AfricaWorld Newspaper 16-30 November 2014

THE FALL OF A DICTATOR

SUMMARY THE FALL OF A DICTATOR

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EBOLA: WHO HAS DONATED THE MOST

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EBOLA, AIDS MANUFACTURED BY

How France facilitated Blaise Campaore Escape.

As aptly captured by Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former leader who said in Morocco during the Atlantic Dialogues, one week (on October 24) before the downfall of Burkina Faso dictator Blaise Compaoré,“I believe there is no alternative to democracy for us in Africa.

No other form of government will serve the purpose of Africa.” How are the mighty falling in Ouagadougou, the capital of landlocked Burkina Faso in West Africa?

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HUMILITY IS STRENGTH

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TRANSFER IT NOW....

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THOMAS SANKARA WE MISS YOU

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CAMEROON: GSK LAUNCHES CALL

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HISTORY OF PAN AFRICANISM

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By Ukachukwu Okorie

PRIDE OF AFRICA NATASHA CHIRWA

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Editorial KUDOS TO Editorial tiEQUATORIAL tleddddd GUINEA It is no longer new that there is Ebola in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. However, it is news that Nigeria dealt with the hydra-headed monster of a virus without mercy.

It is also important to note that the spread of the virus has been halted despite its deadly nature.

For this, the global community must be hailed starting from the United Nations, United States, Cuba, Great Britain, EU, Nigeria, China, France, Germany, Canada, Bill & Melinda Gates and Volunteers from all corners of the globe particularly in the West and Africa.

But more kudos to the government and people of Equatorial Guinea for coming to the rescue of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in hosting 2015 African Cup of Nations, after Morocco disappointed.

Although preparations will be hasty but Africans and soccer fans around the world appreciate this singular rescue mission at this critical time. This shows that African countries are coming of age in getting their acts ready in emergencies especially on infrastructures and mutual support.

I sincerely commend the people of Equatorial Guinea for showing this brotherly love to the rest of the continent. Long Live Equatorial Guinea! Long Live Africa!

Come in.

Uka

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THE FALL OF A DICTATOR

By Ukachukwu Okorie and executed.

In the words of Leela At 33, Blaise ComJacinto, Blaise Campaore rose to prom- paore was on the inence after the international stage success of the coup ‘Beautiful Blaise’ due d’etat which deposed to his availability to Major Jean-Baptiste doing the western Ouedraogo on 4 Au- bidding especially for gust 1983, having France. Jacinto further the charismatic Cap- described Blaise Camtain Thomas Sankara, paore by saying “The who was under house French have a term, arrest as leader. As- ‘pompier pyromane’, sociates like Captain Henri Zongo and Major Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani were part of the coup team.

A fiery and ruthless dictator, Blaise Campaore took power on the 15 October 1987 in a coup d’ etat that murdered his friend and predecessor Thomas Sankara, who was head of state.

After taking the leadership of Burkina Faso, he reverted many of the pragmatic policies of the Sankara revolutionary era, claiming that his policy was a ‘rectification’ of the Burkinabe revolution.

Initially, he ruled with the support of Henri Zongo and Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani.

However, in September 1989 these two were arrested, and charged with plotting to topple the government, summarily tried,

that can best be translated as a pyromaniac fireman who compulsively starts fires so he can rise to the occasion to put them out.” A major attribute of ‘Beautiful Blaise’ came as a supposedly assistance in the war against terror and playing regional ‘pompier pyromane’, negotiating peace

deals as a ‘man of dialogue’. How come a murderer and ruthless dictator became a regional leader. Well, he helped France facilitate the removal of Laurent Gbagbo and install their puppet Alassane Ouattara.

Against all odds and in a surprising display of courage and anger for Burkinabes known for peaceful disposition, the opposition mobilised protesters on October 30 storming the national assembly where lawmakers were planning to amend the constitution, for the elongation of Campaore’s tenure. They did not only stop the process in the legislative house but the later was sacked. By the next day, Blaise Compaore was said to have resigned. How can he resign when he ran for his life. As

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usual, the ‘folktale’ about Blaise resignation came from French media. And the truth of the matter was that he got rescued from the fury of demonstrators.

How did France come in to rescue the ‘Beautiful Blaise?’

AfricaWorld source in Ouagadougou pointed out Blaise Campaore’s close shave with death at the twilight of his dictatorship.

“He was practically helpless as he could not reach the military camp in Po, which is in the south”, our reporter informed.

Soldiers of the military camp are known for their barbaric acts especially in acting as goons to the ousted dictator. On learning that close to a million people have poured into the streets, in what seemed like the Arab spring revolution, and no clear way to

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Po for safety, his convoy stopped at Manga/Nobere. Manga/Nobere is in the north, and about 50km from Po. On learning that Blaise Campaore was stuck, and if it did not act swiftly, could end up like Muamar Gaddafi, France mobilized its special forces in Ouagadougou to airlift the dictator with French Helicopter to Fada N’Gourma airstrip in the east of Burkina Faso. From there, he was flown to Ivory Coast where wards the flat-roofed his wife Chantal was villa in a 27-car convoy. Ever since they born. moved in, nothing has Blaise Compaore and been heard from the complex built in the his family are shel1970s, which serve tered in ‘Villa des Hotes’, a luxury walled as the Ivory Coast government mansion government official residence for foreign with well laid out dignitaries. lawns and wroughtiron gates that remain On the sidelines of his visit to Canada’s firmly locked. Our source said the for- Quebec, French leadmer dictator, his fami- er Hollande confirmed ly and their entourage France assistance in were seen moving to- ensuring that Com-

2014 November 16 - 30 03

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By Ukachukwu Okorie

paore was able to leave Burkina Faso ‘without drama.’

Blaise Campaore’s ruthlessness and bid to hold on to power energized the teeming youths of the West African country where 60 percent of the population of almost 17 million are under 25.

Ebola: Who has donated the most?

Ujo Intimidating the spirit the stillborn man you are loved by brutes and those that bully like ancient gods you are revered by animals attached you are to them like a Siamese twin you bring worries like a lover you love to caution but rule over a people nations get thy smack before the main menu you make pants wet you love the panic buttons like throats love water but when chips are down you dread yourself like a layman in battle The Big Willie Engine of the family you differentiate men from boys friendly to the rise of humanity awh! you love the beaded meat ruthless at the wrong pelvic they admire your swagga and hunger for your actions even at a probation period you wreak havok as you love the family you also tear ‘em apart a rare gift to mankind to who it concerns you are a bargaining chip and the real power that decides who rules Chukwu Sets the rules for the earthen ware jars shapes the porter from eyes to hand without any change old as your abode www.africaworld.com follow as on twitter @Africaworldnews

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04 | 2014 November 16 -30

Editorial Poems ByEditorial Ukachukwu tiOkorie tleddddd The motherless man Here comes the eyes that saw once a gazelle in the tears of her world deprived of the cuddles that inspire and the voice that protects.

Lost in the limbo of confusion demands made came splattering like blood sprayed on earth he came, he saw and wept.

Oh my adoring mother faded fast like icicles on the sun rise though congealed but evergreen lies in you.

I aim with the ink Bored of the status quo where the anthem breeds sleep singing is for a side and the chorus is for every throat.

Heralding the poor cantata in the spirit of the living things breathing at all cost matters for the living and dead living things.

Oh my spirit repels you my finger pulls the trigger of the mightier paint inching provocations for my people

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Ebola, AIDS Manufactured By Western Pharmaceuticals, US DoD? Scientists allege deadly diseases such as Ebola and AIDS are bio weapons being tested on Africans. Other reports have linked the Ebola virus outbreak to an attempt to reduce Africa’s population. Liberia happens to be the continents’s fastest growing population.

By: Dr. Cyril Broder- publish my letter in ick, Professor of Plant their Internet forum.

Pathology I gave my permission, but I have not seen it http://www.liberianob- published. Because of server.com/security/ the widespread loss ebola-aids-manufacof life, fear, physiotured-we... logical trauma, and http://investmentdespair among Libewatchblog.com/afri- rians and other West cans-claim-u-s-creat- African citizens, it is ed-ebola-cri... incumbent that I make Tue, 09/09/2014 - a contribution to the 09:59 admin resolution of this Scientists Allege devastating situation, which may continue Dear World Citizens: to recur, if it is not I have read a numproperly and adeber of articles from quately confronted. I your Internet outreach will address the situaas well as articles tion in five (5) points: from other sources about the casualties 1. EBOLA IS A GEin Liberia and other NETICALLY MODIFIED West African counORGANISM (GMO) tries about the human devastation caused by Horowitz (1998) was the Ebola virus. About deliberate and una week ago, I read ambiguous when he an article published explained the threat in the Internet news of new diseases in his summary publication text, Emerging Virusof the Friends of es: AIDS and Ebola Liberia that said that - Nature, Accident or there was an agree- Intentional. In his inment that the initia- terview with Dr. Robtion of the Ebola out- ert Strecker in Chapbreak in West Africa ter 7, the discussion, was due to the con- in the early 1970s, tact of a two-year old made it obvious that child with bats that the war was between had flown in from the countries that hosted Congo. That report the KGB and the CIA, made me disconcert- and the ‘manufacture’ ed with the reporting of ‘AIDS-Like Viruses’ about Ebola, and it was clearly directed at stimulated a response the other. In passing to the “Friends of during the Interview, Liberia,” saying that mention was made African people are not of Fort Detrick, “the ignorant and gullible, Ebola Building,” and as is being implicat- ‘a lot of problems ed. A response from with strange illnesses’ Dr. Verlon Stone said in “Frederick [Marythat the article was land].” By Chapter not theirs, and that 12 in his text, he had “Friends of Liberia” confirmed the exiswas simply providing tence of an American a service. He then Military-Medical-Inasked if he could dustry that conducts

biological weapons tests under the guise of administering vaccinations to control diseases and improve the health of “black Africans overseas.”

The book is an excellent text, and all leaders plus anyone who has interest in science, health, people, and intrigue should study it. I am amazed that African leaders are making no acknowledgements or reference to these documents.

sues turn into jelly, even if it is refrigerated to keep it cold.

Spontaneous liquefaction is what happens to the body of people killed by the Ebola virus! The author noted in Point 1, Dr. Horowitz, chides The Hot Zone for writing to be politically correct; I understand because his book makes every effort to be very factual. The 1976 Ebola incident in Zaire, during President Mobutu Sese Seko, was the introduction of the GMO Ebola to Africa.

2. EBOLA HAS A TERRIBLE HISTORY, AND TESTING HAS BEEN SECRETLY TAK- 3. SITES AROUND ING PLACE IN AFRICA AFRICA, AND IN WEST AFRICA, HAVE OVER I am now reading The THE YEARS BEEN Hot Zone, a novel, SET UP FOR TESTING

by Richard Preston EMERGING DISEASES, (copyrighted 1989 ESPECIALLY EBOLA and 1994); it is heart-rending. The The World Health prolific and prominent Organization (WHO) writer, Steven King, and several other UN is quoted as saying Agencies have been that the book is “One implicated in selecting of the most horrify- and enticing African ing things I have ever countries to particread. What a remark- ipate in the testing able piece of work.” events, promoting As a New York Times vaccinations, but purbestseller, The Hot suing various testing Zone is presented regiments. The August as “A terrifying true 2, 2014 article, West story.” Terrifying, yes, Africa: What are US because the pathoBiological Warfare Relogical description of searchers Doing in the what was found in an- Ebola Zone? by Jon imals killed by the Eb- Rappoport of Global ola virus is what the Research pinpoints the virus has been doing problem that is facing to citizens of Guinea, African governments.

Sierra Leone and Liberia in its most recent Obvious in this and outbreak: Ebola virus other reports are, destroys peoples’ among others: internal organs and the body deteriorates (a) The US Army Medrapidly after death. It ical Research Institute softens and the tis- of Infectious Diseases

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2014 November 16 - 30 05

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(USAMRIID), a wellknown centre for biowar research, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland;

By Ukachukwu Okorie

(b) Tulane University, in New Orleans, USA, winner of research grants, including a grant of more than $7 million the National Institute of Health (NIH) to fund research with the Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever; (c) the US Center for Disease Control (CDC); Disturbingly, many reports also conclude (d) Doctors Without that the US governBorders (also known ment has a viral fever by its French name, bioterrorism research Medicins Sans Fronlaboratory in Kenema, tiers); a town at the epicentre of the Ebola out(e) Tekmira, a Cana- break in West Africa. dian pharmaceutical The only relevant company; positive and ethical olive-branch seen in all (f) The UK’s of my reading is that GlaxoSmithKline; and Theguardian.com reported, “The US gov(g) the Kenema Gov- ernment funding of ernment Hospital in Ebola trials on healthy Kenema, Sierra Leone. humans comes amid warnings by top sciReports narrate sto- entists in Harvard and ries of the US DeYale that such virus partment of Defense experiments risk (DoD) funding Ebola trials on humans, tri- triggering a worldals which started just wide pandemic.” That weeks before the Ebo- threat still persists. la outbreak in Guinea 4. THE NEED FOR and Sierra Leone. The LEGAL ACTION TO reports continue and OBTAIN REDRESS FOR state that the DoD DAMAGES INCURRED gave a contract worth DUE TO THE PERPET$140 million dollars UATION OF INJUSTICE to Tekmira, a Cana- IN THE DEATH, INJURY dian pharmaceutical AND TRAUMA IMcompany, to conduct POSED ON LIBERIANS Ebola research. This AND OTHER AFRIresearch work involved CANS BY THE EBOLA injecting and infusing AND OTHER DISEASE healthy humans with AGENTS. the deadly Ebola virus.

