African Post february 2017

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Vol 9 Issue 2

African Community News

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February 2017

African Union Responds to President Trump's Immigration Order

From the Editor

O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll .

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 9 Issue 2

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Sierra Leone Enters Miss Universe Competition For The First Time Pg. 10

Nigerian Matches Obama, Elected First Black Female President Of Harvard Law Review Pg. 15

List Of All The Monarchs Of The Ashanti Kingdom Till Date Pg. 14

Enter the King of Glory Pg. 11

African Union ‘Honours’ Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Pg 15

UPDATE

Barrow reinstates Gambian envoys who 'begged' Jammeh to step down Pg. 35

The African Union — a continental group that comprises 54 member countries — responded Monday to President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration. Union leaders noted the irony of the ban in light of America's historical reliance on slave labor from Africa, where three of the affected countries are located.

The executive order bars immigration to the U.S. for individuals from seven majority-Muslim countries for 90 days. Three are African nations and members of the African Union — Libya, Somalia, and Sudan — where some of the more than 300,000 Africans were removed from their homes and forced into slavery in the U.S. over the course of 360 years, according to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database.

The head of the African Union, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, criticized the immigration policy in a tweet on Tuesday.

"The very country to whom our people were taken as slaves have now decided to ban refugees from some of our countries," the South African politician wrote.

Trump and other members of his administration have attempted to justify the ban on the basis that the seven affected countries pose a significant terrorist threat to the U.S. But as numerous media outlets have stated, there have been zero documented cases of nationals from the targeted countries committing an act of terrorism on U.S. soil from 1975 to 2015.

At an African Union summit Monday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also emphasized the role of African countries in mitigating humanitarian crises.

"African nations are among the world's largest and most generous hosts of refugees," Guterres said. "African borders remain open for those in need of protection when so many borders are being closed, even in the most developed countries in the world."

Sub-Saharan Africa hosts more than 25 percent of the world's refugees, according to the Associated Press. In contrast, the U.S. has taken in just over 2 percent of the global refugee population.

Guterres added, "It is clear for me that refugee protection is something that is absolutely essential."

http://www.attn.com

February 2017

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Afrikan Post

February 2017

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Afrikan Post

Ambassador Kwesi Quartey Elected AU Deputy Chairperson

February 2017

Chad Foreign Minister Moussa Faki Mahamat to Head African Union

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Moussa Faki said during his campaign that he harboured dreams of an Africa where the “sound of guns will be drowned out by cultural songs and rumbling factories”. He pledged to streamline the organisation during the course of his four-year term in office.

Moussa Faki succeeds Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, of South Africa. Dlamini-Zuma stayed in the post an extra six months after leaders failed to agree a candidate in July last year.

Ghana’s Thomas Kwesi Quartey was on Monday, January 30, 2017, elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, at the ongoing 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Chadian Foreign Minister, Hon. Moussa Faki Mahamat, was also elected Chairperson of the AU Commission by the Heads of State, who form the Assembly of the African Union.

With over 35 years of experience as a diplomat, Ambassador Quartey has served in various capacities in Ghana’s Embassies and High Commissions in Cotonou, Cairo, Brussels, Havana, and London. He was also Ghana Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

He served as deputy Foreign Affairs Minister under the Mahama government, and was until recently Secretary to former President, John Dramani Mahama. Nonetheless, he received the strongest support and backing from the government of President Akufo-Addo, resulting in him receiving 44 out of 54 votes cast, representing some 82% of votes from the Heads of State gathered.

On Monday, Dlamini-Zuma spoke out over the recently imposed US travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries. President Donald Trump’s executive order halted travel by people with passports from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days, and stopped refugee resettlement for 120 days.

Chad’s foreign minister has been elected as the new chair of the African Union Commission, pledging to place develop“We are entering very turbulent times,” she told leaders ment and security at the top of his agenda and streamline the at the start of the summit, at the AU’s headquarters in organisation’s bureaucracy.

Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. “The very country to which many of our people were taken as slaves during Moussa Faki Mahamat – a former prime minister who has the transatlantic slave trade has now decided to ban been at the forefront of the fight against Islamist militants in refugees from some of our countries. What do we do Nigeria, Mali and the Sahel – was chosen by the 54-member about this? Indeed, this is one of the greatest challenges body at a summit that has exposed splits over Africa’s relato our unity and solidarity.” tionship with the international criminal court and Morocco’s readmission to the union.

He edged out his closest rival, the Kenyan foreign minister www.allafrica.com Amina Mohamed, who had been regarded in some quarters as the frontrunner.

In an interview last week with Radio France International, Moussa Faki said the AU needed strong leadership from someone who could “refocus on the basics”, adding that the body had implemented less than 15% of the 1,800 resolutions adopted since 2002.

Ambassador Quartey’s election brings the total number of Ghanaians elected to positions within the AU Commission to three, at the 28th Summit, after the Executive Council of the AU on Thursday, January 26, 2017, elected Kathleen Quartey Ayensu to serve on the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL), whilst Mr. Daniel Batidam was also elected to serve on the Advisory Board on Corruption.

Morocco admitted into the AU At the same session, the Kingdom of Morocco was unanimously admitted into the African Union. Until Monday’s vote, Morocco was the only African country which was not an AU member.

It will be recalled that in July 2016, Morocco formally announced its wish to rejoin the AU, 32 years after leaving the organisation. In a message to the AU summit in Rwanda, the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, said the time had come for his country to retake its place within its institutional family.

Morocco left the AU in 1984, after the organisation recognised the independence of Western Sahara.

Moroccans describe Western Sahara as their country’s “southern provinces”. For more than three decades, Morocco had refused to be part of the organisation.

Source: http://presidency.gov.gh/

Alpha Condé, the Guinean president, was elected to the largely ceremonial role of chairperson of the union.

February 2017

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African Doctor Buys A Former Tennessee Slave Plantation And Turns It Into A Cultural Sanctuary With The Goal Of Revolutionizing Health Care In African Countries a big house,” she explained.

She left home late that morning and figured the auction might even be over when she got there. But to her surprise, it wasn’t. Not only was it not over, she later learned that the auctioneer held up the auction because they were told, “the African Queen was coming.”

She was astonished. As fate would have it, she outbid everyone at the foreclosure auction, wrote a check to buy the place and by that afternoon, to her own initial dismay, she was owner of a sprawling plantation.

She estimates she got the house, an adjacent barn, and 30 acres of land for a third of what it was worth. She had to tell her husband what she’d done.

H.E Arikana Chihombori MD, FAAFP Ambassador of the African Union to the United States

BY DAPHNE TAYLOR SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA COURIER

We can all say that we’ve seen some amazing ironies in life, but few have experienced one like Dr. Arikana Chihombori, a Zimbabwe (Africa)-born physician and frequent Florida visitor and landowner who lives in the heart of Tennessee.

She and her husband, Dr. Nii Saban Quao, are both highly touted physicians. After completing her undergraduate education at Fisk University, she matriculated at Meharry Medical College and earned degrees in general chemistry, a master’s degree in organic chemistry and a Doctor of Medicine degree.

Dr. Quao, a native of Ghana, is a graduate of Yale University, where he earned three degrees: an undergraduate degree in molecular biology and biophysics, then a master’s degree in public health and a Doctor of Medicine degree. He also has a law degree from Vanderbilt University.

They are now the owners of Africa House, an expansive, plantationstyle mansion where dignitaries, beauty queens, ambassadors and other luminaries have stayed as their special guests. It is also the couple’s occasional weekend home.

But it’s how Chihombori acquired the sprawling home – and what is taking place there now – that presents one of the greatest ironies ever known.

Quao, her spouse – who is himself a longtime collector of African antiquities – just shook his head when he got the news. He’s used to her buying real estate “on a whim.”

Nowhere to go But it was what was to come that blew her and everybody away.

The couple that had owned the home was once extremely prosperous.

They had just lost their beloved mansion and were forced to sell what remained of their family’s legacy, and they were not prepared either psychologically or physically to leave when their property was sold to a wealthy African woman.

They had nowhere to go. Chihombori could force them to move out of the house immediately, or she could give them a grace period and allow them to stay a while longer.

She didn’t force them out. But it was then that she learned the rather startling news.

Not just any house She had purchased Chapman Clearing, parts of which had been in the same family since the year 1799. (“Chapman Clearing” was a name given to it by the locals because the landowner was known to tell everyone to “clear the land!”)

The Chapman family history is the history of America. The family patriarch was an officer in America’s Revolutionary War. In 1799, he bought 200 acres of land in Gallatin, Almost didn’t happen Tenn., then moved there from Virginia with his family. The Africa House might not have been if it hadn’t been for a casual busiChapman family was to buy, sell, and pass parcels of land ness associate, a young man who insisted that the locally welldown to subsequent generations for the next 200 years. known doctor check out a foreclosure auction for a house that he said would go for cheap.

Chapman men fought in the Revolutionary War, the Battle Chihombori was not in the market for another house. She already of New Orleans during the War of 1812, and the Civil War. owns properties in Tennessee, Florida, Ghana, Zimbabwe and South Enslaved Africans and their descendants worked the land Africa, and is a shareholder in a major resort property in the Orlando for decades, including a few that decided to stay on the area. property after the South lost the Civil War.

But the young man, who actually came to one of her four medical clinics to get some papers signed, insisted that she go to the auction and bid on the large house. She still didn’t take it too seriously.

The sprawling property Chihombori now owned had once been a part of 300 acres that belonged to the former owner’s great-grandfather – who had been a slave owner.

Going to look The place now known as Africa House had once been the “I had no intentions of going there to buy. I was just going to look at part of a massive slave plantation.

Dr. Arikana Chihombori (center) is flanked by Dr. Glenn Cherry, left, and her husband, Dr. Nii Saban Quao.

‘An insult’ “He just felt it was an insult losing his home, then losing it to a Black woman, but in the end, he was glad he did because we let him stay there. He said that if a White person had bought it, they would have wanted him out by 5 p.m. that very day. He said that ironically, it took two Africans to help him out! We changed his entire mindset about Black people,” said Chihombori.

She and her husband eventually allowed them to stay in the home for three months free of charge, and it didn’t matter to her that he had initially been upset that a Black family bought his mansion.

She said he even grew fond of her entire family and looked forward to their visits there during his extended stay. It didn’t matter that the history of the property included a time during which it was a slave plantation.

“The man completely changed the way he sees Black people, and that’s what it’s all about. “Their preconceived notions of Black people are wrong,” she remarked.

But she’s quick to point out that allowing him to stay there for free was just part of her upbringing in Africa.

‘The African way’ “To us, it didn’t matter that he was White. We did that based on our African upbringing. That’s an African way.

I’m not sure that’s an American way.

Everything we do, we draw back from our African values,” she said of herself and her husband.

130405_metro01eToday, Africa House – a former slave plantation – has been turned into an oasis of African culture in Tennessee, and the hub of thought, strategic thinking, and activity where great work is taking place on behalf of Africa.

