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April 2013
Deferred Enforced Departure Extended for Liberians
From the Editor
O u r G r eates t G lor y is n ot in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e co mmittted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a. Yo u may a ls o vis it o u r webs ite a t www.a f r ik a n pos t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica . D is cla imer : Th e o p in io n s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews p ap er a r e th os e o f th e a u th o r s an d d o n ot n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Po s t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s ar e welcome.
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USCIS Automatically Extends Validity of Employment Authorization Documents Released: March 15, 2013
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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol. 5 Issue 4
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Majid & Dumelo Honored By The City Of Philadelphia Pg. 26
Ghana’s Model Vehicle Unveiled By Suame Magazine Artisans Pg. 6
HEALTH
Flying Doctor Takes To The Skies After Sister's Death Pg. 13
HER PAGE Talents and Gifts: Using Them to God’s Glory Pg. 20
SPORTS Issa Hayatou Decorated By The Cameroon Government Pg. 39
UPDATE
African-American Leaders in Maryland Unite to Strengthen their Community Pg. 7
WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced its intention to automatically extend employment authorization documents (EADs) for Liberian nationals covered under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) through Sept. 30, 2013. This automatic extension of EADs follows President Obama’s announcement today of his decision to extend DED through Sept. 30, 2014 for qualified Liberians and those persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia. The six-month automatic extension of existing EADs will permit eligible Liberians to continue working in the United States while they file their applications for new EADs that will cover the full 18 months of the DED extension through Sept. 30, 2014. The extension will also allow USCIS to complete processing and issuance of those new EADs.
Although DED for Liberian nationals was scheduled to end on March 31, 2013, President Obama determined that there are compelling foreign policy reasons to continue deferring enforced departure for eligible Liberian nationals presently living in the United States under the existing grant of DED.
Certain individuals are ineligible for DED, including: Liberians who did not have Temporary Protected Status on Sept. 30, 2007, and are therefore not covered under current DED; certain criminals; persons subject to the mandatory bars to Temporary Protected Status; and persons whose removal is in the interest of the United States.
USCIS will publish a notice in the Federal Register with information regarding the extension of the validity of EADs for Liberian nationals covered under DED, and instructions on how they may obtain employment authorization for the remainder of the DED extension. For additional information about DED for Liberia, please visit the DED - Liberia Web page on the USCIS website. Liberian nationals or their employers may also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5273. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon. Source:uscis.gov
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Activities Of President Koroma In The USA
The three days working visit of President Ernest Bai Koroma and his delegation was full of activities. Soon after his arrival at the Andrews Air-force Base on Tuesday night, President Ernest Bai Koroma and his team of experts held a planning meeting regarding the three days program and how it was scheduled. (Photo: President Ernest Koroma being led out of the S.Leone Embassy by US Secret Service Agents, after talking to Heads of Sierra Leonean organizations, Embassy Staff and granting interviews to some local and international)
2:10 p.m. met President Koroma and his chosen few at the White House, where he successfully held a very unique and meeting with the world’s most powerful Country’s President Barack Obama.
President Ernest Bai Koroma addressing Sierra Leonean Heads of organization and Community groups at the Embassy of Sierra Leone
The Four Heads of State in a round table discussion, chaired by Outgoing Assistant Secretary of State For African Affairs, Ambassador Johnny Carson(Center)
Mid-day to 1:30 p.m. saw him having a meeting with Bechtel executives. President Koroma and his experts were again engaged at 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. with the Chief executive of MCC Daniel Yohannes, Ambassador Owen, Andrew Silski, Dr. Richard Konteh, Mr.Mamoud Idriss, Dr. Sylvia Blyden, Ambassador Soulay Daramy and Mr. Brian Gilpin. At 3:00 p.m., President Koroma and delegation met with Staff of Embassy of Sierra Leone Washington DC, cross section of heads of Sierra Leone community groups in USA and granted series of interviews to several media houses, including one of the most recognized Radio for breaking local and international news in the USA, with a very wide listenership of at least One hundred and fifty Million People – “National Public Radio”.
At 5:00 p.m. President Koroma was also interviewed by Voice of America Television crew “Day Break Africa”, “One on one” and “in focus” hosted by Anchor – Sheka Ssali and produced by Deirdre Murray-Mcintosh, Senior Television Producer, Voice of America TV, Africa Division.
7:00 p.m., saw him attending a congressional meeting.
At 9:45 a.m. on Thursday March 28, President Ernest Bai Koroma attended a joint meeting with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at Defense Department (Pentagon).
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Mid-day met him at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel meeting with First Step and Samshi CFO Jonathan Shafer and World Hope’s John Lyon, Richard Schroeder and Steve Brown.
At 5:00 p.m. President Koroma met with Chevron President Ali Moshiri and at 6:00 p.m. with the open Members of his delegation, Finance Minister Dr. Keifala Marah, Government Partnership and close the day by 9:00 Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Matthew Samura Kamara, p.m. with a meeting with Corporate Council for Africa Information and Communications Minister Hon. Alpha Kanu, (CCA). Health Minister Hon. Miatta Kargbo, State Chief of Protocol On Friday March 29th, 9:00 a.m. President Ernest Bai Ambassador Soulay Daramy, State House – Chief of Staff Dr. Koroma attended a roundtable discussion with four Richard K. Konteh, Executive Assistant to President Ernest other Heads of State at the Institute of Peace (USIP), Koroma Dr. Sylvia Blyden, Personal Assistant to President before attending an Economic and Development Koroma Mr. Brian A. Gilpin, Millennium Challenge Corporation Round Table at the MCC from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 (MCC) Coordinator Mr. Mahmoud Idriss and that of the Embassy p.m. before departing for the most prestigious and proof Sierra Leone in Washington DC (Ambassador Bockari Stevens, tected Andrews Air-force Base in Virginia, where AirDeputy Chief of Mission Ambassador I.S. Conteh, Head of Force One is kept at the hanger. Chancery Mrs. Isatu Sillah, Fatmata Dao, Edward Kawa and Pasco Gerald Temple together with a delegation from the Sierra Leone Permanent Mission to United Nations in New York led by the Permanent Representative Ambassador Shekou M. Turay and comprised of the Deputy Permanent Representative for Legal Affairs, Ambassador Osman Keh Kamara , the Minister Plenipotentiary, Rev. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu and the Head of By Kabbs Kanu, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chancery, Mr. Alhusine Kamara. properly planned the attendance Coordinator of the Committee of 10 on UN Security of scheduled meetings according to specialization and importance. Coucil Reform, Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN, and Pasco Temple, IA, USA At 9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. of Wednesday, President Ernest Bai Koroma, Dr. Keifalla Marah, Dr. Matthew Samura Kamara. Hon Alpha Kanu and Ambassador Bockari Stevens in the Company of U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Ambassador Owen and Control offuicer Andrew Silski met with the Acting Director of Peace Corps Carrie Hesslker-Radelet. Source: http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com
At 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. President Ernest Bai Koroma delivered a speech at a Peace Corps event with “Friends of Salone”(Former Peace Corps to Sierra Leone).
April 2013
President Ernest Bai Koroma addressing Sierra Leonean Heads of organization and Community groups at the Embassy of Sierra Leone
Ghana’s Model Vehicle Unveiled By Suame Magazine Artisans From: Ghana/Luv FM/Kofi Adu Domfeh
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, inaugurated the vehicle with a test start and a comfort feel of the SMATI Turtle at Manhyia Palace.
He commended SMIDO for showcasing the engineering ingenuity of Suame Magazine and called for a renewed national interest and support to develop artisanal enclave as a major national asset.
The Suame Magazine Industrial Development Organization (SMIDO) has formally unveiled a prototype car at a ceremony in Kumasi, in its quest to harness the engineering potential in vehicle manufacture at the light industrial area.
The model car named “SMATI Turtle 1” was built by the local artisans in partnership with a Netherlands based NGO, AARDSCHAP Foundation using simple tools from a cluster of engineering workshops at Suame Magazine.
The vehicle is set for shipment to Europe for an international exhibition to attract investors for large scale commercial production to serve the African market.
The bold attempt by SMIDO is to attract national and international recognition and support to put artisanal engineering at the forefront of the national quest for industrialization.
The doors of the SMATI Turtle can be opened from all the four corners of the vehicle and purposefully built for farming and police patrol purposes.
According to SMIDO Consultant, Nyaaba AweebaAzongo, the name of the vehicle was strategically chosen “to reflect the immediate need for national intervention to salvage the imminent collapse of the artisanal engineering industry in the country epitomized by Suame Magazine”.
SMATI is the acronym for the Suame Magazine Automatics Technical Institute. The SMATI concept was formally launched in January, 2009 by President John Mahama, then VicePresident, as part of a campaign to garner support to establish a model institutional engineering training centre for the artisans of Suame Magazine and others in Ghana.
Mr. Aweeba-Azongo said the engineering institute when established would streamline the apprenticeship system through modern curricula and engineering upgrading by master craftsmen to reflect the current trend in the global automobile industry. The SMATI Turtle 1 is thus to promote this engineering institute concept to demonstrate that given the requisite support by government, innovative engineering and technological products and services shall emerge from Suame Magazine to contribute to the socio-economic development of Ghana, he stated. President of SMIDO, George Asamoah Amankwaa, said there is enough testimony to indicate the potential of Suame Magazine to create employment and lead in industrialization when given the requisite support.
The SMIDO-Dutch partnership which was launched in February 2013 also seeks to forge partnership between the Rietveld The turtle is a robust reptile and an amphibian which sym- Academy of Amsterdam, the Kwame Nkrumah University of bolizes strength and the ability to withstand any terrain and Science and Technology (KNUST) and SMIDO for exchange programmes. particularly, the African terrain.
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President Obama Hosts Leaders of Senegal, Malawi, S.Leone & Cape Verde
state and the functioning of government, it’s also good for economic development because it gives people confidence, it attracts business, it facilitates trade and commerce.
And all of these leaders have good stories to tell on that. They recognize that there’s still more work to be done, and so I’m very pleased that all of them are looking to move forward on the Open Government Partnership that we helped to organize through the United Nations several years ago, and that we are now seeing countries from all across the world sign up for — setting up international norms for accountability and transparency that can lead to good governance.
President Barack Obama met with, from left, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Joyce Banda of Malawi, President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, and Prime Minister José Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde in the Cabinet Room of the White House, March 28, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Statement by Grant T. Harris Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs The White House March 28, 2013
Today President Obama welcomed President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Prime Minister José Maria Pereira Neves of Cape Verde to the White House. The United States has strong partnerships with these countries based on shared democratic values and shared interests. Each of these leaders has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, protect and expand human rights and civil liberties, and increase economic opportunities for their people.
President Obama and the visiting leaders discussed how the United States can expand our partnership to support their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote economic opportunity, both in their countries and across sub-Saharan Africa. A particular focus of the conversation was on the importance of transparency and respect for human rights, and President Obama commended each leader for their work in these areas and their commitment to join the Open Government Partnership. President Obama also commended these leaders for their leadership on food security and engaged the leaders in a fruitful conversation about how the United States can help Africa harness the potential of its young people and empower the next generation of African leaders. While in Washington, each leader is participating in numerous meetings and events to strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of shared priorities. Joint events include a dinner hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa to discuss trade and investment opportunities with representatives from U.S. businesses; a public discussion on democratization in Africa at the United States Institute for Peace; an economic and development roundtable with U.S. government officials; and a meeting with Secretary of Defense Hagel to discuss cooperation on shared regional security and peacekeeping objectives in Africa.
The visit of these four leaders underscores the President’s commitment to substantive engagement and strengthened partnerships with African nations.
