage right there on the spot, I suddenly found myself a few feet away from him. My heart was beating as I waited for the person he was talking to, to disappear. Finally, our shoulders touched! I am sure you don't remember my name I said. He looked at me almost knocking me over with that stare. It’s Florence, right? I was like, No, you must have met my mother. We laughed and I guess the ice was broken. I asked him where he resided and he told me he lived in Europe and was visiting his brother in Oakland, California. I had just been to Oakland in September a little over a month prior to visit Northern California. I was a little disappointed that it was cold in the summer although it had some of the most breath taking scenery I had ever seen. I remember telling my girl Nina who I drove up there with that I couldn't imagine living there. I never knew it would actually happen. So

Emeka and I exchanged numbers and I went over to Nikki to give her the update of my pursuit. She was shocked because she didn’t know me to be that bold. But she encouraged me to follow through with it, she could tell I wasn't giving up. So we were debating whether to leave the party when I told her that I had to go back to tell him I was leaving. I just couldn't walk away without saying a proper goodbye. I walked into the living room where a group of men were hurdled in a corner and drumming and singing.. I motioned with my index finger for him to come. He stepped up slowly and steadily walked toward me and asked where are we going? He locked his elbow with mine we walked outside towards his friend who I knew personally and had met a few months before when I moved to Los Angeles. He told us he had just bought a house in Woodland Hills, which was about 30 minutes going North from where we were. I was in some kind of trance because I was going with the flow. It was probably about midnight or 1 am when we headed out to Woodland Hills following behind in my little green Nissan 200sx. I was driving and Emeka was inches from me. Wow! He grabbed my right arm and started tracing a line across my palm. I asked him what he was doing. He said, I am reading your palm, I want to know how this will end. I was too curious, I asked him if he was married, he said no. Sigh! I just wanted to make sure. Then I asked him if he had any children, he answered sounding irritated at the question, I don’t believe in having children out of wedlock. What about you? he asked me. I told him I was young, single and no children. His touch was so gentle; his voice was so sexy... I was in love.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Sports Fashion and Beauty

Beauty of the moment...

Nneoma

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

By Arthur Abraham Executive Editor, Life and Times Magazine

Ada Ozo Mrs. Nonye Grace Agude Visionary; Founder & National President

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc- Southern California Branch

Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. has coalesced into a strong and dynamic movement in the Igbo and Nigerian Diaspora community as a force that none can choose to ignore. Umu Ada is a birth right name of any Igbo female born into an Igbo family. Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. is a non-political, nongovernmental cultural and corporate organization. She draws her membership from the seven Igbo speaking States of Nigeria, namely: ABIA, ANAMBRA, EBONYI, ENUGU, IMO, DELTA & RIVERS STATES (Maka odinma Ndi-Igbo). This organization was formed with the objective of mobilizing all Igbo women towards Igbo unity and progress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Maka oganiru Ndi-Igbo. Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. also aims at preserving the fast fading Igbo Language, Culture/traditional values; Women Empowerment; Youth Development & Empowerment; as well as promoting Healthy Matrimonial Relationships in the Igbo and Nigerian communities in the Diaspora.

Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. membership spreads from the West Coast to the East Coast; from the Appalachian Mountains, through the Mississippi Basin; and to the deep recesses of the South It is also the objective of Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. to fight against domestic violence and promoting unity amongst Umu Ada, with the ultimate aim of bringing all Ndi-Igbo in the Diaspora together. Founded by a group of Igbo Women in Diaspora on November 23, 2010, this movement has now become a veritable force in the fight

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

for women and the empowerment of Nigerians in Diaspora. It is led by none other than the very hard working Lady Ada Ozo Chinonyelum Grace Agude, (Kof C), Founder/National President, who is a visionary, a true Amazon and a dogged fighter for the unity and progress of Igbo women in the Diaspora. Lady Ada Ozo is an embodiment of womanhood in all ramifications, a professional and a pathfinder in her field of endeavor. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and astute businesswoman. Lady Ada Ozo Grace Agude is the owner (with her husband) & Director of TOTAL CARE HOME HEALTH AGENCY in Riverside California. She is also the Founder & Chief Executive Director of Grace Mission for Africa Development, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and doing Business as The Succor Foundation, Inc. in the USA.

People and Places

Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc boasts of members that are top achievers and performers in their chosen professions and businesses top medical doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, professors, teachers /educators, visionaries, self-employed business women, philanthropists, dedicated home makers, wives and mothers etc. In less than one year of existence, this grassroots movement already boasts of over five (5) thousand women within its rank and file and has branches in most States in the USA. There are plans to expand to the rest of the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia and anywhere else around the world that the Igbo person resides. Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. also has a liaison office in Nigeria! It is, in fact, unimaginable just how fast and ferocious this moving train called Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. has hit the USA (by storm) and presently having branches in Northern & Southern California, New York, Maryland, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington DC, Michigan, Massachusetts, Nevada, Arizona, Oklahoma, North and South Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, Pennsylvania. In other words Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. membership spreads from the West Coast to the East Coast; from the Appalachian Mountains, through the Mississippi Basin; and to the deep recesses of the South. This massive and unstoppable spread of Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, inc. within such a short time can only be attributed to its laudable goals and objectives; the visionary leadership of Lady Ada Ozo Chinonyelum Grace Agude, (Kof C); the commitment, focus & sacrifice of its leaders and members, as well as the hand of God. In running the affairs of this great movement, Ada Ozo has the following great women leaders by her side:

In less than one year of existence, this grassroots movement already boasts of over five (5) thousand women within its rank and file... Chief (Mrs) Uloma Ihenachor, West Coast Regional Coordinator; Chief (Lady) Christy Ejiogu, East Coast Regional and State of New York Coordinator; Lady (Chief) Helen Duruhesie, State of California Coordinator; Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Otudor, State of Massachusetts Coordinator; Mrs. Rebecca Oji, state of Texas Coordinator; Chief of Staff - Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuadu; National Secretariat General: Mrs. Esther Okoye (Sec Gen), assisted by Mrs. Anthonia Anyakora-Abanise. The following women leaders also provide sterling leadership to the local Chapters of Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. in Southern California Lady Christy Onwuemelie - Los Angeles Chapter President; Mrs Ozo Ibekwe- Los Angeles Chapter Vice President; Prof (Dr.) Adaku Mogbo Los Angeles Chapter Secretary General; Lolo Blessing Nnodim - Inland Empire Chapter President; 5-Lady Benedicta Chidueme - Inland Empire Chapter Vice President; 6-Chief(Mrs) Chinyere Adiuku - President of Houston Chapter. The Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. Electoral Commission and Leadership is working on the logistics to elect the leadership in all the other state chapters. On March 19, 2011, Los Angeles California witnessed the first ever National & formal launching and Induction Ceremony of Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc., California Branch. It was a grand and colorful occasion,