Hence, the DoD is list- The U. S., Canada, ed as a collaborator France, and the U. K. in a “First in Human” are all implicated in Ebola clinical trial the detestable and (NCT02041715, which devilish deeds that started in January these Ebola tests are.

2014 shortly before There is the need to an Ebola epidemic was pursue criminal and declared in West Afri- civil redress for dam ca in March. ages, and African

countries and people should secure legal representation to seek damages from these countries, some corporations, and the United Nations. Evidence seems abundant against Tulane University, and suits should start there.

Yoichi Shimatsu’s article, The Ebola Breakout Coincided with UN Vaccine Campaigns, as published on August 18, 2014, in the Lib erty Beacon.

5. AFRICAN LEADERS AND AFRICAN COUNTRIES NEED TO TAKE THE LEAD IN DEFENDING BABIES, CHILDREN, AFRICAN WOMEN, AFRICAN MEN, AND THE ELDERLY. THESE CITIZENS DO NOT DESERVE TO BE USED AS GUINEA PIGS! Africa must not relegate the Continent to become the locality for disposal and the deposition of hazardous chemicals, dangerous drugs, and chemical or biological agents of emerging diseases. There is urgent need for affirmative action in protecting the less affluent of poorer countries, especially African citizens, whose countries are not as scientifically and industrially

endowed as the United States and most Western countries, sources of most viral or bacterial GMOs that are strategically designed as biological weapons. It is most disturbing that the U. S. Government has been operating a viral hemorrhagic fever bioterrorism research laboratory in Sier ra Leone. Are there others? Wherever they exist, it is time to terminate them. If any other sites exist, it is advisable to follow the delayed but essential step: Sierra Leone closed the US bioweapons lab and stopped Tulane University for further testing.

The world must be alarmed. All Africans, Americans, Europeans, Middle Easterners, Asians, and people from every conclave on Earth should be astonished. African people, notably citizens more particularly of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone are victimized and are dying every day. Listen to the people who distrust the hospitals, who cannot shake hands, hug their relatives and friends.

Innocent people are dying, and they need our help. The countries are poor and

My Woman Ushers in the greatness like the gatekeeper of the vine spreading of the thigh heralds the dawn but unheralded they face in this gathering.

Loving as career seems to prove troubled one lays bitter fangs for the eagle that poaches and the one that devours.

The love of the world kiss that brings forth touch that soothes the genesis of everything.

I am not illegal Cork and bull story, is it?

May be or may not be sure sailing for greener pasture flying across the Atlantic or trekking on the sand dunes all for a better living. you are legal and you are illegal immigration is a privilege it isn’t a right, they keep yelling.

I am never illegal in my world humanity belongs to all you sailed to my homeland accompanied by guns and bible i came empty handed you sailed to my homeland and bought my ancestors i came with open heart to mingle because my aim is single humanity owns the world.

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06 | 2014 November 16 -30

Editorial Poems ByEditorial Ukachukwu tiOkorie tleddddd Mother Africa The foundation of the earth You bore nations of all colours Leaving abundant resources For them to live on You endured tribulations Is it your babies taken forcefully?

Or those whose land were defiled?

Mama, your gods were taken away And aliens brought in many taboos You were molested by your sister’s children Your offspring were relegated And tears you shed uncontrollably But you cautioned on the need for patience That she who laugh last Will definitely laugh best Failte Eirean Sailing into the island With the hand of the holy one In the search of what is to come The authority of man to explore Oh Eireann! Land of the shamrock You nurtured my faith Dipped me into the river Jordan Bathed me in the life of his son The man who is worshipped The island of cheerfulness and fun That my future shall be a fortune

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cannot afford the whole lot of personal protection equipment (PPE) that the situation requires. The threat is real, and it is larger than a few African countries. The challenge is global, and we request assistance from everywhere, including China, Japan, Australia, India, Germany, Italy, and even kind-hearted people in the U.S., France, the U.K., Russia, Korea, Saudi

Arabia, and anywhere else whose desire is to help. The situation is bleaker than we on the outside can imagine, and we must provide assistance however we can. To ensure a future that has less of this kind of drama, it is important that we now demand that our leaders and governments be honest, transparent, fair, and productively engaged. They must answer to the peo-

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ple. Please stand up to stop Ebola testing and the spread of this dastardly disease.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely, Dr. Cyril E. Broderick, Sr. About the Author: Dr. Broderick is a former professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Liberia’s College of Agriculture

Humility is Strength Vitamins for the mind Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.

- Rick Warren

Every good relationship, especially marriage, is based on respect.

If it’s not based on respect, Humility is not cow- Talent is God-given; nothing that appears ardice. to be good will last be humble.

Meekness is not weak- Fame is man-given; be very long. ness.

- Amy Grant thankful.

Humility and meekness Conceit is self-given; are indeed spiritual As we grow as unique be careful. powers. persons, we learn to - John Wooden - Swami Sivananda respect Comparisons are odi- the uniqueness of It’s all about human- ous. others. ity, humility, and in- - Old English Saying - Robert H. Schuller tegrity.

- Debra Wilson There is overwhelmWe take refuge in pride because we are ing evidence that the Pride makes us arafraid to tell the truth higher the level of tificial, and humility self-esteem, to ourselves. makes us real. the more likely one - Kakuzo Okakura - Thomas Merton will be to treat others It comes down to the with respect, The ego lives by com- way you treat people. kindness, and generparisons...

When you treat peo- osity.

The ego cannot sur- ple with dignity and - Nathaniel Branden vive without judgrespect all the time, ment. you can work through There is no respect - A Course in Miracles anything. for others without humility in one’s self.

- John Bacon Real excellence and - Henri Frederic Amiel humility are not inEvery human being, of compatible one with whatever origin, Be modest, be rethe other, of whatever station, spectful of others, try on the contrary they deserves respect. to understand. are twin sisters.

We must each respect - Lakhdar Brahimi - Jean Baptiste Lacor- others even as we daire Once you respect respect ourselves. yourself, there is no - U. Thant longer A man’s pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.

- Proverbs 29:23

and Forestry. He is also the former Observer Farmer in the 1980s. It was from this column in our newspaper, the Daily Observer, that Firestone spotted him and offered him the position of Director of Research in the late 1980s. In addition, he is a scientist, who has taught for many years at the Agricultural College of the University of Delaware. any reason to disrespect anyone else.

Once you are confident of your own worthiness, the worthiness of others ceases to be an issue.

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie There is magic in respecting others.

Respect customers, vendors, bosses, employees, co-workers.

Respect parents, spouses, sons, daughters.

Respect the trash collector, the mayor, the bank teller, the truck driver.Cab driver.

Respect the president. the lawyer.the dancer.

Respect all human being.

-Jonathan Lockwood Huie Real excellence and humility are not incompatible one with the other, on the contrary they are twin sisters.

- Jean Baptiste Lacordaire Regards Paul Aniugo No judgment,no expectation.Learn from yesterday Live for today Hope for tomorrow!

IT

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Transfer it now…

by Uche Onyenagubo

Good news for Africans and Nigerians in particular. Tech_Pilot brought you news about sending money and airtime home some years ago. As financial researchers continue to progress in their bid to make it easier for people in Diaspora to sort financial burden at home, results are impressive.

We know that when there is no competitive market, monopoly is inevitable. We mentioned in that edition on how Western Union and MoneyGram dominated the money transfer market for a long period that we literally danced to their tune.

Moreover, there is no proper accountability at the recipient’s location. In that edition we mentioned that we can now send money directly to our bank account in Africa (Nigeria to be precise) then we can transfer onward as the case may be. The giant stride taken by “WorldRemit” at the time provided that opportunity. So, desired clients are able to send/transfer money from the comfort of their home (via Cred-

it/Debit Card) without having to visit Western Union Agents, An Post (post office) or African shops.

Recently, Tech_Pilot has discovered another opportunity for Africans to send money to their loved ones and in fact, engage in some sort of savings for themselves. This facility provides ability to send and receive money to your selected bank account in Nigeria which was the case as reported in that edition. The competition has started and the market is polarized giving opportunity for consumers to chose which suits them in terms of cost advantage. The new discovery is “Small World FC”, this financial services have incorporated many notable banks in Nigeria, including Skye Bank, Fidelity bank, etc offering affordable commission rates to send money home.

“Small World FC”, is Europe leading financial providers and trusted payment service providers that offers fast and secure means of sending and receiving money around the Globe. The institution also offer bank account transfers, cash pick-ups, mobile top ups, home delivery and mobile wallet top up. Just like every other money transfer institution,

this network ensures selected bank account that payments can in Nigeria. be collected under 15 The example is illusminutes and that bank trated below: accounts can be cred- The two images show ited within hours. the compared prices Tech_Pilot was able of sending €100 from to administer a reIreland to Nigeria. The search to evaluate the World Remit will delivservices rendered by er €20,333 and Small these companies and World FS will deliver realized that “Small €21,218 all fees inWorld FS” offered a cluded on both cases. more effective and So you can clearly see least commission (in the competition. some cases ZERO Tech_Pilot will contincommission) for their ue to bring you techservices, and it goes nological advantage in straight into your today’s world.

Check them out if you desire: World Remit: https://www.worldremit.com/ Small World FC LLC: http://www.smallworldfs. com/

2014 November 16 - 30 07

Poems

By Ukachukwu Okorie A Piece of Africa The joy of inhabitants Splashing in the pool Running on the sandy beaches Biceps at large The thongs freaking out It’s all a sleeveless show From the rise of the sun To its setting Lasting long, it does not But the birds make the most of it While animals cry for it A long day of fun Heralded by movement in the sky And the thronging of the legs As if it were in Africa O’Connell Dual and historical Jolts from the liffey Caresses Panel’s tommy Mat with indelible marks of foot Sitting on the confluence place Smiles at the Post and his struggles You take the new and old Standing tall and proud in his eyes Oh O’connell! Kindest art thou!

How hast thou changed?

In the course of the struggle That the olden dead Might not know thee again follow as on twitter @Africaworldnews Join thousands who follow us on facebook

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Return of the Native

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Editorial Poems ByEditorial Ukachukwu tiOkorie tleddddd The Glasnevin Belly A sea of heads Lying beneath the earth Eaten by the moth of life Seen only by the bits of flesh Daily my eyes feast Through the rails of that place A Golgotha on the throat of Eireann Dead lay the mighty of the land In the midst of the lowly A sea of tombs In the south lay Cynthia In the north come a sight Rust of old bricks Yelling for epitaph Oh Glasnevin!

The glutton for souls You devoured a million Yet you hunger more On the belly of your Southside Without thirsting for a drink Indeed, you are the journey of the dead.

Big Nyash Left...Right...Left...

Right Moving majestically and simultaneously Sets tongue wagging And the eyes browsing Commits the holy To the unthinkable Palatable in a portable thing You send pulse racing And force men to miss their heartbeat You pulled the greatest conquest In the history of man Kings adore thee in secret Playboys worship you in public Your exuberance is second to none Teasing all and sundry

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THOMAS SANKARA WE MISS YOU SO MUCH

“This revolution and women’s liberation go together. We do not talk ofwomen’s emancipation as an act of charity or because of a surge of human compassion. It is a basic necessity for the triumph of the revolution. Women hold up the other half of the sky.”

On October 15, 1987, the sun tragically set at dawn in Burkina Faso asan Iroko tree fell, blocking a pathway to the only stream meant for majority in a village.

A country of over 16 million people, Burkina Faso formerly called Upper Volta was colonised by France until 5.

Volta to Burkina Faso, a once impoverished meaning land of hon- country to a path of est men. sustainable development. Thomas led I remember vividly where others were how the African con- afraid, to an African tinent felt when he renaissance in the inleft the scene uncer- alienable right to total emoniously. Though independence, starting in primary school, i with vestiges of coloread newspapers my nialism.

by Ukachukwu Okorie

Although he was killed by the current dictator and errand boy in Burkina Faso, Blaise Campaore, who ironically has ruled since 1987, placing the country as the third poorest in the world, Thomas Sankara left a legacy to future generations in Africa. He imbibed into millions the spirit of courage, renaissance, love and vision for the total

August 1960 when it gained independence.

Like many African countries colonised by the French, Upper Volta remained dependent on France for survival in all spectrum of existence until August 4 1983 when Thomas Sankara swept away an unpopular and anti-people regime. His revolution and programs shook the colonial masters and their errand boys in the impoverished west African country.

President Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara was born on Dec. 21, 1949 in Yako, Haute Volta. A Military Officer, Pan-Africanist and revolutionary, Sankara went to school in Gaoua and Bobo-Dioulasso. His father, Joseph Sambo Sankara, a gendarme fought in world war 2 and was detained by the Nazis.

In a muslin dominated country, Sankara, who had wanted to be a priest, was very popular among most Burkinabes. No sooner he became leader, 33 year old Sankara changed his country’s name from Upper

Dad brought home announcing the execution of this African icon by his friend and lieutenant. Sankara is one of the special breed from Africa.

Where do i start in recounting his initiatives and programs for the restoration of the economic independence of Africa via Burkina Faso and the dignity of man.