Health-care initiative As a medical doctor, Chihombori is chairwoman of the African Union African Diaspora Health Initiative (AUADHI). (The African Union is a confederation of 54 African states.)

African Doctor Buys A Former Tennessee Slave Plantation And Turns It Into A Cultural Sanctuary With The Goal Of Revolutionizing Health Care In African Countries February 2017

Africa House, a mansion in Tennessee, once served as a plantation to slaves. Ironically the mansion is now owned by Africans.

(Photos by CHARLES W. CHERRY II / FLORIDA COURIER)

In this capacity, she is charged with mobilizing health-care workers throughout the African Diaspora – that is, people of African descent living outside of Africa – to assist in addressing the health-care crisis in Africa.

At Africa House, Chihombori and her husband brainstorm, strategize and collect information that is then used to make African countries healthier.

The main building of the former slave plantation is now a meeting place for people initiating sweeping positive changes in the very place where enslaved Africans slaves were forced from – their own homeland.

“And an African is in charge! What an irony!” said Kwame Bonsu, a native of Ghana, and a childhood friend of Chihombori’s husband. “It’s a great irony and God is a great God!

Regular meetings Along with others who are also concerned about the plight of Africa, the group meets at Africa House once or twice a week to determine how to bring people of African descent together, and how to mobilize to make Africa a healthier nation.

And everyone seems to agree that there is a spirit of togetherness that permeates the place when the groups are in Africa House working toward a common goal of making the African Motherland a better place for its people.

”The house has a spirit of ujamaa,” (the spirit of working together), she said in a telephone interview. “It also promotes the spirit of ubuntu (working together toward a common goal),” she said.

“It’s a very nice place,” said Chihombori. “I did the decorations myself. It’s huge and people can’t believe Black people own it. It empowers people,” she said of the house, which hosts parties, weddings, and other functions.

“There was a need for such a place.”

“It’s like the White House in Tennessee. It’s a beautiful mansion. It really represents Africa,” said Bonsu.

Focus on the work

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But it’s more important to “Dr. C,” as she is known locally, that the focus not be on the house itself. Her focus is on the work that originates from Africa House, particularly in the area of health care.

Health-care pros needed But the group’s greatest need right now is for doctors and other medical professionals to commit to going to Africa with the group to lend their expertise. They have a dire need for OBGYN’s, pediatricians, and surgeons.

It includes people of African descent who live in the Caribbean, North America, Central America, South America, or anywhere outside of the African continent, who are willing to contribute to the development of Africa and the building of the African Union.

Chihombori says some individuals may be able to give a longer commitment to help the continent. “If an OB-GYN can spend a year in Malawi, that would be ideal,” she said.

Chihombori is passionate about bringing people from all walks of life together with a common goal of helping Africa. “I’m so They are asking if professionals could commit to one month in Africa, but they’ll accept two weeks of support if necessary. The passionate because it’s like taking care of your mother,” she professionals are asked to pay their own way to Africa. But once said. there, accommodations, food and transportation are provided free of charge. The professionals work a four-day work week.

She is focusing her efforts on what the African Union calls “the Sixth Region’ of Africa.

“Malawi has called us to assist and free Mother Africa of the disease and help improve the quality of health care,” said Dr. There are five regions in the continent – North, South, East, West and Central. The Sixth Region is comprised of people of Andrew Hazley, an American-born general surgeon who is an AU-ADHI member. “It’s amazing the work we’ve been able to African descent or origin who live outside of the continent, do in such a short time.” irrespective of their citizenship and nationality.

Anyone can help But she’s quick to state that any time commitment is welcomed because any help is needed. They also need help from other proStop the denial fessionals and individuals outside of the medical profession. She Chihombori fervently wants to get the message out that we are stresses that anyone who is concerned about Africa and wants to all one people who should share a common concern about Africa. She wants African-Americans to stop denying that they help should contact the AU-ADHI. are African.

It’s the cohesiveness of the Sixth Region that Chihombori strives for when they’re strategizing at Africa House. Everyone who “Black Americans ARE Africans. The Jews never deny their knows her knows that she’s all about bringing people together.

Jewishness. As long as we continue to be divided, we will And according to Hazley, the atmosphere at Africa House is conremain enslaved. The mind must be liberated. We are all childucive to bringing people together in an electrifying atmosphere. dren of the same mother – Mother Africa,” she stressed in one of several phone conversations.

“Oh gosh, the Africa House…it has a lot of energy. It’s where we brainstorm and collect data. It produces an atmosphere to all of No health infrastructure our thoughts about Africa that are positive,” said Hazley.

As head of the AU-ADHI, she has galvanized health-care professionals who are just as committed to addressing Africa’s It is apparent that some of the greatest help for Mother Africa dire health situation. emanates from Africa House, and that makes Chihombori proud.

According to the AU-ADHI website, there is growing shortage “That’s what it’s all about. We’re solving the problems of humanof health care in Africa that’s due to the migration of healthity,” she said. care professionals and the lack of training facilities.

In certain parts of Africa, there’s only one primary care doctor for every 100,000 people. Some African countries do not even have a specialist.

Source:http://originalpeople.org

And without a specialist or primary care doctors, African people are dying from undiagnosed problems like hypertension, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria that could be prevented or cured.

The AU-ADHI contributes its own money to go to Africa to help out. In six months, the group made remarkable change in Malawi, an African country with dire health-care needs. The group recently went back to Malawi to meet a container full of $500,000 worth of medical supplies to help the people there.

The AU-ADHI raised the funds for the supplies.

Because of their effective efforts in Malawi, they also were asked by the president of Sierra Leone to help people there.

The group plans to do a needs assessment in Sierra Leone to determine how best to approach the help it plans to give.

Miss Africa Tennessee 2010 Patricia Kpabar, Miss Sierra Leone USA 2011 Isha Kabba, and Patricia’s sister Marion Bryant greeted visitors to Africa House.

(CHARLES W. CHERRY II / FLORIDA COURIER)

February 2017

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AFCON 2017: Cameroon Beats Egypt To Lift African Title

Cameroon produced a stunning comeback to beat Egypt in the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Gabon's capital Libreville on Sunday.

Cameroon's AFCON triumphs 2017 - beating Egypt 2-1 2002 - beating Senegal 3-2 (penalties) 2000 - beating Nigeria 4-3 (penalties) 1988 - beating Nigeria 1-0 1984 - beating Nigeria 3-1

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who returned to Egypt's starting line-up after an injury, found the net from inside the box after 22 minutes to give his country the lead.

But in the 59th minute Nikolas N'Koulou equalised and put the Indomitable Lions back in the game.

Cameroon's comeback was completed at the match's final moments, when Vincent Aboubakar controlled the ball in the 89th minute, clipped it over a defender and then shot past Egypt's goalkeeper to clinch his country's fifth African title with a sublime finish.

The Besiktas striker, who came in as a substitute, delivered Cameroon's first African Cup crown since 2002 and denied Egypt an eighth title.

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United Nations honours US-Based Ghanaian Journalist – Dedicates Award to President Nana Akufo-Addo – From P.K. Dickson, Washington D.C al organizations, international media organizations, and journalists from around the world.

Angola's Dos Santos Officially Confirms Retirement After 38 Years In Charge February 2017

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Alhassan is an international affairs analyst and a regular guest on the Voice of America’s weekly talk show “Lest Talk”. A few days before Ghana’s 2012 general elections, he appeared on the Voice of America with the US-based Ghanaian lecturer at the American University, Prof. George Ayyittey, for a pre-election analysis.

He was the North America Editor and United Nations Correspondent for AfricaNewsAnalysis for about three years, while working as Diplomatic Affairs Editor for the New York-based magazine, Applause Africa. He then moved to Arise TV as a Producer.

Washington, December 12 2016 — A U.S-based Ghanaian writer and media practitioner, Alhassan Y. Ahmad Alwaiz, has been selected for recognition by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) during this year’s UNCA Awards which will take place in New York on Friday, December 16.

Every year, UNCA recognizes and honours the best articles that explains the works of the United Nations worldwide. This year, some 400 journalists and media practitioners submitted entries, and Alhassan is among the only16 short listed for the award. His honour is dubbed: “Honorable mention for the United Nations Foundation Prize”.

Alhassan’s essay is titled: “Deadly Voyages and the UN Race against the Tide” –a passionately moving narrative, first published in the Berlin-based AfricaNewsAnalysis. The essay highlights the dangers of illegal migration and what the United Nations has been doing to address it.

Alhassan is dedicating this award to the President-Elect of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for showing Ghanaians and the world what hope and patience can achieve; His Excellency President John

Dramani Mahama, for showing courage and grace in accepting defeat –at a time when it’s needed most, and the good people of Ghana for keeping the peace during and after the elections.

He also dedicate the award to Musah Ibrahim Musah, Editor-inChief at AfricaNewsAnalysis, his mentor and guide who walked “him through the plank of international media practice”.

The special dinner and awards night, which will be held at Cipriani 55 Wall Street, New York, is also to celebrate the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon‘s final year of service to the U.N. The U.N Messenger of Peace, Leonardo DiCaprio will be the recipient of the 2016 UNCA Global Citizen of the year award for his work on addressing the global effects of climate change.

The gala will be attended by UN Ambassadors, high-level officials, Hollywood celebrities, humanitarians, corporate and cultur-

Two years ago, he was honored by the Seoul (South Korea)based HWPL as International Peace Ambassador. He was also a Julius Nyerere (Junior) Research Fellow, named after former president of Tanzania, at the Washington DC-based think tank, The Africa Society, where the late Prof. Ali Mazrui was an honorary board member for years until his death.

Alhassan took advanced writing through the AAP (Advanced Academic Program) of the Zanvyl Krieger School of Advanced Arts and Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University, and has been a continuing student of advanced International Relations at the Georgetown University’s Edmond Walsh School of Foreign Service–where he has been working to consolidate grounds for a “sandwiched” (joint) Masters and Phd program at the same school in due course. Alhassan has also been trained and certified on various thematic areas in International Diplomacy (International law, International migration, globalization, et al) at the Washington-based World Affairs Council (WAC). He also took several research courses at the Library of Congress, and he is currently taking a self-paced certificate course in International Environmental Law and Policy, being offered online through the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, has personally confirmed the news that he will not run again for the presidency of the oil-rich country during elections scheduled for August this year.

“The central committee of the MPLA approved the name of candidate Joao Lourenco at the top of the list for the August elections,” dos Santos said on Friday at the opening of an extraordinary congress of the ruling party.

News of dos Santos’ retirement from office after nearly four decades was widely reported in 2016 when the ruling party chose another candidate, Joao Lourenco. But today’s declaration is his first personal endorsement of the party’s successor.

The ruling party in December 2016 named defence minister, Lourenco as its candidate for the polls 2017 polls. He is also the Vice President of the ruling MPLA party and will be widely expected to win.

Angolans have long speculated the president’s next move since he said last March that he would stand down in 2018.

Eduardo dos Santos has been in power since 1979.