We also talked about the economic situation. And all of us recognize that, although Africa has actually been growing faster than almost every other region of the world, it started from a low baseline and it still has a lot of work to do. And that means building human capacity and improving education and job skills for rapidly growing and young populations. It means improving access to energy and transportation sectors. And so we discussed how the United States can continue to partner effectively with each of these countries. A transcript of President Obama’s remarks following the And then we finally talked about young people generally and meeting can be found below. Also below on this site is a how we can mobilize the next generation of Africa leaders. And video of the leaders’ meeting. individuals like President Koroma have taken great interest in REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AFTER MEET- finding additional ways that we can recruit and engage young people not only to get involved in public service but also to get ING WITH AFRICAN LEADERS involved in entrepreneurship that helps build these countries. And so my main message to each of these leaders is that the THE PRESIDENT: Well, it is a great pleasure to welcome United States is going to be a strong partner, not based on the four leaders from Africa, all of whom are doing extraordiold model in which we are a donor and they are simply a recipinary work — President Sall from Senegal, President Banda ent, but a new model that’s based on partnership and recognizfrom Malawi, President Koroma from Sierra Leone, and ing that no continent has greater potential or greater upside than Prime Minister Neves from Cape Verde. the continent of Africa if they in fact have the kind of strong The reason that I’m meeting with these four is they exempli- leadership that these four individuals represent. fy the progress that we’re seeing in Africa. All of them have had to deal with some extraordinary challenges. Sierra Leone And we intend to continue to engage with them through a range just 10 years ago was in the midst of as brutal a civil war as of programs — through the Millennium Challenge, through the USAID, through the PEPFAR programs — but we’re also lookwe’ve ever seen. And yet, now we’ve seen consecutive fair and free elections. And under President Koroma’s leadership, ing for new models that can potentially improve our bilateral relations even more. we’ve seen not only good governance, but also significant economic growth. The last point I’d make — we all discussed some of the regional challenges involved. Obviously, economic development, prosWhen you talk about Malawi, there was a constitutional criperity doesn’t happen if you have constant conflict. And nobody sis just last year. And yet, President Banda has not only been knows that more than these individuals. Some like President able to be in office and make sure that constitutional order Koroma has seen that firsthand. was restored, but has also made significant progress on behalf of her people. And her personal story of overcoming a history of abuse and leading women throughout her country I Now many of the threats are transnational. You’ve seen terrorism infiltrate into the region. We’ve seen drug cartels that are think indicates the kind of progress that can be made when using West Africa in particular as a transit point. All of this you’ve got strong leadership. undermines some of the progress that’s been made, and so the United States will continue to cooperate with each of these The same is true for His Excellency President Sall. There were some bumps in the road in terms of transition from the countries to try to find smart solutions so that they can build additional capacity and make sure that these cancers don’t grow previous President, and yet, the Senegalese rose up at the in their region. And the United States intends to be a strong grassroots level and sustained their democracy. partner for that. And Cape Verde is a real success story. We were hearing from Prime Minister Neves about the fact that just in a few decades they have moved from a per capita income of maybe So I just want to say to each of them thank you for your $200 a year to now $4,000 a year, and are now moving into extraordinary work. You should know that you have a great friend in the United States, in the people of the United States, the middle of the pack in terms of development levels and in the President of the United States, because we believe because of good governance and management. that if you’re successful, that ultimately will help us grow our economies and contribute to a more peaceful world, as well. So So what our discussion has focused on is, number one, how thank you very much. do we continue to build on strong democracies; how do we continue to build on transparency and accountability. Because what we’ve learned over the last several decades is Thank you, guys. that when you’ve got good governance — when you have democracies that work, sound management of public funds, transparency and accountability to the citizens that put lead- www.amipnewsonline.com ers in place — it turns out that that is not only good for the
April 2013
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US Embassy To Open A Dangote To Build $8bn Oil Refinery In Nigeria richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, plans to invest up industry and his strong government connections. Library For Sierra Leonean toAfrica’s $8bn to build a Nigerian oil refinery with a capacity of The Dangote Group’s cement manufacturing, basic food around 400,000 barrels a day by late 2016, the tycoon told Films processing and other industries have helped lift his personReuters on Tuesday.
This will almost double Nigeria’s current refining capacity. The United States Embassy in Freetown will soon open a library and archives section for the emergent Sierra Leone film industry. “This will really help not only Nigeria but sub-Saharan Africa. The Library and Archives section will be set up at the Embassy facili- There has not been a new refinery for a long time in subties up IMAAT, according to Foud Kargbo, Communications officer of Saharan Africa,” Dangote said in a telephone interview. the Sierra Leone International Film Festival.
Kargbo said his organization has been working with the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone to actualize the initiative.
The facility, he said, will be open on the 15th of April.
Kargbo added that the facility will be opened to filmmakers and to serve to provide services such as internet, research facilities and learning materials on how to make films. He said there will also be an archives stand for Sierra Leone films. Kargbo said the Library and Archives sections shows the premium the US Embassy puts in Sierra Leone’s entertainment sector.
Kargbo said his organization is also set for the Sierra Leone International Film festival which will commence on April 13th at the Memorial Peace Park at Cotton tree. The 5 days events will showcase Sierra Leone and other international movies to the general public. Some of the movies that will be screened include ‘Secret Desire’, ‘Dark Heaven’, ‘State Crime’, ‘Dagadi’, ‘Return of Gina’, ‘Refugees’, and ‘Deep in the Game’, among many others. Courtesy Salone Jamboree
The country currently has the capacity to produce some 445,000 barrels per day among four refineries, but they operate well below that owing to decades of mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s leading energy producer.
Nigeria, the continent’s second-biggest economy, relies on subsidised imports for 80 per cent of its fuel needs.
A surge in domestic capacity would be welcomed by investors in Nigeria, but it would cut into profits made by European refiners and oil traders who would lose part of that lucrative market.
Dangote said the country’s ability to import fuel would soon be challenged.
“In five years, when our population is over 200 million, we won’t have the infrastructure to receive the amount of fuel we use. It has to be done,” he said.
Past efforts to build refineries have often been delayed or cancelled, but analysts have said Dangote should be able to build a profitable Nigerian refinery, owing to his past successes in
al fortune to $16.1bn from $2.1bn in 2010, according to the latest Forbes estimate. Nigeria has two refineries in its main Port Harcourt oil hub, one in the Niger Delta town of Warri, and one in Kaduna in the North that serve 170 million people. Not one of them functions at full capacity.
Analysts have said previous attempts to get the refineries going have been held back by vested interests such as fuel importers profiting from the status quo. Dangote said this concerned him. “The people who were supposed to invest in refineries, who understand the market, are benefiting from there being no refineries because of the fuel import business,” he said. “Some … are going to try to … interfere.”
Nigeria’s government subsidises fuel imports to keep pump prices well below the market rate at a cost of billions of dollars a year. Fuel subsidies are the single biggest item on the country’s budget.
Dangote said making a new refinery run at a profit would work even if the government failed to scrap the subsidised fuel price that has deterred others from investing.
“We’ve done our numbers and the numbers are okay,” he said. Source:www.onlinenigeria.com
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Bill Gates Travels To Ghana On A Health Mission
really no substitute for seeing it on the ground.
U.S. Dedicates New Chancery In Senegal April 2013
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Tomorrow we’re going to visit a director of health services in a district in central Ghana, then a nearby clinic. We’re then going to visit a community health center where the nurses also go out to find mothers who missed appointments or children due for immunizations to make the program as thorough as possible. As I wrote in my annual letter this year, measurement is crucial for improving health care, so at every stop I want to understand how the data is collected and used for planning and decision making – and meet the people who are making this success possible.
“I arrived in Ghana to see firsthand why the country’s immunization system is working so well and meet the people involved.”
I plan to share my experience in Ghana at the Global Vaccine Summit in Abu Dhabi April 24-25, where global health leaders will celebrate progress in immunization and demonstrate how the world is united to give all children a healthy start to life.
Of course, no system is perfect, so I want to learn about the obstacles and challenges in Ghana as well. I’ll speak with many of the leaders who are working so hard to For some people, health delivery systems might not seem like the reach every child with vaccines, including Dr K.O. Antwimost intriguing topic, but I am really interested in understanding Agyei, who manages the national immunization program. how they’ve done so much of this right. Strong immunization I’m also excited to talk to some of the well-trained comsystems are crucial for protecting our gains against polio and munity health nurses and meet some of their local clients. helping us reach mothers and children with new vaccines and In my next post I’ll tell you about the people I’m meeting other life-saving health services. In Ghana, for example, polio and some of the lessons we can learn from Ghana’s sucwas eliminated a decade ago and an outbreak in 2008 was quickly cess. controlled. No child there has died from measles since 2002. And Ghana was the first country to launch two new vaccines last April, against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea, and pneumococcal pneumonia. Source :www.huffingtonpost.com
Ghana’s approach works so well for a few key reasons: Rigorous data gathering and analysis, accountability at the district level, and community outreach. Just as importantly, the vaccination program is fully integrated into the health system. But there’s
IMF Recognises Federal Government Of Somalia After 22-Year Interval
The decision is consistent with broad international support and recognition of the Federal Government, a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency by the Public Affairs of IMF External Relations Department, said on Friday. Recognition of the government allows the IMF to offer Somalia technical assistance and policy advice.
The architect of record for the project was Page Southerland Page of Arlington, Virginia, and B.L. Harbert International, LLC of Birmingham, Alabama, was the construction contractor.
The new facility incorporates numerous sustainable features to conserve resources and reduce operating costs, most notably an extensive system of 1,290 photovoltaic panels; solar control shading devices to reduce solar heat gain and energy cooling costs; and on-site treatment of wastewater that is reused for irrigation. The facility has been registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) with enough points to earn LEED Gold certification.
Since 1999, as part of the Department’s Capital Security Construction Program, OBO has completed 97 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 37 projects in design or under construction.
Somalia, an IMF member since August 1962, has been in a state of civil war since the early 1990s, and there was no government with which the fund could deal.
OBO’s mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
The new administration has since enjoyed considerable support from the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and many IMF member countries.
Source: amipnewsonline.org
In September 2012, a new Federal Government of Somalia, led by Federal President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, took office.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday, April 12 said it had recognized the Federal Government of Somalia, headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, paving the way for the resumption of relations after a 22-year interval.
In an important symbol of America’s commitment to an enduring friendship with Senegal, U.S. Ambassador to the Republics of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Lewis Lukens, dedicated the new U.S. Embassy in Dakar today. Occupying a 10acre site near Pointe des Almadies, the $181 million multibuilding complex provides a centralized location for the mission, as well as a state-of-the-art, environmentally- sustainable workplace for embassy personnel.
Somalia is currently ineligible to borrow from the Fund due to its outstanding arrears, which currently amount to about 352 million US dollars. Source:www.myjoyonline.com
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Flying Doctor Takes To The Skies After Sister's Death April
doctor. She was then awarded the MEXT Japanese Government Scholarship and moved to Japan to conduct research in the field of regenerative medicine. I wanted to facilitate getting the right patient, to the right facility, within the right time frame for that particular illness. Ola Orekunrin, Flying Doctors Nigeria After moving back to Europe the young doctor looked set for a promising career in medicine in the UK. But her desire to improve healthcare services in West Africa brought her back to her roots.
Orekunrin quit her job, sold her assets and went on to study evacuation models and air ambulance services in other Ola Orekunrin (center) is the founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, the first air ambulance service developing countries before launching in West Africa her ambitious venture, which enables her to combine her "deep love for medithey were sometimes a two, three, four-day cine and Africa" with her growing pas(CNN) -- Ola Orekunrin was studying to journey away from the places where incision for flying -- Orekunrin is also a become a doctor in the UK a few years ago dents happened," says Orekunrin. "We also also a trainee helicopter pilot. when her younger sister fell seriously ill while traveling in Nigeria. The 12-year-old girl, who'd have a huge oil and gas industry and at that time there was no coordinated system "I wanted to find a way that I can faciligone to the West African country on holiday with relatives, needed urgent care but the nearest for moving people from the offshore envi- tate people who were critically ill," she ronment to a hospital to receive treatment." says. "Get them to see a doctor, and not hospital couldn't deal with her condition. We save lives by moving these patients just any doctor -- I wanted to facilitate and providing a high level of care en route. getting the right patient to the right Orekunrin and her family immediately began facility, within the right time frame for looking for an air ambulance service to rapidly Ola Orekunrin, Flying Doctors Nigeria that particular illness, and that's why I transport the girl, a sickle cell anemia sufferer, Currently in its third year, the Lagos-based came to start the air ambulance." to a more suitable healthcare facility. They searched all across West Africa but were stunned company has so far airlifted about 500 Last month, the World Economic Forum to find out there was none in the whole region. patients, using a fleet of planes and helicopters to rapidly move injured workers recognized Orekunrin's achievements by and critically ill people from remote areas naming her amongst its prestigious "The nearest one at the time was in South Young Global Leaders class of 2013, a Africa," remembers Orekunrin. "They had a 12- to hospitals. group it describes as the best of today's hour activation time so by the time they were "From patients with road traffic trauma, to leaders under the age of 40. ready to activate, my sister was dead. bomb blast injuries to gunshot wounds, we save lives by moving these patients and "It came as a surprise to me actually," "It was really a devastating time for me and I providing a high level of care en route," she says of the honor. "I'm really flatstarted thinking about whether I should be in tered and really happy." England talking about healthcare in Africa, or I says Orekunrin. should be in Africa dealing with healthcare and "Many of our roads are poorly maintained, Trauma epidemic trying to do something about it." so emergency transport by road during the day is difficult. At night, we have armed Nigeria, Africa's second-biggest econoOrekunrin did the latter. Motivated by the tragic robbers on our major highways; coupled my, is the continent's top producer of death of her sister, the young doctor decided to with poor lighting and poor state of the oil, boasting huge petroleum and natural leave behind a high-flying job in the UK to take to the Nigerian skies and address the vital issue roads themselves, emergency transport by gas reserves. road is deadly for both patients and staff." of urgent healthcare in Africa's most populous The industry's potential, coupled with a country. growing financial services sector, is At 27, there isn't much Orekunrin hasn't expected to help drive further demand A pioneering entrepreneur with an eye for achieved. for companies such as Flying Doctors opportunity, Orekunrin set up Flying Doctors Nigeria, which works on a retainership Nigeria, the first air ambulance service in West basis with the public sector, wealthy Africa, transporting victims of medical emergen- Born in London, she grew up in a foster individuals and oil and gas companies. cies, including industrial workers from the coun- home in the charming seaside town of Lowestoft in the south-east of England. try's booming oil and gas sector. Yet Orekunrin says that there are still Aged 21, Orekunrin had already graduated several challenges that need to be navi"There was a situation in Nigeria where there from the University of York as a qualified gated to successfully run a company were only two or three very good hospitals and
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like hers in the West African country. There should be more focus on the trauma epidemic that Africa currently faces Ola Orekunrin, Flying Doctors Nigeria "The aviation business is very expensive in Nigeria," she says. "Keeping costs down is always a challenge," she adds, noting that red tape and bureaucracy are also testing small businesses' endurance.