filled with pomp and pageantry that drew close to two thousand distinguished Nigerians, fellow Africans, American well-wishers, etc The ceremony had the uniqueness of witnessing the launching of the first ever wax print designed and produced by members of Umuada Ndi-Igbo in Diaspora, Inc. It was the first of such bold and creative venture by any Igbo women organization in the Diaspora. History was made! In attendance at the launching ceremonies was the leadership of the World Igbo Congress fully represented by Ichie Chibuzor Onwuchekwa - PE, Chairman of the World Igbo Congress; Chief George Eze (Onyiba Nkanu), President of the Igbo Cultural Association in Southern California; Prince (Dr.) Ukeje Agu First President and one of the founders of the Igbo Cultural Association of Southern Californai; Chief (Dr.) Hillary Ihenachor - First Secretary General and Co-Founder of the Igbo Cultural Association of Southern California; His Excellency , Hon Jim Dear, the Mayor of Carson - California, a true friend and lover of Nigerians and the Nigerian Culture; Chief (Dr.) Peter Ako, a prominent Cameroon Community Leader and Sessekou of Manyu (Mamfe) in the Cameroons); many other distinguished Igbo Cultural Chiefs and their Lolos, top professionals, business elite and the rank and file of the Nigerian Diaspora community. The Chief launchers at the occasion were Chief Udo and Chief (Mrs.) Ada Nwachukwu who launched the occasion with a princely sum of $5,000 It was a colorful night laced with cultural dances, fashion displays and the best of the Nigerian/African culture... Full details of UMUADA NDIIGBO IN DIASPORA, INC... coming in our June/July edition.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

THE HEART OF SERVICE . . . A L O O K AT

On March 19, 2011 at the Renaissance Hotel at LAX the Asomugha Foundation held its 5th Annual Fundraising Gala. The distinguished gathering brought together friends, celebrities, civic luminaries and supporters who were captivated by the work of the Foundation. Patrons watched in admiration as a video presentation chronicled the altruistic efforts of the Asomugha foundation in supporting and shouldering the burden of widows and orphans in Nigeria and South Africa as well as enhancing the educational pursuits of inner-city 28

youth in the United States. The Asomugha Foundation comprises of two core programs namely, OWIN (Orphans and Widows In Need) founded in 2005 by Dr. Lilian Asomugha. OWIN provides aid to a growing population of widows and orphans who are among the most vulnerable on the continent of Africa and works to position these widows and orphans for economic success and independence through education, spiritual guidance and vocational training. In 2007, the NFL star and a distinguished scion of the Aso-

mugha family, Mr. Nnamdi Asomugha founded ACTS (Asomugha College Tour for Scholars), an annual college tour and mentoring program that provides high-achieving High School students of color with the opportunity to visit college campuses across the country. ACTS has provided over 36 students with an opportunity to tour some of America's top colleges and universities in several states including Atlanta, Boston, New York, Washington, DC and more. Both programs, OWIN and ACTS were brought under the

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

same umbrella in 2010 as "The Asomugha Foundation", a 501c(3) foundation, with a mission to have positive impact through education and empowerment on inner-city, minority youth in the U.S. and the underprivileged orphans and widows in Africa. The Asomugha family, along with several dedicated supporters, has developed priorities and principals to help address the holistic development of those less fortunate. At the heart of the Asomugha Foundation is the belief that education is essential for success and longevity. Linked to health status and economic security, education is a springboard for innovation and growth across the globe. It is the Foundation's mission to ensure that those with less means are given an equal opportunity to obtain a quality education, and thereby transform themselves, their families and communities.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the Chairman of the Foundation while his mother, Dr. Lilian Asomugha is the President. The rest of the equally distinguished scions of the Asomugha family, Dr. Chisara Asomugha (Vice President), Mr. Chijioke Asomugha (Director of Strategic Planning) and Ms. Udodirim Asomugha (Public Health and Communications) all play very active roles in the Foundation. The 5th annual fundraising Gala was urbane, classy and well attended by several notable guests. The KTLA 5 Morning News Co Anchor, Michaela Pereira served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Rev. (Dr.) Cecil "Chip" Murray, Civil Rights Leader and former Senior Pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) church received the foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award and served as the Keynote Speaker. Seun Adebiyi, JD, who

attended Yale School of Law and was an editor on the Yale Journal of International Law and Yale Journal of Regulation is also an aspiring Olympic athlete and bone marrow cancer survivor. For his heroism in the face of this debilitating disease and for his efforts to establish a bone marrow

Mr Chijoke Asomugha and wife Dr Eva Ihuoma Asomugha

The Asomughas L to R, Nnamdi, Udodirim, Dr Lilian - Foundation President, Dr Chisara, Chijoke

A cross section of the attendees watching the dance group

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Nnamdi with students from the ACTS Program

People and Places

Mr. Akbar Gbajabiamila conducting the life auction

Asomugha Foundation Members and Board

Ogene Umunna Cultural dance troupe

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Williams Donors of the Center Piece arrangements

Mr. Frank Oti and Mr Richard Rozman Board Directors

Rev.(Dr.) Cecil Murray (left) recieving Life Time Achievement Award

Mr. Seun Adebiyi accepting Humanitarian Award

Mr. Nnamdi Asomugha, Foundation Chairman addressing the attendees

registry in his home Country, Nigeria, he was recognized as the foundation's Emerging Humanitarian Award Honoree. Both silent and live auctions yielded memorabilia signed by

prominent athletes and entertainers and was conducted by the foundation's Public Relations Director, Mr. Akbar Gbajabiamila and Mr. Richard

Rozman, Director of Development Ms. Georgia Richards, Foundation Board Director. The occasion also featured a live jazz band, a Nigerian dance group and special musical performance by the artistically gifted students who participated in the ACTS program.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Entertainment/Culture section

Nestled in Down Town Manhattan between 51st Street and Utica, 9JA VILLA

can rent for private meetings and entertainment.