The writer has also been trained and certified by the World Bank Institute (on climate change policy options to increase green growth), and has earned three certificate from the Source: http://www.africanews.com United Nations on decision making process at the U.N. He has interviewed (and had a Q & A sessions with) a number of global political and business leaders such as President John Dramani Mahama, Ex-President Felipe Calderon of Mexico, Managing Director of IMF Christian Laggard, Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and U.S. Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson.

Alhassan is currently consulting for a number of entities among which is the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, on behalf of whom he recently led a team of communication and business consultants in a presentation before senior administration officials of the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) –where he made a strong case for increased aid to the (Ebola-ravaged) Republic of Guinea at this post-recovery stage. He speaks five international languages such as English, advanced Arabic, native Hausa, conversational German, and basic Spanish.

Source: http://www.africanewsanalysis.com/

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Sierra Leone Enters Miss Universe Competition For The First Time

(CNN)Hawa Kamara made history today as the first woman from Sierra Leone to enter the Miss Universe beauty pageant.

Blood diamonds, civil war and then an Ebola crisis have all held the West African nation of 6.1 million people back in recent decades, but Sierra Leone is now experiencing economic growth and ready to show the world it's open for business.

Kamara, who was crowned Miss West Africa in 2013, was born in Kono, famous for its diamond supply, and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital.

CNN caught up with Kamara as she prepared for the contest which took place today in Manila, Philippines.

How did you get involved in beauty pageants? Is it easy to compete in Sierra Leone?

Beauty pageants have been a passion of mine since I was in school. I watched them on TV, and dreamed that one day I'd be a part of this.

You have to stick to your dream, and my dream was to come to one of the biggest pageants in the world. It's not something that's easy -- you have to compete a lot.

You're obviously a pro, because you were crowned Miss West Africa in 2013. What's your secret?

I'm just being myself. I'm a simple kind of girl ... I'm comfortable the way I am. I just want to give the world me, and don't want to look like somebody else. That has been one of my advantages.

You grew up in Freetown during the brutal civil war which ended in 2002. How did this affect you?

People knew nothing else about my country (other than the war). That's affected us. When you say Sierra Leone, people think: "There is war in that country." But that is long gone.

What was life like growing up?

I came from a big family and grew up with my mom. She did a lot to make me a strong person. She taught me how to appreciate what I have, and to go for what I want.

What should people visiting Sierra Leone expect?

When you come to Sierra Leone, firstly, expect a lot of

smiles at the airport. A lot of the time, the places you go, (there is) a connection between people. And then (there's) our food, which is delicious -- it's something you wouldn't want to miss.

Aside from beauty pageants, what are you passionate about?

I support women. I do a lot of charity work that supports kids affected by Ebola. During the outbreak, I was out there helping, giving out stuff for people to take care of themselves. I also help school children pay their school fees. I knew how I came up -- it was very hard for me. If I'm having all these opportunities, I need to give back.

Did the Ebola outbreak affect you personally?

None of my family members were affected, (though) it was hard seeing it affect my country. A lot of people lost their jobs, suffered and died from it -- it was devastating.

What would being crowned Miss Universe 2017 mean to you?

It would be the greatest honor of my life. As I said, it's not just publicity for myself, but for my country as a whole. I want to welcome everyone to come to Sierra Leone. Everyone will love it.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/29/africa/sierra-leone/

February 2017

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Zimbabwe Millionaire Seeks Wife With 'Natural Hair'

Fabulously-rich Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo's list of requirements for a future wife was certainly controversial.

The wealth-flaunting tenderpreneur, who has made no secret of his friendship with the first family, announced he was looking for a wife on December 31.

Less than three weeks later, he says he's found her.

"Applicants with the following requirements should apply," Chivayo wrote in his initial post, adding a list of 16 'musthaves'." One was a university degree in finance. Another was "written recommendations from at least two former boyfriends."

He also wanted natural hair, white teeth and no tattoos.

"Grandmothers aged 30 years and above do not qualify," he said.

Chivayo posted a picture of himself on Tuesday with an unnamed woman with the caption: "Sir is chilling at home with the successful candidate". Some of his fans have pointed out that she does not appear to have natural hair, according to the official Chronicle newspaper.

The businessman stirred controversy last year when he posted pics of himself having dinner with Grace Mugabe and her son in Dubai. He called the first lady his "mother".

http://allafrica.com/

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Enter the King of Glory

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

It seems that we all want to be blessed. We want God’s power to be felt in our lives and for Him to transform the bad to good. We want to experience His miracle working power and feel, see, even testify of how good He is and what He has been able to do for us. If we are crawling, we want to walk and even run; if we are poor, we want to become rich; if we are single, most of us want to become married to that right person, and if we are childless, we want to be fruitful.

Clearly, we want the impact of God’s power in our lives, but unfortunately, too many of us don’t want to do what He wants us to do to benefit fully from His power. But we must wake up and realize the fact of the matter is, if you want the King of glory to come into your life and transform it, you must give Him your all. There is just no way about it.

You want God to bless you, even miraculously turn your life around, but you don’t want to sacrifice your time to read the Bible more or pray. You don’t want to attend Bible studies or Sunday school and you don’t want to volunteer in the areas of the ministry where there is a need for help. Too many of us “Christians” are satisfied with attending church occasionally or every Sunday and return home to our other lives outside of God and His influence.

However, if we want transformation, if we want the sort of blessings that we desire and need, then we cannot just do this simple “serving” of attending church.

We must do more. We must surrender and allow the King of glory to enter our lives fully and completely.

The hymnal, “All to Jesus I Surrender,” is a profound one I don’t sing lightly. I think many times, we sing songs just because they are songs without carefully understanding what we are saying, claiming and promising. This one is such a song. I recall many years ago, I was watching a show and there was an artist playing this song and the host of the show was singing (mouthing) along with tears streaming down their face. I wasn’t moved. I wasn’t moved because while that teary individual probably believed that they would surrender all their riches for Jesus, they were not and still have not surrendered their ideologies and way of life to Christ. Do we know that surrendering all means ALL? The first stanza says, “All to Jesus I surrender; All to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In his presence daily live.” The second stanza states: “All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now.” And the third

stanza says, “All to Jesus I surrender, Make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, Truly know that Thou art mine.” Are we really serious that we want to give Him our All, to forsake all worldly pleasures that do not bring Him glory or edify us spiritually? Do we really want Him to make us wholly His? It means that we are surrendering EVERYTHING. Think upon those words, for if we do desire to surrender everything, then we are in agreement with King David in Psalm 24. If we don’t mean this, then let us just sit back and stop faking and half-stepping, because we might fool some folks, but we cannot fool Christ and we will not be transformed, neither will our lives.

In Psalm 24, King David states, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24.1). He goes on to ask, Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?” He answers: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (vs.

3-5). Clearly, David is warning that anyone found with iniquity is not a candidate to benefit from the blessings of the Lord. He also establishes that such a person cannot even come to the holy place (hill) of the Lord. When we treat church like a place of social gathering and God a familiar buddy, we lose the seriousness of the space and function of the temple and fail to understand the holiness of entering His presence. Additionally, because we can be so cavalier about church attendance and His teachings, accepting and obeying what we want and disregarding what we don’t want to do, we don’t truly honor God or the place He wants to have in our lives. As a result, we come in our filth, not to surrender our faults, weaknesses, lifestyles, sins and ideologies (those beliefs that govern our sense of being, way of thinking, the truths we hold and the decisions we make) to Him, but we come casually with a distant heart to “pay homage” yet returning to our ungodly and/or un-empowered lives, all the while yearning, hoping and even confessing that we are in expectation of His blessings. We are delusional. We will not see nor taste the glory of the Lord unless we do as David describes above, that we should have clean hands, pure hearts, and not swear deceitfully.

Furthermore, when King David tells us that “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (vs. 1), he is also saying that anything you desire or need in this world is in God’s hands, that He is the One who has the ability to grant it to you and make you what you want to be, for after all, the Bible tells us, “it is He who has made us and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100: 3). What’s more, when he explicitly says, “and those that dwell in it” also belong to the Lord, he reminds that even your loved ones or enemies are in God’s hands. Now, what could be more comforting and satisfying than to know your loved ones can be safe in His care and that your enemies can be handled by Him? If anyone at all in the Bible has tasted of God’s full favor, it is King David himself. So let us take some lessons from him.

The great King David knew the Lord and the Lord knew him well. An imperfect but faithful being, God calls him, “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).

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David was reared in the knowledge of God and had deep abiding faith that His God, the God of Israel, was real and true, that He was holy and without sin, that He was the creator of all the world and mankind and that no image, no god or entity could compete with or even be compared to His Yahweh God. When David sinned, God punished him and when he repented, God forgave him, and in the many instances when King David trusted and obeyed, God rewarded him, not just for a short time, but for generations to come. Due to his experiences and understanding of what it takes to have a full relationship with God, his trials, failures and victories, David could write and declare that God is the King of Glory.

If we say we want God to move us, bless us, alter our lives, then we must do as David confesses. We must have clean hands and hearts. This means we live a holy and righteous life. If we want God to be glorious in our lives, then we have to prove our commitment to do His will, study His word, work within and outside the walls of the church, contributing to His Kingdom. If we are not willing to sacrifice our will, time and lives, then therein lie the challenge and the blockage to our transformation and spiritual fulfillment, because if we are unable to do this, we will not witness the glory of God in our lives.

What does it mean to have the King of Glory enter your life? It means to have the Ancient of Days, the Rock of Ages, the Solid Rock and the Alpha and Omega, the liberator and guide of oppressed nations on your side. For the King of glory to enter your life is for you to be made free, transformed, blessed and increased materially and spiritually. Having the King of glory is to have the greatest and only omnipotent supernatural entity fighting your battles, overtaking and often destroying your enemies as He repeatedly did for King David. Your life will be changed as God will render you glorious in spiritual warfare, causing demonic entities to scatter, flee and to perish. He is the ultimate Power and Authority who brings all other powers to their knees simply because of His position as Creator, Master and Lord of the cosmos. As the King of glory, He owns victory and He owns triumph. No one else does. No one else even comes close.

So are you really ready to have your breakthrough? Are you serious about worshipping and serving God? Are you being honest about being a true Christian, an actual follower of Christ? If so, then surrender your all, your everything to Him. Be fully obedient to Him and putting away your vices and chosen lifestyles, witness the King of glory altering your life.

Dr. Miriam Gyimah is available for speaking engagements.

You may contact her at newepistlespress@outlook.com

Zuma's Ex-Wife Hopes To Succeed Him As President

Barrow Reinstates Gambian Envoys Who 'begged' Jammeh To Step Down

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Mr Zuma publicly congratulated his ex-wife after she was sworn in as the head of the African Union Commission

As Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma steps down as the head of the African Union Commission, will she take over from her ex-husband as president of South Africa?

For two decades Ms Dlamini-Zuma has been the quiet juggernaut of South African politics. Tough, highly educated, competent, aloof, and most importantly, rarely out of a job.