He took a non-aligned foreign policy as soon as he became incharge, denouncing foreign aid to his country and setting

sThomas Sankara was so popular and confident that he jog daily on the streets of Ouagadougou alone without the usual paraphernalia of a president. He abolished female genital mutilation, cut wages of all public servants, abolished exotic official cars, redistributed lands from shylock landlords to the poor, opposed aids, embarking on ambitious food cultivation to feed his people and spreading the ideology of educational vitality.

emancipation of Africa from the shackles of dependence. His widow, Mariam Sankara sums it up, “Thomas knew how to show his people that they could become dignified and proud through will power, courage, honesty and work. What remains above all of my husband is his integrity.”

May your soul rest in perfect peace, Thomas Sankara.

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2014 November 16 - 30 09

Cameroon: GSK launches first call for proposals for research in to non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa Distributed by APO glaxosmithkline.jpg PRESS RELEASE GSK launches first call for proposals for research in to non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa Up to £4m will be available in this first funding round LONDON, United-Kingdom, November 14, 2014/ -- GSK (http://www.gsk. com) today launched the first call for proposals for its Africa NCD Open Lab, to support much-needed scientific research into non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa. Up to £4m will be available in this first funding round, to support successful proposals from researchers in Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.

Logo GSK: http:// www.photos.apo-opa. com/plog-content/ images/apo/logos/ glaxosmithkline.jpg The Africa NCD Open Lab was established by GSK earlier this year, with a commitment of £25m funding over five years, as part of a series of strategic investments in sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, and across developing countries, non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, are becoming more prevalent, and we need to learn more about how – and why – these diseases manifest dif-

ferently in this setting. The Africa NCD Open Lab aims to address this through the creation of an innovative research network that will see GSK scientists collaborate with researchers across Africa on high quality epidemiological, genetic and interventional research, from its hub at GSK’s Stevenage R&D facility in the UK. The aim is that this will specifically inform interventions for the prevention and treatment of five priority diseases - cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and chronic respiratory disease – while helping build local expertise and creating a new generation of African NCD experts.

This builds on the success of GSK’s Open Lab in Tres Cantos, Spain which provides independent researchers access to GSK facilities, resources and knowledge to help them advance their own research projects into diseases of the developing world such as malaria, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. Since the Tres Cantos Open Lab was established, 15 projects from world class institutions have been completed, progressing much needed research into diseases of the developing world.

An independent external advisory group, comprising clinical and scientific experts in the field of NCDs, will review applications to the NCD Open Lab,

with recommendations for funding based on scientific merit. The group will consist of a majority African membership to ensure that only locally-relevant research is funded.

A second call for proposals in South Africa is planned for early in 2015 which will be launched in collaboration with the Medical Research Councils of South Africa and the UK, with a combined £5m funding.

Dr. Mike Strange, Interim Head of the Africa NCD Open Lab, said: “We believe the highly collaborative research network we’re creating through the Africa NCD Open Lab has the potential to dramatically improve understanding of NCDs in Africa – and could ultimately, accelerate the development of new, better medicines to treat these.

“The launch of our first call for proposals is an important milestone for this initiative, and we encourage researchers working in the field of NCDs who are based in the eight eligible countries to consider applying for the funding and expert support available to them through this.”

For more information, or to submit a research idea for consideration, please visit http://www.gsk.com/ africa-ncd-openlab.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

• GSK

(http://www.gsk.com) has a long history in the developing world, including the development and trial of new vaccines for malaria and Ebola. Its vaccines are included in immunisation campaigns in 170 countries worldwide and of the 862 million vaccine doses delivered in 2013, more than 80% were shipped for use in developing countries.

• In 2015, GSK will donate its five billionth tablet of albendazole to treat intestinal worms and lymphatic filariasis – part of the company’s long-term commitment to tackle neglected tropical diseases which affect people in the world’s poorest countries.

• GSK has formed a ground-breaking fiveyear partnership with Save the Children, to help save the lives of one million children living in the poorest countries in Africa.

The partnership combines the resources and capabilities of two organisations to help bring medicines and vaccines to some of the world’s poorest children, train thousands of healthcare workers, and seek to alleviate child malnutrition.

• In March 2014, GSK announced a series of targeted investments of up to £130m in Africa over the next five years, designed to address pressing health needs and contribute to long-term business growth.

Poems

By Ukachukwu Okorie The Third World Colours Bright as your garment Deep like your gaze Proud as your mother Where it all began I saw you with a smile From the eyes of your chick One with the rainbow When will it be?

The food that nourishes One that will bind Like the story of them Them that are penguins Matabele Bumps Full and cleavages deep gutter for it just fellanges at it sending tears to eyes and a pound on a chest you are a strong clip holding forth invitingly punishing those with sight and bringing them on like wasps sweet and so sweet to intoxicate

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Pan Africanism

10 | 2014 November 16 -30

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HISTORY OF PAN AFRICANISM: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA

a full grammar and vocabulary of Nupe in 1864.

- Wikipedia

By Adeyemi Adeleye Tunwase

He served as a great instrument of modern slavery (missionary and colonisation) in breaking the communication barrier between colonialists, missionarists and the indegenous inhabitants of the West Coast Region of Africa. Considering the controversial circumstances precipitating his participation in the british expedition, he could not have done better than he had if only he knew or forsaw the consequencies of his noble decisions to negotiate a freedom cause for his race.

- Adeleye

ABSTRACT: The above topic is aimed at critically studying the concept of Pan Africanism in Nigeria and also to unravell the mystries behind the track record of Pan Africaism in Nigeria. This study seeks to bring about a thorough scrutiny on the rhetorical events, present situations and possible future prospects for the sustainability of Pan Africanism and the challenges it had been confronted with, lastly offering possible remedies to promote the growth of pan africanism in the country.

Moreso; the study shall attempt to carefully analyse the sequence of several pan african events of the country in reference to the total struggle for the emancipation of Africa and particularly Nigeria have undergone in the attempt to reedeem the almost exterminated African glories of pan african endeavours.

Furtherly, we shall proceed by conceptualising the topic in the following manner below for easy collation of notable data and identification of cogent points: DEFINITION OF THE TERM: Pan Africanism is the ideology which posits that all Africans and Lovers of Africa both home and abroad, regardless of colour, age, sex or economic status and political affiliations should or may unite on the platform of African

Liberation to profer a lasting solution to the African Predicament in the face of rapid Globalization.

- Adeleye “Pan-Africanism is also an ideology and movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide.

It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social, and political progress and aims to “unify and uplift” people of African descent. The ideology asserts that the fate of all African peoples and countries are intertwined. At its core Pan-Africanism is “a belief that African peoples, both on the continent and in the Diaspora, share not merely a common history, but a common destiny” - Wikipedia OVERVIEW OF PAN AFRICANISM: Pan-Africanism stresses the need for “collective self-reliance”.

Pan-Africanism exists as a governmental and grassroots objective. Pan-African advocates include leaders such as Haile Selassie, Ahmed Sekou Toure, Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi, grassroots organizers such as Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X, academics such as W. E. B. Du Bois, and others in the diaspora.

Solidarity will enable self-reliance, allowing the continent’s potential to independently provide for its people to be fulfilled. Crucially, an all-African alliance would empower African people globally.

(in today’s Iseyin Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria), Crowther was a Yoruba man who also The realization of the identified with Sierra Pan-African objective Leone’s ascendant would lead to “power Creole ethnic group. consolidation in AfMission: Crowther was rica”, which “would compel a reallocation selected to accompany the missionary of global resources, as well as unleashing James Frederick Schon a fiercer psychological on the Niger expedition of 1841. Toenergy and political assertion...that would gether with Schon, he was expected to learn unsettle social and political (power) struc- Hausa for use on the expedition. The goal tures...in the Americas”. United, African of the expedition was nations will have the to spread commerce, economic, political and teach agricultural social clout to act and techniques, spread compete on the world Christianity, and help end the slave trade. stage as do other large entities, such as Following the expedition, Crowther was the European Union and the United States. recalled to England, where he was trained Advocates of Pan-Afri- as a minister and canism – i.e. “Pan-Af- ordained by the bishop of London. He ricans” or “Pan-Afreturned to Africa in ricanists” - often 1843 and with Henry champion socialist principles and tend to Townsend, opened a be opposed to exter- mission in Abeokuta, nal political and eco- in today’s Ogun State, nomic involvement on Nigeria. the continent. Critics Crowther began accuse the ideology of homogenizing the translating the Bible experience of people into the Yoruba language and compiling of African descent.

They also point to the a Yoruba dictionary.

In 1843, a grammar difficulties of reconciling current divisions book which he started working on during the within countries on Niger expedition was the continent and within communities in published; and a Yoruba version of the Anthe diaspora. glican Book of Com- Wikipedia mon Prayer followed later. Crowther also ORIGIN OF PAN AFRICANISM IN NIGERIA compiled A vocabulary of the Yoruba THE PRECOLONIAL language, including a ERA large number of local proverbs, published SAMUEL AJAYI CROWTHER AND THE in London on 1852.

He also began codifyBRITISH EXPEDITION ing other languages.

OF 1841: Biography: The Right Following the BritReverend Samuel Ajayi ish Niger Expeditions of 1854 and 1857, Crowther D.D. (c.

1809 – 31 December Crowther produced a 1891) was a linguist primer for the Igbo and the first African language in 1857, Anglican bishop in Ni- another for the Nupe geria. Born in Osogun language in 1860, and

THE 1861 CESESSION OF THE EKO TERRITORY: The cesession of the EKO territory by Oba Dosunmu to the british consulate at about the paltry sum of (GB2000) marked the era of british influence on the native people of Lagos from the original tribe of Yoruba Kingdom tribe and Edo (Benin) Kingdom.

This political decison gave the british merchants more power to actually preside in the native domains.

Several exchange of socio-cultural ideas transpired which are the major events which witnessed the native rulers participating in the slavery.

Many of the then Eko (Lagos) citizens were exchanged for several commercial or political gains, transported from the soil of motherland (Benin, Eko, Badagry, Calabar, Elkanemi, Bene, Togo , Gold Coast, Upper Volta) to the far reaching continents of

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the world i.e. Europe (Britain, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, etc...), USA (Maryland, Georgia, New York, Akansas, Washington, Texas, Detroits, Virginia Islands, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobego, St Dominican Republic, lastly Canada and Jamaica).

- Adeleye

Colonization Society, Delany had to abandon plans for a largescale expedition. West Indian RobertCampbell, his sole expedition colleague, left before Delany, and consulted British cotton-growers before sailing on to Lagos. On learning this, Delany left immediately for West Africa. After a five-week stay in Liberia during THE ARRIVAL OF MAR- which he changed his TIN DELANY 1856: mind about the setBiography: Martin tlers there, he left Robison Delany (May for Lagos, where, 6, 1812 – January after lengthy discus24, 1885) was an sions with the men of African-American ab- importance and the olitionist, journalist, ruler, he was granted physician, and writa 330 sq. footplot of er, arguably the first ground. Delany finally proponent of black caught up with Campnationalism; Martin bell in Abeokuta in Delany is considered November 1859. to be the grandfather of Black nationalism. The two men had He was also one of extensive discusthe first three blacks sions with the Alake admitted to Harvard Okukenu of Abeokuta, Medical School. So he who agreed to admit returned to writing, a limited number of publishing The Origin settlers and to grant and Objects of Anthem equal rights. cient Freemasonry; Its The settlers had to Introduction into the respect Ebga laws, United States and Le- the Alake specified. gitimacy Among Col- They were to bring ored Men and prior to ‘a knowledge of the that, The Condition, arts and sciences, Elevation, Emigration agriculture and other and Destiny of the mechanic and industriColored People of the al occupations’. With United States Political- financial aid mainly ly Considered, a trea- from the British Antise that explored the ti-Slavery Society and option of blacks rethe Cotton Supply Asturning to their native sociation of ManchesAfrica. ter, the two men then toured other Yoruba Mission: This prompt- cities, and obtained ed a trip to Nigeria similar agreements. in the mid-1850s They then travelled to negotiate land to Britain, where for African-American they were positively emigrants, as well received. Both men as exploring Central wrote accounts of America and Canada their journey; Delany’s as options. Delany Official Report of the wrote about what he Niger Valley Exploring found there as well as Party, was published a novel, Blake: Or the in both London and Huts of America. How- New York in 1861. It ever, in the face of is a very respectful competition from the account of the peoWhite-led American ples whose countries

Pan Africanism

he travelled through, their agriculture, animal husbandry and implements; their industriousness and affability. Towns and markets he found to be ‘orderly and well regulated’.

the Niger. The first step was the deposition of the Docemo (ruler) of Lagos in 1862. As the British now ruled Lagos, the Alake had little option but to bow to their influence. This led Delany to wonder Slavery existed he if there was any difnoted, but of a toference between the tally different kind British and the Amerito that in European cans: the ‘great powcolonies: the enslaved ers’ policy is changed were prisoners-of-war from that of abject and criminals, and slavery to reducing were not too harsh- them to political dely treated and were pendents’ (Sterling, usually eventually p.224). freed. It was ‘Protes- - Wikipedia tant kings and Protestant missionaries’ KING JAJA OF OPOon the coast who BO AND THE BRITISH were the ‘most cruel EXPEDITION : oppressors’ (p.50).