is an Oasis for relaxation in the hustle

Your event can be hosted by 9ja

and bustle of the big apple. 9JA VILLA

Villa professional caterers or you can

was pioneered by Chy Chy Ezeogu pop-

hold your private party at 9ja Villa

ularly known as Chy Chy New York , an

Restaurant.

entrepreneur and business woman with years of experience in the hospitality industry. The concept of 9ja Villa restaurant, bar and lounge is to provide a one stop center for food, entertainment and winding down for people in Brooklyn and in the greater New York area. 9Ja Villa also has private luxury

Bar and Lounge. 9ja Villa has a well stocked bar with a wide array of gin, whisky, schnapps, vodka, domestic and foreign beer etc.. The restaurant boasts of the following assorted culinary selections at inedible prices.

rooms and meeting rooms that guests

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Entertainment/Culture

M E N U AT 9 J A V I L L A STARTERS Suya Grilled Meat with Traditional Spices

Traditional stew served with your Choice Of:

Fresh Fish Pepper Soup

Chicken, Meat or Fish

Goat Pepper Soup

Smoked Dried Fish(stockfish)

Fried Cassava

Jollof Rice

Plantain(Dodo)

Steamed Rice Cooked in Spiced Up Tomato Stew

Egusi Ogbono Efo Vegetable Soup

5023 Avenue N. (Between E. 51st Street and Utica Ave) Brooklyn, NEW YORK 11234 Tel: 718-677-9500 web site : www.9jaVilla.com Email: 9Javilla@gmail.com

With your choice of: Chicken, Meat or Fish

Okra & Stew

Fried Yam With your choice of:

Bitter Leaf Soup

Chicken, Meat or Fish

DESERTS

Asaro(yam porridge) With your choice of:

Cheese Cake

Visit us today at:

Stew

Fried Calamari

SOUPS

Hours: Mondays: Closed Tuesdays-Fridays 3PM to 1AM Saturday-Sunday 4 PM to 4 AM Take outs and Rental available

Jamaican Style Oxtail Cooked in Caribbean Spices

Chicken, Meat or Fish

Carrot Cake Red Velvet MAIN COURSE Chilean Sea Bass Served Grilled or Steamed in Special Seasoning Whole Tilapia Served Grilled or Steamed Steamed Snails Served in a Spicy Stew Sauce Buka Stew

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

(All soups served with your choice of Eba, Pounded Yam or Amala and all main course served with Rice, Salad & Plantain) There is also plans to start the 9JA villa club and after hours from 9PM to 1 AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with the best DJ in town and occasional life bands..

youth

For several Nigerians of my generation, the ease of keeping in touch with each other is an afterthought. With the onset of social networking, your former classmate, your best friend from kindergarten, and the childhood neighbor that you lost contact with are all accessible at the click of a button. What excites me most about these newfound connections is the use of websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr as political forums. Facebook Activism (as some describe it) is sharing one’s stance on political issues through a social networking site for all one’s friends to see. These posts can be in the form of an ideologically-driven

status update, a thought-provoking picture, a controversial news article and the like. In the past month, Nigerian youth from all over the world came together through these social media websites to hold the first youth-oriented presidential debate. What About Us? is a coalition of socially-conscious organizations asking Nigerian leaders what they propose to do for Nigeria’s largest population, its youth -70% of Nigerians are under the age of 30. (http://whataboutusnigeria.org). During the debate, young Nigerians posed questions through Facebook and Twitter challenging presidential candidates about how exactly they intend to serve the needs of the

Nigerian youth. The feedback was amazing. This year’s legislative, executive, and gubernatorial elections have proven to be the fairest to date in Nigeria. I believe the youth have had every part to do with this. Several videos, photographs, and status updates flood social networking sites daily as young people attempt to keep their political parties honest. Posting such items online generates great dialogue among friends regardless of their individual political affiliations. These posts also force people to do their homework about their political decisions as they are preserved online for everyone to see and challenge if wrong. As a young Nigerian, I am thoroughly impressed and inspired by my fellow youth. I am positive that as a result of our drive, perseverance, and social awareness, Nigeria has no choice but to move in the right direction.

Ijeoma Nwawka New England School of Law, Class of 2012 Juris Doctorate

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Youth

Spring time is here with summer around the corner. Soon it will become hotter, longer days and warm breezy nights. The sky, bright blue will look freshly painted and the stars dispersed throughout will sparkle. The weather which has made California famous and admired all over the world is upon us. Along with this weather comes the time for vacations and fun. Many tourists every year come to California to see what makes it so popular. However many Californians are yet to take the opportunity to see for themselves. Living in another

Besides beaches, there are different sites such as museums and malls waiting to be explored. state made me realize how lucky we are here on the west coast. It made me realize how much we take our lifestyles, weather, and social lives for granted. It wasn’t until I was only able to visit home for a few months on summer vacations did I realize how much I really missed and loved the west coast. Not everyone is blessed with designated vacation time and the

wherewithal to take a family vacation every year. With the financial hardships across the country, this may be the hardest time to take a vacation and enjoy what God has blessed California with. I’ve learned and am still learning that there are many great local fun and inexpensive recreation places that can be enjoyed with the family. The thought of money should not discourage one from enjoying our beautiful weather. One place that must not be forgotten which gives this state one of its greatest appeals is the beach. Besides beaches, there are different sites such as museums and malls waiting to be explored. For those of us who like to sit around inside and not keen on exercising, I suggest getting out of the house once in a while and try visiting a museum, or an outdoor mall. Many cities in the LA area have days designated for swap meets or farmers market. These can be great places to walk around and explore. For those who like music, look around your local cities for free concerts in the park. These are great places for a picnic, dancing or relaxation with live entertainment. For pet lovers, try walking around a dog park once in a while. It can be a great place for you and

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

your pet to socialize. If you don’t own or have access to a private pool, a great place to take the kids when it gets hot is a local city pool. They are inexpensive. Adults can cool off with the kids too! With those with some financial leeway, a fair is a fun and experienced filled place. In southern California we are lucky to have the Orange County fair and the LA County fair during the summer. I will recommend that everyone experiences either of them (the fairs) at least once. There are so many different attractions, food, cultures and sites, etc. for a 1$ on the first day. Most of us have more time than we realize. You don’t have to wait until you are on vacation to enjoy the summer weather. Not every vacation or outing has to be expensive. With a little imagination and effort you can find and do many things you weren’t even aware this great state offers. I encourage those who have grown accustom to the all work, no play fast paced lifestyle of California to do something different this summer. Take the time to go to someplace you haven’t been in a long time or try a new experience with your family or friends. Chances are, I believe, it will remind you why we all appreciate this great state.