The 67-year-old medical doctor has served in the cabinets of all four of South Africa's post-apartheid presidents - demonstrating an instinct for political survival and a capacity for endurance shared by few of her colleagues. Since 1994 she has been minister of health, foreign affairs and home affairs.

But now comes what may be Ms Dlamini-Zuma's defining challenge.

After four years away from South Africa's fractious political battles, as chairperson of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, she is poised to return home to run for the leadership of the governing ANC this December - a job that could, in turn, catapult her to the country's presidency in the 2019 national elections.

Zuma's protector?

Her supporters insist she's the perfect fit - a steady, hugely experienced, glass-ceiling-smashing woman, ideally positioned to reunite and reconcile the ANC's increasingly divided factions and to give the party a new lease of life to counter its steady slide in recent polls.

Her absence from South Africa during the past few years is seen as another, perhaps deliberately-planned, advantage - leaving her untainted by the scandals and power struggles that have damaged other prominent figures now challenging her for the top job.

Grey line Who is Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma?

Anti-apartheid activist Fled South Africa and completed her medical training in UK Met her ex-husband, current President Jacob Zuma, while she was a doctor in Swaziland After 16 years, divorced Mr Zuma in 1998 Declined the offer of replacing her sacked ex-husband as deputy president in 2007 Chair of the African Union commission 2012 - 2016 Grey line But her critics find plenty to object to in that portrait.

For a start, they point to her time at the African Union, which began with a notably divisive election campaign.

To some observers, Ms Dlamini-Zuma went on to become a lacklustre chairperson, only half committed to the job, and too easily distracted by grand projects rather than setting the agenda and leading the responses to the continent's most urgent crises from the Ebola outbreak to the conflicts in South Sudan, Mali, Somalia and beyond.

Her supporters hit back by saying she has taken a more longterm, developmental approach to problem solving, which may

have generated fewer headlines, but served the continent better.

Then there is the profoundly complex issue all too neatly summed up by the second half of her surname, Dlamini-Zuma.

From 1982 to 1998 she was married to South Africa's current president, Jacob Zuma. The couple raised four children before getting divorced.

Since then, their political relationship has appeared to shift, with Ms Dlamini-Zuma at times seeming to back her former husband, and at other times overtly siding against him.

The suspicion, now openly articulated by President Zuma's opponents, is that the current South African leader is actively promoting his ex-wife's bid to replace him, in the belief that as president, she will be able and willing to protect him from what he sees as a range of politically-motivated legal challenges and corruption investigations that could well pursue him after he leaves office.

Only recently, Mr Zuma added fuel to such speculation by appearing to weigh in on the succession debate by saying the ANC was "ready" to be led by a woman, rather than backing his current deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

To many, this line of attack against Ms Dlamini-Zuma is little more than a cheap sexist slur against a formidable and independent politician.

The Clinton effect?

And yet the perception of family bias clearly exists and, more to the point, in a no-holds-barred contest, it will almost certainly be wielded relentlessly in order to damage her chances of being elected ANC leader.

Some draw parallels with Bill and Hilary Clinton in the US, and the sense that South African voters may simply have grown tired of the Zuma name and any hint of a political dynasty.

The comparison is unfair, given that the Zumas are long divorced.

But there is no doubt that Jacob Zuma - his presidency increasingly overshadowed by scandal - has become an electoral liability for the ANC, and that Ms DlaminiZuma will have to position herself as something other than a continuity candidate if she is not only to win December's vote, but to convince South Africans that after nearly a quarter of a century in power, the ANC still deserves to remain in power come 2019.

By Andrew Harding BBC News, Johannesburg

The Gambian President, Adama Barrow, has reinstated about a dozen ambassadors fired by his predecessor and long time ruler, Yahya Jammeh.

The ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Omar Faye, who Jammeh recalled in a letter dated Monday December 19, 2016 has his job back along with 11 others who signed a joint petition asking the former president to handover peacefully.

Local media portal reports that aside Faye, ambassadors to China, Turkey, Britain, the United Nations and to Russia had all been recalled. Completing the list are, envoys to Belgium, Senegal, Spain, Guinea Bissau and Ethiopia.

Barrow also recently named one of the diplomats, Masanneh Kinteh – a former military chief, as his national security advisor.

The reinstated US ambassador, Omar Faye’s recall ‘for home service’ came a week after he called on his boss, Alhaji Dr Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh Babili Mansa, to respect the country’s constitution and hand over power to the president-elect Adama Barrow.

Jammeh’s diplomats failed to get him to accept the results of the December 1, 2016 polls. ECOWAS mediation also failed. Finally it took the efforts of Guniea’s Alpha Conde and Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to convince Jammeh to leave the country.

His exile to Equatorial Guinea was at a time that ECOWAS force led by Senegal was on standby to force Jammeh out of power.

The country drifted into a period of political tension and uncertainty as Jammeh’s tenure ended in January 19, Barrow took his oath of office in Dakar as a result.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/

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List Of All The Monarchs Of The Ashanti Kingdom Till Date

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7. Otumfour Nana Kusi Oboadum the same year of 11th June 1884. He ruled for just two After the demise of Nana Opoku Ware Katakyie, he was succeeded by Nana Kusi Oboadum who reigned from 1750 months. to 1764.

8. Otumfour Osei Kwadwo Okoawia After the demise of Nana Kusi Oboadum, there was a break, the Mamponghene at the time, Nana Safo Katanka took over as a regent till a new King was enstooled. He took over for a while in 1764 and in the same year, Otumfour Nana Osei Kwadwo Okoawia was enstooled and he reigned from 1764 to 1777.

Otumfoo Osei Tutu 11 The Ashanti Empire is well known for being fierce and conquering vast lands across pre-colonial West Africa during its peak This great Kingdom has seen many kings that made this achievement possible and so we took it upon ourselves to show you all the rulers that ever ascended the throne of the Ashanti Kingdom.

1. Otumfour Nana Twum Antwi This King ruled the Ashanti Kingdom in 1570 to 1600. By then, it was known as the Kwaaman State and so his title was Kwaamanhene and not Kumasehene. He’s known as the first King of the Ashanti Kingdom and the one most Ashantis trace their genealogy to 2. Otumfour Nana Kobia Amamfi The next King to succeed Nana Twum Antwi was Kobia Amamfi and he reigned in the year 1600 to 1630 before his demise.

3. Otumfour Nana Oti Akenten Next in line was Otumfour Nana Oti Akenten who reigned from 1630 to 1660.

4. Otumfour Nana Obiri Yeboa He reigned from 1660 to about 1680, his length of reign is not well documented but he lasted for a while.

5. Otumfour Nana Osei Tutu Opemsuo His reign saw the transformation of the Kwaaman State to Kumaseman State. When he took over from Obiri Yeboa, he made a promise to unite all the Ashanti states and he did achieve this with the help of Okomfo Anokye. He is the King on whose lap the golden stool that was commanded from the skies fell upon. Legend reveals that Kumasi was created when Okomfo Anokye chose the state through his ‘planting of a tree’ experiment. It is said that he planted two seedlings in two towns and declared that the one that flourished into a tree will be the Capital of the Ashanti Kingdom. That is why we have Kumasi and Kumawu.

Kumasi meaning, beneath the Kum Tree and Kumawu meaning the dead Kum tree. He’s known as the founder of the Ashanti Kingdom. He reigned from 1680 to 1717.

6. Otumfour Nana Opoku Ware Katakyie In the Ashanti Kingdom, when the King dies, the Beretuo dynasty which happens to be the seat of the Mamponghene acts as a regent till a new king is enstooled. Thus, after the death of Osei Tutu Opemsuo, the Mamponghene at the time, Nana Amaniampong took over the throne from 1717 to 1720 before Nana Opoku Ware Katakyie was enstooled. He reigned from 1720 to 1750.

9. Nana Osei Kwame Panyin After the demise of the reigning King and before the enstoolment of the successor, as usual, a regent from Mampong took over in the name of Nana Atakora Kwame, in the year 1777. Within the same year, a new King was enstooled in the name of Nana Osei Kwame Panyin who reigned from 1777 till his demise in 1803.

10. Otumfour Nana Opoku Fofie Nana Opoku Fofie succeeded Nana Osei Kwame from 1803 to 1804, he reigned for just a year. He ascended the throne in December 1803 and died in March 1804.

11. Otumfour Osei Tutu Kwame Asibey Bonsu In 1804, Osei Tutu Kwame Asibey Bonsu ascended the throne and reigned till the year 1824. Bonsu was added to his name in the year 1807. He took the reigns as Osei Tutu Kwame Asibey and so some history books do not have the Bonsu attached to his name.

12. Otumfour Nana Osei Yaw Akoto He ascended the throne in the year 1824 till the year 1834 when he joined his ancestors.

13. Otumfour Nana Kwaku Dua I During this period, the Ashanti Kingdom started keeping exact dates of enstoolment and this included the day and the month and not just the year. On the 25th August 1834, Nana Kwaku Dua I was enstooled as the new King of the Ashanti Kingdom. He reigned till the year 27th April 1867.

14. Otumfour Nana Kofi Karikari He ascended the throne on 28th May 1867 but on the 26th October 1874, he was forced to abdicate the throne while still alive. He was the first King to be destooled in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom.

15. Otumfour Nana Mensah Bonsu After being forced to abdicate the throne in 1874, the Mamponghene, Nana Kwabena Dwomo took over the throne as a regent. In the same year, Nana Mensah Bonsu was enstooled as the King of the Ashanti Kingdom. He was also forced to abdicate the stool on the 8th March 1883 which led to the Ashanti Civil War in 1883 which lasted for 5 years and finally ended in 1888.

16. Otumfour Nana Kwaku Dua II At the time of the Ashanti Civil War, after the abdication of Nana Mensah Bonsu, Nana Kwaku Dua II ascended the throne on 28th April 1884 but died after a short illness in

17. Otumfour Nana Prempeh I Within the period, there was an interim council which was chaired by Kofi Owusu from 11th June 1884 to November 1884 due to the civil war. The chairmanship was handed to Akyampon Panyin from November 1884 to 1887 before the throne was handed to the Manponghene, Nana Owusu Sekyere II who acts as a regent for the Kingdom in 1887 to 26 March 1888.

Nana Prempeh I officially ascended the throne originally as Nana Kwaku Dua III Asamu. He was arrested by the British in 1896 and exiled in 1900. He was released on 12 September 1924 and was restored as King on 12 November 1926. He finally joined his ancestors on 12 May 1931.

18. Otumfour Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II All this while the title of the throne had been Kumasehene, Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II ascended the throne as Kumasehene but it was during his reign that the title was changed to Asantehene on 31st January 1935. He ascended the throne on 22nd June 1931 and reigned till 27 May 1970.

19. Otumfour Nana Opoku Ware II After the demise of Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman Prempeh II, the throne was ascended by Otumfour Nana Opoku Ware II on the 6th July 1970. He reigned as Asantehene till 26 February 1999.

20. Otumfour Nana Osei Tutu II After the demise of Nana Opoku Ware II, the Mamponghene, Nana Osei Bonsu II acted as the regent for the throne from 26th February 1999 till 26th April 1999 before the enstoolment of Otumfour Nana Osei Tutu II who is till the incumbent King of Asanteman till date.