Biography: (Jubo The Africans, DelaJubogha; 1821–1891) ny noted, wondered was a merchant what the use was prince and the foundof the book-learning er of Opobo city-state and ‘civilisation’ be- in an area that is ing brought to them now part of Nigeria. by the missionaries, Born in Umuduruoha, if power can only Amaigbo, in Igboland, belong to the White he was sold at about man? ‘Africa is our the age of twelve fatherland’, Delany as a slave in Bonny. wrote, and must be Jubo Jubogha later ‘regenerated. Her took the name “Jaja” position among the for his dealings with existing nations will the British. depend mainly upon the high standard she Mission: Jaja proved may gain compared his aptitude for busiwith them in all her ness at an early age, relations … political- earning his way out ly and commercially of slavery; he was en… Africa [is] for the culturated according African race …’ to Ijaw (Ibani) rituals and eventually estabHowever, Delany’s lished himself as head plans were doomed to of the Anna Pepple failure. Anglican mis- House. Under Jaja’s sionaries in leadership, Anna PepAbeokuta, fearful of ple soon absorbed a the presence of edu- number of Bonny’s cated African Amer- other trade houses icans, persuaded the until an ongoing disAlake (king) that he pute with the Manilla should deny signing Pepple House led by an agreement with Oko Jumbo forced Delany. With the out- Jaja to break away as break of the American Opobo city-state in Civil War, the British 1869. became fearful of their source of raw Opobo soon came to cotton drying up, and dominate the region’s sought to advance lucrative palm oil cotton-growing along trade, and was soon

2014 November 16 - 30 11

home to fourteen of what were formerly Bonny’s eighteen trade houses. Jaja also moved to block the access of British merchants to the interior, giving him an effective monopoly; at times, Opobo even shipped palm oil directly to Liverpool, independent of British middlemen.

- Wikipedia THE CREATION OF ROYAL NIGER COMPANY AND THE EXILE OF KING JAJA OPOBO: In 1884, the europe(Britain, Germany and France and Poland) all met in Berlin to scramble for the divide of the continent and its endownment. In 1895 The Royal Niger Company treaty was established by the british merchants to secure the ability to involve or rather control local trade of commercial resources. For the first time It represented the administrative hub of their ill socio-political and economic intensions. In this era, british merchants participated in the exchange of ridiculous objects (mirror, umbrella, bycicle, combs and compass) for natural resources i.e. palm oil, palm kernel, timber, palm trees, cocoa, rubber, bittlemen, charcoal, and coconut shells) etc.

At the 1884 Berlin Conference, however, the other European powers designated Opobo as British territory, and the British soon moved to claim it. When Jaja refused to cease taxing British traders, Henry Hamilton Johnston, a British vice consul, invited Jaja to negotiations in 1887.

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When Jaja arrived, the British arrested him and tried him in Accra in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) then took him to London for some time, where he met Queen Victoria and was her guest in Buckingham Palace.

After some other turbulent history,[clarification needed] he was exiled to Saint Vincent in the West Indies. Plans were also made for him to be relocated to Barbados.

In 1891, Jaja was granted permission to return to Opobo, but died en route, allegedly poisoned with a cup of tea. Following his exile and death, the power of the Opobo state rapidly declined.

Jaja eventually won his liberty after years of fighting against his wrongful abduction, and it was agreed by Parliament that he could be repatriated to Opobo. Jaja was by then an old man and after years in exile his health had deteriorated. He embarked on a British vessel bound for Opobo, but his health continued to fail and on his way back Jaja died.

His body was shipped instead to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where he was buried.

The anger and fury felt by his people due to the chain of events that had preceded, compelled many Opobians to press their demands for the body of their king, which was promptly exhumed and transported back to Opobo for Jaja to be buried there. Many of his people had never given up hope that one day their much loved and powerful king (Amayanabo) would return, and after his

pany trading post in January 1895 led to reprisals by the British in which his capital was sacked. Following a report on the Nembe uprising by Sir John Kirk which was published in March THE NEMBE-BRITISH 1896, Koko was ofREVOLT 1895: fered a settlement After 1884, the Nembe kingdom was of his grievances but found the terms unincluded in the area over which the British acceptable, so was deposed by the Britclaimed sovereignty as the Oil Rivers Pro- ish. He died in exile in tectorate. The Nembe, 1898. who by now controlled - Wikipedia the palm oil trade, at first refused to sign a THE BRITISH INVASION treaty, and fought to OF THE BENIN KINGprevent the Royal Ni- DOM 1897: ger Company obtain- This political upheaval ing a trade monopoly. marked the begning In January 1895 the of a general resistance from the Benin Nembe King William Koko led a dawn at- Kingdom which was tack of more than a then one of the most thousand warriors on civilised socities in Afthe company’s head- rica and the globe at large. With the refusal quarters at Akassa, with no European ca- of Oba Ovorahawen sualties. This triggered to accept the religion of christianity which a retaliatory raid in which the British de- was then presented stroyed the town of to him by deception Brass and slaughtered at first, claiming its four thousand Nembe. was meant to strenghten the ties between Many more Nembe died from an outbreak the two socities, of smallpox.The Brit- later turned out to be the greatest chalish later established a consulate in Twon- lenge that befell the benin kingdom. The Brass, from where they administered the King then presented area. Traditional rulers her daughter to the were reinstalled in the british queen and she was re located to 1920s, but with an England to be indocessentially symbolic role which they retain trinated.

- Adeleye today.

- Wikipedia THE NATIONALISTS STRUGGLES FOR INTHE EXILE OF KING DEPENDENCE 1914KOKO “MINGI VIII 1960: OF NEMBE” (1853– In this part of the 1898): Known as King Koko write up, we shall and King William Koko, giving considerations to the accounts of was an African ruler several Nationalists in of the Nembe Kingrelation to struggle dom (also known as Nembe-Brass) in the for indepence and Pan Niger Delta, now part Africanism. In Nigeria, of southern Nigeria.A during the race for Christian when chosen Self Government, Naas king of Nembe in tional Leaders, except 1889, Koko’s attack for some few ones, on a Royal Niger com- were more focused body was returned he was honoured with two years of mourning and with a ceremony immortalising Jaja as a deity.

- Wikipedia

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(aka General Saki).

The movement originally started as the Lagos youth movement, it was partly formed to voice concerns about the lackluster colonial higher ERNEST IKOLI AND education policy. The THE CREATION OF THE NIGERIAN YOUTH movement was largely Lagos based but MOVEMENT 1923: as varied members Biography: He was entered the organiBorn at Nembe in zation, it metamorpresent day Bayelsa phosed to become State and educated at Bonny Government the Nigerian Youth Movement; a politiSchool, Rivers State cal action group with and King’s College, a nationalistic flavor Lagos. After comand outlook. Nnamdi pleting his studies at King’s College, he Azikiwe, an important became a tutor at the political personality school - a post which joined the group in 1936 and brought in he left to pursue a a large followership. career in journalism.

Ikoli is remembered today as one of the In 1941, when Sir pacesetters of Nigeri- Kofo Abayomi, a Laan journalism and the gos leader of the movement, resigned independence strughis position at the gle. For a period he worked at the Lagos legislative council, an election was held Weekly Record, a paper that has since among NYM members disappeared. He was to select a candidate to contest the seat. the first editor of In the primary electhe Daily Times of tion, Samuel AkisanNigeria, which was ya collated the most launched in June 1926 with Adeyemo votes, second was Ernest Ikoli, but with Alakija as Chairman of the Board. He later the support of H.O Davis, Awolowo, Akinbecame publisher of the now defunct Af- tola and a few others, the central committee rican Messenger. In of the organization the 1930s he was which had the right one of the founders of the Nigerian Youth to review the results presented Ernest Ikoli Movement and was once the movement’s as the movement’s president. During this candidate. Though, period, the movement Oba Akisanya immewas engaged in an in- diately congratulated tense power struggle Mr Ikoli, he later rewith Herbert Macau- neged and contested lay’s NNDP. In 1942 but lost the seat as he was elected onto an independent candithe Legislative Council date with the support and was re-elected in of his primary backer, Nnamdi Azikiwe. The 1946. loss of Akisanya in the election led to his Mission: Ernest Ikoli exit from the movestarted the Nigerian Youth Movement with ment, Azikiwe also left the movement, other prominent Nigerians like Hezekiah both took away most Oladipo Davies, James of their supporters.

Churchill Vaughan and The resulting feud is Oba Samuel Akisanya seen by some anaon the Nationalists aspect of Pan Africanism rather displaying the overall character of a True Pan Africanist.

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lysts as a contributing catalyst to the enmity that exist between some ethnic groups in the country and also as a major focal point of electoral disputes and the ominous role they played in destabilizing the country.

- Wikipedia

masses. A grandson of Ajayi Crowther, the first African bishop of the Niger Territory, he was born into a Lagos that was divided politically into groups arranged in a convenient pecking order – the British rulers who lived in the posh Marina district, the HERBERT MACAULAY Saros and other slave AND THE CREATION descendants who lived OF NDDP (1923) & to the west, and the NCNC (1944): Brazilians who lived Biography: Olayinbehind the whites in ka Macaulay Badmus the Portuguese Town. was born in Lagos on Behind all three lived November 14, 1864 the real Lagosians, to Thomas Babington the masses of indigMacaulay and Abigail enous Yoruba people, Crowther, children of disliked and generally people captured from ignored by their privwhat is now present ileged neighbours. It day Nigeria, resetwas not until Macautled in Sierra Leone lay’s generation that by the British West the Saros and BrazilAfrica Squadron, and ians even began to eventual returnees to contemplate making present day Nigeria. common cause with Thomas Babington the masses.

Macaulay is one of the sons of Ojo Oriare Macaulay was one of while Abigail Crowther the first Nigerian nais the daughter of tionalists and for most Bishop Samuel Ajayi of his life a strong Crowther. Thomas opponent of British Babington Macaulay rule in Nigeria. As a was the founder of reaction to claims by the first secondary the British that they school in Nigeria, the were governing with CMS Grammar School, “the true interests of Lagos. After going to the natives at heart”, a Christian missionMacaulay wrote: “The ary school, he took dimensions of “the a job as a clerk at true interests of the the Lagos Departnatives at heart” are ment of Public Works. algebraically equal to From 1891 to 1894 the length, breadth he studied civil engi- and depth of the neering in Plymouth, whiteman’s pocket.”

England. On his reIn 1908 he exposed turn, he worked for European corruption in the Crown as a land the handling of railway inspector. He left his finances and in 1919 position in 1898 due he argued successfully to growing distaste for the Chiefs whose for the British rule land had been taken over the Lagos Colby the British in front ony and the position of the Privy Council in of Yorubaland and the London. As a result, Niger Coast Protector- the colonial governate as British colonies ment was forced to in all but name. pay compensation to the chiefs. In retaliaMission: Herbert Ma- tion for this and other caulay was an unlike- activities of his, Maly champion of the caulay got jailed twice

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by the British.

Macaulay became very popular and on June 24, 1923, he founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), the first Nigerian political party.

The party won all the seats in the elections of 1923, 1928 and 1933.

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editor of African Morning Post, Ghana, 1934; founded West African Pilot, Nigeria, 1937; helped found National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), 1944; served as president of NCNC, 1946-60; became member of Nigerian legislative council, 1947; elected to Eastern Region Assembly of Nigeria, 1953; became premier of the Eastern Region Assembly, 1954; became president of the Nigerian senate, 1959; became governor-general of Nigeria, 1960; served as president of Nigerian republic, 1963-66.

- Wikipedia

lion virile, determined and ambitious people scattered all over the economies of the world can not and must not be restricted from reaching even beyond the stars.

That fortunately is the kind of positive and forthright posture that informed the broad activities of the team of George PadTowards the end: more, C.L.R. James, In 1944 Macaulay Kwame Nkrumah and co-founded the Naothers at the fifth tional Council of Nicongress on the isgeria and the Camersue of our indepenoons (NCNC) together dence. They not only with Nnamdi Azikiwe demanded immediate and became its presindependence for all ident. The NCNC was African countries, a patriotic organizathey threatened to tion designed to bring use every means, together Nigerians of including violence if all stripes to demand necessary, to achieve THE 5TH PAN AFRIindependence.[5] In their aims. Kwame CAN CONGRESS OF 1946 Macaulay fell ill Nkrumah, Jomo Kenin Kano and later died 1945: yatta, Nnamdi Azikiwe The congress, held in in Lagos. The leadManchester in 1945, who was represented ership of the NCNC and many other powent to Azikiwe, who coincided with the later became the first second conference of tential African leaders president of Nigeria. the World Federation left the congress deMacaulay was buried of Trade unions, thus termined to do battle at Ikoyi Cemetery in enabling several trade with our colonisers. union delegates from Out-break of mass Lagos on May 11, 1946. Nnamdi Aziki- the African world to anti-colonial struggle followed throughout we delivered a funeral attend and broaden Africa. Armed uprising the narrow intellecoration at Macaulay’s tual base of the Pan in Kenya and Algeria, burial ceremony.