People and Places

Chief George Ilouno (Olili) at 50... The Los Angeles social circuit is not complete without Chief George Ilouno...(Olili) Nze Ezeonyeolulu and Odenjiji Nimo, Odenigbo Abagana and Okohia of Umuihi This great son of Nigeria celebrated his remarkable 50 years and was roasted at a ceremony that drew the cream of the Nigerian community at the Hollywood Park Casino, Los Angeles on March 26, 2011..

Q and A and a twenty page photo spread of this event of the year! 36

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

A MAN OF THE PEOPLE: Q and A interview with Chief George Ilouno...(Olili) Chief George Oranyelu Ilouno was born in 1960 to a devout Christian family of the late Chief Gabriel and Mrs. Christiana Ilouno. He hails from IfiteaniNimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. He had his early education at Government School Aba and National High School Aba and in 1983 he left to United States of America to further his education. He obtained a degree in health science and is an alumni of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles California, USA where he obtained a Certificate in Physician Assistant (Medicine) Cum laude specialized in primary care/ family medicine. Currently, he is co-owner and director of GB Medical Services, an outpatient substance abuse clinic in Long Beach California. Chief Ilouno, popularly known as Olili is a committed leader of people. He believes in serving mankind, which he takes as a lifetime commitment that requires oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to make ultimate sacrifices such as committing time, talent, knowledge and personal finance in order to achieve the ultimate goal of the people. Chief Ilouno is a committed husband and father and has been married for several years to his beautiful wife Ngozi and they are blessed with four children. In this interview with our Entertainment and Culture editor, Ambrose Ehirim, Chief Ilouno talks about his Life at 50 and his many accomplishments in his service to humanity: I am here at Hollywood Park Casino Ballroom looking at a

variety of landscape with people from all walks of life coupled with a cast of keynote speakers surrounding you. You are being roasted in a grand style, in an event commemorating your 50th birthday. It was electric and the crowd was overwhelming. What was going through your mind while being roasted? Well, I would say satisfaction, looking at the crowd and all the well wishers, I was happy and thankful knowing for the fact that I am appreciated for my contributions in my community. And as somebody who loves people I wanted everybody to come and celebrate my life with me while I am still alive. Tell me about the medical mission. When was it conceived and of what purpose?

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Actually, the medical mission was conceived in 2004 when I became the President of Nimo National Union, USA and CANADA..(NBS Americas). One of my campaign promises was that if I am elected president, I will organize a free medical mission to Nimo at no cost to NBS Americas in 2004. It was not easy in the beginning but the mission eventually became a success. After the success of the medical mission to Nimo under my Presidency, Anambra State Association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; USA (ASA-USA) got me involved and made me the coorddinator of ASA-USA medical mission because of what they saw as the result of Nimo's Medical Mission. Becoming the coordinator for ASA-USA, I led a team of medical professionals from different countries to Anambra State for free

People and Places

medical treatment and supply of medications to thousands of Amambra people under ASA-USA. I was visiting home two times a year. In August, I will go for ASA-USA medical mission and in December I will go for Nimo Town Union medical mission. We did that from 2004 to 2007 when another person took over the mission, and I said, listen, that Nimo medical mission must continue. Actually, this December, we are trying to embark on another medical mission to Nimo. You facilitated the laying of the foundation phase of Nimo Civic Center and building of toilets in primary schools. Tell me about it. When I took over the presidency of Nimo Town Union, USA.and CANADA.(NBS Americas), the civic center was in the formative stage and my administration laid the foundation stone. The whole idea

for the construction is that it will attract a lot of jobs and other things for the people of Nimo. On building of toilets in the primary schools, actually, during my Presidency, education was one of our executive agenda and renovation of schools. We thought about giving scholarships. So when we visited home we found out that most of the pupils were going to toilet in the forest. So I presented the case to Nimo Town Union in USA and CANADA that we need to do something about it. So our collective decision was to build toilets for all the primary schools in Nimo. What you are doing is what the government supposedly should be doing, the civic center, building and equipping the schools and other social programs. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your take on the government not being held

accountable? Accountability has been what I do preach. The question is what are they doing with the funds the federal government gives to the states, especially for education and other things? What are they really doing? It is quite discouraging but what can one do. We cannot sit back and watch our loved ones at home be without basic necessities like power, water, equipping the schools and other things. And that is why most of us who are community leaders here in Diaspora try as much as we can, So all we can do is to help. But again, we the community leaders here, as watchdogs we will continue to put pressure on the government hoping one day the right government will come and listen to the cry of the people. When Ngige took over, he laid the foundation for good governance. Before Ngige took over Anambra State, Anambra was forgotten, nobody knew that roads will be built, schools will be built, but actually in the two or three years that he was in the government house, he was able to improve a lot of things. Now he has set precedence for good governance. Governor Obi is trying because he took over where Ngige stopped. So the goal now is to make sure that whatever good they are doing for the people will continue with any administration that succeeds them. So things are getting better and we expect things to continue to improve. The issue is that if you have the right person, then the people will be ok. Tell me about Peoples Club International, Los Angeles Branch I am a founding member of Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club International, Los Angeles Branch and also currently

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

1st Vice Chairman. The club was founded three years ago and the reason actually I came into People’s club is the way I do things. I am a social person. I went to an event in East Coast and saw how club members carry themselves. So I came back to Los Angeles and talked to few people, I know. Then I said Los Angeles is a very big place and we need to have something like that. Some few people agreed with me and we got together, talked over it and we consulted the Chairman of Philadelphia branch, Dr. Ezegozie Eze who helped us and came to Los Angeles personally and we talked it over, and that’s the way Los Angeles branch came. Actually, to be honest with you, we are a force to be reckoned with among clubs in Los Angeles and also most in the United States, because we are growing. As a social club there are objectives, short and long term goals. For instance, in the whole of Los Angeles, there are no

banquet halls and things like that we can call our own. Is there anything in that order? Thank you! You read my mind, you know, because if you follow the history of People’s Club, both in Nigeria and anywhere; People’s Club are, they like to have a hall, and they always have their own hall. It’s not a choice; it’s something that have to be because the goal of the club is about members welfare and without them having a club where members can socialize and going there anytime they want, then that’s not what people’s club is all about. Peoples Club is where a member can walk up go to a hall where he can eat and drink as the place belongs to them. So to answer your question, yes, that’s one of our agenda and we are working towards that. The goal is to get a People’s Club Hall of Los Angeles. I think we have the capability to do it within a short time because the members are actually excited, and it will be done.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