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Nigerian Matches Obama, Elected First Black Female President Of Harvard Law Review

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African Union ‘Honours’ Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

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Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban A Nigerian law student at Harvard University has been announced as 131st President of the Harvard Law Review (HLR).

Imelme Umana becomes the first female president of the HLR and occupies a post that was held by former United States President Barack Obama, who incidentally was also the first black man to be elected US president.

President Obama served as President of the 104th volume of the review in 1991.

Imelme is listed on the group’s website among its editors. She belongs to the 2018 Harvard Law School group. About 7 US Supreme Court judges have previously held the post.

The Black Law Students Association of the school also took to their twitter handle to congratulate Umana on her feat. They particularly mentioned the fact that she was the first black woman to be elected.

According to its website, ‘‘The Harvard Law Review is a student-run organization whose primary purpose is to publish a journal of legal scholarship. The Review comes out monthly from November through June and has roughly 2,500 pages per volume.

‘‘The organization is formally independent of the Harvard Law School. Student editors make all editorial and organizational decisions and, together with a professional business staff of three, carry out day-to-day operations.’‘

Aside the HLR being an academic forum for legal scholarship, it also serves two other goals. First, to be an effective research tool for practicing lawyers and students of the law. Second, to provide opportunities for Review members to develop their own editing and writing skills.

‘‘The Review publishes articles by professors, judges, and practitioners and solicits reviews of important recent books from recognized experts. All articles — even those by the most respected authorities — are subjected to a rigorous editorial process designed to sharpen and strengthen substance and tone,’‘ the website added.

Each issue of the Review contains pieces by student editors as well as outside authors. The latest publication by an outsider was by Barack Obama – who happens to be the first US President to have held that office, his piece is titled, The President’s Role in Advancing Criminal Justice Reform.

Source:africannews.com

The African Union (AU) Commission on Tuesday January 31st , honoured South African anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at a gala dinner hosted for champions of gender and equality activists.

Although Madikizela-Mandela did not attend the function, the mention of her name drew loud cheers and hand clapping – some guests who were apparently expecting to see her take the podium to accept her accolade stood up spontaneously.

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) president Bathabile Dlamini, who attended the function with other senior party members, said Madikizela-Mandela was a very brave woman who kept the “fire blazing” and did so much to keep the name of the ANC relevant when it was banned and many of its leaders, including her then husband late former president Nelson Mandela, had been arrested.

“Struggle was not a fashion, it was a commitment,” said the ANCWL leader. She said the AU Commission had made South Africans proud by honouring “the mother of the nation”.

She said Madikizela-Mandela, whose award was accepted by her granddaughter, was an inspiration to all women in the world who were fighting for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Dlamini added that the award was a fitting 80th birthday present for Madikizela-Mandela.

Most of the guest who attended the gala dinner were women including outgoing AU Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, SA International relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and other women from the continent.

Madikizela-Mandela’s granddaughter thanked those in attendance for acknowledging her grandmother’s selfless sacrifices and saluting her courage during the struggle as well as for celebrating her achievements, even though many in the past tried to tarnish her name.

Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” song was played for the mother of the nation, which brought most of the guests to their feet. Dlamini-Zuma led the dance moves joined by other women.

There was also a massive birthday cake for Madikizela-Mandela that was later cut and shared among the guests.

Source:http://howafrica.com/

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F e b r u a r y 2017

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Nigerian Man With 103 Wives Dies

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A former Muslim preacher in Nigeria who had at least 86 wives has died at the age of 93.

Mohammed Bello Abubakar died at his home in central Niger state on Saturday after battling an undisclosed illness.

A large crowd attended his funeral on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Daily Trust newspaper reported that while he had 86 wives in 2008 – when he was at the centre of media attention – the number had risen to 130 at the time of his death.

Some of them were pregnant, it reported.

The BBC reported in 2008 that he had at least 170 children, but the newspaper said he left behind 203 children.

Source: BBC

Barrow Removes ‘Islamic’ From Gambia’s Official Name F e b r u a r y 2017

Adama Barrow, The Gambia's new president, has vowed to reform the country's notorious intelligence agency and promised to ensure media freedom in the country.

Speaking at his first news conference since returning to take office on Thursday, Barrow announced plans to rename the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), a dreaded secret police accused by rights groups of forced disappearances and torture under the control of former leader Yahya Jammeh.

Barrow told reporters on Saturday the NIA was "an institution that has to continue", but with a different name.

"The rule of the law, that will be the order of the day," he said, adding that training would be given to NIA's operatives.

AU, France Mourn Etienne Tshisekedi Statement by French Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault

‘‘I bow to the memory of Etienne Tshisekedi, a man of peace and progress, who has struggled all his life for democracy and freedom in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Etienne Tshisekedi leaves an indelible imprint in the history of his country. His ultimate commitment to the respect of the Constitution contributed to the signing of the agreement of December 31, 2016.

The African Union (AU) has expressed sorrow at the death of Etienne Tshisekedi, main opposition chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The 84-year-old veteran politician died on Wednesday evening at age 84 in Belgium’s capital Brussels.

The AU extended condolences to the Tshisekedi family, to members of his party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), and to the people and Government of the DRC.

The statement released a day after the death described Tshisekedi as ‘‘towering personality of Congolese politics.’‘ It added that the best way to honor his legacy and his long fight for democracy in the DRC is to fully implement the Conference Épiscopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) facilitated Agreement signed by the Congolese stakeholders on 31 December 2016.

“It is important for the memory of Etienne Tshisekedi and for the future of the DRC that the hopes aroused by this agreement will quickly materialize for a democratic transition at the end of 2017.

“To his family, his political friends and the Congolese people, I present the sincere condolences of France.”

Brief about the Late Etienne Tshisekedi wa Mulumba

Tshisekedi founded the UDPS in 1984 , and has been at the forefront of opposition politics for more than three decades.

He was a minister under the late Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime and on a number of occasions served as prime minister in the 90s. He however did not remain in the position after clashing with the autocratic leader, who was eventually forced out in 1997.

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Barrow also said the country's official name will no longer contain the word "Islamic", which had been added by Jammeh in 2015.

The new president said The Gambia, whose population is 90 percent Muslim, with the rest Christian and animist, was a republic "not the Islamic republic".

Jammeh, who ruled the small West African nation for 22 years caused a major political impasse by refusing to give up power after losing the December 1 presidential election to Barrow.

Source: Aljazeera

Tshisekedi was the main opponent of former president Laurent Kabila, who took power in 1997, and his son, President Joseph Kabila, who has ruled the country since 2001.

The opposition heavyweight left the DRC for Belgium on January 24 to receive medical treatment.

Tshisekedi had been in Kinshasa since mid last year and participated in the country’s national dialogue to avert crisis due to the election stalemate.

He was expected to head a transitional body, known as the Implementation Council, until elections are held at the end of year. He was considered as one of the main key advocates of democracy in the country.

Etienne Tshisekedi was the runner-up in the November 2011 presidential election which was marked by voter irregularities.

Source:africannews,com

Afrikan

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MEDICAL FITNESS PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

MEDICAL FITNESS

BLOOD PRESSURE ---------120/80 -- Normal 130/85 --Normal (Control) 140/90 -- High 150/95 -- V.High ----------------------------

PULSE -------72 per minute (standard) 60 --- 80 p.m. (Normal) 40 -- 180 p.m.(abnormal) ----------------------------

TEMPERATURE ----------------98.4 F (Normal) 99.0 F Above (Fever) Must read

Know your genotype before you say yes to that handsome guy or to that beautiful lady whom you wish to spend the rest of your life with...

Genotype & It's Appropriate Suitor: AA + AA = Excellent AA + AS = Good AA + SS = Fair AS + AS = Bad AS + SS = Very Bad SS + SS = Extremely Bad (In fact, don't try it) #SickleCellAwareness

BLOOD GROUP COMPATIBILITY

What’s Your Type and how common is it?

O+ 1 in 3 (Most common)

A+ B+

AB+

37.4%

1 in 3

35.7%

1 in 29

3.4%

1 in 12

8.5%

O-

1 in 15

6.6%

B-

1 in 67

1.5%

A-

1 in 16

AB- 1 in 167 (Rarest)

6.3% .6%

Compatible Blood Types

O- can receive O-

February 2017

O+ can receive O+, OA- can receive A-, O-

A+ can receive A+, A-, O+, OB- can receive B-, O-

B+ can receive B+, B-, O+, O-

AB- can receive AB-, B-, A-, O-

AB+ can receive AB+, AB-, B+, B-, A+, A-, O+, O-

This is an important msg which can save a life! A life could be saved...

What is ur blood group ?

Share the fantastic information..

EFFECT OF WATER We Know Water is important but never knew about the Special Times one has to drink it.. !

Did you ?

Drinking Water at the Right Time Maximizes its effectiveness on the Human Body;

1 Glass of Water after waking up helps to activate internal organs..

1 Glass of Water 30 Minutes before a Meal helps digestion..

1 Glass of Water before taking a Bath - helps lower your blood pressure.

1 Glass of Water before going to Bed - avoids Stroke or Heart Attack.

'When someone shares something of value with you and you benefit from it, You have a moral obligation to share.

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Afrikan

AMIP News & The Africa Society Launch Book on US-Africa Engagement

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February 2017 Page

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Washington, DC

Friday, January 13, 2017

(L-R) Beryl Nnoma-Addison (Editor / VP, AMIP News), Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfiield (Asst. Sec. for Africa, State Dept.), Patricia Baine (President, The Africa Society), Frederick NnomaAddison (Author & Compiler/ CEO, AMIP News)

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfiield

Frederick Nnoma-Addison , Author and President of AMIP News

H.E Diabaté Daouda Côte d´Ivoire Ambassador to the United States representing the African Diplomatic Corps

AMIP News and The Africa Society launched The United States and Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency, a comprehensive and creative compilation, and review of USAfrica engagement, with a focus on the outgoing Obama Administration. US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the commemorative book after her keynote address. Several members of the African Diplomatic Corps attended the event held at the Embassy of Ethiopia on International Drive, Northwest Washington.

The 300-plus-page book is based on the 4 Pillars of the Obama Administration’s strategy toward engagement with sub-Saharan Africa that was issued in June 2012. They are, Strengthen Democratic Institutions; Spur Economic Growth, Trade and Investment; Advance Peace and Security; and Promote Opportunity and Development.

Using both human and national interest stories, it highlights key US-Africa initiatives and partnerships, includes important presidential and governmental statements, speeches, White House Fact Sheets, historic photographs, and follows the trajectory of bilateral and multilateral relations wherever it leads. The book is an exceptional addition to international relations literature and will preserve history and promote future relations.

The book was authored and compiled by Frederick NnomaAddison and edited by Beryl Nnoma-Addison, both of AMIP News. AMIP News is the publisher of other volumes that detail US relations with individual African countries; The United States & Ghana -2010, The United States & Nigeria – 2010, The United States & Ghana, Vol. II – 2012.