African Congress for mass nationalist par- Wikipedia ties in Zaire, Ghana the first time. It, of and Nigeria etc. This NNAMDI AZIKWE AND course, also helped phase of the struggle to lock Pan AfricanTHE CREATION OF ism more firmly into led to Ghana’s indeNCNC: Biography: Born Ben- the Marxist – socialist pendence in March, jamin Azikiwe on No- politics of the union- 1957, under the vember 16, 1904, in ists, thereby diverting leadership of Kwame Zungeru, Nigeria; died us witlessly from our Nkrumah. Ghana’s exoriginal goal of racial ample electrified the 1996; married Flora African world resulting emancipation, to a Ogbenyeanu Ogoegin scores of free Afriformless, rhetorical bunam, 1936; children: three sons, one and tedious sin-song can countries between 1960 and 1963. daughter. Education: about the working class uniting to over - Wikipedia Lincoln University, B.A, 1930; University throw the nebulous of Pennsylvania, M.A. bourgeois. The truth African Nationalists Attended Howard Uni- of the matter is that (Kwame Nkurumah, Nnamdi Azikwe, Sekversity and Columbia traditional African politics is not homo- ou Toure, etc...) first University; geneous and there is came in contact with their Diaspora CounMission: Became first no reason why the terparts attending fortunes of a whole Nigerian to study in United States, 1925; race of people should the 5th Pan African be condemned to the Congress in the year served as instructor status of the working 1957. This reunion at Lincoln University, 1931-34; became class for ever. A bil- ushered a new be-

Pan Africanism

14 | 2014 November 16 -30

gining into the total emancipation of the continent from the hands of the colonial dominations.

ANTHONY ENAHORO’S DECLARATION FOR INDEPENCE IN 1953: Biography: Anthony Enahoro (22nd July 1923-15th December 2010) was one of Nigeria’s foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists. He was born the eldest of twelve children in Uromi in the present Edo State of Nigeria.

His Esan parents were Anastasius Okotako Enahoro (d.1968) and Fidelia Inibokun nee Ogbidi Okojie (d.

1969). Chief Enahoro has had a long and distinguished career in the press, politics, the civil service and the pro-democracy movement. Educated at the Government School Uromi, Government School Owo and King’s College, Lagos, Chief Enahoro became the editor of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 at the age of 21, thus becoming Nigeria’s youngest editor ever.

He later became the editor of Zik’s Comet, Kano, 1945-49, also associate editor West African Pilot, Lagos, editor-in-chief Morning Star, 1950-53.

Mission: Chief Anthony Enahoro’s attempt to move the motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953 failed. His motion was rejected

by Parliament and the northern MP’s actually staged a walkout as a consequence of the attempt. The successful movement of the motion for Nigeria’s independence did not take place until 1958.

After Enahoro’s ini-

tial attempt in 1953, Chief S.L. Akintola attempted to move the second motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1957 and though his motion was passed

by Parliament it was not acquiesced to by the British colonial authorities and it therefore failed. The successful moving of the motion for Nigeria’s independence did not take place until August 1958 and this was done by Chief Remi Fani-Kayode.

Fani-Kayode’s motion was not only passed

by Parliament but it was also acquiesced to by the British. His motion had called for independence to be granted to Nigeria on April 2nd 1960 and though it was passed

by Parliament and acquiesed to by the British a slight amendment proposing that the month of independence should be moved from April 2nd to October 1st was proposed by a fourth motion to Parliament

by Sir Tafawa Balewa in 1959 and it was passed.As a consequence of that Nigeria gained her independence in 1960.

- Wikipedia POST COLONIAL ERA AND FLAGGED INDEPENDENCE 19601963: In 1960, Nigeria gained independence from their colonial tomentors there by paving way for self-government in Nigeria.

This set of Nationalists (Nnamdi Azikwe, Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macalay, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa) were all representing the Nigerian Parliarmentary System, and for the first time, the people of Nigeria came together under

an umbrella to discuss Liberation born in issues of National In- Abeokuta to the The Randsome Kuti famterests. ilys. Fela developed REPUBLICANISM AND the habit for music but His noble father PAN AFRICANISM whom was then an 1963-1966: Educationist had wantTHE ARRIVAL OF OMOWALE OMOWUN- ed Fela to study Law in the United Kingdom MI (MALCOM X) IN but on getting there NIGERIA 1964: The Fela changed his disNigerian Nation became republican in the cipline into Music and thats how he started year 1963 creating the Musical Crusade moreavenue to for the people to convene to instrumentalise Afon the basis of eth- rican Developments. nic majority. A strong proponent of muslim Mission: Kuti thought and African militancy the most important had arrived in Nigeria way for Africans to to unite with the na- fight European cultive people of Ibadan. tural imperialism was to support traditionMalcom visited the University of Ibadan, al African religions and lifestyles. The meeting the with several students and American Black Power movement also influaccademicians. This enced Fela’s political event witnesed the “Muslim Student Soci- views; he was a supet of Nigeria” (MSSN) porter of Pan-Africanrechristening Malcom ism and socialism, and called for a united, X with the Native name Omowale mean- democratic African ing the ‘return of the republic. He was a candid supporter of child’. human rights, and many of his songs are THE MILITARY AND direct attacks against PAN AFRICANISM: On the 15th of Janu- dictatorships, specifary 1966, the Nigeri- ically the militaristic an Military led by Gen governments of Nigeria in the 1970s and Aguyi Ironsi seized 1980s. He was also a power from the republican government social commentator, and he criticized his with the republican constitution immedi- fellow Africans (espeately being suspended cially the upper class) for betraying tradiand jettisoned only for the Supreme Mili- tional African culture. tary Councils to take The African culture he believed in also charge and act in place of the supended included having many parliamentary consti- wives (polygyny) and the Kalakuta Republic tution. The military had displayed one of was formed in part as a polygamist colits chronic and indespensable features ony. He defended his which is overzealous- stance on polygyny ness in its carrier and with the words: “A quest to capture the man goes for many women in the first political power. place. Like in Europe, FELA KUTI AND AFRO- when a man is married, when the wife is CENTRISM: sleeping, he goes out Biography: The Legand f***s around. He endary Afro-Beatz should bring the womKing and Political en in the house, man, Gladiator of Afrikan

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to live with him, and stop running around the streets!”[17] His views towards women are characterized by some as misogynist, with songs like “Mattress” typically cited as evidence[18] In a more complex example, he mocks the aspiration of African women to European standards of ladyhood while extolling the values of the market woman in his song “Lady”.

In the 1970s, Kuti began buying advertising space in daily and weekly newspapers such as The Daily Times and The Punch in order to run outspoken political columns, bypassing editorial censorship in Nigeria’s predominantly state controlled media.

Published throughout the 1970s and early 1980s under the title Chief Priest Say, these columns were essentially extensions of Kuti’s famous Yabi Sessions—consciousness-raising word-sound rituals, with himself as chief priest, conducted at his Lagos nightclub.

Organized around a militantly Afrocentric rendering of history and the essence of black beauty, Chief Priest Say focused on the role of cultural hegemony in the continuing subjugation of Africans. Kuti addressed a number of topics, from explosive denunciations of the Nigerian Government’s criminal behavior; Islam and Christianity’s exploitative nature, and evil multinational corporations; to deconstructions of Western medicine, Black Muslims, sex, pollution, and poverty. Chief Priest Say

Pan Africanism

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was cancelled, first

by Daily Times then

by Punch, ostensibly due to non-payment, but many commentators[who?] have speculated that the paper’s respective editors were placed under increasingly violent pressure to stop publication.

- Wikipedia

also very unpopular with the ruling government, and raids on the Kalakuta Republic were frequent. During 1972, Ginger Baker recorded Stratavarious with Fela appearing alongside Bobby Gass.

Around this time, Kuti became even more involved in the Yoruba religion.

THE MILITARY INCURSION ON THE KALAKUTA REPUBLIC: After Fela and his band returned to Nigeria, the group was renamed The Afrika ‘70, as lyrical themes changed from love to social issues. He then formed the Kalakuta Republic, a commune, a recording studio, and a home for the many people connected to the band that he later declared independent from the Nigerian state. Fela set up a nightclub in the Empire Hotel, first named the Afro-Spot and then the Afrika Shrine, where he both performed regularly and officiated at personalized Yoruba traditional ceremonies in honor of his nation’s ancestral faith. He also changed his middle name to Anikulapo (meaning “He who carries death in his pouch”), stating that his original middle name of Ransome was a slave name.

The Kalakuta Republic being burnt by the NPF and Military in 1977.

In 1977, Fela and the Afrika ‘70 released the album Zombie, a scathing attack on Nigerian soldiers using the zombie metaphor to describe the methods of the Nigerian military. The album was a smash hit and infuriated the government, setting off a vicious attack against the Kalakuta Republic, during which one thousand soldiers attacked the commune. Fela was severely beaten, and his elderly mother was thrown from a window, causing fatal injuries. The Kalakuta Republic was burned, and Fela’s studio, instruments, and master tapes were destroyed.

Fela claimed that he would have been killed had it not been for the intervention of a commanding officer as he was being beaten.

Fela’s response to the attack was to deliver his mother’s coffin to the Dodan Barracks in Lagos, General Olusegun Obasanjo’s residence, and to write two songs, “Coffin for Head of State” and “Unknown Soldier”, referencing the official inquiry that claimed the commune had been destroyed by an unknown soldier - Wikipedia

Fela’s music was popular among the Nigerian public and Africans in general. In fact, he made the decision to sing in Pidgin English so that his music could be enjoyed by individuals all over Africa, where the local languages spoken are very diverse and numerous. As popular as Fela’s music had become in Nigeria and elsewhere, it was FELA KUTI AND PO-

LITICAL MOBILISATION: Kuti thought the most important way for Africans to fight European cultural imperialism was to support traditional African religions and lifestyles.

The American Black Power movement also influenced Fela’s political views; he was a supporter of Pan-Africanism and socialism, and called for a united, democratic African republic. He was a candid supporter of human rights, and many of his songs are direct attacks against dictatorships, specifically the militaristic governments of Nigeria in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a social commentator, and he criticized his fellow Africans (especially the upper class) for betraying traditional African culture.

The African culture he believed in also included having many wives (polygyny) and the Kalakuta Republic was formed in part as a polygamist colony. He defended his stance on polygyny with the words: “A man goes for many women in the first place. Like in Europe, when a man is married, when the wife is sleeping, he goes out and f***s around. He should bring the women in the house, man, to live with him, and stop running around the streets!” His views towards women are characterized by some as misogynist, with songs like “Mattress” typically cited as evidence. In a more complex example, he mocks the aspiration of African women to European standards of ladyhood while extolling the values of the market woman in his song “Lady”

2014 November 16 - 30 15

In the 1970s, Kuti began buying advertising space in daily and weekly newspapers such as The Daily Times and The Punch in order to run outspoken political columns, bypassing editorial censorship in Nigeria’s predominantly state controlled media.

Published throughout the 1970s and early 1980s under the title Chief Priest Say, these columns were essentially extensions of Kuti’s famous Yabi Sessions—consciousness-raising word-sound rituals, with himself as chief priest, conducted at his Lagos nightclub.

Organized around a militantly Afrocentric rendering of history and the essence of black beauty, Chief Priest Say focused on the role of cultural hegemony in the continuing subjugation of Africans. Kuti addressed a number of topics, from explosive denunciations of the Nigerian Government’s criminal behavior; Islam and Christianity’s exploitative nature, and evil multinational corporations; to deconstructions of Western medicine, Black Muslims, sex, pollution, and poverty. Chief Priest Say was cancelled, first

by Daily Times then

by Punch, ostensibly due to non-payment, but many commentators[who?] have speculated that the paper’s respective editors were placed under increasingly violent pressure to stop publication.

- Wikipedia THE BLACKS FESTIVAL ARTS AND CULTURE OF 1977 (FESTAC 77): In 1977, from 15

January to 12 February, the Second World Festival of Black Arts or Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture - known as FESTAC ‘77- took place in Lagos, Nigeria, under the patronage of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Attended by more than 17,000 participants from over 50 countries, it was the largest cultural event ever held on the African continent. The festivals were planned as Pan-African celebrations, and ranged in content from performance - particularly dance and theatre to debate.

- Wikipedia In Nigeria’s National Archives and Directory, FESTAC 77 remains one of the greatest achievement of cultural heritage and national moment of historical epoch.

Also this monumental achievement on the continent further represented the country in good light in unting Africans both home and abroad presenting the participants the opportunity to witness Pan Africanism at its greatest heights as Lovers of Africa and Its inhabitant all stormed Lagos Nigeria to have their fair account of the historical event. This is so because it success led to the birth of several norms, traditions, philosophies, socio-ideologies, acculturisations, public socio-economic policys, declaration of agency i.e. (Center For Black Arts And Culture) etc which are derivatives of this great afrocentric sucess.

THE BIRTH OF THE NEO BLACK MOVEMENT OF AFRICA:

Pan Africanism

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In July 7, 1977, a number of 9 undergraduate students from the University of Benin, Benin now Edo state convened due to the ongoing pan africanism trend which was particularly influenced by the (FESTAC 77) to establish a university based association which its two core objectives were to be: 1. The total emancipation of black man on earth, and

high morales in the youth whom shall find in them the duty to protect the remains of Africa from Neo-colonial suppression and lastly to forestall the total of colapse of the continent. It was on these premises that the Neo Black Movement was established.

Few years after the creation of the movement, with several individual interests leading to the expansion 2. To bearforth the of the movement, it largest black organi- soon began to spread sation on planet earth outside the four walls which would engineer of the cradle Univerthe African Renaissity of Benin to other sance.