I have heard about ‘Olili Cup’ and it looks like a big project. Tell me about it. You are right because ‘Olili Cup’ is something I love because it involves the youth. I connect to the youths because I have always liked to do something for the youths. This is because they are the great leaders of tomorrow. I considered the idea when I was still president of President of Nimo National Union, USA and CANADA..(NBS Americas). In 2006, after I stopped being president of Nimo Town Union, the youths approached me, saying Olili, what can I do for them, that they want, a cup. I said ok, I need a coordinator. ‘Olili Cup’ started in 2006 with Engineer Iyke Ezeoke as coordinator and right now the tournament is played every year. Nimo has kept it lively. We had two presidents in Nimo then that actually helped me implement it. One was Chief Jones Akpu who was the national president of Nimo and the other person was Chief Chris Obiefuna. Without both great men , I don’t think ‘Olili Cup’ would have been able to go far. And after that, in 2010, Chief Obiefuna said that due to the status of ‘Olili Cup’, ‘Olili Cup’ is going to be an institution. So he institutionalized ‘Olili Cup’. Institutionalize means that even though I’m not there, ‘Olili Cup’ has to continue. And they called it ‘Olili Cup’ Tournament. I’m looking forward to this year’s December ‘Olili Cup’. The photo essay of the grand celebration of Chief George Ilouno at 50 held at the Hollywood park Casino Los Angeles on March 26, 2011 follows on page 41

People and Places Continued from page 39...

photo essay

OLILI WORSHIPPING AND DANCING BEFORE GOD ; WITH HIM ARE DR BENARD OKWELOGU AND ODIBEZE

OLILI PRAISING AND DANCING UNTO THE LORD

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY BY LAY LEADER DAN MUOGBO

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

MINISTRATION LED BY ARCHDEACON DR. BEN NWORIE

FAMILY LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD

PROCESSING FOR CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK OLILI'S 50TH BIRTHDAY

People and Places

SINGING HYMN DURING THE SERVICE

ARCHDEACON DR. BEN NWORIES, OLILI & HIS WIFE AND MRS. OLIVE NWORIE

OLILI AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR CHILDREN

OLILI IN HIGH SPIRIT OF PRAISE

OLILI CHILDREN IN THE SERVICE

ARCHDEACON DR. NWORIE POSSES WITH OLILI'S FAMILY

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

PRINCE TONY ONYEAGORO & OLILI

CHIEF & LOLO (MRS) GEORGE ILOUNO(OLILI)

CHIEF SAM & LOLO EVELYN NWIGWE

CHIEF CHRIS & DR (MRS.) BENE IGUH WITH OLILI & HIS WIFE

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

OLILI'S MUM. MRS. CHRISTINA ILOUNO & MRS. PATIENCE OKEKE

DR CHRIS ANIEDOBE, VICTOR ANYAENEH AND OLILI

People and Places

Emma, Law, Lawrence, Olili, Nnamdi, Dave

CROSS SECTION OF NIMO DELEGATES AND CHIEFS CHIEF CHRIS & DR. (MRS.) BENE IGUH, NGOZI IKEAKOR AND ALFRED AGBIM

CROSS SECTION OF NIMO DELEGATES

OLILI, DR. (MRS.) BENE IGUH & KALIAOZO NIMO

OLILI'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

OLILI FAMILY GEORGIA, GEORGETTE, CHIEF GEORGE, LOLO NGOZI, GEORGE JR, VALENTINE

OLILI TESTIFYING DURING THE CHURCH SERVICE

MRS. OLIVE NWORIE & ENGR. TONY OKAFOR

THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY HON. CHRIS OBIEJE AND DR. SOLO EGBUHO BEING INTRODUCED BY BEN NKENMERE

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

PAT NDIGWE & VICKY NDUBUAKU

DR SOLOMON EGBUHO

People and Places

FROM LT. AKUMUO, OKAFOR,UKETUI, MMAGU, IFEDIBA, AND CHUKWURA (KALIOZO)

OLILI & FELIX OKOYE

LOLO (MRS) VICKY MMAGU AND DAUGHTER ONYINYE

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Oby Unaka, Joy Ochoifeoma and Regina Chiegboka

Hon Chief Frank and Barrister (Mrs) Dorothy Akpangbo

Olili and Odibeze making a grand entry Mrs. Cee Asiegbu (Atalanta) with Odibeze during Toasting at Olili Day in Los Angeles

Hon. Chief (Dr) Emma Mmagu (Delaware) and Chief Frank Ifediba (Omenyi Nimo) Los Angeles

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

From Lt. Mrs Ada Okpoko, Hon Dr Greg Omile (Virginia), Felix Okoye (Philadelphia) with Olili and Odibeze during Toasting at Olili Day in Los Angeles

People and Places

Hon. Chief Charles Adimora (Wagner) Chairman Peoples Club of Nigeria, Los Angeles addressing the audience

Chief (Sir) Moses and Lady Chibuzo Anusiem

From Rt, Chief Patrick Utom, (Akubundu) Chief George Ezeh (Oyiba Nkanu) President Igbo Cultural Association, Los Angeles., Chief (Dr) Dan Egonuigwe (Akuruouro) dancing with Olili

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

From Rt. Theresa Orjiakor, Ngozi Nyenke, and Ifesinachi Iloputife leads the Los Angeles beauties with Olili and Odibeze

Eunice Chine, Ekwy Okeke, Ngozi Okonkwo and Amaka Nwude.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

From Rt. Ms. Ngozi Nnorom , Lady Ada Ozo Grace Agude, President UmuAda Ndi- Igbo in Diaspora , a friend and Lady Chinyere Ivoko

People and Places

Mrs. Eunice Okpara with excitement after Toasting

Members of Obinwanne Gruop:From Lt. Vicky Ndubaku, Dora Okoye, Sally Okeke, Ogo Ogbuehi, Georgy Eze, and Ngozi Egwuatu

Chief (Engr) John & Lolo (Mrs) Felicia Agbo after Toasting

From Lt. Mrs. Oby Unaka, Mrs Joy Ochoifeoma, Odibeze, Olili, and Hon. Charles and Mrs Chinwe Izuakor

Hon Hope Ikeobi (Omeruorah) with Olili and Odibeze During Toasting

Hon Kinglsey and Mrs Chy Uba

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Hon Emmanuel Eyo (The Great) and Princess Beatrice Eyo (Lady Excel)