United States & Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency is a joint production of AMIP News and The Africa Society. It is readily available for purchase here.

The book is available for order at www.amipnewsonline.org or call 202-460-3912

Ambassador Girma Birru

Afrikan

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My Perspective!

Folks, friends, today in our world, we are engulfed with quite an impressive number of innovations: technologies, doctrines and principles that enhances our individual lifestyles, and improves productivity, offering an empowering environment that propels life globally at speeds unprecedented perhaps since the beginning of life.

Previous generations would be in awe at how far man has come. In science, medicine, ingenious explorations in the Space above, and in the depths of the ground beneath, across the length and breadth of the earth, there has never been such a burst of breakthroughs that are this breathtaking. Yet in the abundance of these advantages and pluses, life is still challenging both socially and economically.

Life’s challenges whether confronting an individual or society at large still remains to be conquered, still resist being overridden. In reality, challenges in this era are more cumbersome than ever before; terrorism, cynicism, narcissism and lack of empathy keeps plunging the value of life, of that which makes life worth living worth not a single dime.

In the midst of this, is a resultant vacuum; an emptiness in the soul and spirit of man, of humans. In our world today; pain, hurt, loneliness, longing, dejection, disappointment, disaffection and many more travails are rapidly becoming the order of the day, giving way and room for those other elements that are for all intents and purposes in contravention with nature. In a world where everything, and anything sustainable not only for life and posterity, but everything that metaphorically adds purity in the air we breathe, connecting arm in arm appears to be working against us, blinding us to look within and beyond so as to see what is really missing, what is really making this world ache. So whether or not we are on the same page, there is still no doubt that this generation, our generation is meeting the greatest challenges of all time. From raising our kids to building bridges across societies to nation building, the challenges seem more herculean than ever before. And as if this is nothing to go by, the word “Peace” and everything it stands for in our individual and collective lives is more of a pipe dream than a living reality.

We want to build our lives. We want to make better our living conditions. Beyond this, we want to be able to live in peace and harmony. And yet all these aspirations are continually and increasingly becoming far-fetched.

It is against this backdrop that I wish to share my humble thoughts on a couple of wise Sayings meant for reflection, and contemplation, a refreshing but unique avenue for soul searching. Primarily, they are aimed at our personal character growth, something worthy for our collective cohesion and peaceful co-existence.

Here are a few:-

“When you exhibit favor to your fellowman, you exhibit the flavor in humanity.” An act of kindness or approval beyond what is due is such a beautiful character trait, the display of which gladdens many a heart. The absence of this ironically makes us depraved.

“The best idea a man could ever have is the idea that he was himself an idea from the dot.”

The human mind is a tapestry of imagery recalled either from memory or thought, but the most profound of all this is the concept surrounding man’s own origin. Whether you are looking at this from the prism of science or creation, there is baffling evidence reminding us that man was once an atom in size, a decimal point so to speak, with design

and source no one living has the power to fathom.

So the common thread here is that we are all one.

“Always prove to yourself your values, and others will appreciate you without you having to prove anything.” One’s ability to rate his or her own worth, importance and discipline is more transcendental than making a deliberate effort to impress. Empty barrels…

“Negative emotion becomes a burden when it is the only wheel that keeps you in motion.” This literally means your feelings could either be positive or deleterious, but if the latter is so strong that it overshadows your judgment, then as an individual you are probably not content with your own life.

“Determination makes a man and not the other way round.” In other words, circumstances, situations and events may shape a person’s image and social standing, but what makes the difference is that the responsibility of setting limits, and ascertaining the course and effects of our actions lies with no one else but us.

“Walking tall has little to do with one’s height but has everything to do with aiming high.” This says, being endowed with physical stature has its merits but without what is called vision, mission and determination, nothing would really matter.

“Making a defense for your Faith makes all the difference for your fate.” invariably implies our core values and our essence are generally believed to determine the final outcome of the decisions and choices we make in the course and cost of our lives.

“If you know what you are made of, no man born of a woman can unmake you.” is that inspiring that it requires no further stretch of the imagination in order to grasp its relevance. Simply put, our ability to discern our awesome nature is in itself a shield against any adversity.

February 2017

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106-Year-Old Women Gets Engaged Making Her The Worlds Oldest Fiancee’

A Brazilian pensioner has defied doctors to become the oldest person to get engaged at the age of 106.

Valdemira Rodrigues de Oliveira said yes to her 66-year-old toyboy Aparecido Dias Jacob at a ceremony despite being given advice by physicians not to go ahead with it.

The smitten seniors with the combined age of 172 years have separate rooms at Nossa Senhora Fatima retirement home in Pirassununga, south east Brazil, and were determined to prove it’s never too late to be with your soulmate after three years together.

Medics assessed their health and age and warned the duo, known affectionately as Valda and Jaco, would not be able to cope with living on their own.

But the elderly sweethearts exchanged engagement rings in a betrothal service organized by volunteers under an initiative called the Project of Dreams.

Volunteer Fabiane Zaffalon, said: ‘As they couldn’t get married we came up with another way to make their dreams come true by holding an engagement ceremony at the retirement home.’

In Brazil, an engagement ring is placed on the third finger of the right hand and when the person gets married the same band is swapped to the ring finger on the left hand.

Speaking about her love for her future husband, the centenarian said: ‘I fell in love with him.

‘I like him a lot. If he dies, I die too.’

The two lovebirds were among 40 residents at the elderly care home who were asked by the Project’s organizers what they would like to do ‘most in their life to make them happy’.

Fabiane Zaffalon, a volunteer at the home, said: ‘We came up with the idea last November to use the Project of Dreams to find out from our elderly residents what they wanted to fulfill in their lives.

‘We asked Valda and Jaco separately what their dreams were. They both said to get married and to have a little house where they could live together.’

But doctors warned organizers the couple’s age and health problems would make it difficult for them to do this.

Fabiane added: ‘So we decided to make Valda and Jaco’s wishes come true by arranging a spectacular engagement party where they could pledge their love for each other.’

Life is an unavoidable context in which we live, and this bestows on us the greatest of all opportunities, which is to pause and reflect and to show affection for one another.

The love struck pair met at the residential home in 2014 and it was love at first sight for Jaco, who suffers from paralysis of the left arm.

He has been living in the home for 19 years after being homeless and unemployed.

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” Here, my take on this is better amplified by yet another quote, a paraphrase, this time from the Holy Book affirming the fact that we are wonderfully and fearfully made, matter of fact everything is, that is, if we have the right perception. In other words, in the words of Georgia O’Keefie, ‘Nobody sees a flower, really _ it is so small _ we haven’t time, and to see takes time…’

‘I asked her to marry me and we always believed it would happen but getting engaged is a step forward for us right now.’

My last word, perhaps my last illustration, is a quote from Henry Miller:

By William deGraftColeman Author, Pearls for Life/the Gods declare

Jaco said: ‘I fell in love with Valda from the moment I saw her. I know she’s a little older than me, but that doesn’t matter because she makes me really happy.

The couple are inseparable and spend all day with each other, chatting, eating their meals together and sitting side by side in the home.

‘I know it’s not going to happen but I would have loved to be able to wash Jaco’s clothes, cook his meals and look after him like a wife,’ said Valda.

It’s the first time either of them have been married.

Neither have children and most of Valda’s relatives have died while Jaco has lost touch with his family.

A live band played the wedding march as Jaco, dressed in a bespoke suit and tie, waited at the front with the master of ceremonies for his future fiancée.

Source: http://michaelbaisden.com

February 2017

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New Asantefuohene and Queenmother of Washington Metro Area Sworn in

Nana Kwame Darko, Saturday January 28th would be a day to remember in the history of the Asanteman Association of the Washington DC Metro Area as a new Asantefuohene and Asantefuohemaa along with the 2nd term of the current executive council were sworn into office.

Nana Kwame Darko, known in private life as Francis Darko, a retired Verizon Executive Officer and community leader was sworn in as the New Asantefuohene to take the place of Otafrebuor Nana Agyenim Boateng Pedie I, who has held the office for over fourteen years in dignity. Nana Foriwaah Nyarko Abronomaa known in private life as Mrs. Vida Owusu Asante a media personality of Highlife radio was also sworn in to replace Nana Ama Achiaa as Asantefuohemaa of the Washington Metro Area. The Association also sworn into office Nana Adjoa Pokuaa know in private life as Ms. Dinah Maame Pokuaa an RN as the Gyaasehemaaa.

The newly installed Chief and Queenmother swore the oath of allegiance in the presence of the members of the Asanteman Association of the Washington DC Metro Area after they were approved through a rigorous process by the council of elders of the association including Abusuapanin Frank Fofie, Mr Akwasi Owusu, Nana Akwasi Akuoko Mensah, Nana Baffour Awuah, Otafrebuor Nana Agyenim Boateng Pedie I, Bogyawehene and Amoafoman Akwamuhene. Mr Opoku Akyeampong Adadey, a.k.a Golash Adadey, the current President of the Association and Mrs. Harriet Amoah a representative of the Obaa Panin witnessed the swearing in.

Remarkable display of Ashanti traditional rites preceded the colorful event which was held at Springfield Virginia.

With a raised symbolic sword in hand the Chief and Queen mother swore the great oath of allegiance to Asanteman to pledge to be faithful and loyal to the service of Asanteman no matter the circumstances unless they are in anyway incapacitated by illness.

Nana Kwame Darko and Nana Foriwaah Nyarko Abronomaa expressed their profound appreciation to Asanteman for their immense support and cooperation in making the event a success.

They were both hopeful that with the dawn of new leadership and change of baton their perceived projects would be rejuvenated. Nana Kwame Darko appealed to all Asanteman members to imbibe in them the spirit of unity to enable them build a stronger organization in line with their goals.

Nana Adjoa Pokua - Gyaasehemaaa

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Nana Foriwaah Nyarko Abronomaa

Mr. Golash Adadey, a US federal government Financial Management Systems Consultant, the current President was also swore in with his executives for their second term in office.

As a democratic, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organization, the goals and objectives of the Asanteman Association are to: * Unite Asantes in the Washington Metropolitan Area. * Promote the social, moral, educational and the general welfare of its members. * Provide a source of cultural enrichment, and promote interest, inform and educate the general community about Asante culture. * To instill and inculcate in the youth the love and pride of Asante cultural heritage. * Provide social networking and support for the members. * Organize periodic workshops to educate members on pertinent issues, such as Asante culture and traditions, legal, immigration, health, employment, insurance, and investments. * Project good image of Asantes in the Washington metro area. * Support Asanteman development efforts by motivating and educating members to financially support educational, health and other social programs in Asanteman. * Develop linkages to and networking with other African ethnic groups and participating in inter-cultural exchange programs. * Assist the needy financially and in kind. * Contribute to the development of the Washington Metropolitan area community by performing voluntary services.

An Executive Council headed by a President is the policy making body and is responsible for the general management of the Association.