But despite the challenges, Orekunrin remains determined to bring about change in Nigeria's healthcare system. "I want to achieve a proper use of the healthcare sector in Nigeria," she says. Looking ahead, Orekunrin says her goal is to continue improving access to treatment while focusing on the prehospital and in-hospital management of injuries. She says that whilst much attention and funding is directed toward infectious diseases, Africa is also facing a big problem treating physical injuries and wounds. "Eighty percent of the world trauma occurs in low-middle income countries just like Nigeria," she says. "I feel there should be more focus on the trauma epidemic that Africa currently faces." "In the UK, I would see one gunshot wound every three or four years. In Nigeria, I see one gunshot wound every three-four days. Add in the roadtraffic trauma, falls from heights, industrial injuries, stab sounds, injuries from domestic violence and you see a huge problem that definitely needs addressing." By Teo Kermeliotis, for CNN
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Hero With A $20,000 Heart: Walmart Worker Honored For Returning Cash Left In Cart April 2013
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finance company when they stopped off to shop at the Walmart at South 345th Street and 16th Avenue South.
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Besides working in the parking lot, he now also has responsibilities in the backroom, as an inventory-control specialist.
Wisdom says she’s a caregiver who works with people who are disabled, and says the cash was for a down payment on a house the couple was buying on a short sale. They didn’t get the money as a check, Wisdom says, because they didn’t want to wait days for it to clear.
He says he knows that Wal-Mart has at times been viewed negatively. Even his mom in Ghana was concerned about her son working at the chain and phoned him.
Wisdom had two carts full of merchandise and Mensah helped her take the stuff to the trunk of her car.
He says, “You have to start someplace.”
Mensah says he “cooled her down,” reassured her that he liked the place, people there treat him right, that he was It’s also the case that, for reasons that might not seem logi- learning a lot and could take what he learned about running cal to many, some people deal in cash. a big retail place back to Ghana.
As she was driving away, Mensah noticed what had fallen out of her purse — that thick envelope.
“I run after them. I think somebody heard me and signaled for them to stop,” he remembers.
Mensah handed her the envelope.
An upbeat immigrant from Ghana, known for his cheerful helping of customers at the Walmart in Federal Way, is being honored by the retail giant for his quick work in returning an envelope stuffed with cash to the customers who had accidentally left it in a shopping cart It was in the early afternoon of a mid-October 2012 day that Bismark Mensah was collecting carts outside a Walmart in Federal Way, a parttime job for which he earned $9.05 an hour as a “courtesy associate.”
“She was like, ‘Wow!’ Tears are coming out. She took some money and tried to reward me. I said, ‘No, no. I’m all right,’ ” says Mensah.
He figures that every couple of weeks, after deductions, his take-home pay is around $620 to $640.
Mensah can manage because he’s staying for free at the Auburn home of Vicki Campbell, who has traveled to Ghana and had come to know Mensah’s mother when she sewed dresses for Campbell.
He was used to finding stuff in carts that customers had somehow forgot- He has an aunt in Portland, cousins in New York. ten — keys, credit cards, wallets. And he turned them in to customer service. “He’s a hardworking young man,” says Campbell, who has grown children of her own. “I don’t like to work with peoBut this particular item stood out. It was a white envelope with a clear ple who are slackers.” window in the middle, bulging with what was inside, a lot of cash. Around $20,000, it turned out. Mensah says keeping the $20,000 never occurred to him.
Because of what he did that afternoon, Mensah now is in possession of a plaque that names him the winner of the retail giant’s national 2013 “Integrity in Action Award.”
Mensah is 32 and he remembers the exact date — Feb. 8, 2012 — on which he arrived in the U. S. of A., at JFK International Airport, from Ghana.
He has a photo of that occasion: standing in an airport parking lot, wearing a cap and scarf in the Ghanaian national colors of red, gold and green, an optimistic smile on his face.
“My conscience wouldn’t allow it. I couldn’t even drive home if I did that,” he says.
Wisdom says she called the store twice to make sure management knew about Mensah’s good deed.
She also tried to again do something to thank him, but he declined her offer to be taken out to dinner.
Wisdom says she also asked Mensah if he was single, which he is, as she has a daughter who is single. “It’s hard to find honest people,” she explains.
He has dreams; you know, the perennial ones that immigrants through generations, and from countries all over the world, have told and still tell. Mensah demurred at the matchmaking offer, too. They don’t mind sounding naive about America being the land of opportunity. Jeremy Smith, who was then the store manager, says customers regularly called the store about Mensah. For Mensah that meant get a job, go to college, study business administration, eventually return to Ghana to expand the five little shops that his “Maybe they were trying to load something heavy into mom, Irene, had started from her work as a seamstress. their vehicle. He rushed right away to help them. They were overwhelmed with his kindness and generosity,” says But about that $20,000. Smith.
It belonged to Leona Wisdom and Gary Elton, a couple from Black Diamond.
The wife says they were returning home from getting the money at a
A month ago, Mensah was moved to a full-time position, and $9.19 an hour, with benefits.
These days, Mensah works pushing carts in the parking lot a couple of days a week, the rest in inventory.
He’s easy to spot, the guy with the smile.
“In the parking lot, people chat, tell you their problems, you see that a person is not happy. I tell them, ‘God is in control. Everything is OK,’ ” says Mensah. Somehow, he says, it helps the sad people to hear from a hopeful person. Erik Lacitis: 206-464-2237 or elacitis@seattletimes.com
By Erik Lacitis Seattle Times staff reporter
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Kingslight Chapel Holds Appreciation Banquet In Honor Of Rev. Dr. Daniel And Rev. Barbara Ahia-Armah
April 2013
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Pastor appreciation is a vital part of a church's successful ministry."1,500 pastors leave their assignments every month in the United States because of conflict, burnout, or moral failure," according to an article by Ken Sande of Peacemaker Ministries. There are, of course, many reasons why a pastor's ministry might be long or short. But the congregation that doesn't say, "Thank you," in practical ways will almost guarantee limited success. The Virginia branch of the Kingslight Chapel committed the week of April 8th thru April 14th to appreciate their Pastor with a week long program which included a special banquet at the Hampton Hotel in Dumfries , Virginia. Rev. Dr. Ukechukwu Uchegbu was invited from Ghana to bless the congregation. The event was well attended with Special guests from various ministries in the Washington Metro Area attending. Many sent in letters of appreciation with testmonies about how their lives have been changed through Rev. Ahia-Armah’s ministry
Rev. Dr. Ukechukwu Uchegbu (Global Revival Ministries) the guest Speaker Giving a Short Exaltation
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Ahia-Armah
WATCH LIVE TV
@ WWW.ATVAFRICA.CO Rev. Eric Darko-Nyarko -the Master of Ceremony
Ms. Nathalie Malabanie of Montgomery Access Television giving a testimony about Rev. Ahia-Armah
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CALL 202 280-5472 OR
Rev. Daniel Jenkins of ICGC - Maryland. Proposing a Toast
Rev. Harry Agyeman and Minister Clarence Roberts
571 575-6561
African-American Leaders In Maryland Unite To Strengthen Their Community
April
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MCC Partners With Coca-Cola Africa Foundation to Expand Access to Clean Water
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Washington, DC — The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) announced today a partnership with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF) to help expand access to clean water and sanitation in Africa. The partnership will help leverage MCC investments and enhance sustainability and impact. The MCC and TCCAF partnership will work together in the West African nation of Cape Verde.
Photo: AMIP News
The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center Annapolis, Maryland March 14, 2013 By Frederick Nnoma-Addison
Only two weeks after the observation and celebration of African-American history month – February – in the United States, approximately 60 African-American leaders in Anne Arundel County, Maryland have held a meeting to review the state of their community and address the challenges facing it. The caucus representing clergy, business, labor, sororities, elected officials, and civil rights groups committed to work together to improve their community in the county. The meeting was appropriately held at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center and Memorial in Annapolis and was attended by the County’s Police Chief – Larry W. Tolliver and the new Publisher and Editor of the Capital Gazette, Pat Richardson and Steve Gunn respectively. [Photograph above was taken after the meeting and represents only a cross section of meeting attendees]. The leaders first came together in January to support former County Health Officer Dr. Angela Wakweya, who they believe was unfairly removed from her position by the then-County Executive John R. Leopold who is now serving a jail sentence himself for misconduct while in office. Dr. Wakweya who was the first African-American to head the County’s 81 year-old health department is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Uganda in East Africa. Making the introduction Carl Snowden, Member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and Host of Upfront & Personal recounted this recent history of unfair treatment of blacks in the community and stressed the need to work together so that such an incident never occurs, “on our watch”. Almost 50 years after the signing of the Civil Rights Act (1964), the historic March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and 100 years after the birth of Rosa Parks, also a Civil Rights Activist, African-Americans who represent about 12% of the national and County population still face discrimination and race-related challenges. By convening this meeting and dialoguing with the Capital Gazette and the Police Chief the caucus hopes that this will be a first step in addressing disparities and discrimination in hiring and distribution of resources among other concerns. The caucus is scheduled to dialogue with the new County Chief Executive, Laura Newman, at 5pm on April 10th at the same venue. Anne Arundel County Anne Arundel County is named after Anne Arundell (1615-
1649), a member of the ancient family of Arundells in Cornwall, England and the wife of Cæcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. Its county seat is Annapolis, which is also the capital of the state. In 2010, its population was 537,656, a population increase of just under 10% since 2000. Anne Arundel County forms part of the BaltimoreWashington metropolitan area.
City of Annapolis Annapolis is the capital of the state of Maryland in North East United States, and the county seat of Anne Arundel County. Located just 29miles east of Washington, DC, it is a diverse, world-class city open to tourists and business people from around the world. Annapolis is also home of the United States Naval Academy, founded in 1845. Described as America’s Sailing Capital and the gateway to North America’s largest estuary – the Chesapeake Bay – its location makes it a prime destination for water-tourism. The Bay is a source of bountiful seafood and a host of sailing, boating, recreational sportsfishing, and water-sports activities to residents and tourists from around the world. Also described as a “Museum without Walls”, it is a lively, contemporary city where four centuries of architecture embrace 21st-century living. The city has trendy boutiques and specialty shops amidst 18th century brick buildings especially in the Historic Downtown area. Annapolis is noted for proudly celebrating African & African-American heritage. It is home to important monuments like the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial, the Banneker-Douglas Museum (Maryland’s official repository for African-American heritage), the Thurgood Marshall Memorial, and the Coretta King Memorial Garden located on the campus of Sojourner-Douglas College.
The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center and Memorial The Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center and Memorial are part of a $27 million dollar complex called The Wiley H. Bates Heritage Park which opened in a public celebration in September 2006. The Legacy Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Wiley H. Bates High School (1932 to 1966), formerly the only high school for African Americans in Anne Arundel County. It is a unique cultural arts heritage center displaying historical documents and collections that preserve the African American experience. http://www.whbateslegacycenter.org
Cape Verde is an extremely water-scarce country that faces a number of challenges in the water and sanitation sector. Part of MCC’s five-year $66 million compact with Cape Verde will implement crucial water sector reforms and will invest in infrastructure to expand access to clean water and sanitation. This $41.1 million Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project (WASH Project) is designed to establish a financially sound, transparent and accountable institutional basis for the delivery of water and sanitation services to Cape Verdean households and businesses across the country. The project’s approach to improving sector performance is based on a three-pronged strategy: (i) reforming national policy and regulatory institutions; (ii) transforming inefficient utilities into independent corporate entities operating on a commercial basis; and (iii) improving the quality and reach of water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Our cooperation with The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation is the perfect public-private partnership to leverage MCC investments in this critical sector. The Government of Cape Verde is undertaking serious policy reforms to strengthen the water sector, and this partnership is proof that they are taking the right steps to attract further private sector investments,” said MCC Resident Country Director Kenneth Miller.
The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation has pledged, through the Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), to significantly invest alongside MCC’s effort in order to help up to 20,000 low-income households gain access to the water network, providing proper sanitation as well as hygiene education for thousands of people. As the implementing partner, MCA-Cape Verde is coordinating with Cavibel, the local Coca-Cola bottler, to maximize the impact of the partnership.