Hon Larry and Ada Dollars Nwafor

Prince Okey Ezeh (Eze na Ukpo) and Princess Ujunwa Ezeh (Akpunanwu) During Olili Day in Los Angeles

Chief Charles (Wagner) and Lolo (Mrs.) Cey Adimora, Chairman Peoples Club of Nigeria Los Angeles

From Lt. Nnamdi Aniedobe, Chief Theodre Okunna(Apiti Ukpo), Odibeze, Olili and Chief Frank Amobi (Ugogbuzue Ogidi)

A Section of Nimo Delegates; From Lft, Alfred Agbim (Denver), Law Oliobi (Ezeligaba) Dallax, Mbanabalagu (Paul Ifediba) Los Angeles Ede Nimo (Mmagu), Delaware, Ikenga Nimo (Uketui) Misiouri Ugobguzue ( Dave Akumuo) New Jersey Omenyi Nimo (Frank Ifediba), Los Angeles and Nwachinemelu (Ilouno) Dallax Texas

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

The Iloputife's (Adadioranma)

Lady Ada Ozo Grace Agude (National President Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora) with Chief Uloma Ihenachor, a leader of Umu Ada Ndi-Igbo during Olili's day in Los Angeles

Chief (Dr) and Lolo (Mrs) Benard Okwelogu ( Fresno) Kpakpando Ozubulu during Olili Day in Los Angeles

Chief (Dr) Nwachukwu Anakwenze (OkaaOmee Abagana)

Chief Marius Chukwurah (Kaliaozo Nimo)

Chief (Dr.) Chika and Lolo Ada Okoro

Chief Engr, (Nze) John Awujo (Mbieri)

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

HON. CHARLES AND MRS. CHINWE IZUAKOR ( STAINLESS)

Nze, Engr. Reginald and Lolo (Mrs) Chi Chi Agunwah during Olili Day in Los Angeles.

Mr & Mrs Frank Osemeka

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Prince Goddy & Princess Nkiru Ndukwe

Prince Tony and Princess Uloaku Onyeagoro with a friend

Chief Nathan Obele (Ofuonye tili Ijele)

People and Places

Chief (Engr) Martin & Lolo (Mrs) Amaka Okpala

Mr & Mrs Ejike Mbaruguru

Mr & Mrs Sylvernus Ebiriekwe

Hon Chike Nweke, Publisher & CEO of LIFE & TIMES Magazine with the Executive Editor Pst. Arthur Abraham JP

Chief (Mrs.) Iloputaife(Adadioramma) with Olili and Odibeze

Prince Chinedu Ikeanyi and Chief (Dr) Nwachukwu Anakwenze during Olili Day in Los Angeles

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Engr. Mike Ogele Roasts Olili, During Olili Day in Los Angeles

Hon Richard and Lolo Christy Onwuemelie

Hon Christopher and Mrs Uchechukwu Anigbogu

Chief Jimmy Asiegbu (Okwuroha) Roasts Olili with him are Hon. Charles Izuakor, Odibeze, Ifeanyi Okoye and Chief Chris Iguh

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Sir Chris and Lady Oge Okpala

Hon Tony Nwude in red cap socializing with the crowd during Olili day

Sports

Hon. Bright and Mrs Ngozi Egwuatu

Engr. Mike and Dr (Mrs) Tonia Ogele

Chief Chris Unaka & Lolo(Mrs) Oby Unaka

Chief & Lolo (Mrs) Frank Amobi

Atlanta beauties, Cee Asiegbu and Friend During Olili Day in Los Angeles

Chief Ben and Lolo (Mrs) Barbara Amadi

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Famous Akalaka Dance Group Performing During Olili day in Los Angeles

Famous Umunna Cultural Band Performing

Nze (Dr.) Cliff Obi (Founder Socialite Magazine)

Famous Akalaka Dance Group Performing During Olili day in Los Angeles

Masquerade Performance from Enugu State During Olili Day in Los Angeles

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Famous Umunna Cultural Band Performing During Olili Day in Los Angeles

People and Places

Hon. Okwuii Benny Okeke congratulating Olili

Hon Okwuii and Dr (Mrs) Ifeanyinwa Okeke

Mrs Obiwuru with other Los Angeles beauties

Mrs. Chinwe Izuakor, Mrs. Oge Okpala and friend

Mr. and Mrs. Obialisi and friends

Mrs. Nnenna Unaka and Dr. (Mrs) Tonia Ogele

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Mr. Peter & Mrs Joy Ochoifeoma

Hon. Ben Nkemere (Event floor Manager)

Nnenna Iwuala and Valentine Onwuekwe

From Lt. Oby Unaka, Joy Ochoifeoma, Olili, Odibeze and Charles Izuakor

From Lt. Hon Charles Izuakor, Hon Iyke Agbasi, Chido Nwangwu (Founder Class Magazine) and Hon. Gerry Udemezue

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Mr and Mrs Ndubuisi Aniemeka

People and Places

Dr and Mrs, Charles Okoye

Mrs. ChiChi Okapla and friend Hon Eddy and Ijeoma Akametalu

Chief and Mrs. Austin Onwualu with Mrs. Ngozi Obiora

Chief Sunday Okoro on the dance Floor

Chief Tony and Lolo Tonia Ofoha Chief and Lolo Benson Ahumibe

Ifeanyi Ibediro, Hon. Chairman Emma Ibe, and Hon. Emma Chime

Cross Section of Los Angeles Men during Olili Day

Lady Joe Akametalu, Lady Ada Ozo (Nonye) Agude, and Chi Mbelu

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Chief and Lolo (Mrs.) Greg Okoye

Chief and Lolo Udo Nwachukwu

Mr. and Mrs. Obiwuru Dr Frank and Mrs Georgy Eze

Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ogbuehi

Mr. and Mrs. Ani-Igbokwe

Mrs. Bridget Nwaukwa and friends

From Lt, May, Chief Hillary Ihenachor, Reward and Chidozie during Olili Day

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anyanwu

Arch. Ik and Atty Chi Mbelu

People and Places

Igbo Farm Village

In Staunton, Virginia

The Igbo people are one of the three major and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe an Igbo man was one of the founding fathers of Nigeria who were instrumental in securing Nigeriaâ€™s independence from Britain in 1960. Over the years the Igbos have helped in shaping Nigeria's political, economic, educational and social development.