Universities i.e. University of Ibadan, UnivThe Neo Black Move- eristy of Calabar, Aument Worldwide orig- chi State Polythecnic, inated from the old Delta State University benin kingdom which etc. Years after, the stands as cradle of founding fathers and modern civilisation to board of the moveAfricans and the world ment made a bold at large, with its high step to register the number of fearless movement with the advocates for AfriNigeria Governmentca Freedom, it (the Cooperate Affairs group) was meant to Commission (CAC) serve as a remedy which further envigoto the African Prerated the growth of dicaments especially the movement. the issues of social inequality, racial imbal- CENTER FOR BLACK ance, socio-economic ARTS AND CULTURE under-developments, (CBAAC): poor social infrastruc- In 1979, The Nigerian ture, end to apartheid Government created rule in South Africa. this agency to serve as a means of immorWith the rising contalising the (FESTAC cerns on the status of 77). It had done so black man across the to secure the continglobe, from the trage- uous existence of the dy of colonial oppres- land mark achievesion to the ruins of ments the event reaparthy rule that be- corded. Its establishfell our brothers and ment was backed by sisters in south afri- Decree 69 of 1979 ca, there could be no and has since been more direct approach brought under the to prevent the future supervision of the re-occurence of such Federal Ministry of inhuman treatments Tourism, Culture and of Africans than to National Orientation. create an intellecThe Center For Black tually pan africanist movement with a little Arts and Culture had touch of militancy to worked in its given capacity to promote distill discipline and

socio-cultural heriatge in Nigeria. Since the drafting of the decree in in 1979, the agency had displayed its dynamic qualities by being able to work with other international agenncy in the diaspora to bring about a renaissance of the Afrocentriscsm.

Events such as workshops national and international conferences, public lectures, seminars, symposia, workshops and exhibitions to promote understanding and appreciation of Black and African Culture.

Vision: “To be the foremost Agency for the advocacy of culture in Nigeria and Africa.”

PA NAIWU OSAHON’S DECLARATION OF THE 7TH PAN AFRICAN CONGRESS 1982: In 1985, a leader, warrior, convener Pa Naiwu Osahon had moved for a motion for the 7th Pan African Congress to be held in Lagos (Badagry) Nigeria.

Having ended the 6th Pan African Congress at Tanzania with Julius Nyerere being the convener. Pan Africanists as Naiwu Osahon had criticised the 6th Pan African Congress to be one of the Jamborees stereotypes Web Dubois had kicked off with 1 Pan African Conference.

It only suceeded in feeling a yearing vaccum and keeping the movement in accademic circles. He also noted that the 5th Pan African Congress recorded some certain level of ground-breaking achievements but also blinded us to some of its not so sound pre-occupations.

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This where the sources of motivation that inspired Naiwu Osahon to began the campaign for the 7th Pan African Congress. His mission then was to use the 7th Pan African Congress to institutionalise the Pan African Movement and Unite blacks worldwide.

crusade. Like Islam for the Arabs and Christianity for the Jews.

2. Inclusion of North Africa in the preparation of the event.

North Africa nations e.g. Libya (Led by Gaddaffi) were busy exploiting and ravaging indigenous africans i.e. Sudan Ethnic Cleansing which was “I was building a farm being sponsored by house facility (I called the North African Nations. Naiwu Osahon the Monument to indicated that North African civilisation), at Ilogbo-Eremi in the African Nations belong Badagry local govern- to the Arab League of Nations and doesnt ment area of Lagos want Subsaharan AfState in Nigeria, at ricans to Unite under the time, as venue for the 7th Pan- Af- one platform. rican Congress. The 3. Allowing our idea was to set up ‘Movement’ to be a possible meeting hijacked by reactionplace that would be ary African political grand and yet rural leaders running our in setting and relagovernments. These tively cost free to participants, to avoid are leaders tied to the apron strings of recourse to governour colonial masters ment subvention or for hand-outs which sponsoreship and, our leaders promptly therefore, influence.

At the time, I thought divert to their individual private accounts that the congress could hold in Nigeria abroad for personal gains. They are too in 1985.” busy enriching themselves at our expense HINDERANCES TO THE SUCCESS OF THE to care about our PROPOSED 7TH PAN collective welfare.

- Naiwu Osahon AFRICAN CONGRESS IN BADAGRY:The following are the reasons PAN AFRICANISM AND why the plan for the CIVIL TRANSITION 1999-2014 7th PAC went awry as pointed by Naiwu THE NEO BLACK MOVEMENT WORLDOsahon WIDE: In 1997, the authori1. Foreign Religions ties of the Neo Black and Ideologies: The Movement announced emulation of foriegn values beign imposed its dissociation from on us by foreign ele- the University chapments of invasion. It ter due to series of is regrettable that the campus conflicts and prevalent society then clash of interests with had jettissoned tradi- rivalry groups. Soon tional values for for- the movement began eign ideologies. In the to lack ideologically sense that we never groomed membership subscribed to African at the university cadSprituality to moblise re of the movement which remains the our people for Pan Africanism to serve as birth-place. a center-point for our

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Most importantly, improper scrutinisation of new initiates paved way for the erroneous inclusion of clogs in the movements wheel of success. Amidst this ideological challenge on the part of the university chapter, Nigerian youths whom have genuine intentions to lead Africa to freedom soon began to learn some positive elements of the movement with its rapid spread across 60 campuses through out the lenght and breath of the nation.

In 2014, the new leadership of the movement under the new development plan (360 Change) decleared that the university arm which is the origin of the movement to stop the incessant and illicit induction of new members. The National Authorities resolved that only Regional or National Inductions would be allowed to be conducted in order to checkmate its database of membership aimed towards political numerical might.

The new administration tagged (360 Degrees) has been carrying out series of change oriented programmes, event, seminars, workshops, socio-welfare and political upfronts, non-violence campaigns and charitable projects, national and regional conventional summits to foster the needed unity to attain the project Africa. In its new dimension in the global politics it uses the tool of public enlightenment and mass mobilisation for “social justice and equality for all” as a means of instituting social change amidst

Pan Africanism

the political confusion Soil.Today in Nigeria, very few politicians that abounds in the have the genuine paspolity. sions of the pan afriCHALLENGES OF PAN can struggle at heart.

AFRICANISM IN NIGE- With the majority of them trying to gain RIA: the electorate’s manPLOITICAL CONFUSION: Politics as we all dates either by crook or force. know is the process of decision making ECONOMIC PAN AFin a given state or RICANISM: In Nigeria, political entity. The to be a Panafricanist political situation is is more or less like such that is prevaan endless journey to lent of corruption, beareaucratic delays, nowhere. Considering nepotism and favorit- the socio-economic ism, ethnism, religious conditions of the citizen, the grandstandintolerance, political instability, rigging of ing of corruption by election, godfatherism, the elite class and the maladministration of military highandedjudicial proceedings, ness, civil disobedience, insurgency and its almost impossible insecurity, poor partic- for one to assume the ipation of the masses duty of intellectual Pan Africanism. in the electoral process, alienation of the citizenry, total neglect Economic Panafricanof the masses yearn- ism is the hub of all ings and aspirations, other forms of Pan Africanism. This is so political impostors because the econopromoting political my is (substructure) confusions. upon which the political foundations (super The Nigeria State since the 1914 amal- structure) are errected.Several citizens gamation had been grappling with these of the country are interested in making issues affecting the a meaningful contribuUnity of the Nation. tions towards sustainPan Africanism is hard to flourish with able development with the instrumentality of a hostile political Pan Africanism but environment which doesnt seek to display the economic constraints i.e. low funds, Nationalism through Pan Africanism. Take bad debts, penilessfor instance in 1986 ness and liquidation, lack of financial credduring Babangida’s ibility, poor access administration when to quality loans and Pa Naiwu Osahon lastly poverty of qual(Leader World Pan Africanist Movement) ity information about moved the motion for mundane issues all make a total of hinthe 7th Pan African Congress to be held derances that decaat the proposed site pacitates an average Nigerian citizen from at Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria but the then pertaking his/her civil Military Head of state rights responsibilities.

(Gen Ibrahim BabanSOCIO-CULTURAL gida) gave a negative response to turn DEVOLUTION: Due to down this historic pan the sudden change in african event thats to the global strata of be held for the first acculturisation. There time in the Nigerian has been a massive

2014 November 16 - 30 17

the promotion of African Unity through borderless or regional fusioning. With the undermining factors of colonial influence i.e. Language, Socio-Cultural Dilussion and Discard of Traditional Authorities for Western Imperialists.

Though Hyperglobal- It would be extremely ists have posited that difficult but possible to attain the total this new exchange of socio-cultural val- emancipation of Afues would to lead to ricans through the the integration of the concept of pan afriunderdeveloped with canism. the developing and advanced world which Take for instance the can present the third West-Africa Region, world countries oppor- a road journey/tour from Nigeria through tunity to pertake in the new globla order. Benin, Togo to Ghana Skepticals of the glo- is a heinous task to put up with considbalization trends insists that “NO WAY” ering the hinderaces the borders places that this new world order of exchange of on Africans of one melanin. In such that socio-cultural norms local travellers from whick seeks to sodomize Africa and her one country are made to go through hectic sons is a fruitless procedures to cross voyage to embark over to their neighupon. bouring nations for several socio-economTransformationalists believes that we can ic reasons. Some had quit this voyage just explore the positive exhcange of socio-cul- because of the pessimisticness about the tural values of the country to rally-round border situations. the renaissance for Off all the borders in Pan Africanism in west africa spanning Nigeria. This group further stipulates that from (Nigeria-Ghana) Nigeria is one of they are neither hyperglobalists or skep- the most porous and tical about the effects unorganised one with immigration officers of globalization, but creating unecessaries rather they believe strongly that Pan Af- transportational hurricanist in Nigeria can dles in order to exseize the opportunitys tort the travllers. One spends mosts of the that abounds in the country’s pan african- time at Nigerian borism struggle to push der even with the willahead for the future ingness to play along prospect of the prac- with the settlement pattern (bribery). tice in Nigeria. subscription to the “third cultures” (foreign-values) i.e. (feminism, nudity (fashion), psycophancy, homosexuality and emasculation of the afro-male) by the youth bracket of the society.

THE DISINTERATION OF AFRIKANS (POROUS BORDERS): There can be no any other means through which African Renaissance could be achieved other than

LACK OF INTELLECTUAL PAN AFRICANISM: This aspect or form of pan africanism grossly lacks in the avarage pan africanists in Nigeria. If we could recollect that

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Henry Sylvester Williams introduction of the intellectual pan africanism in 1900 at London marked a new beginning in the pan african struggle.

Although at this point Nigeria never had any representative in the first pan african conference but there were some influences of the Precolonial

have not been forthcoming in the struggle for Pan Africanism in the country. Only few media outlets preaches or publishes the genuine informations of Africa Revolution that can engineer the renaissance of the continent and country specifically. With several media organisations parading as the vanguard of quality TECHNOLOGICAL DIinformation meanwhile VIDE: As a result of consciously or subthe techonological sconsiously miseducatevolution in the coun- ing the masses on the try, many pertakers history of self-knowlof pan africanism edge. had been shelved off due to the recent Many of the erroneus shift from analogue elements of teachings to digital information , deformative characsystems. Notably, ters,corrosive ideas not all Nigerians have and inhuman norms access to a comput- have been successer or a mobile device fuly chanelled into our let alone the intermasses mental faculnet access. As we all ties whom are actualcan accept that pan ly not discernable in africanism had shift- making right choices ed from its analogic of views. model to digital frontiers whereby most ILLITERACY AND IGcommunications of NORANCE: Of all the germaine issues afpredicaments of Pan fecting the populace Africanism in Nigeof the black race are ria, the problem of discussed through miseducation and lack several electronic me- of education is rapdia i.e. e-mails, mobile idly posing a heinous applications, social threat to the exismedia etc. tence of the philosophy. As the majority This simply means of the citizenry has that the number of been thrown into a Nigerians whom have state of confusion (igaccess to the internet norance) by the elite through their devices class. is still low. And compared to the global Ignoramous thoughts statistics of the pos- of expression is the siblity of a Nigerian in other of the day. The every four black men, masses facet of the the Nigerian pan afri- nation had been left canists is faced with in shambles and disthe challenge of accommunication over cess to technological a daunting period of evolutions which can time and era. This ocdrive the wheels of currence had further pan africanism to the rendered the masses next and long-awaited usesless in the global heights. order especially with the barrier of comMEDIA MISREPRESEN- munication. Primary TATION: The African Education is no longer Media and particularly encouraged. National

Pan Africanism

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in Nigeria has grossly been negatively influenced and affected by the state of the nation. Today in NIgeria, Individuals hide under the guise of Pan Africanism to further plunge the Nation’s Pan Africanism into a state of comatose.

Today, most teachings RELIGIOUS EXTRIMISM: Above all factors especially of the pri- The Socio-Economic hindering the progress mary education dont imbalances has rendered the nations focus on the past, of pan africanism in GDP incoherent to the present and the fuNigeria, this one is ture of Africa and the standard living. As the the most daunting economic indices has and regrettable in the struggle for African sense that the teach- Glories. Gone are the failed to reflect in the lives of average Nigedays whereby Civic ings of the religions rians. are against the Unity Education is a must pass subject in the of Africans and particprimary education cur- With the ongoing ularly Nigeria. modus operandi of ricular. globalizational influThe 18th-19th Misence on politics and TRIBAL INTOLERANCE: sionary Voyage to economic particularly Nigeria is a nation Africa marked the civil rights movement which comprises of advent of religious its very difficult for lords otherwise known several ethnic comgenuine participants positions and tribal as missionaries on differences, owing to to equally contribute the fertile land of to the sustainable the complex nature Niger-Area (Nigeria) development of the marked the begining of Nigerian ethnic pan african struggle groups, it is easier for of the brain (white) pan africanists whom as individuals whom washing of my peoare tribally guided to are head bent on paple. Right from the rochial interests would South Region to the actually follow suit never allow for the the misleading line of North region. With possible attainment of ethnocentrism. This Usman Dan Fodio Uhuru. simply means that 1804 Jihads Declaration on Gobir village, pan africanists whom POSSIBLE REMEDIES declearing the North ought to be a focal particularly the Fulanis cord for national unity TO CHALLENGES OF PAN AFRICANISM IN aimed towards conas the rulers of the nation till eternity and tinental consolidation NIGERIA: For Pan Africanism to is now beign guided 1880 Ajayi Crowder interpretation of the by tribal interests as take a new dimension in Nigeria towards the against the unity of bible only for the positive realm, Pan the nation.