RAIN is the signature community initiative of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation. Backed by a six-year, $30 million commitment by The CocaCola Company—in partnership with not-for-profit, humanitarian and government donors working nationally and internationally—RAIN’s goal is to provide more than two million people in Africa with access to drinking water by 2015. RAIN seeks to implement at least one water project in each African country, and the foundation’s partnership with MCC will now enable RAIN to enter Cape Verde, its 31st country out of the continent’s 55 countries.
To date, MCC has invested $2.1 billion in water-related projects in 20 partner countries. Half of this amount is for projects that improve drinking water supply, sanitation and hygiene, with the remaining amount supporting improved water productivity and integrated water resources management.
For more information about MCC and its programs around the world please visit www.mcc.gov. www.amipnewsonline.com ###
THE GIFT OF THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Rev. George Annan
In AD 33 fifty years after the ascension of Jesus Christ and ten days after His ascension the disciples of Jesus gathered in an upper room praying and tarrying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as instructed by Jesus. They began to speak in other tongues when suddenly the Holy Spirit came upon them. The disciples were filled with supernatural boldness so much that Peter who once denied Jesus could preach the gospel and three thousand people were convicted. These new souls were pricked in the hearts so much that they asked Peter and the rest of the apostles “what shall we do to be saved”. Peter responded by saying “repent and be baptized and you shall receive the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit”. For the promise which has been fulfilled today charactized with the speaking of other tongues was made for you, your children, those far and near and as many as the Lord shall call (in other words shall become Christians or followers of Jesus Christ). In his sermon Peter was not referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit but the Person of the Holy Spirit and attested to the fact that the Holy Spirit baptism was not a promise made only for the apostles but a promise for all born again believers as given by prophesy Joel 2:28-32, confirmed by Jesus Mark 16:1517, Luke 11:9-13 and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4. In Luke chapter 9:11-13 Jesus Himself laid down the rule for how any of his followers who desire to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit could receive him after His departed to heaven. He said assuring that” Ask and you shall receive” because if natural parents know how to give good gifts to their children how much more shall our heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. 8 years after Pentecost In Acts chapter 8:5-17 an event that occurred eight years after Pentecost the citizens of Samaria (a people group that the Jews had no
Nigerian Idol Has A New Winner April 2013
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Moses Obi-Adigwe
dealings with and were considered aliens) believe the gospel preached to them by Philip and were baptized. Now when the apostles’ who were at Jerusalem heard that the gentiles in Samaria had received, believed and given allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ they sent Peter and John to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. The reason being the new converts had only being baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.
10 years after the Pentecost 10 years after Pentecost, an account is written in Acts chapter 10:1-48 of a Centurion, a devout man and one who feared God. He was living as a secret disciple of Jesus so to speak. This man was instructed by God in a vision to call for the apostle Peter who will show him what to do. The apostle Peter in the same time frame was warned in a vision not to consider any group of people as second class or unqualified to merit the promise of the Holy Spirit Acts 10:8-28 Peter arrives in the house of Cornelius and while he was still preaching what seem to have been an introduction to his sermon the Holy Spirit falls on the whole household (a people Peter had taught to be unclean). At that point the Jews who had held the opinion for years that they belong to the circumcision so they were spiritually clean and thus are custodians of the law, the prophets and the Holy spirit were amazed because they could testify that the Holy Spirit had been given to the gentiles because they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. 20 years after Pentecost It’s been twenty years after Pentecost Paul goes to Ephesus and comes across some disciples and asks them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed Acts 19:1-7. Their answer was in the negative. They had never about the Holy Spirit. Paul then lays his hands on them and they receive the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
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The votes are in! Moses Obi-Adigwe the ‘Teddy Bear’ won the third season of Nigerian Idol. The 22-year old is the first male contestant to win the competition and took home 7.5 million naira ($47,414.32) check, a new Hyundai SUV and a recording contract worth another 7.5 million naira. The show opened with a performance from season one winner Yeka Onka and the host Illrymz introduced the two finalists Moses and Debbie OluRise. Nigerian Idol’s finale was filled with performances and recaps of previous performances by the two.
Debbie and Moses were joined on stage by the 10 other finalists to perform together one last time. The two finalists then performed their solos; Debbie performed Tiwa Savage‘s ‘Kele kele love’. Moses performed Bob Marley‘s ‘Redemption song,’ which the crowed loved.
D’banj made a surprise appearance and performed his verse form Naeto C’s “Tony Montana” remix and his own ‘On Top of the World.’ Other performances included Nigerian Idol judge and Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti, West African Idol contestant Omawumi who wowed the audience with her ‘Bottom Belle’ single and the season two winner of Nigerian Idol, Mercy Chinwo. Then finally the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, Illyrmz announced Moses as the winner! However, Debbie also walked away with sum of 1M Naira and a KIA RIO automobile.
Moses made it the Top 12 through the wild card selection and took it all the way home! Congratulations to Moses and we wish him great success! Were you team Moses or team Debbie? Check out the video below and share your thoughts
Source: http://face2faceafrica.com
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Talents and Gifts: Using Them to God’s Glory Her Page
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Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah
hen we put to work the tal-
ents and gifts that God has granted us, we do well and often become recognized for them. As creatures made in His own image, various forms of creativity have been granted to us. It is our duty to utilize them effectively and passionately to help make a positive impact in our small or larger communities and thereby honor God. The Lord has blessed us all with talents and gifts. These could be in music, teaching, acting, evangelism, etc. While a talent is something one may be good at, as in singing, playing instruments or acting, a gift is divinely given. One can develop and cultivate the talent of singing by taking vocal lessons and become a superb singer. However, with a gift, one may or may not be such a superb vocalist, but by simply singing, he or she can touch many beyond their simply having a good time, and bless their hearts and draw them to God. We all have talents and gifts. All we have to do is look closely at our lives and determine what they are and utilize them to God’s glory. Nevertheless, these talents and gifts can become sources for all sorts of antagonism ranging from ridicule to slander. This occurs when others become jealous and bitter of you because of them. All of a sudden, something that was a blessing in your life becomes framed as a hindrance and a curse. It is indeed possible that people will attempt to turn your blessing into a curse, but my word to you is that reject the re-presentation of your talent/gift as a negative force and hold on to the God who granted you with it all. In the end, you will see that the enemy of all righteousness, the devil himself orchestrated all the negativity. Let’s say for instance that you are blessed with the gift of being a great decorator. Each time you enter a room, you naturally begin to envision how it can be made more appealing and more beautiful. When you touch something, let’s say a vase and some flowers, you somehow are able to arrange it so beautifully and also situate it in the perfect spot that will again bring more beauty to the atmosphere. It is possible that you are naturally creative in this way or that it was a passion that you refined by taking some courses. However
it came to you, you are good, no, you are great at it and people have come to know you for it. As a result, wherever you go, you and your assistance or services are requested. Your work is admired and respected and your name is at the tip of everyone’s tongue in compliments and praise. These compliments and praise of your hands’ work and creativity strengthen you and cause you to become more dedicated and accessible to many. It helps to fill your cup of joy and purpose for living. You come to acknowledge that this is a blessing from the Lord and you treat it as such. Even as you are joyfully being of service here and there, somewhere in the midst of the praises, and at the tip of some tongues are dissenting voices and hurtful words. The
But Christ responds saying, “…I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the father taught Me….He who sent Me is with Me, He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8: 28 & 29). spirit of jealousy, like a hungry tiger ready to pounce and rip apart its prey, rises in certain individuals and begins to cause these people at first to utter questionable expressions and later to breathe out hateful sentiments regarding you and your work. Eventually as a result of the clandestine physical or telephone conferences held in your absence, but in your honor, more negativity is conjured. They say things like: “who does she think she is? Is she the only one who knows how to decorate? Who even said she could decorate? As for me, I don’t even like her work and I don’t like her. Ehh, her head is probably big now because people have made her seem as if she is some Martha Stewart or B. Smith.” Finally, they discount and dismiss your work and efforts by speaking out and come to a consensus that there is no profit in the thing that you do. “After all, can’t we live without flowers and decorations? Of what profit is that useless thing anyway?” These dark discussions continue and they become destructive. Now, the hatred and resentment conjured in the minds of people have entered their hearts and souls. Soon enough, they will find a way to have you hear of it because they want you to know that you are not so gifted or talented and neither are you so special. Then, because jealousy is the sister of exaggeration and lies, they will also become creative in their own way and attribute to you what you might not have said or done. The truth is that currently, you are the
target and you know how arrows are used on targets. Fortunately or unfortunately, their desire to have you learn of how much you are despised will be fulfilled and you will hear of these things. Now the question is how do you handle it? What do you do? Do you become saddened, angry, bitter? Do you cry at how you have been hurt and so maligned in the eyes of others? Do you decide to avenge yourself and reclaim your name and reputation? Or do you decide in anger, disappointment and hurtfulness to stop being of creative service to others, even the very ones who once praised your work and still think highly of you? Do you stop using your Godgiven talent/gift? My guess is that because it is only natural to feel all the injury that has been inflicted upon you, you will likely feel all the above and possibly contemplate avenging yourself or quitting the very thing that has brought so much joy to you and others. My advice? Don’t quit. Don’t stop doing what is a natural and God-given gift. Doing so is only fulfilling the destructive desires of the devil. I have seen this very thing happen to people and as a result, a once confident person begins to become insecure and a precise, efficient and effective individual also begins to falter. It is by no means an accident. All the gossip and hatefulness which marred you was orchestrated by the evil one and his cronies to cause you to lose your joy and possibly, your salvation. You see, the devil knows that if we become injured, it is often difficult for us to forgive and when we are unable to forgive, we hold distrust and resentment in our minds, hearts and souls. The resentment and distrust become a burden that we then begin to carry. This burden only weighs us down and makes it difficult for us to exercise our gifts and therefore be a blessing to others through those gifts. It also kills the very joy that once filled our cup. The fact is that Jealousy and its cousin, character assassination, are diseases which when unleashed, are meant to strip us of our dignity and destroy us. But God, loving us so much has made a way of escape for us. We can reject the evil targeted against our joy, reputation and lives when we hold on to Christ and assert vehemently that we are aware of the devil’s devices and we will not fall prey to him. We shall not become emotionally angry; rather, we shall express a righteous indignation at the spiritual forces aiming at and assaulting us, desiring our downfall. We shall not become bitter against the individuals who have made themselves so available to be used by the devil against us. No. We shall rather join with Christ, because we know the word, and will declare “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Or even if we are not yet mature enough to utter such words or have such sentiments within us, for it is so challenging and difficult to take the high road when your flesh is demanding vengeance, we are better off if we, in the least, ignore them and simply focus on performing our work or utilizing the talents and gifts we have been granted. We should not
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become distracted because of the buzzing sounds of stinging poisonous animals. Recently, while reading my Bible, something profound occurred to me as it often happens and I arrived at this topic. In John chapter 8, we see Jesus tested by the scribes and Pharisees when they brought the case of the woman caught in adultery to Him. Here, the scribes and Pharisees wanted to trap him and see where he stood regarding the laws of the Old Testament. They wanted to stone the woman as the law declared she must be because of her sin. Instead of allowing them to trap Him, He used wisdom by simply stating, “he who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7). None did and He set the woman free. Immediately after this act, He was criticized and His legitimacy as the Son of God was challenged. But Christ responds saying, “…I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the father taught Me….He who sent Me is with Me, He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him” (John 8: 28 & 29). As I read the passage, my initial understanding was that Christ is informing His detractors that He is not self-motivated; rather, His only objective and will is to do what God wants Him to do. But as I looked closer at the passage to study it, it gradually began to mean something a little different. Here, I began to realize that the statement of doing God’s will was not limited to Jesus even in that instance, but it was a message to all of us, who claim God as our heavenly father. What I got from the passage was that like Christ, we are not here to be self-serving or even focus on our own objectives. We are simply here to serve God by doing His will. Thus, knowing this, we have to become wise to the devil’s devices when we are attacked because of the work we do. We should be able to acknowledge that Satan and his spiritual and human resources are conniving to hinder us from fulfilling our purpose in obedience to God and we should resolve to overcome his tactics. As Christ says, He is committed to doing the things which are pleasing to God. This too should be our commitment. So brothers and sisters in Christ, stand firm. Do not allow your talent and gift to be made a curse or hindrance to yourself. The Lord chose to bless you with them and He requires you to utilize them. So go ahead and work for God in the way that He desires and glorify His name with the talent and gift with which He has blessed you. Don’t look sideways or behind. Be focused as Christ was and leave the devil and your enemies in the dust.