On September 18, 2010, the Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton, Virginia formally opened the first of its kind, Igbo Farm Village in Staunton, Virginia. The Igbo Farm Village was modeled after traditional Igbo Compound in the 1700 and 1800 period. The authorities of the museum which curates the affairs of early settlers in America commissioned the Igbo Farm

Village to the appreciation of historians of Igbo life and sympathizers world-wide. Since many scholarly works point to Nri people as the custodians of the Igbo culture, Eze Nri (the King of Nri) in recognition of the honor bestowed to the Igbos by virtue of the Igbo Farm Village, called on the Nri people in the Diaspora to attend the dedication of the Village as his dele-

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

People and Places

Patricia Nwabuaku-Enyekwe Akudinobi contributed this article to LIFE AND TIMES magazine and works as a Community Outreach Officer with California State University, Dominguez Hills

gates. The call was answered! The dedication was marked with fanfare. The procession to the Village was led by Igbo traditional Igbo dancers. The attendees who were over a thousand were regaled by our traditional dancers and different masquerade groups. It was a grand! Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., Secretary of Higher Education, State of Maryland represented Governor Martin O'Malley, of Maryland. Dr. Lyons, an inductee to Nri Kingdom expressed his gratitude as an Igbo man and for the unique opportunity of representing his governor in that capacity for occasion. He proudly shared his Igbo name – Nnaamdi and his wife’s Igbo name – Nneka with the attendees. Dr. Lyons was a former President of California State Univer-

sity, Dominguez in the Los Angeles area. Chief Maja Umeh, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Culture represented Governor Peter Obi, of Anambra State, Nigeria. In his speech, he lauded the Frontier Culture Museum for their role in helping to preserve the Igbo culture and in recognition of that endeavor, made a donation of $50,000 on behalf of Anambra State. In his speech, John Avoli, Executive Director, Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, stated that the reason the Igbo people were honored was to recognize the role of the slaves who were of Igbo extraction in the founding and development of the State of Virginia. Other early settlers of Virginia like the English,

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

the Irish, and the German who contributed to the founding and development of the State have been honored with their own villages, so the Igbo Farm Village was quite befitting. The Igbo Farm Village received great reviews. Constructed in the typical Igbo architectural format, with mud fences, mud buildings including the obi with thatched roof, the Village, hosts a variety of wandering domestic animals as would be found in any traditional Igbo village today. The Village is a MUST SEE when in the Virginia area.

The following pages are the photo essay of this event...

People and Places

Entrance to the frontier Culture Museum

Chief Maja Umeh Anambra State Commisioner for Information and Culture

Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., (Nnamdi) with his Igbo family members

Umu Ada Igbo in Procession

Entrance to the Igbo Compound

Emeka and Pat Akudinobi with brother in-law, Chief Larry Enyekwe

Drummers accompany congregations to the dedication venue

Masqurade display

Procession to the dedication venue

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

People and Places

Dr Anakwenze and friends Cutting of the Ribbon

Dr James E. Lyons Sr, Secretary of Higher Education representing Governor Martin O'Malley, Maryland

John Avoli - Museum Executive Director

Lacy B. King,Jr., Mayor, City of Staunton speaking at the dedication

Dinner is served Roasted Yam with Palm Oil

Nri Delegates NPU-USA

Guest Speaker

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Feature

The Publisher of Life and Times Magazine has thought it expedient to address the lure known as Immigration. This is in consonant with the magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to correct the negative stereotypes that Nigerians have been associated with in the Western Media. I feel honored to undertake this auspicious duty of contributing to the immigration column, fully cognizant of the retinue of persons likely to sponge my every-stroke of the pen. In Genesis Chapter 12, verse 1 the Lord said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house, unto a land that I will shew (sic) thee: This command of God and obedience of Abram is the first act of immigration that is actually captured in print. This then authenticates the dictionary definition of Immigration as the coming into a new country, region or environment in order to settle there. Our approach to this interesting discourse shall be, first to examine all the myths and tales surrounding immigration to the United States with a hope to busting them. We shall provide a road map to a less stressful (NOT STRESS FREE) approach to legitimizing the stay in the United States after successful entry. While doing these we shall make concerted efforts not to bore your reading with legalese, Statutes, Case Law and Congressional Bills. Since we do not have an encyclopedia of common misconceptions vis-A-vis acquisition of Green Card, we shall encourage those with questions and experiences worth sharing, to contact us.

Although the United States is our focus, we understand that Nigerians travel and immigrate to all countries of the world. For this reason, we shall interpolate our write-up on the US Immigration with articles from other countries of the world as soon as we have authentic materials from able and willing contributors. It is important to mention that the articles are not in any way intended to be legal advice and/or substitute to legal representation. Irrespective of the reasons for immigration, there are mainly two types of immigrants. The Voluntary Immigrants and the Involuntary Immigrants. Whatever category one falls under, it is pertinent to know that the laws in the United States, and any country for that matter, must be obeyed. One such law that is lifeline to the immigrant is to be documented and be a legal resident. We look forward to getting feed back from all our readers. Until next edition, stay true to yourself. Like my grand father would say, it is permissible for the blind to ask whether there is oil in his soup; but whether the soup has salt is a personal undertaking, even for the blind. Attorney Paulinus Eiche Contributed this article to Life and Times and is a CA licensed attorney and Principal Partner in the Law Offices Paulinus E. Eiche and Associates he can be reached at eroje@yahoo.com

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

Lifes issues from the heart

Effective Parenting and Finding Balance in the Whirlwind of Life Little Matt was always unkempt, late for school and rarely turned in his homework. One day, I invited his mother to come in and let’s have a talk about how she and I might be able to work together as parent/teacher to help him. On the day of our appointment, Matt’s mom walked in looking really frazzled. She was obviously emotionally and physically overwhelmed. Matt was 1 of her 4 children, and she seemed to give off the vibe that her problems were just about to drown her. I truly empathized with Matt’s mom. I understand how difficult it can be for a parent to effectively help their children when they themselves are going through stressful life situations. Parenting can be daunting and exhausting, and there is so much to accomplish within a 24-hour period. At the same time, parents must be in the right mental and physical form to effectively parent their children and manage their own lives. In the wheel of life, the list below adds value to parenting:

Eating right – taking time to cook and savor nutritious meals

Raising intelligent, wellrounded, successful children

Keeping a clean house

Maintaining good health, fitness and image

Pursuing career, work and finances

Self-improvement and personal growth

Maintaining healthy relationships and friendships

Making time for God and spiritual growth

Which of these things do you think could be left out of this list? None, right? They are all important to our lives and our wellbeing. This means we have to allot time everyday to accomplish them, otherwise some aspects of our lives might suffer. For instance, stress that affects parents can also affect children. Not exercising and eating right contributes to numerous health problems, which can affect kids. It’s therefore important to

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY/MARCH 2011

BY Nicoline Ambe (Ph.D.)

find balance, and this means doing all the things we need to do to advance our lives and our children’s lives in a positive direction. I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to achieve balance is to stand in your own truth. To honor who you are as a person, to accept what you have and can afford, and to engage only in those activities that bring you positive fulfillment. To find balance, ask yourself this question. Who or what is controlling your life? What is making it impossible for you to achieve balance? When you identify them, eliminate them from your life so that you can regain control of your life. When we invest less effort in the things that don’t add value to our lives, we begin to embrace balance and fulfillment. Nicoline Ambe (Ph.D.) is a teacher in Compton, CA. She is also a speaker and consultant on parenting issues, and is the author of the upcoming book “A Teacher’s Notes: Helping Parents Prepare Their Children at Home for Success in School.” More information about Nicoline can be found on her website www.nicolineambe.com. Photo by Suzzy Ndiforchu.

Environmental, Science and Technology

Green Energy from waste, it's naturally a great idea!

By Manny Ojo, Ph.D Green energy is an environmentally friendly form of energy that produces less air pollution and avoids environmental impacts as compared to other sources of energy production.

Green Energy from waste water. When wastewater leaves your home, it travels to a treat-

ment plant where it is treated. During the treatment process, bacterial break down the wastewater solids and create a methane-rich biogas. The biogas is used in microturbine to generate eletricity. The generated electricity can be used to power homes.

Green energy from solid waste. Refuse-to-energy facilities create renewable energy from your trash. when trash is placed in landfills, it breaks down to create a methane rich biogas. The gas is collected in pipes, pulled out of the landfill. Using

vacuum, and used as fuel to produce electricity. Since methane is a greenhouse gas, converting it into electricity keeps it from warming our planet. The electricity can also be used provide homes with power. In refuse-to-energy facilities, trash is burned in a sophisticated process to generate heat that is then converted into electricity Nigeria as a nation should look into developing our landfills and build state of the art refuseto-energy facilities. This will help provide some forms of steady power supply.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

Religion/Spiritual Affairs

WHAT IS

YOUR LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S METAPHOR? If anything happens to you today, think about it. It may be an accident. It may be a coincidence. It may be the omen. 20th Century Fox presents The Omen. It's too much to be an accident. Too strange to be a coincidence. Too frightening to be ignored. The Omen. This advertisement reverberated throughout the movie world in 1976 and intrigued millions of movie goers, grossing over forty-two million dollars in its opening weekend alone! Today, let me excite your curiosity and interest in the question: what is your own life's metaphor? How do you see life? Is your life purely an accident produced by a moment of intimacy between your parents? Is it simply a series of coincidences? Or you believe your life is an omen of things to come? The answer to this question is worth more than forty-two million dollars. To say it would make or mar your life's outcome will be a gross understatement. What you believe is what will rule your life and if your beliefs are a lie, you would end up having learned how to make a living but not having really lived. Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago hosted a congress in 1923. Nine of the world's most successful financiers attended it: the president of the Bank of International Settlements, the president of the largest utility company, the president of the largest independent steel company, the president of the largest gas company, the president of the New York Stock Exchange, a member of the president's Cabinet, the greatest stock broker, the head of the world's greatest LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

monopoly, and the greatest wheat speculator. These were the most successful business men of their time. They all seemed to have mastered the secret of how to make a fortune. Now, let's fast-forward twenty-five years later and observe what their life's metaphor have made out of them.

. The president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, died a suicide. . The president of the largest utility company,

Samuel Insuff, died a fugitive from justice and penniless in a foreign land.

. The President of the largest independent

steel company, Charles Schwab, died bankrupt and lived on borrowed money for five years before his death.

. The president of the largest gas company, Howard Hopson, went insane. . The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, was released from Sing Sing Penitentiary.

. The member of the president's Cabinet,

Arthur Fall, was pardoned from prison so he could die at home. The greatest "bear" on Wall Street, Jesse Livermore, died a suicide.

The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cotton, died abroad, insolvent.

Religion/Spiritual Affairs

This article seeks to explain

for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalms 139:13-16). Do you see now that you were planned, intended, and formed by God ?

Your life is not a coincidence. A coincidence is the chance occurrence of things at such time as to seem remarkable or fitting. It is not a chance occurrence that you were born where, when, and to whom you were born. God actually "from one man (he ) made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."(Acts 17:26-27). Again, you see that your life has a purpose.

what your life

really is and what you are expected

The meeting at the Edgewater Beach Hotel was a youth congress. All these men were deceived by their life's metaphor. Their lives turned out for them to be something different from what they thought, hoped and lived for. We were taught in law school that to deceive is to induce a person to believe that a thing is true which is false and which the person practicing the deceit knows to be false or does not believe to be true. To deprive is to defraud by deceit. It is by deceit to induce a man to act to his own injury. These men were and countless millions are currently being deceived by their life's metaphor, inducing them to act to their own injury and depriving them of the ecstasy of true living.

to make of it.

Certainly, your life is not an accident. An accident is something that happened without being planned, intended, wanted or known in advance. Fortuity. Chance. Your life was planned. It was intended. It was wanted. And it was known in advance- by God. He told a man called Jeremiah that "before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5). The most famous King of ancient Israel, David, said, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained

So, what exactly is life? What exactly is your own life?

Dr. Oladipo Kalejaiye

This article seeks to explain what your life really is and what you are expected to make of it.

Your life is not an omen. An omen is a sign of what is about to happen. Object or event that is believed to mean good or bad fortune. Your life is a by-product of the conglomeration and inter-connectivity of decisions you make in your life time. It may turn out good or bad. I am sure you have heard the saying before that your decisions which translate into actions will determine your habits, your habits will determine your character, and your character will determine your destiny.

( To be continued ) Dr. Oladipo Kalejaiye holds a doctorate degree in International Law. He is licensed to practice law in the United States and Nigeria. He became a full time minister of the gospel in year 2000, and currently serves as the senior pastor of International Christian Center, Los Angeles.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE, APRIL/MAY 2011

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