Trivia

WAHALA DEY!A friend asked for a lady's hand in marriage and her father gave him this form to fill. After reading the form, he told his potential father. -in-law that he needed to use the rest room which the man obliged.Immediately he got to their toilet, he just scaled through the window and ran out of the compound.DID YOU JUST ASK WHY?Come Over!!!APPLICATION FORM FOR INTENDING GROOM FOR MY DAUGHTER.FILL THE FORM IN YOUR OWN HAND WRITING AND IN BLOCK LETTERS.

F e b r u a r y 2017

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An Aeroplane cleaner was cleaning the pilot's cockpit when he saw a book entitled, "HOW TO FLY AN AEROPLANE FOR BEGINNERS.

Volume 1 He opened the 1st page which said: "To start the engine, press the red button.." He did so,and the airplane engine started.. He was happy and opened the next page...:"To set airplane moving, press the blue button.." He did so and the plane started moving at an amazing speed... He wanted to fly, so he opened the 3rd page which said: "To let airplane fly, please press the green button.." He did so and the plane started to fly...He was excited...!! After 20 minutes of flying, he was satisfied and wanted to land so he decided to go to the 4th page... Nd page 4 says; to be able to know how to land a plane, please purchase Volume 2 at the nearest book shop!

I ____ hereby apply to marry your daughterMiss ___. I am __years old.Please answer the following questions honestly.1. Do you go to Church ? Yes/No 2. Do you have a degree or diploma? Yes/No 3. Are you still a virgin? Yes/No He will be buried tomorrow.

4. Are you working? Yes/No 5. Is the range of your income within a month between five hundred thousand and a mil- A lady worked at a meat distribution factory. One day, when she finished with her work schedule, she lion? Yes/No went into the meat cold room (Freezer) to inspect something, but in a moment of misfortune, the door 6.Do you have a credible car? Yes/No closed and she was locked inside with no help in sight. Although she screamed and knocked with all her might, her cries went unheard as no one could hear her. Most of the workers had already gone, and 1. In 50 words or more, Describe the disadvantages of cheating in maroutside the cold room it's impossible to hear what was going on inside. Five hours later, whilst she riage._____________________________________ was at the verge of death, the security guard of the factory eventually opened the door. She was mirac2. With the aid of a diagram, Explain how you can give respect to your father in- law and ulously saved from dying that day. When she later asked the security guard how he had come to open mother in-law._____________________________ the door, which wasn't his usual work routine, this was his explanation: "I've been working in this fac3. Suppose your wife says "Honey, I need money to fix my hair at the saloon", what tory for 35 years. Hundreds of workers come in and out every day, but you're one of the few who greet would be your answer ?_________ me in the morning and say goodbye to me every evening when leaving after work. Many treat me as if 4. Explain any TEN causes of divorce.__________________ I'm invisible. Today, as you reported for work, like all other days, you greeted me in your simple man5. What does the term 'good husband' mean to you?________________ ner 'Hello'. But this evening after working hours, I curiously observed that I had not heard your "Bye, 6. Are your parents living together? Yes/NoIf No explain why?_________ see you tomorrow". Hence, I decided to check around the factory. I look forward to your 'hi' and 'bye' 7. Are your parents legally married? Yes/No.If YES for how long?_____.If the time of every day because they remind me that I am someone. By not hearing your farewell today, I knew their marriage is less than your age, explain why you were born out of wedsomething had happened. That's why I was searching every where for you."Moral Lesson to reflect lock.________________ upon: Be humble, love and respect those around you. Try to have an impact on people who cross your 8. Explain the meaning of ''COME HOME EARLY" As used by women (100 path every day, you never know what tomorrow will bring. Let this story be an inspiration. words)__________________ 9. Give any THREE reasons that can cause a manto sleep outside his house.__________________ Imagine your Mum left your dad when you were just 8months old because he had no money. Your 10. In case of divorce, who do you think is the owner of the kids between the father and dad remarried a lady because he needed someone who will take care of you.When you grew up, and the mother?_________ due to the financial state of the house, your step Mum sold her wrappers so that she could sponsor your education. Luckily you graduate as a medical doctor, owning your hospital. One day due to 1. Do you drink alcohol? Yes/No your good medical services, your hospital was crowded with patients, all the beds were occupied, leaving only a single bed. An emergency occurred due to an accident which your real mum and 2. Do you smoke? Yes/No3. Are you short- tempered? Yes/NoLAST PART - BUT your step mum were involved and both were brought to your hospital. Who will you admit first: EQUALLY IMPORTANT1. When can you be free for interview(s)?__________ your biological mum or your step mum?? (The situation permit you to choose just one). Please don't 2. When is the best time to interview your dad?________ ignore the question 3. When can I interview your mum?__________ 4. When can I interview your church Pastor?_________ 5. Please attach your passport sized photograph below which will be used as advertisement in a popular national newspaper to cross check if you have other girlfriends.

Sign here: ______Confirm your signature:_______

Thank you for showing interest in my daughter.Your application will beprocessed within a year and you will be acknowledged "only if you are successful".As you wait for my response,*Please don't call me!*Don't visit me!*Don't contact my daughter!If you do, you will be disqualified! Leave your other details in case I need to ask you more questions;

Postal Address: _________

Email:_______

_Phone: ______Home:___ Facebook:_______

BEST WISHES.

CLASS TEACHER - I returned from work, opened my door and saw 50 million dollars on my bed.

Assuming you were in my shoes, what will you do?" asks the teacher..

STUDENT: I will bite your toes until you faint. I will then come out from your shoes and take all the money!.

TEACHER: Fool! You can't literally be inside my shoes. It's a figure of speech..

STUDENT: You can't literally open your door and see 50 million dollars on your BED! In this Economy? Who will keep it there. That's a figure of impossible speech.-

Spirit of Leadership Conference

F e b r u a r y 2017

The 2nd Annual Spirit of Leadership Conference, hosted by True Worshippers, was held on January 7, 2017. The purpose of this annual conference is to create a future generation of trailblazers who will change the world for the better.

The event started off with a Meet & Greet where attendees were socialized with panelists and colleagues. The Meet & Greet was followed by the small session workshops where special guests were invited to lead skills and solution sessions.

Topics such as professional branding, dining etiquette, and designing projects were discussed. We also had solutions sessions where special guests were able to interact with attendees, and discuss real life issues we face in our society. Special thanks to Mr. Fred Arthur, Mr. Kweku Amoako, Mr. Dennis Bioh, Mr. Yaw-Osei Owusu, and Mr. Reuel Dartey for leading our solution sessions.

Moderated by Mr. Kelvin Wiredu, the plenary session was one of the most highly anticipated parts of the program this year.

We invited several acclaimed individuals who came from all over the country to serve as panelists. Special thanks to our panelists, Mr. Isaac Babu-Boateng, Mrs. Sandra Appiah, Mr. Kwadwo Sarpong, Dr. Theodore Nyame, Dr. Josephine Dawuni, and Ms. Tambra Raye Stevenson.

Mr. Yaw Osei-Owusu Founder & President of the True Worshippers DMV

Our gratitude also goes out to our keynote speaker, Dr. Ralph Dartey of Transforming Life Centre International, who blessed the audience with an inspiring message on leadership. Special thanks to Ms. Maya Elizabeth, who opened for the keynote with a wonderful song ministration.

This year, we introduced the Commitment Challenge, a challenge designed to encourage youth and young adults to set one commitment for themselves this year and work towards it. At the closing of the event, we presented the Spirit of Excellence Award and the Citizens Initiative, Commitment to Service Award for the first time this year.

Panelist

This year’s event would not have been possible without your participation. We thank all of sponsors, panelists, and guests who attended. Special thanks goes to our True Worshippers team who worked tirelessly and effortlessly to make this event a success. We are very grateful and may God richly bless you all.

Dr. Ralph Dartey & Family

Ms. Maya Elizabeth

Mr. Kelvin Wiredu

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Afrikan

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Gallery of African Presidents

H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika Algeria April 27, 1999

H.E. José Eduardo dos Santos Angola September 10, 1979

H.E. Paul Biya Cameroon November 6, 1982

H.E.Faustin-Archange Touadéra Central African Republic 30 March 2016

H.E. Alassane Ouattara Cote d’Ivoire May 21, 2011

H.E. Joseph Kabila Dem. Rep. of Congo January 26, 2001

H.E.Mulatu Teshome Ethiopia 7 October 2013

H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba Gabon October 16, 2009

H.E. Uhuru Kenyattai Kenya 9 April 2013

Rt. Hon. Pakalitha Mosisili Lesotho (PM) 17 March 2015

H.E. Thomas Yayi Boni Benin April 6, 2006

Jorge Carlos Fonseca Cape Verde 9 September 2011

H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh Djibouti May 8, 1999

H.E. Adama Barrow Gambia January 19, 2017

His Majesty King Letsie III Lesotho October 31, 1997 Coronation

H.E. Seretse Khama Ian Khama Botswana April 1, 2008

H.E. François Bozizé Central African Republic March 15, 2003

Abdel_Fattah_el-Sisi Egypt 8 June 2014

Nana Akufo Addo Ghana January 7, 2017

H.E.Fayez Mustafa alSarraj Plll Libya 30 March 2016

February

2017

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Roch Marc Christian Kaboré Burkina Faso 29 December 2015

H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza Burundi August 26, 2005

H.E. Idriss Deby Chad December 2, 1990

H.E. Azali Assoumani, Comoros May 26, 2016

H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Equatorial Guinea August 3, 1979

H.E. Isaias Afeworki Eritrea May 24, 1993

H.E. Alpha Conde Guinea December 21, 2010

H.E.José Mário Vaz Guinea Bissau 23 June 2014

H.E. Hery Rajaonarimampianina Madagascar 25 January 2014

H.E. Arthur Peter Mutharika Malawi 31 May 2014

Gallery of African Presidents

H.E. Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta Mali 4 September 2013

H.E. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz Mauritania August 5, 2009

H.E.Hage Gottfried Geingob Namibia March 21, 2015

H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou Niger 7 April 2011

Macky Sall Senegal 2 April 2012

King Mswatti III Swaziland April 25, 1986

H.E. Danny Faure Seychelles 16 October 2016

H.E. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini (PM) Swaziland October 23, 2008

H.E. Sir Anerood Jugnauth Mauritius 5 June 2015

H. E. Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria 29 May 2015

H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma Sierra Leone September 17, 2007

H.E. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli Tanzania (2015–present

H.E. Edgar Lunga Zambia 25 January 2015

H.E.Abdelilah Benkirane Morocco (PM) 29 November 2011

H.E.Denis Sassou-Nguesso Republic of Congo October 25, 1997

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Somalia (2012–present)

H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Togo May 4, 2005

H.E. Robert Gabriel Mugabe Zimbabwe December 31, 1987

February

His Majesty Mohammed VI Morocco July 23, 1999

2017

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H.E.Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Mozambique 15 January 2015

H.E. Paul Kagame Rwanda March 24, 2000

Evaristo do Espírito Santo Carvalho São Tomé & Príncipe 3 September 2016

H.E. Jacob Zuma South Africa May 9, 2009

H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit South Sudan July 9, 2011

H.E. Mohamed Beji Caid Essebsi Tunisia (2014–present)

H.E. Yuweri Museveni Uganda January 26, 1986

Afrikan

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Is 2017 the Year of Resolution or REVOLUTION

Dear readers, First and foremost, I would like to thank you for following and reading my articles. I take this opportunity to welcome you into the year 2017 and wish you the very best this year; a year full of extraordinary blessings.