Nigerian Accent Made Easy
1. Google - Gugu
2. Husband - Ozzband 3. Arsenal - Ass Na 4. Paper - Pay Pa
5. Concern - Con Son
6. XBOX 360 - Eggs Bugs Three Sisty 7.McDonald's - Magdonnas
8. Safe Journey - Save Johnny
9. Order Chinese - Hoda Shy Knees
10. Happy Birthday - Api betday Source: najoke.com
Joke Center
The Smart Dean Three University guys dodged exam because they didn’t study. They came up with a plan, got themselves dirty by smearing grease on their shirt and then went to see the Dean.
April 2013
FACT 101
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WEALTH is when you buy a 1st class return ticket to the UK just to pick up a dress..(Money speaking) TROUBLE is slapping a soldier in front of quarter guard in a barracks.. (Other people will tell the story on ur behalf)
“Sir, we are sorry we couldn’t make it to the exam. We FAITH is using the last money on you to buy a wallet.. (Miracle worker) attended a wedding and on our way back, the car broke down thus we became as dirty as you can see.” IRONY is having the Chairman of an Okada Association driving a Range Rover Sports.. (Classic 419) The Dean understood and gave them three days to prepare. After three days, they went to the Dean very ready for the STUPIDITY is having six cars while living in a rented apartment.. (Lagos exam because they had studied. The Dean put them in three mumu) separate rooms with only four questions on the exam paper.
1. Who and who got married? (25 marks) 2. Where was the reception held? (25 marks) 3. Where exactly did the car break down? (25 marks) 4. What type of car broke down? (25 marks)
Good luck, your answers must be the same!!! Source: Rabbit Adimado
WISDOM is dating a landlord's daughter.. (Over sabi)
FOOLISHNESS is taking a N5,000 cab to watch a film of N1,000.. (Mugun! Why not wait for the pirated copy)
LOVE is buying suya for a girlfriend and eating only the onions.. (that is true love)
STINGINESS is when you finish reading this and you don't share this link with your friends make dem follow u laugh http://najoke.com/jokes/
I Yam That I Yam
The participants for a convention were so "Spiritual" that they didn't respond to the sellers (a yam seller, bread seller and an apple seller) who wanted to make some money from them. As a result, the sellers decided to describe their products with biblical incidents to draw the attention of the participants for the convention.
The first to try this was the apple seller, and she went like "Apple for sale; Jesus said you are the apple of my eye". Her plan worked and people started patronising her apples. The bread seller also said "Bread for sale, Jesus said I am the bread of life", which worked smoothly too.
Now the yam seller couldn't remember any scripture or biblical context in reference to yam. So out of frustration, she said "Yam for sale; Jesus said I yam that I yam"! Dear Sir,
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
Only in Africa Courtesy:www.peacefmonline.com
I refer to the recent death of the accountant at your office and hereby apply for the job as a replacement of the dead accountant. Each time I apply for employment, I get a reply that there is no vacancy but in this case, I have caught you red handed and you have no excuse because while I was in my hometown for holidays I heard the good news about his death so i quickly rushed back to attend the funeral to be sure that he was truly dead before applying.
Attached to my letter is a copy of my CV and his obituary as proof of vacancy. You can't swerve me this time. Give me the job.
Thank you, Yours Truly, Lucky
http://najoke.com
Super O.D — Turned Down Twice As Policeman In his usual comic character, Super OD who was reluctant to mention his age when asked retorted “you will let my girlfriends leave me when they get to know of my age. I hope that when my girlfriends get to know that I was born on the 12th of January, 1935, they will not leave me because I am too old for them, otherwise I will hold you responsible”.
Following the huge success of the Osofo Dadzie series, Super was invited by H.M films during the advent of Ghanaian video films and played in movies such as Double Cross, Fatal Decision and Crossfire. He is also known for his role in the popular movie, Abyssinia in the nineties.
Jackie Appiah Hangs Out With Prime Minister Of Trinidad And Tobago April 2013
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Currently, he is working with a construction firm at Roman Ridge and recently featured on hiplife duo, Keche’s famous “Alunguntugui” video and the popular TV series “Bongo Bar”.
As a young man, the one career dream that Super O.D nursed was becoming a policeman. Being tall, strong and smart, nothing fascinated him more than a police uniform - blue black shirt over blue black trousers, cap, belt, boots and ..... But O.D was not destined to become one.
Super O.D, real name Osonoba Kwaku Darko, native of Agona Swedru in the Central Region, missed formal education on account of losing his father as a toddler and his mother, then a petty trader, could not afford the funds to support his education. That was how he missed recuitment into the police Force.
Still O.D did not despair. After attempting other ventures like trading and being a driver’s mate for six years, he obtained a driver’s licence and hoped to use it to enter the police force. “My second attempt didn’t materialise because I was failed by my instructors after some weeks of training because I could not pay a bribe of three pounds”, he told Showbiz.
He was obliged to go into commercial driving and gained employment with the Accra City Council as a driver of one of their taxi cabs then popularly called “Ponko Abodam” but he lost that job too after a while. It was at this point that a new career path opened for him.
“Luck smiled at me when I went to stay with a friend at Labadi. It was during this period that one day, Appiah Agyekum’s Concert Party came to Labadi and I joined the band on stage to sing as a backing vocalist. This was the starting point of my career in concert party theatre”.
“ I acquired the skill of making witty jokes from my mother who was nicknamed “Jack Johnson” for her jokes and soon found out that my jokes were in high demand and started hopping from one concert party to another until I finally settled with Oppong Kyekyeku’s Guitar Band.
The veteran actor said not much has been seen of him lately because movie producers do not give him roles. “Even though I still have the desire to act, most of the movie producers do not give me roles anymore to play and that explains why people do not see me on television.
“You know that most of these new producers do not know the old actors so they do not contact us for roles but I think that they need to establish that relationship so that we can also lend our experience to the new crop of actors coming up”.
Super OD who could not hide his dissatisfaction with what he said were more of “entertainment films” than “educative films” in the market today challenged movie producers to work on better story lines than the usual romance movies which only serve to entertain than teach any lesson to the public.
Referring to movies like Fatal Decision and Double Cross to explain his argument, Super OD said “such movies did not only entertain people but educated them because the role of films then was to teach the viewers lessons by using real life experiences but today, that is not the case, everything is about entertainment which shouldn’t be”.
The duo of Majid Michel and John Dumelo were honored in the City Of Philadelphia for their contribution to the movie industry. When they got into acting, achieving fame was probably something they thought of bu not in their wildest imagination did they ever imagine that the recognition they will get goes beyond the borders of their homeland. It was an attestation of hardwork and they were really grateful for it.
At the time they were receiving the award in Philadelphia, Jackie Appiah was in Trinidad and Tobago and had the privilege of meeting the Prime Minister Kamla Persaud-Bissessar. You can see the glow of happiness on Jackie’s face for the opportunity, but equally on the Prime Minister’s face as well for meeting a movie icon; yes… that’s how far the industry has grown and the limits are boundless.
Final words? “ I appreciate everybody who watched our movies in the past but I want the public to compare the old movies to now so that they can correct some of the stories”, he said.
Kudos to all the stars for the good work thus far!
Source: Gifty Owusu-Amoah/Graphic Showbiz
Source: http://www.africanmoviesnews.com
“The troupe enacted the popular Aku Sika play which caught on well with one of the bosses at GBC and he arranged for the group to start a series of Akan Drama on GTV. It was at this stage that the group’s name was changed to Osofo Dadzie Group and that was the beginning of my acting career.
“I started Osofo Dadzie on the 24th of October 1972 with the likes of S.K Oppong, Kojo Kwakye, Fred Addai, Mercy Offei and Akua Boahemaa but today, they are all gone. Dead. That is why I got furious when an Accra radio station announced recently that I was dead.
Nollywood has indeed presented opportunity for lots of actors and actresses. The desired financial rewards that come with it first and foremost, the instant and global recognition as a star, and the opportunities and doors that are easily opened to meet high profile personalities which hitherto wouldn’t have been possible.
The Osofo Dadzie Group
Rev. Jackson Attends Swearing In Of Kenya’s New President, Uhuru Kenyatta
Yahya Jammeh and HIV/ Cure Claims in Gambia April
2013
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Jammeh’s cure claims have been dismissed by medical experts globally. And many people are particularly concerned that Jammeh’s reckless and irresponsible cure claims could undermine efforts to combat the AIDS pandemic in Gambia and in other parts of the region.
By: SEM Contributor on April 10, 2013.
And indeed their fears and concerns are not misplaced.
Between 2007 and 2011, I visited Gambia several times. And during my visits I tried to The Gambian dictator, Yahya Jammeh (in find out about the efficacy Jammeh’s cure photo), continues to insist that he has a cure claims. I contacted some people living with for HIV/AIDS. While people outside Gambia HIV/AIDS to find out if there was any one might think he is a lunatic and that his claims who had been cured by ‘His Excellency’. But are bizarre and should be ignored, many sick there was no one. In fact there was not even a people in Gambia take him seriously. They single person who said he knew someone are trooping to the State House to receive ‘free who was cured by ‘Dr Jammeh’. Through a Picture Source: Daily Nation sons could help restore the nation’s image as treatment’ with no proof of efficacy or effecFrom Nima Elbagir, CNN local NGO that worked with people living a bastion of stability after disputed election tiveness from ‘His Excellency’. with HIV/AIDS, I met a woman. She was results in 2007 led to bloody chaos. Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) — Kenya swore in HIV positive and was on anti retroviral drugs. In that election, more than 1,200 people were Shortly after he announced his cure for AIDS, But she stopped taking her anti retroviral its youngest-ever president before a killed and hundreds of thousands displaced Jammeh gave a journalist access to his ‘quack treatment in order to receive the presidential massive crowd, including numerous heads after Odinga disputed the results, which of state and American civil rights activist AIDS “treatment”. showed incumbent President Mwai Kibaki as healing session’ at the government house in Banjul. In response to questions by the jourJesse Jackson. the winner. nalist, Jammeh revealed himself to be a ‘presi- Some weeks later she went for a medical test At the time, supporters of both candidates dential health care disaster’, a bloated, ignoUhuru Kenyatta became the country’s and found out that her viral load had battled in the streets with crude weapons, not rant, shameless charlatan who ‘toys’ with the fourth president after a prolonged election increased. She stopped going for Jammeh’s in court. health and lives of the people of his country. dispute that ended up in the Kenyan treatment and continued with her anti retroviSupreme Court. ral drugs. The father of another lady I spoke But the upholding of Kenyatta’s victory raises At a point during the interview, when the jour- to wasn’t so lucky. The father was asthmatic Tens of thousands of people packed a the prospect of complicated diplomatic ties nalist showed some reluctance towards drink- and went to Jammeh for treatment but died Nairobi stadium to watch the inauguration. with the West. The International Criminal ing the concoction he prepared, Jammeh Jackson, a former U.S. presidential some weeks later. And ‘President’ Jammeh Court has indicted him for allegedly funding laughed like a typical comedian, saying ‘This sent the family some cash and food stuffs as candidate, attended the festivities as a a local militia that conducted reprisal attacks private guest. condolence. It is difficult to know the numin the last election in 2007. His running mate, is Africa’. ber of people who must have died since William Ruto, also faces ICC charges at The Yahya Jammeh must be told to his face that Kenyatta, the 51-year-old son of Kenya’s Jammeh came out and started administering Hague, in the Netherlands. Both have denied founding leader, won the election with the charges and have said they will cooperate the sham and shameful drama he’s staging, the his unsubstantiated and quack cure claims. dangerous precedent he is setting in Gambia, 50.07% of the vote. His chief rival, Raila with the court to clear their names. Clashes does not represent what Africa stands for. Odinga, won 43.31% of the vote. Odinga In Gambia there is lack of freedom of expreskill 2 in Western Kenya after election verdict Africa is not a theatre of absurdity, insanity challenged the outcome in court, saying it sion. Most Gambians are afraid of saying and inanity. It is not a continent where ‘woo was flawed and marred by technical probanything critical of the president or whatever Beyond Borders woo’ medicine is presented and brandished as lems. the president does. So those who are critical Kenya is East Africa’s biggest economy and a “Africa”. of Jammeh’s cure claims are reluctant to crucial trade route into the rest of the contiAfter the court upheld Kenyatta’s election, nent. It provides an important buffer of stabilspeak out. They fear they could be victimJammeh, who came to power in 1996 through ized. A UN official in Gambia was told to Odinga offered the president-elect his con- ity in a region that includes the fledgling a military coup, has repeatedly declared that gratulations. “The court has now spoken,” leave the country after she expressed doubts Somali government and the politically tense he could cure HIV/AIDS (on Thursday) and Odinga said. “I wish the president-elect and Sudan and South Sudan. Kenya is also a about Jammeh’s cure claims. Asthma (on Saturday) using natural herbs with his team well.” major U.S. ally in the war against Islamist Political Dynasty Those of us who are concerned about the militants in the region and has remained rela- some banana and peanuts and by reciting Kenyatta and Odinga are the sons of the spread of HIV and AIDS and ‘woo woo’ medtively peaceful amid civil wars in neighboring prayers and some verses from the Koran. He has refused to reveal the ingredients he used in icine in Africa should speak out against nation’s first president and vice president, nations. preparing some of the concoction. Jammeh respectively — stirring memories of a Jammeh’s cure claims and supposed treathad no medical training. He claimed to have political dynasty that dates back to the ment. Evidence, as always, is key and inherited the ‘healing power’ from his father. 1960s. Jammeh has none. Their fathers started out as allies in the There is no evidence that Jammeh has inheritquest for Kenyan independence from ed any form of healing power from anybody. Britain. But the elder politicians’ relationCNN’s Faith Karimi contributed to this He is a ‘quack doctor’ who is taking advanship ended in bad blood when founding report. tage of the situation of poverty, disease and President Jomo Kenyatta forced out his Leo Igwe poor medical care in his country. During his vice president, Jaramogi Odinga, following ‘healing session’, he carries a copy of the a series of disputes. Koran and his Muslim beads to attempt to A New Opportunity For Kenya give the process some legitimacy and credibilDespite controversy over the recent election ity in the eyes of the majority Muslim popularesults, the mutual acceptance by the two tion in the country.