Yoruba populace to Africanists within this be wittingly or unwitgeographical location With such contratingly dragged into shall and must sacrithe trend of religious dictions in pan afrifice a lot to get the dogmatism with sever- canisms in Nigeria, needed results. al religious institutions it would be highly across the nation and difficult for pan afSOCIO-CULTURAL only few hospitals for ricnists(individual or groups) to thread the RENAISSANCE: This health care. aspect needs a total line of pan africanrevisit and revampism when there are This has made Pan ing from new to old Africanism gospel sub- also internal agents dued and unfounded, working towards the traditional values when all the preach- division of the nation which promotes unity amongst africans and through their ethnic ings it gives to its fans and proponents parochial interest and in particularly Nigeria. is that “slaves obey ill informed decisions. Since the 1914 false amalgamation of the your masters” and on the other hand “Jihad CIVIL RIGHTS MOVE- Niger-Area (Southern MENTS AND PAN AF- and Nothern proas the Holy War”. tectorates), the soRICANISM: cio-cultural values and THE MISINFORMATION Civil Rights Activism Subjects of Teachings are no longer mentained in the education curricular. Whereby little is been done to tell the history of pan africanism in nigeria to the pupils or students been taught.

OF THE NEGROE: The kind of education chanelled down into the thinking faculties of young black pupils today would determine how successful pan africanism would get in Nigeria.

Pan Africanism

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fabrics of the precolonial Nigerian society had been deeply ate into, with several cultural heriatages left in the hands of the infiltrators.

Take for instance: (Badagry Slave Musieum); why should we continue to keep the old and bitter memories of slavery (mental and physical) and its instruments i.e. slave yokes and padlocks, horsewhips for human (slave) consumptions, religious books that were used to convince us into religious dogmatization, as our national cultural heritages???

num?

“To any extent to which a Nation democratises is incontestably dependent on its socio-cultural milieu” ECONOMIC DYNAMISM: Pan Africanists should extensively take an inwards look to tap into the unequal opportunities that abounds in Pan Africanism with a view to creating values or services for the Nigerian masses consumption.

POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS: In as much as the majority of electorates are still being persuaded into the representative decisions they make, Pan Africanism still have a long way to thread in Nigeria.

The Lack of political consciousness amongst the majority of the Nigerian citizenry could be held accountable for the poor participation in politics.

For us to project as a people on the journey to Uhuru through the struggle for Pan Africanism, we (Pan Africanist) have to create structures and models that can bring about rapid social cultural change that would encompasse all brackets of society (age, gender or occupation) regardless of the individual or group’s It is extremely gereconomic status or maine that Pan Afpolitical affiliations. ricanists groups or individuals in Nigeria Events such as needs to embark on EYO FESTIVAL, a large scale publice OSUN-OSOGBO, OJUDE education on political OBA, ODUN IFA and mobilisation that can ISESE DAY etc are creat the possible also means to rejuvi- political awareness nate the ancient cus- needed for the rebirth toms. EYO festivals of of pan africanism in the great EKO Atlan- the country and can tic City (Lagos). For inturn shape the anexample, Lagos State alytical minds of the under the present citizens. dispensation of (SAN. Babatunde Raji Fash- REGIONAL INTEGRAola) had really paved TIONS: If the concept way for the growth of Pan Africanism of pan africanism with is to hold a strong its recent intrests and ground in Nigeria committments on the spanning through its Culture and Tourism neighboruing countries Ministry but the ques- then a lot needs to tion is has Pan Afribe done to clean up canists been able to or possible remove utilise this privileges the geographical barrito the bearest miers being placed upon

Again the convention had been faulted for not having to inform the majority of Afrikans especially the The presence of bor- representatives of the masses before it der structures bewas enunciated which tween neighboruing african countries still means that Afrikan Legitimacy wasnt marks the evidence and shall forver stand sought in the process a symbol of disunity of the event. planted by our coloTHE KUTI FAMILY nial tormentors.

FELABRATION (ENTERMENTAL CONSCIOUS- TAINMENT): The Annual Legendary NESS ON SELF DISFelabration: This afroCOVERY AND REALtainment delievery by ISATION: Since alot of miseducation had the FELA KUTI’s deplagued my people, It cendants (Yeni, Femi, Kunle, Motunrayo, is therefore importSeun) to mention but ant that if we must go far in the struggle few, had all strove in for pan africanism in the past to promote Pan Africanism in the Nigeria, we must be country.The Kuti famwilling to have a rethink and undo all our ily led by the led by Beko and Fela had laid doings that doesnt the legacy of Pan Afglorify the African struggle for liberation. ricanism in their successors. These are visionary leaders whom Series of mass re-awakeness on self can envisage the realisation and deter- future and prepare for mination should be in- the unforseen. stitutionalised by the Eversince the demise pan african society in Nigeria with much of the late FELA KUTI, his descendants have focus on the youth positively contribaspect of the larger society because they uted to pan arican are the group of the struggle by making the entrenchment of society that would succeeed the present the concept a must and a do or die. With existence. series of afrocentric contents served to 8TH PAN AFRICAN CONGRESS JANUARY the masses consumption. A good example 2014: The recently held 8th is the New African Pan African Congress Shrine whereby lovers held in Johanessbour of Kuti Family and Pan at the Witwatersand Africanism at large University witnessed can go to worship and numerous Pan African- express their pan african feelings on daily ists numbering 120. basis.

The event as usual was attended by several pan africanist During this celeberafrom all walks of life. tion, several events are outlined i.e. debte, The event majorly comprised accadem- talent hunt, musical ic goons whom have performance by both always been the priv- foreign and local arildged to have a say tistes, african spirituality and divinity in the pan african (mentally and physicongress. cal) is also practiced us by the colonial oppressors only serve their divide and rule missions.

2014 November 16 - 30 19

in the process of the felabration.

If such an event could get more supports from the state, non-governmental organizations, civil rights groups and associations also patriotic individuals or pan africanists, this would go along way in promoting the culture of panafricanism in the positive light.

PACOR- PAN AFRICAN CONSCIOUSNESS RENAISSANCE (YOUTH): Sequel to the poor sustainability of the concept of pan africanism in Nigeria caused by the sub-conscious drift/ shift from pan africanism to globalisation through the institutionalisation of inchoate democracy by the government has led total neglect and demise of this african philosophy.

In the year 2014, a group of pan africanists from the southwest region of Nigeria called for the prelaunch of PACOR in order to address the pitiable situation in which pan africanism had found itself on the soil of Nigeria.

On the 27 of August, the prelaunch took place in the Conference Center of University of Ibadan, with about the minute number of 12 persons. Individuals contributed to the subject matter and a good deal of rhetorics on pan africanists struggle right from King Jaja Opobo and Martin Delany to the present day pan african struggle in Nigeria ensued, with the chief convener (Ifagunwa Temitope) acting as the moderator of

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the discussions. The prelaunch was ended with discussions on how to launch the actual project to serve as a panacea to the fast diminishing concept of pan africanism in Nigeria.

countries whom have signified interest in the organization and attendance of the World Wide Pan African (WWPAC2015).

Also ongoing work is currently being structured to communicate the invitation of the WORLD-WIDE PAN event to all civil rights AFRICANISTS CONVEN- groups and pertakers TION AZANIA 2015 of African Liberation (WWPAC2015): Struggle both in NiThe WWPAC2015 geria and diaspora to beign hosted by Pan embrace the event African Congress of and seek to mobilise Azania (PAC) is a for the success. great Pan African event to look forwrd “Azania 2015 By all to in the sense that means necessary eiit had sought to mo- ther in body or soul.” bilise majority of Af- ASE! ricans in preparation for the event.

For more details, visit: www.paconvenWith Nigeria being one tion2015.org of the organizers of the event represent- CONCLUDING REed by myself as the MARKS: (Nigerian Cordinator) Having critically studit is therefore eminent ied the series of acto state that Pan counts on the conAfricanism in Nigeria cept of pan africanism once again have tak- in Nigeria one could en a new dimension infer that Nigeria had towards African Inonced played a pivotal tegration and Global role in the struggle Consciousness. for pan africanism in the pasts but a lot The ability of the still needs to be inhosts to make use of stitutionalised. As the the internet (social giant of africa, many media)in rallying-round africans (home and for African Unity is diaspora) look forone achievement it ward to the Nigerian had recorded on its contribution towards own. Today, an aver- the development of age African whom is Panafricanism in the internet or social me- continent being one dia familiar can easily of the most populated come by the gospel black nation on planet of the convention and earth. can directly communicate with organizers Far and wide, Pan of the event. And this Africanism had been is where the African subjected to severlegitimacy comes in to al turmoils including play. running into extinction in some African Nigeria have a good Nations. Although, deal of participation Nigeria had a good in the sense that begining right from the host Pan African the precolonial era Congress Of Azania to the post colonial (PAC) had recently era, the controversial announced that Nige- question begging for ria and United States answer is- what then are the first two now happened in the

Pan Africanism

civil transition where “Neo-Black Movement democracy is order of Worldwide” (NBM) led by the National Head the day?

(Eyeoyibo OritsebeThe records of Panaf- migho) of the present administration seek to ricanism in this civproferr genuine soluil dispensation has been low in terms of tions to problems of panafricanism in Nigebenchmark achievements. The civil tran- ria. sition to democratic system of governace Therefore, if Nigeria has brought about a would move forward new political order in in the struggle for the Nigerian spectrum pan african liberaof politics. This time tion we must seek to around erstwhile lead- awaken from slumber and begin to ers whom had trunretrace our roots of cated the previous governing systems of african origins. With the current states of the early post colonial era had also suc- Neocolonialists (Multi cessfully hijacked the Nationalists Company) scattered all over country’s soci-ecothe country, all in the nomic and political prospects camofalgu- name of globalisation, it would be seeminging as patriots. This means that the lead- ly hard and tortuous ership of the country for panafricanism to had not represented thrive as a philosophy the electorates in its or ideology of African best interests thereby Liberation. rendering panafricanism voiceless amidst Lastly, Pan Africanism of political confusion, as largely espoused

by African Intellectual economic alienation and cultural displace- Scholars have been found and proven to ment. be the most suitable remedy to African Also, this political Predicaments. class entrenched in heinous crimes of maldaministration(s) and REFERENCE: corruption(s) soon began to get a hold of Wikipedia civil orgnaisations with http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Pan-Africantheir bags of moneism , tary goodies to dissuade pan africanists http://en.wikipedia. from focusing on the org/wiki/Opobo http://en.wikipestruggle for African Liberation. The Youth dia.org/wiki/Maralso been miseducat- tin_Delanyhttp:// ed by the poor edu- en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Frederick_Wilcational system put liam_Koko_Minin place to produce gi_VIII_of_N...http:// numerous graduates whom cannot give a en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ good account of self Ernest_Ikoli http:// knowledge and deter- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Herbert_Macaulay mination. http://en.wikipedia.

Recently, the rebirth org/wiki/Nnamdi_ Azikiwe of Pan africanism through the prelaunch http://en.wikipedia. of “Pan African Con- org/wiki/Pan-African_ Congress sciousness Renaissance” (PACOR) and http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Anthony_Enthe 360 Change in

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ahoro http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Fela_Kuti http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/World_Festival_of_Black_Arts Center For Black Arts and Culture http://www.cbaac77. com/index.php Yeye Akilimali Funua Olade http://yeyeolade.wordpress. com/2007/04/05/ablack-agenda-for-thebl...

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Natasha Chirwa

The Malawian born model is a student in Ireland and lives in Drumcondra. She has featured in numerous shows, catwalk on special runways with top models.

“I participated in the malawi fashion week 2013 where i got to showcase outfits for different malawian designers and i also shared the ramp with models from south africa, botswana and zambia”, she told AfricaWorld.

Pretty Natasha have modeled for malawi’s top designer lily Alfonso, Harry Kazembe of the Mizu Wear just to mention a few. She also stared in a couple music videos with malawian artists like Lilly aka AlexMuzk , Dali (formerly known as Tech), Gwamba, Mabilinganya empire and SNU the kid.

Pretty Natasha’s hobbies include reading novels, writing, poetry, visiting scenic places, watching movies and cooking

Pride of Africa

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THE POLITICS OF EBOLA: MOROCCO DROPS HOSTING AFCON Since the media hype about the Ebola outbreak, pundits, politicians and concerned citizens the world over have been taken to a new level of fears never known before in the medical world.

Would it be an over-statement to say the world now lives in fear because of Ebola?