As most of you know, this forum allows me to share a wealth of information or resources with you concerning real estate. Since it is the beginning of the year, I feel compelled to ink something different that speaks to the heart of so many when a new year approaches. That’s New Year Resolution(s). The question then become, do we resolute or revolute when a New Year approaches. The Oxford Dictionary defines Resolution as “a firm decision to do or not to do something, whilst a Revolution is a forcible overthrow of something in favor of a new system.” I prefer and recommend the later. This is a year of Revolution.

Typically, when a new year reigns in, we make promises to ourselves as to what we “should" do, or what we should stop doing or what other people suggest we should work on. The focus should rather be what YOU really want to do or actually what YOU want to achieve. Is not about anybody else, but YOU. To be successful in executing the new changes you want to make for the New Year, it requires a lot of commitment and motivating yourself. Here are some simple techniques to implement to make the goals a reality.

Rule 1: Commit to Your Revolution Choose revolutions that you really want to achieve – and make them positive. The goal should be simply REASONABLE—a very small goal to easily attain. Announce your revolution to everyone around you – they

will help hold you accountable.

• Ask yourself; is this revolution my idea or someone else's? Does this revolution motivate and invigorate me?

• Does this revolution sit comfortably with other factors in your life, such as my values and long-term plans?

Rule 2: Be Realistic This simply implies that; making sure the goal is in small increments, so that you can definitely attain it. Do not revolute to do something too big and probably out of reach. It can overkill the purpose and mission you’ve set your path on.

Rule 3: Make the Revolution Stick This means reciting your revolution to yourself, meditating on it and finding ways to make it work daily.

Last but not the least, the most common revolution for most people are to improve health and finances. If you plan on a quality health life, it starts by making small changes in portions of intakes. It is not recommended to do a drastic change, do it slowly in small portions day by day. If you plan on financial health it is also highly recommended you take steps to review your monthly bills such as Cable, Cell phone, Insurance, etc…. Take time to shop around and compare what competitors in the market are offering to save you money.

Making these changes would position you to experience a revolution this year 2017. You will definitely see a difference.

Here is a quote to think of: January 1 signifies a new beginning. However, each day allows for a new beginning, and hence it is a reset. Dr. Roberta Anding, Baylor College of Medicine I hope this article has help set you on a path to a year of growth and change.

We will resume our real estate talks/ideas in the next articles to come.

In the meantime, if you need any information about real estate (buying, selling, and leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Thank you.

Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® –Licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia Prince William County-Local Expert

February 2017

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Lagos University 'Bans Tight Clothes', Mugabe Aide In Banana Insult

The University of Lagos in Nigeria's commercial capital has banned both male and female students from wearing tight-fitting clothes, including trousers, skirts and blouses, local newspapers report.

They quote a management circular as also banning “all clothes which reveal sensitive parts of the body such as the bust, chest, belly, upper arms and the buttocks".

The circular adds:

Students should maintain a clean and well-cared for appearance in all settings on campus.

Wearing of tight, strapless and revealing clothes whose length are above the knees are inappropriate.”

Source:bbcnews.com

Afrikan

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Memorial Concert in Honor of Danny Nettey

A memorial musical concert held in Woodbridge Virginia on Saturday January 21st commemorated the life of Minister Danny Nettey, one of the pioneers of Contemporary Gospel music in Ghana who died in July 2016 in Ghana.

Minister Danny Nettey was an inspiration to many Ghanaian musicians across the globe and he touched the lives of many gospel music lovers at all levels in society.

When the news of his death was announced his fans poured their hearts out in tributes all over social media and in various churches.

On Saturday January 21st, musicians and ministers of God in the United States honored Minister Danny Nettey with a memorial Concert at the Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church Sanctuary in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Friends of Danny Nettey in the United States were instrumental in organizing the memorial musical concert which kicked off at 8pm on Saturday evening with nostalgic memories of the departed brother and inspirer. The atmosphere was ignited with high praise and worship during ministrations by various musicians took turns to sing in Danny’s memory and also recall some special moments with him.

There were special performances by Maame Afon, Rev. Denzel Agyeman-Prempeh, Rev. Samuel Nelson, Rev. Emmanuel Nickson, Rev. Clarence D Roberts, Lady D, Rev. Joe Asmah of All Nations Church in New Jersey and many others.

Apostle Dr. Ahia-Armah exalted the gathering with a short message encouraging them to lead exemplary lives.

The ministers in attendance included. Rev. Muriel Vanderpuye, Rev. John Sarsah, Rev. Emmnauel Nickson, Apostle and Rev. Mrs. Ahia-Armah, Rev & Mrs. Samuel Asare, Rev Eric Botchway, Rev Harry Agyeman and many others.

The atmosphere was an indication that even though Danny died in Ghana his memory and good works will forever be appreciated in the hearts of all gospel music lovers all over the world.

Danny, a well-travelled master performer had three albums to his credit and has shared the stage with the likes of Bishop T. D. Jakes, Don Moen, Ron Winans, Bebe Winans, Ron Kenoly, Kirk Franklin

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Afrikan

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AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS WINNERS LIST – PAST AFCON WINNERS LIST 19572017!

Egypt has 7 AFCON titles to their name making it the most successful in the tournament. Ghana and Cameroon comes second with 4 AFCON wins.

YearWinner

2017 2015 2013 2012 2010 2008 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988 1986 1984 1982 1980 1978 1976 1974 1972 1970 1968 1965 1963 1962 1959 1957

Camerron Ivory Coast Nigeria Zambia Egypt Egypt Egypt Tunisia Cameroon Cameroon Egypt South Africa Nigeria Ivory Coast Algeria Cameroon Egypt Cameroon Ghana Nigeria Ghana Morocco Congo DR Congo Sudan Congo DR Ghana Ghana Ethiopia Egypt Egypt

F e b r uary 2017

PAST PREMIER LEAGUE WINNERS LIST

The Premier League is undoubtedly the most watched league in the world and definitely the toughest league in the world.

The first season (1992-1993) the Premier League was contested by 22 teams who played a total of 42 matches a season.

The league is now contested by 20 teams after it was reduced at the end of the 1994-1995 season.

List of the past winners of the Premier League? Here is the list of English Premier League winners since 1992 and Barclays Premier League winners since 2000

SEASON

2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97 1995-96 1994-95 1993-94 1992-93

WINNERS RUNNERS-UP THIRD PLACE FOURTH PLACE

Leicester City Chelsea Manchester City Manchester United Manchester City Manchester United Chelsea Manchester United Manchester United Manchester United Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Manchester United Arsenal Manchester United Manchester United Manchester United Arsenal Manchester United Manchester United Blackburn Rovers Manchester United Manchester United

Arsenal Man City Liverpool Man City Man United Chelsea Man United Liverpool Chelsea Chelsea Man United Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Liverpool Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Man United Newcastle Utd Newcastle Utd Man United Blackburn Aston Villa

Tottenham Arsenal Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Man City Arsenal Chelsea Arsenal Liverpool Liverpool Man United Man United Newcastle Utd Man United Liverpool Leeds United Chelsea Liverpool Arsenal Liverpool Nottingham Forest Newcastle Utd Norwich City

Man City Man Utd Arsenal Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Tottenham Arsenal Liverpool Arsenal Arsenal Everton Liverpool Chelsea Newcastle Utd Leeds United Liverpool Leeds United Chelsea Liverpool Aston Villa Liverpool Arsenal Blackburn Rovers

FOOTBALL WORLD CUP WINNERS LIST BY YEAR/HOSTS Year 2026 2022 2018 2014 2010 2006 2002 1998 1994 1990 1986 1982 1978 1974 1970 1966 1962 1958 1954 1950 1938 1934 1930

Winners

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Runners-Up

Hosts Host:

Total Teams 48 team Qatar 32 team Russia 32 team Germany Argentina Brazil 32 team (most viewed world cup in history) Spain Netherlands South Africa 32 teams (first time in Africa) Italy France Germany 32 teams, 64 matches, record attendance Brazil Germany Korea/Japan 32 teams, (first time in hosted in asia) France Brazil France Expanded to 32 teams (8 groups of 4 teams) Brazil Italy United States 24 teams 5 confenderations West Germany Argentina Italy 24 teams (More than 1 Asian team for first time) Argentina West Germany Mexico 24 teams and 52 matches made it biggest Italy West Germany Spain Expanded to 24 teams from 6 confederations Argentina Netherlands Argentina 16 teams West Germany Netherlands West Germany 16 teams 5 regions Brazil Italy Mexico 16 teams 5 regions (Morocco 1st africa side) England West Germany England 16 teams 4 regions (North Korea Asian) Brazil Czechslovakia Chile 16 teams (no teams from Asia or Africa) Brazil Sweden Sweden 16 team from three regions (no asia) West Germany Hungary Switzerland 16 teams from 4 regions Uruguay Brazil Brazil 13 teams competed after 3 teams withdrew Italy Hungary France 16 teams qualified but Austria withdrew Italy Czechslovakia Italy 16 teams qualified through qualification round Uruguay Argentina Uruguay 13 teams were invited. no qualification

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America School of Nursing & Allied Health February 2017

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Begin Your Nursing Education Today

Classes Offered

Nurse Aide Training Medication Aide Training Home Health Aide Phlebotomy Training Pharmacy Technician Practical Nursing (LPN)

LPN Classes start January 4, 2017 MorningMon-Thursday 8am-2pm Evening 5pm-10pm Weekend Classes Start on January 4, 2017 8am-2pm

Call 703-490-8402 or Visit us at www.asnahonline.com 14910 Jefferson Davis Highway Woodbridge, Virginia 22191 Fax: (703) 490-8403

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Farewell Reception in Honor of Outgoing Ambassador of Ghana H.E. LT.Gen J.H Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission-Mr. Skido Achulo and Brigadier Gen. Seidu Adams-Defense, Military,Naval and Army Attache

Afrikan

February 2017

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Mr. Asare Asiedu Making a Presentation to Brigadier Gen. Seidu Adams

Mr. Peter Barlerin, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Sec., Bureau of African Affaires

Council of Ghanaian Associations

Embassy Staff

Ambassador J.H Smith and Mrs. Doha Smith

Ms. Joy Holland,Deputy Secretary of the District of Columbia

Lawyer Kwaku Ofori Speaking on behalf of The Association of Ghanaian Lawyers

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The Honorees and their Spouses

THIS for Diplomats Making a Presentation to Mrs. Doha Smith

Interfaith Alliance of Washington DC Area

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February 2017

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