Former Liberian President Dies
Afrikan
Post
Before he was appointed vice president in July 2000, Mr Blah had been Liberia's ambassador to Libya and Tunisia for three years.
Britain Bids Farewell To Margaret Thatcher April 2013
Family sources say Blah died at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center after a long illness.
Mourners could be seen assembling at the JFK morgue to gather confirmation and pay respect to families, friends and loved ones.
Blah, who unsuccessfully lobbied for incentives of a former vice president, was born on April 18, 1947 in Toweh Town, a Gio-speaking hamlet in northeastern Nimba County, close to the border with the Ivory Coast.
The drama occurred when Mr Taylor, while addressing the opening of the ongoing Liberian peace talks in Ghana on 4 June, was indicted by the war crimes court in Sierra Leone. An arrest order was issued and a power vacuum appeared to have been created.
When Taylor returned home, Blah was made to resign and then was placed under house arrest, but was later reinstated. He told me at the time: "Besides not being an ambitious person, I will never betray President Taylor; he is my revolutionary brother. We have come a long way," Blah told the BBC.
Even after Taylor's departure and subsequent trial for war crimes, Blah, despite testifying at the trial remained loyal. "I will never betray President Taylor, he is my revolutionary brother, we have come a long way."
During his short reign after Taylor's demise, A FrontPageAfrica reporter at the hospital reports Blah was condemned by Liberian rebel groups that the government which had turned their backs for his close ties to Taylor; they charged that he on the ailing former leader had taken over the scene would simply continue Taylor's practices. Blah and preventing journalists from taking photographs. responded by calling the rebels "brothers" and saying "Let by gones be bygones. If there is Fluent in German, French and Arabic, Blah compower, we can share it." He invited the rebels to pleted his secondary education at Tappeta Public negotiate in his own house. school in 1967. Blah also studied in Hamburg, Germany and at a military college in Tajura, Libya, Blah was subpoenaed on April 7, 2008 to testify from 1985 to 1989. at Taylor's trial before the Special Court for Sierra Leone in The Hague and pledged to Blah was among scores of exile Liberians who "speak the truth". In his testimony on May 14, formed part of the Taylor-led rebellion which led to 2008, revealed that described child soldiers and the demise of former president Samuel Doe. the relationship between Taylor and former Sierra Leone RUF rebel leader Foday Sankoh. When Mr Taylor's National Patriotic Front had succeeded in taking control of the whole of Liberia Blah, a Baptist vice president was married to except Monrovia, Mr Blah served in the Front in Nettie and has many children and grandchilseveral capacities, including inspector general, dren. adjutant general and Mr Taylor's special envoy.
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The ceremony was traditional, dignified and very British. Mourners entered to music by British composers including Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the service featured hymns and readings chosen by Thatcher, who grew up as a grocer's daughter in a hard-working Methodist household.
But all was not rosy between Taylor and Blah. The pair were engulfed in a friction over an allegation that the Blah was plotting to overthrow Taylor through the influence of the United States embassy, an allegation which Mr Blah vehemently denied.
Moses Blah, the soft-spoken sidekick to former President Charles Taylor, who replaced Taylor when Taylor left Liberia in 2003 is dead.
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Margaret Thatcher, Britain's Iron Lady, was laid to rest Wednesday , April 17th, with a level of pomp and protest reflecting her status as a commanding, polarizing political figure.
Queen Elizabeth II, prime ministers and dignitaries from 170 countries were among the mourners at St. Paul's Cathedral, where Bishop of London Richard Chartres spoke of the strong feelings the former prime minister still evokes 23 years after leaving office. "The storm of conflicting opinions centers on the Mrs. Thatcher who became a symbolic figure -even an -ism," he said. "Today the remains of the real Margaret Hilda Thatcher are here at her funeral service."
Her children, Sir Mark Thatcher and his twin sister Carol, and her American grandchildren, Michael and Amanda, listened as the bishop of London, acknowledging the bitter debate over her legacy, said this was not the time or place for such matters. In a powerful address, the Right Rev Richard Chartres, a friend of Thatcher, who died at the age of 87 following a stroke, defended her and firmly rejected the assertion that she did not believe in society. She had overcome hurdles and experienced many rebuffs, and applied herself to work with "formidable energy and passion", he said.
"Her later remark about there being no such thing as 'society' has been misunderstood and refers to some impersonal entity to which we are tempted to surrender our independence," he said.
Born on October 13, 1925, in Grantham, England, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's Conservative Party leader and in 1979 was elected prime minister, the first woman to hold the position. During her three terms, she cut social welfare programs, reduced trade union power and privatized certain industries. Thatcher resigned in 1991 due to unpopular policy and power struggles in her party. She died Spectators lining the route broke into applause -on April 8, 2013, at age 87 and scattered boos -- as the carriage passed by, Politician and former British prime escorted by young soldiers, sailors and airmen. minister Margaret Thatcher was born as Margaret Hilda Roberts on October 13, Some clearly disagreed with the bishop's exhorta1925, in Grantham, England. tion to leave politics at home. Some staged silent Nicknamed the "Iron Lady," Thatcher protests by turning their backs on Thatcher's coffin. served as the prime minister of One man held a banner declaring "Rest in shame." England from 1979 to 1990. The Arguments also broke out in the crowd along the daughter of a local businessman, she route between Thatcher supporters and opponents. was educated at a local grammar school, Grantham Girls' High School. Guests inside the cathedral included Thatcher's Her family operated a grocery store political colleagues and rivals and her successors as and they all lived in an apartment prime minister -- John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon above the store. In her early years, Brown and David Cameron. Thatcher was introduced to conservative politics by her father, who was a Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and member of the town's council. former Vice President Dick Cheney were among the American dignitaries, while figures from Thatcher's era included F.W. de Klerk, the last apartheid-era leader of South Africa; former Polish President Source: BBC Lech Walesa; ex-Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and entertainers including "Dynasty" star Joan Collins, singer Shirley Bassey and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. "There is an important place for debating policies and legacy ... but here and today is neither the time nor the place." More than 700 soldiers, sailors and air force personnel lined the route taken by Thatcher's coffin to the cathedral and around 4,000 police officers were on duty. Security was stepped up after Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon that killed three people and wounded more than 170.
Google Boss: Entire World Will Be Online By 2020
Afrikan
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Tutu wins £1.1m spiritual prize April 2013
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From: CNN
rephrase to those in civilized areas or something like that..."
About 38% of the world's population uses the internet in 2013, up from about 35% last year, according to the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency dedicated to information and communication technology.
With poor and developing nations around the world isolated by crumbling or nonexistent Web infrastructures, and others hindered by factors ranging from remote geography to government censorship, is Schmidt's vision overly optimistic?
Maybe. But don't rule it out.
Everybody in the world will be on the Internet within seven years. That's what Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said this weekend in public comments that inspired everything from excitement to incredulity.
As Business Insider's Julie Bort notes, there are some projects under way to bring everyone the advantages of the digital age.
Google itself supports a project called Geeks Without Frontiers, a nonprofit group that donates computers and related technology to poor areas around the world. "For every person online, there are two who are not," Schmidt Focusing largely on Mexico, Central America and wrote Saturday on his Google+ account. "By the end of the Africa, the decade-old group now aims to bring wireless decade, everyone on Earth will be connected." access to regions with no traditional Web access.
He followed up with a related thought on Sunday.
"Think about how great the internet is with 2B users. Now think about how amazing it will be when 5B come online in a decade. #NewDigitalAge."
It's just the sort of big thinking that has led Google to become one of the largest and most innovative tech companies in the world. But some of Schmidt's own followers took exception.
"You really believe that? What about the millions in Africa who can't even get enough food to eat or the natives in South America who have no idea what technology is?" a Google+ user going by the name "Mary M" wrote. "Maybe you should
Samsung also is backing a project to turn old shipping containers into solar-powered, Web-enabled classrooms in places like South Africa and Sudan.
The rise of the mobile Web is also sure to play a role. In Africa, more people have access to a mobile phone than have access to electricity. In South Africa, for instance, Google says, 25% of its searches during the week are via mobile devices, rising to 65% on the weekends. Source: www.bbcnews.com
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has won the £1.1m ($1.6m) Templeton Prize for "affirming life's spiritual dimension".
Organisers said he was awarded the 2013 prize for his lifelong work advancing spiritual principles such as love and forgiveness that have helped to liberate people around the world.
The former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town joins a distinguished group of 42 previous recipients.
Archbishop Tutu will receive the prize at the Guildhall in London on 21 May.
The 81-year-old veteran peace campaigner said: "When you are in a crowd and you stand out from the crowd it's usually because you are being carried on the shoulders of others.
"I want to acknowledge all the wonderful people who accepted me as their leader at home and so to accept this prize in a representative capacity." 'Innate humanity'
The Templeton Prize has for the past 40 years been the world's largest annual monetary award given to an individual.
It celebrates "a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works".
Last year's Templeton Prize Laureate was Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
The prize was founded in 1972 by the late global investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton.
It forms part of the John Templeton Foundation's "international efforts to serve as a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries relating to the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality."
Dr John M Templeton Jr said: "By embracing such universal concepts of the image of God within each person, Desmond Tutu also demonstrates how the innate humanity within each of us is intrinsically tied to the humanity between all peoples."
Last year Archbishop Tutu was awarded $1m (£620,000) by the London-based Mo Ibrahim Foundation for Africa for "speaking truth to power". He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his campaign against apartheid in South Africa.
Source: www.bbcnews.com
Actress Turned Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi Promotes Personal Development
Afrikan
Post
In a bid to support the Rescue Mission agenda of her local state governor in Nigeria, Nollywood actress Evangelist Eucharia Anunobi has shown interest of joining in partnership with the State government and other well-meaning persons to make the State drive developmentally for the general purpose of all. The thespian disclosed this shortly after she paid a courtesy visit to the Liaison office with her team of top Nollywood movie practitioners.
Speaking, the actress turned evangelist stated that the purpose of her visit was based on the dividends of democracy and added that the outcome was overwhelming and that it prompted her to support the government through her partnership that will go a long way into impacting the lives of the people.
While receiving the actress and her team, the State representative thanked her for making what she called the best decision every lover of human development could make, stressing that her choice to partner with the State would be acknowledged by the citizens and government.
“Even a blind person can feel the presence of government in the State. Of course, detractors will criticize but the steer-man in the person of Governor Okorocha is highly determined and focused to move Imo State to a greater height. We will not relent in bringing government to the door steps of our people. How will it work? Through the encouragement of anti-corruption we will get there.
Furthermore, the Liaison Officer encouraged the actress not to relent in her vision to empower people, especially those with an interest to act in the Nollywood big screen.
Source:onlinenigeria.com
Ghanaian film, “KWAKU ANANSE” Gets Nomination at 2013 African Movie Academy Awards
Akosua Adoma Owusu, Ghanaian-American director and writer of the acclaimed short film Kwaku Ananse, is thrilled to have her first narrative short nominated by the Africa Movie Academy Awards. “At its inception, I struggled to find a Ghanaian audience that would value our traditional story in contemporary cinema. It’s truly humbling Kwaku Ananse received the AMAA nomination for my first fiction short film. “
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Majid & Dumelo Honored By The City Of Philadelphia
In appreciation of their support for the development of humanity and sustenance of the African culture of the black race through their movies and humanitarian activities, two of the most prominent male screen stars John Dumelo and Majid Michel have been honored by the City of Philadelphia, United States.
The two Ghanaian born African movie stars were presented with certificates of honour in addition to having their citations read at the ceremony attended by the cream of the city. The ceremony took place on Wednesday evening April 10 at Philadelphia City Hall.