As new cases spread through America and the West, as American politicians lost their seats in the mid term elections and wars ravage some parts of the world, the fear of Ebola seems to be the beginning of wisdom, a kind of neo wisdom.

Yet writers depending on the bloc they represent have different views where and how Ebola started.

As I scanned through Tara’s Ebola site, I was astonished reading thus:’’ In 1976, Ebola (named after the Ebola River in Zaire) first emerged in Sudan and Zaire. The first outbreak of Ebola (Ebola-Sudan) infected over 284 people, with a mortality rate of 53%. A few months later, the second Ebola virus emerged from Yambuku, Zaire, Ebola-Zaire (EBOZ).

EBOZ, with the highest mortality rate of any of the Ebola viruses (88%), infected 318 people. Despite the tremendous effort of experienced and dedicated researchers, Ebola’s natural reservoir was never identified. The third strain of Ebola, Ebola Reston

(EBOR), was first identified in 1989 when infected monkeys were imported into Reston, Virginia, from Mindanao in the Philippines. Fortunately, the few people who were infected with EBOR (seroconverted) never developed Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF). The last known strain of Ebola, Ebola Cote d’Ivoire (EBOCI) was discovered in 1994 when a female ethologist performing a necropsy on a dead chimpanzee from the Tai Forest, Cote d’Ivoire, accidentally infected herself during the necropsy.’’

Yet my American friend says Ebola started in Southwestern USA.’’ I remember hearing about it on TV in 1982, the local Indians were dying of an unknown disease deemed later to be called Ebola the conclusions said it came from rat droppings.’’

According to ‘’Livescience.com’’:’’In some parts of Africa, myths that Ebola was brought to the regions by health care workers have hurt the ability of workers to respond to the outbreak. But where did Ebola really come from?

The true reservoir for Ebola that is, where the virus hides when it’s not causing outbreaks in people is not known for sure, but experts say that bats are likely the source of the deadly virus. ‘’There’s a strong circumstantial case, but we haven’t actually got a total smoking gun,” said Derek Gatherer, a bio-

informatics researcher at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. The first known human cases of Ebola occurred in 1976 during two simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which sickened more than 600 people, according to the World Health Organization.

Nearly 20 years later, in 2005, researchers looking for the reservoir of Ebola sampled more than 1,000 small animals in the Central African nations of Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, which have also experienced outbreaks of Ebola. They tested 679 bats, 222 birds and 129 small terrestrial vertebrates. The only animals found to harbor the Ebola virus were bats, specifically, three species of fruit bat: The hammer-headed bat, Franquet’s epauletted fruit bat, and the little collared fruit bat.

At least two of these fruit bat species are also found in Guinea, which is where the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa began — so it’s possible that these bats were sources for the outbreak, Gatherer told Live Science.

Researchers in Guinea are now sampling bats in that region to see if any test positive for Ebola, Gatherer said.

The current outbreak has sickened more than 5,000 people, and of these, more than 2,600 people have died, according to the World Health Organization.’’

If bats are the source

of the virus, one way people might become infected is by handling bats that are eaten for food, Gatherer said. For example, bat soup is a delicacy in the region. Officials in Guinea took the step of banning the consumption and sale of bats in March, after the outbreak began, he said. But it’s not necessarily the eating itself that leads to Ebola infection —cooking would likely kill the virus, Gatherer said. Instead, it’s the butchering of bats and handling of raw bat meat that’s more risky, he said.

Still, it’s not known for certain whether bats are the only reservoirs of the virus, or whether it is infections in bats that spilled over to people, Gatherer said. A stronger case could be made for bats as the source of infection if researchers found the same genetic sequence for Ebola in people and in bats in the region, Gatherer said. There is some evidence that, rather than being a virus that is always carried by bats, Ebola is actually causing an outbreak in bats — that is, it is being spread among bat populations. By looking at the virus’ genetic material, researchers have found that the same Ebola virus has been carried from bats in Central Africa to bats in West Africa over the past 10 years, Gatherer said. The virus could have been carried by bats or by people, but if it was carried by people, researchers

by Dunstan Ukaga

would have expected to see cases along the way, Gatherer said. “It’s probably more likely that there’s an epidemic going on in bats, but we can’t be absolutely certain,” Gatherer said.’’

Yet, the world must appreciate the Nigerian government for the effective wars she waged against Ebola. It is certain that even in the midst of chaotic and pariah image of Nigeria, grace of a sort came from Nigeria. When the late Patrick Sawyer and American Liberia brought Ebola to Nigeria and died, Nigerians in spite of her divides stood up with one mind to defeat Ebola. Yes, Nigeria defeated Ebola and showed the world what unity of purpose could achieve. Could not the world forgive Nigerians sin because of her success in containing Ebola?

Yet Americans could not forgive the Obama administration for his handling of the Ebola scourge.

Before the mid term US election Justin Sink, of the Washington newspaper The Hill,defines the story “an anchor threatening to sink the Obama presidency”. He contended that by not stepping in earlier to take control of treating the infected away from the local Dallas hospital, the president re-enforced existing criticisms of his ability - and could endanger his fellow Democrats running for office.

As the results of the elections clearly manifested, Justin Sink

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wrote when he opines: “Democrats are expected to lose significant ground in those contests, in no small part due to public dissatisfaction with Obama and resilient questions about the president’s competency”.

Sink was the latest to invoke the K-word, Katrina, comparing Mr Obama’s political situation with that of his predecessor, George W Bush, whose approval ratings cratered following botched recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005.

“The former president, doomed by a series of political and policy missteps, became quickly viewed as incompetent, limiting his ability to govern effectively,” he writes.

Although there hasn’t been a “major error” like Katrina, he says, “the cumulative effect of careening through an unrelenting two years of crises, from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Secret Service, has had a similar effect on perceptions of the president.”

The problem, notes the Wall Street Journal’s Peggy Noonan, is the administration’s response, particularly at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been “marked by double talk, runaround and gobbledygook”.

“It is my impression that everyone who speaks for the government on this issue has been instructed to imagine his audience as anxious children,” she writes.

“It feels like how the pediatrician talks to the child, not the parents.”

And so the politics of Ebola has brought down the Democrats.

What say you about the politics of Ebola being played by Morroca to avoid hosting the AFCON tournament?

It is a known truth in Africa that football is the only tournament that fosters peace among Africans irrespective of their ethno-religious and political divides. From the west, east, south to north Africa, football is one great tool of unity that puts Africans together, brings brothers and sisters at war in love, distracts political oppositions and forges unity among Africans. Basically when Morocco out of genuine or fake fears of the Ebola disease sounded to withdraw the hosting rights of the AFCON 2015 granted them

by The Confederation of African Football (CAF), most Moroccans and Africans felt betrayed and disappointed. The betrayal hurts most when it has been stated that the same Moroco that won’t host AFCON will

by December 2014, host the World Club Cup organized by FIFA. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has chosen Equatorial Guinea as the host for the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF a few days ago made the announcement via a release, The Cable reports:’’The Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo this Friday 14 November met with the President of CAF Issa Hayatou concerning the possibility for Equatorial Guinea

2014 November 16 - 30 23

to host the Africa Cup of Nations Orange 2015. Following fraternal and fruitful discussions, the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015.

Therefore, the Executive Committee of CAF confirms that the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015 will be held in Equatorial Guinea on the dates agreed, and the national team of Equatorial Guinea is qualified for the final tournament as a represen-

This is double speak.

This is betrayal. This is the destruction of our Africaness and all we stand for as Africans irrespective of color, religion, tribes and tongues. Morocco must be punished

by CAF as a lesson to unpatriotic African countries.

Morocco says her call for postponement was:’’dictated by health reasons of the most dangerous kind, linked to the serious risk of the spread of the deadly Ebola pandemic.’’

all preparations are continuing on schedule,” the post read.

This means Morocco will host the 10-day tournament, which features Champions League winners Real Madrid, starting on December 10th with the final scheduled for December 20th. The Club World Cup brings together the champions of each of FIFA’s six conferences and the national league champion of the host country. Matches will be played in Rabat and Marrakesh.

tative of the country host. The four cities selected for the finals are Malabo, Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin. The draw for the finals will take place Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The Executive Committee of CAF and President Issa Hayatou seize this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of Equatorial Guinea, its government, and particularly to His Excellency the Head of State and President of the Republic Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.’’

But CAF claims the fear is exaggerated and unfounded as only a few fans would attend the AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Isn’t an act of betrayal when FIFA confirmed that Morocco will continue as hosts of the Club World Cup despite the country’s refusal to hold the African Nations Cup due to concerns over the spread of the Ebola virus? In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, FIFA said the Club World Cup will still be hosted by the North African country. “The 2014 World Club Cup will be held in Morocco and

This is pure politics

by Morocco to favor FIFA, the West and to debase Africans especially the black peoples of Africa. I do not know how you see this act by Morocco, for me, if Ebola would not affect the Club World Cup in December, Ebola would not affect the AFCON in January and February. Therefore Moroccan excuse is childish, unpatriotic, unfriendly, unAfrican, senseless and hogwash.

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HIV Dublin: Our Responsibility – Building an Inclusive Society Dublin City Council in partnership with Positive Now, Dublin AIDS Alliance, BeLonG To, Dochas, Concern, ACET, DWI and HSE’s Gay Men’s Health Network and Crisis Pregnancy Programme are delighted to invite you to an event to mark World AIDS Day Hosted by the Lord Mayor Christy Burke on Monday 1st December 2014 At the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 8.30 - 10am With the formal launch of “HIV – Our Responsibilities Booklet”

By Positive Now and the All Ireland Network of People Living with HIV Speakers will include Lord Mayor Christy Burke, Dr Fiona Lyons GUM Consultant, GUIDE Clinic, St James’s Hospital and representa tives from Positive Now, Dublin AIDS Alliance, Belong To and Dochas.

It is an occasion of celebration and of awareness building that HIV is a responsibility for all.

The Mansion House will be lit in red from early morning joining with other cities worldwide.

Please RSVP to socialinclusion@dublincity.ie before November 28th 2014.

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PRESS RELEASE - “Equality of treatment for Migrant in Ireland is far from been Achieved” After fourteen years of relentless activism on migrant women’s right, Salome Mbugua, the founder and CEO of AkiDwA- the only migrant women led national organisation in Ireland, has decided to step down.

Speaking at their Annual General Meeting in Dublin on Saturday 15th November, Ms Mbugua gave a moving speech, outlining challenges and opportunities that she has faced as a leader of AkiDwA over the decade “Today I am stepping down from the day to day running of AkiDwA but I am most certainly not stepping down from the fight for women’s rights and in particular migrant women as equality of treatment for Migrant in Ireland is far from being achieved” said Ms Mbugua AkiDwA has achieved much on behalf of, and with migrant women living in Ireland over the past decade.

Gender Based Violence, in particular, has been core to the organisation’s work. It contributed for example to the improvement of access to maternity health for migrant women who have suffered female genital mutilation and after years of campaigning and lobbying, FGM has been explicitly banned by the Irish Law through the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation Act 2012). Following the 2013 statistics it appears clearly that the number of women living in Ireland who have undergone FGM has increased to 3780 and that there is a danger of children been taken out of the country to be submitted to the procedure. Such legal framework was necessary as a preventative measure. Other areas such as women seeking asylum have not changed even after the organisation voicing on serious issues of concern on sexual harassment and gender based violence directed to women living in accommodation centres. “Over the years I have heard many cries from women living in these accommodation centres, many of them living in fear and others struggling with their health needs; women seeking asylum and living in Mosney for example have no access to a female doctor, a request that they have made over the years, it’s disheartening”. Said, Ms Mbugua Migrants in Ireland continue to make very positive contribution, however the future of migrant sector in Ireland that provide supports to many looks very uncertain: discrimination, racism, lack of representation and participation of migrants in Ireland remain a huge challenge. “Failure to address these issues has poorly impacted on migrants, thus affecting their psychological and health wellbeing; lack of diversity inclusion at all levels of society is a huge miss for Ireland”. Said Ms Mbugua Based on a recent feasibility study conducted by Brian Harvey on behalf of AkiDwA, the organisation is unique and very relevant. AkiDwA provides migrant women voice, platform and perspective. However since end of 2012 the organisation has suffered with reduced funding, leading to a reduction of 75% and therefore the reduction of support offered to women as well as representation and participation of the organisation in other important activities.

AkiDwA calls on the Irish government to take strong measures on diversity inclusion and emphasizes that the diversity of people in Ireland should be reflected at all levels, failure to this will continue to create gaps and further isolation of migrants. “I call upon the Irish government to give financial support to migrant led organisations since they are playing a huge role in the Irish society but their role is still undermined”. Ms Mbugua Concluded.

For further Information Contact Spaqz Nkaku, Communication officer, Phone: 01 8349851(O) 0857033434 (M) For further information on AkiDwA see: www.akidwa.ie

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PHOTOS FROM ANGOLA INDEPENDENCE PARTY

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The Angolan Community in Ireland led by Senhor Joao Pinho mobilized Angolans in Ireland to the celebration of the 39th Independence party.

See video clips on Africaworld TV Facebook page or subscribe to AfricaWorld Youtube Channel.

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NOVEMBER 1ST IRISH WATER PROTEST IN PICTURES Protesters from the north and south side converged on Dublin’s city centre (GPO) for the second massive rally against water tax in Ireland. See Africaworld TV for video clips.. www.africaworldnewspaper.com

Beauty and Brains: Vera speaks to the press.

Her craft works below:

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