They were presented with a Citation for their outstanding contribution to the African movie industry. Kwaku Ananse was commissioned by Focus Features, as part of Dignitaries in attendance included; Honorable Jannie L. their prestigious Africa First Award Program, and supported by the Blackwell, City Council of Philadelphia, Hon. Stanley Sarah Jacobson Grant, Art Matters grant, and a well-received IndieGogo Campaign. The short film is a re-telling of the classic L. Straughter, Chairman of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, and West African fable with a semi-autobiographical twist, featuring Honorary,Consul The Republic of Guinea and Dr. Ghana’s legendary palm wine musician, Koo Nimo as Kwaku Samuel Quartey, Chairman/African Caribbean Business Ananse. Owusu received this award after gaining international Council, Imhotep Charter School & Ga Dangme attention with her short films, Drexciya and Me Broni Ba, as well Foundation. as from her work within the art world at the famed Studio Museum in Harlem. Me Broni Ba, specifically, screened at over 80 international film festivals and was later acquired for distribu- According to a source present at the ceremony who spoke to Peacefmonline.com, the two Ghanaians obvition by The Cinema Guild. ously delighted, expressed their gratitude to the Philadelphia City officials for recognizing their contriCombined with the unique co-production efforts of acclaimed bution and acknowledging their efforts and they both Mexican producer, Julio Chavezmontes (Sundance New Frontier promised to continue to project Africa in everything “Halley”) and Lisa Cortes (Executive Producer for Academy Award Winning “Precious”), Kwaku Ananse premiered in compe- they do.
tition at the prestigious Berlinale Film Festival, as part of the Golden Bear competition, and was met with rave reviews. Says Congratulations to Majid and John for making Ghana the Nigerian Guardian, “If Nollywood was absent at the Berlinale, proud ones again. Ghana was not. Akosua Adoma Owusu gave Ghana something to cheer about at the Berlinale" View trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t6bYip32W8
Between travelling internationally to screen her acclaimed works, and hustling to acquire the funding needed to propel everything forward, Owusu is working hard to both further her own dreams and inspire other African filmmakers that they, too, can do the same. Recently awarded the Most Promising Filmmaker prize at Ann Arbor Film Festival and named in the Huffington Post of “Top 30 Black Contemporary Artists Under 40”, she’s certainly paving the way to do both and is thrilled that Kwaku Ananse, is preserving a piece of Ghanaian mythology and is being so wellreceived by international audiences.
Source: Eugene OsafoNkansah/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Nigerian Author Chinua Achebe Dies
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was "one of the great literary voices of his time".
"He was also a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage are an inspiration to all who knew him. Professor Achebe's family requests privacy at this time."
Zambia's Ex-President Banda Arrested April 2013
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Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan said Mr Achebe's admirers had all learnt "indelible lessons of human existence" from his works.
Renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has died at the age of 82 after a brief illness. A statement from his family said his "wisdom and courage" were an "inspiration to all who knew him".
One of Africa's best known authors, his 1958 debut novel Things Fall Apart, which dealt with the impact of colonialism in Africa, has sold more than 10 million copies. He had been living in the US since 1990 following injuries from a car crash. 'Indelible lessons'
The writer and academic wrote more than 20 works - some fiercely critical of politicians and a failure of leadership in Nigeria. South African writer and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer called him the "father of modern African literature" in 2007 when she was among the judges to award him the Man Booker International Prize in honour of his literary career.
Things Fall Apart has been translated into more than 50 languages and focuses on the traditions of Igbo society and the clash between Western and traditional values. The Anambra state government in Nigeria first made the announcement about his death.
Analysts say in Igbo society the death of an important person must be announced by someone in authority.
His home state was in mourning for the death of "the illustrious son of the state, Nigeria and Africa", Mike Udah, spokesman for Anambra state governor Peter Obi, told the BBC. A statement released on behalf of his family said Mr Achebe
"Achebe's frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria because while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to the building of a greater, more united and prosperous nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of," the president said in a statement. Nigerian author Victor Ehikhamenor said the news came as a shock even though people knew the novelist had not been feeling well.
"I met him on two occasions. When you are with Achebe outside Nigeria, even when you are with him in Nigeria, you cannot claim him as a Nigerian because he's a world citizen," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.
Last year, Mr Achebe published a long-awaited memoir about the brutal three-year Biafran war - when the southeastern Igbo region tried to split from Nigeria in 1967.
After leaving Nigeria, he worked in the US as a professor. His 1990 car accident left him paralysed from the waist down and in a wheelchair.
Zambia's former President Rupiah Banda has been arrested in connection with a Nigerian oil deal, officials say.
He is accused of stealing more than $11m (ÂŁ7m) during his three years in office, Reuters news agency reports.
Mr Banda, who was stripped of presidential immunity earlier this month, was questioned for nearly three hours before being freed on bail.
The former president denies the charges and says he is the victim of a witch-hunt. He is due in court on Tuesday.
Shortly after being released, Mr Banda addressed his supporters, telling them to remain calm and that he would win the case in court.
The former leader lost 2011 elections to Michael Sata, whose government is investigating several high-profile deals made by Mr Banda's administration amid accusations of corruption.
Mr Banda led Africa's top copper producer from 2008 to 2011.
A statement of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory said it offered its condolences to the Achebe family.
The former South African president and anti-apartheid fighter, who spent 27 years in jail, "referred to Prof Achebe as a writer 'in whose company the prison walls fell down'", the statement said. Source:www.bbcnews.com
Source:www.bbcnews.com
April 2013
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Afrikan
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My husband is too fat! Dear Awo, I met my husband of 12 years when I was only 20 years old. Dated for 2 years and being married for ten years now. When we met he was healthy exercised frequently and very conscious about what he ate. That was part of why I fell in love with him but lately he's packed on the weight. All he does is sit behind the tv and watching bad tv and drink beer after work. Now I'm worried over his health and scared he might die and leave me with the kids. I encourage him to exercise and watch his calorie intake but it falls on deaf ears. Now I've exhausted all my options and want out of this marriage. Please help!! My dear, I can definitely understand where you're coming from and I'm certain you truly love your husband hence your concern about his health. However you can't help anyone unless they want to be helped. Weight gain is such a sensitive issue but its not a good reason for divorce, so until the light bulb goes on for your husband to take good care of his health for himself there's very little you can do to help. my advice to you will be learn to love and appreciate your husband as he is and in doing so encourage and involve him in certain activities. Also be creative and involve the rest of the family so that it doesn't look like he's the main target. Taking walks together as a family after dinner is a great way to start and try Wii fit activities together as well. With time I'm sure he'll get the message and change his ways. Also the could be more to his weight gain than what meets the eye so talk to him and get to the bottom of whatever issue is eating him up and you'll be amazed at what the underlying issue might be.
April 2013
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Dr Kofi Boahene The Doctor Who Rebuilds Faces
Afrikan
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(CNN African Voices)
Dr. Boahene received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, graduating with the highest honors in his class. Dr. Boahene completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he trained under leading facial plastic surgeons and rhinologists.
Dr. Boahene completed a highly specialized fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery under the mentorship of one of the country's leading facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Peter Hilger. His training included cosmetic surgery of the face, use on minimally invasive techniques for facial rejuvenation, microvascular surgery, craniofacial surgery and skull-base surgery in both children and adults. Because of his particular interest in craniofacial surgery, Dr. Boahene spent some time in the Australia Craniofacial Center, in Adelaide, Australian directed by Professor David David. Honors and Achievements
Meet Dr. Kofi Boahene
Ghana, Russia, Australia and United States are only a few of the countries where Dr. Kofi Boahene has lived and studied, and his current approach to facial plastic surgery is a true reflection of his international education.
Dr. Boahene is an associate professor of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a facial plastic surgeon in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. His practice encompasses the entire spectrum of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, including rhinoplasty, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery, fat transfers, facial augmentation, wrinkle treatment, corrective surgery for congenital facial defects, cleft lip and palate repair, ear reshaping, craniofacial surgery, minimally invasive and endoscopic skull base surgery, microsurgery, reconstruction of cancer patients and extensive post-traumatic deformities.
As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Boahene specializes solely in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. As such his patients are assured of a focused expertise. He treats both children and adults. Education
Dr. Boahene grew up in Ghana, West Africa where he completed his primary and secondary education. In 1991, he traveled to Russia to pursue training in veterinary medicine. "It raises eyebrows each time someone finds out I studied veterinary medicine," says Dr. Boahene, adding that friends joke he is "one of the few people they know that can perform surgery on anything that moves . . . animal or human." He became fluent in the Russian language at a time where the former Soviet Union was opening its doors to the outside world. Then, a mentor encouraged him to do something that would change the course of his life: come to the U.S. with the goal of becoming a medical doctor.
A strong sense of achievement may be one reason Dr. Boahene has been honored in so many ways over the years. In 1993, he received the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Award. In 1998 and 1999 he was selected as an ethnic scholar in cancer research by the American Academy of Cancer Researchers (AACR). At Mayo, he received a Best Teacher Recognition Award and the Distinguished Mayo Brothers Fellowship Award. The Distinguished Mayo Brother's Fellowship Award is a very prestigious award given to only two surgeons in any given year throughout the Mayo Foundation. Recently, Dr. Boahene was awarded the Jack R. Anderson Prize for Scholastic Excellence, for attaining the highest score in the nation on written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Advances in the Field
Dr. Boahene is actively involved in tissue engineering research that is exploring ways to improve wound healing, enhance injectable tissue fillers, and generate new cartilage or bone for facial reconstruction. He has a passion for medical missions. In 2003 he received an International Medicine travel grant and was able to participate in his first medical mission to Mexico. Since then, Dr. Boahene has been on several medical mission trips to Peru and his native country, Ghana. "I enjoy medical missions. It is where you see physicians at their best... working with little, complaining the least, but accomplishing the most."
Source: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
April 2013
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Boston Marathon Blasts: Kenya's Wesley Korir Tells Of Escape
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Kenya's winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon, Wesley Korir, who came fifth this year, has told the BBC of his fear after hearing of the deadly blasts.
Two explosions near the finishing line killed three people and injured at least 140 about two hours after the winners had completed the race.
"If this had happened two hours earlier, maybe I would have been among the victims," Mr Korir said. He had been celebrating Kenyan Rita Jeptoo's victory in the women's race.
"The joy that we had has all been taken away," Mr Korir told the BBC's Newsday programme.
Ms Jeptoo comes from the Cherangany constituency, for which Mr Korir was elected an MP in last month's election.
Despite the blasts and his political career, he says he will continue to compete in marathons - even in Boston, if it is held again next year.
"My attitude to marathons will never change but my attitude to life may change," he said. He said it was "scary" when he heard the news of the blasts.
He said on hearing the news, he immediately checked on his parents-in-law, who were visiting, along with his coach.
Kenya's ambassador to the US has told the BBC that none of the eight Kenyan athletes running the marathon were wounded in the blasts.
Two South Africans were treated in hospital for minor injuries but have now been released, officials say.
The men's race was won by Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa, ahead of Kenya's Micah Kogo.
The annual Boston Marathon this year had a field of about 23,000 runners and was watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators.
It is held on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts state holiday which commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775.
UK police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news
Two South Africans Injured In Boston Marathon Blast : SA Consular Officials Despatched To Boston
Johannesburg — The two South Africans were injured in the twin Boston bombings . They were spectators and not athletes, according to the international relations department on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.. "Those South Africans initially reported as runners were in fact spectators," spokesman Clayson Monyela said. "They were treated for minor injuries and released, and we continue to monitor the situation there." He also confirmed that 28 South African runners participated in the Boston marathon, which ended in bloodshed after two blasts that killed three people and left more than 100 injured.
Afrikan
Culture and Arts - Profiles
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Popular Actress Gets Ministerial Appointment
Ghana: Alice Gyamfi Ghana’s Rep On Miss Africa USA April 2013
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Madam Dzifa Gomashie now Mamma Dzramedo I
For the first time in the history of Politics and Creative Arts sector in Ghana, a popular actress both on stage and on screen, Madam Dzifa Gomashie has been appointed by the President John Mahama for position of deputy Minister.
Presidential Round Table Conference in South Africa, 2006, Emancipation Week celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago-2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, Wemilere Festival in Cuba, 2008 and the Cultural Festival in Dominican Republic. Madam Dzifa who is also the Chief Executive Officer of She has received many honours in her line of work as an Mama Dzifa’s Kitchen, a food joint in Madina, Accra, was actress, entrepreneur and mentor, but notable among them on the evening of Tuesday March 26, 2013, named part of are the Best Actress for the Production “Action Plan” from the new list of 26 deputy ministerial appointees. She has the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) and been appointed as a Deputy Minister designate at the newly from the GHALLYWOOD Film Awards, she was created Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. adjudged a Pioneer Actress for her invaluable contribution towards the development of the film industry over the She is heading to the ministry as the second most important years. person after Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, who replaced Rashid Madam Dzifa, a known good communicator, has also Pelpuo some few weeks ago. This makes it two ladies for been part of several nationwide education and campaign. that particular ministry. Notable among them was the introduction of the new Ghana Cedi currency in 2007 when she played a major Gomashie, who was recently made a queen mother – role a Television commercial with explained the features Mamma Dzramedo I, in charge of Protocol for the Aflao and how to maintain the new currency in different Traditional Area, has been an active industry player, with an Ghanaian languages with the late Efo Kwodjo Mawugbe. incredible wealth of experience that should prove beneficial to the sector. Born to a soldier father, she is also presently married to a
Her going to the ministry puts to rest the debate over whether a ‘known’ industry person should be made the deputy or not. Dzifa Gomashie is a down-to-earth and affable person, she holds an Mphil, BFA, Theatre Arts, Gender Studies, from the University of Ghana, Legon.
She was the producer of the popular story-telling-themed television series ‘By the Fireside, which enjoyed relative success in the 90s, and was hosted by Grace Omaboe, also known as ‘Maame Dorkonoo.
She’s held very important portfolios in the past; she was President of the Association of Students of Performing Arts, as well as a Board Member of the Ghana Blind Union Student Senator-Post Graduate, University of Ghana.
She operates a non-governmental organization "Values for Life", which was set up to bridge the gap between formal school education and home training. "Values for Life" has a library that is accessible to underprivileged women and children, and also uses theatre to educate and create a platform for members to unearth their talents.
She’s participated in a lot of conferences including the CIAO-Burkina Faso Cultural Festival, 2006, the
soldier, Brig. Gen. Martin Ahiaglo (General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces) and they have a son who is also training at the Military School.
For her young fans, she has a well packaged advice for them: “Don’t just live for the moment because you will grow up and when you look back, will you be proud of where you came from or would you feel like throwing yourself into the sea? Stand for something always else you will definitely fall for anything,” she concluded.
Anytime she was handed a role to play in a movie, she regarded it as another priceless moment for her to make a headway in her young career because to her she must have been doing something special or even better than others to be earning the various roles she was called up to play all the time.
Being a veteran actress and vivacious screen diva, Mrs. Dzifa Abla Gomashie-Ahiaglo knows what it feels like to be acknowledged for your hard work and consequently given the opportunity to exhibit your capabilities. Source: Eugene Osafo-
Alice Gyamfi is the name written on the tablets of the law, but Obaa Yaa is the name given to me by my ancestors, my people, and my country. Born in Kumasi, Ghana, I am honored to be a part of a nation that values their posterity, and a continent that praises the endurance of their people.
I am currently a student of the Pennsylvania State University, where I am pursing a triple major in International Politics along with Black/African Studies and Middle Eastern Affairs, and a double minor in Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. I intend to enter Law school promptly after graduation.
I believe that the greatest aspects of my being lies within my mind and my character. I advocate that we as women question the patriarchal society in which we live, and never settle for the convenience of traditional gender roles. Intelligent, imaginative, and graceful women defy convention, and have the world witness the profound nature of who we are as women of color. In order for this vision to be actualized, we must invest in the education of ourselves and our communities. The fight against illiteracy should be waged with weapons of righteous anger. My involvement in the Bright Foundation Inc. has altered my vision of the needs of mankind. This is an organization that strives to ensure that literacy is a fact with results for young girls in rural communities. Through this organization, I hope to touch the life of at least one young girl, and truly encourage her to meet the challenges of her destiny.
My platform is embedded in the heart of promoting universal primary education for the young and impoverished girls in rural communities and villages, beginning in Ghana.
Within the next five years, I hope to pursue my educational efforts and go on to attend a prominent Law School. The Bright Foundation executive Board, of which I am the Administrative Secretary, plans to make a trip to the Aburi girls Academy in Ghana. On this trip, we will hold multiple seminars on women’s health, reproductive safety, literary comprehension, and discipline in scholarship. In the broader sphere of influence, I hope that my vision for equal opportunity education will permeate households, cities, and regions in Ghana. By 2018, I pray that I will look back on the past five years and know that I have achieved my mission towards humanity. Source: http://www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Meet The 21-Yr-Old Woman Kenyan CNN Hero Wadongo Teams Up With Five Husbands Who With Mrs Obama's Designer Are All Brothers
Afrikan
Post
April 2013
By Laura Walubengo, 12 April 2013
CNN hero 2010 finalist Evans Wadongo is in the United States for a three day exhibition this coming week that will help raise funds for his solar lamp project.
The exhibition will feature 1,000 specially designed one of a kind lamps put together with help from Reed Krakoff, the man who crafted US First Lady Michelle Obama’s inauguration ball.
Reed is known not only for clothes but other luxury items such as jewellery and a range of accessories.
The collector items will be sold at the exhibition at Friedman Benda in New York, and it is hoped that the money raised will be enough to buy some 10,000 lamps for needy populations in Kenya and Malawi.
A YOUNG mum told last night how she has five husbands — who are all BROTHERS. Rajo Verma, 21, lives in a one-room shack with all five, sleeping with a different one each night on a rota.
The housewife has no idea which one is the father of her toddler son. She said: “Initially it felt a bit awkward. But I don’t favour one over the other.”
Husband Guddu, 21 — the first to make her his bride — insisted: “We all have sex with her but I’m not jealous. We’re one big happy family.” The couple got hitched in an arranged Hindu marriage four years ago and he remains her only official spouse. But the custom in their village is she had to take as husbands his brothers Bajju, 32, Sant Ram, 28, Gopal, 26, and Dinesh — who married her last year when he turned 18.
Eldest brother Bajju said: “I consider her my wife and sleep with her like my brothers.” Rajo cooks, cleans and looks after 18-month-old Jay while her hubbies go out to work in Dehradun, northern India.
She said of the ancient tradition, called polyandry: “My mother was also married to three brothers so when I got wed I knew I had to accept all of them as my husbands. “I sleep with them in turn. We don’t have beds, just lots of blankets on the floor.
“I get a lot more attention and love than most wives.” Source: thesun.co.uk
Evans first developed the lamps in 2004 to help assist children in rural areas study at night, without having to resort to the more harmful kerosene lamps.
Friedman set up the exhibition from April 17-19 with
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help from Southern Guild, from South Africa.
It has been a busy week for Evans who spoke last week at the Clinton Global Initiative University in St. Louis and will be holding other talks and meetings in the run up to the sale exhibition.
He is currently the chairman of Sustainable Development For All (SDFA), a non-profit organisation that aims to light up rural communities in Kenya and Malawi using the solar lamps.
They are designed to be very easy to use, and are made up of 50% recycled items.
The exhibition next week will be called Evans Wadongo: MwangaBora. Source: www.http://allafrica.com
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Afrikan Post
America School Of Nursing Holds Graduation Ceremony April
2013
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America School of Nursing and Allied Health in Woodbridge , Virginia is dedicated to serve individuals in the Washington Metropolitan area who are seeking careers in nursing education and other health care career training programs and are interested in seeking jobs in health care. On March 23, about 15 students graduated with certificates in the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. Speaking at the graduation ceremony Mrs. Esi Gyenin , the Director of the School commended the students for their dedication and committment towards their course work and encouraged them to maintain that momentum and value the the skills they have acquired as the basis for making a difference in their lives.
One of the course instructors addressing the new graduates
Mrs. Esi Gyenin, Director of America School Of Nursing
A Special Guest encouraging the students
The New Graduates Receiving Their Certificates From The Director
A student delivering the class graduation speech
ASNAH March 2013 Graduates and Staff
April 2013
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Afrikan Post
April 2013
This vibrant and energetic young man is John Oduro, affectionately known to his friends as Baffour Awuah. He is the Executive Secretary of NGOZI, a non-profit organization based in Dumfries, Virginia. He completed Prempeh College, Kumasi-Ghana in 1998, and then moved to the United States in 2003.
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He was unfortunately involved in a terrible car accident one fateful morning of January 31, 2006 on Jeff Davis Hwy/US Route 1 in Woodbridge, Virginia while on his way back from work. He suffered some severe injuries to his spinal cord which has left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
Baffour has been through years of hardship since he has been sick. Yet, he has always been one of the happiest people ever; always giving, always smiling, and always helping others. A few of his friends said, now is the time for us to come together and help Baffour get through this tough time. They then formed a group to facilitate and brainstorm on ideas to find ways on how to donate resources and more especially cash donations to support him to help give him back his independence, self-esteem, happiness and sense of normalcy in his not-so-normal life. They named their effort FRIENDS OF BAFFOUR, and they have been very successful in raising money for Baffour through a fundraising Soccer tournament which is held every year in Woodbridge, Virginia since 2009.
After years of researching on ways to find help, Baffour saw that there are many thousands of people in similar situation or worse who do not have the wonderful support system he has so he decided to set up a foundation with his friends to help people especially those in the African communities in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area who have fallen on hard times because they got sick which is Baffour’s motto, “Nobody should go broke because they got sick”. They named the organization NGOZI which simply means “being a blessing” because that’s what people have been to him.
NGOZI in collaboration with the West African Community Collaborative (WACC) are pleased to announce the 5th Annual Charity Soccer Tournament and West Africa Community Festival. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Courage F.U.N. Program and Ngozi Foundation. The Courage F.U.N Program is a charity operated by Prince William Soccer, Inc. For more information on these organizations please visit the following websites www.pwsi.org, www.friendsofbaffour.com, and www.ngozi.org
In case your soccer team is unable to participate in the tournament, your presence to support the event will be very much appreciated. You can also make donations to help achieve our 2013 goal of $10,000.00 through our website www.ngozi.org. NGOZI is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and contributions to NGOZI are taxdeductible.
Please contact us at info@ngozi.org or 571-5940554 if you have any questions. We are counting on your usual cooperation, your honor and sincere heart to contribute to these noble courses.
Event Details
Date: June 22nd, 2013, Time: 8am – 6pm Venue: Howison Homestead Park - 14716 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA, 22193
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Issa Hayatou Decorated By The Cameroon Government
Egypt Beats Ghana To Lift African Youth Title
Egyptian U-20 soccer team won the U-20 African Cup for the fourth time after defeating Ghana in the final 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
President Mohamed Morsi congratulated the Egypt's Under-20 soccer team over winning the African championship, said the Egyptian television.
Moreover, Prime Minister Hisham Qandil also greeted Egypt's young soccer team and members of the coaching staff, led by Coach Rabie Yassine, over winning Africa's championship.
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou, has been elevated to the rank of Commander of the Order of Valor following a decision by the Head of State, Grand Master of National Orders of the Republic of Cameroon, H.E Paul Biya.
The solemn ceremony of elevation to the rank of Commander of the Order of Valor was held Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Mr. Issa Hayatou has been decorated by the Minister of Sports and Physique Education, M. Adoum Garoua, in the presence of some CAF Executive Committee members, Cameroon's sports VVIPs, the Diplomatic Corps and the Presidents and Secretaries General of continental sports bodies headquartered in Yaoundé. The solemn ceremony to elevate Mr. Issa Hayatou to the rank of Commander of the Order of Valor is a reward for his distinguished leadership as President of CAF in the promotion and development of African Football.
Nigerians, Ivorians, Congolese Fail MRI Test
Three players each from Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Congo have failed MRI tests conducted by CAF . This was a mandatory requirement before the kickoff of the U-17 African Cup in Morocco.
With the competition starting Saturday, Ghana’s U-17 men’s team remains intact as the test passed the all members of the Black Starlets squad. This makes them eligible to play at the competition. All the players who failed the test have been disqualified and will not take part in the competition.
CAF, on the eve of the start of the 2013 African Junior Championships in Morocco conducted test on all players to verify that they fall within the under 17 years age bracket.
The medical team conducted the test which saw the bone density of wrists of the players scanned to ensure an accuracy of at least within one percent under the age 18. allafrica.com
Ronaldo, Casillas, Others To Storm Ghana For Essien Charity Game
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is among the 100 worldclass footballers set to arrive in Ghana for the country’s biggest sporting event scheduled for 8 June in Accra.
The match in Ghana football this year has been confirmed as ‘ The Game Of Hope And Inspiration’ championed by Michael Essien.
The event is expected to be the biggest sporting event in Ghana in 2013, similar to the charity match which Essien hosted in 2011.
Essien is a Peace Ambassador appointed by the African Union in 2010 to use his status as an African and international footballer to promote peace in Africa. The latest Essien initiative is expected to create huge awareness of the need for Africans themselves to make an effort to inspire the youth towards peace, hope and inspiration.
Essien, the Ghana superstar who plays for Real Madrid, has invited some of the world’s best players to play in Accra between World IX and Africa IX in June to raise fund to promote peace in Africa.
Some of the world’s best players from Spain, England, Italy, France and Germany have been invited to play in the friendly game dubbed ‘A Game Of Hope And Inspiration’.
A three-day mammoth event has been planned with a music concert with some of the world’s and Africa’s best musicians in attendance.
Players like Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue, Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari, Adam Kwarasey, Kwadwo Asamoah have been invited for the match.
Top Spain-based players like Casillas, Ricardo Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Luca Modric, Xabi Alonso,Kaka and Xabi Alonso have all been invited to grace the occassion. Source: Sportsfilla.com
April 2013
Afrikan Post
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