Afrikan Post February 2018

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Vol 10 Issue 2

February 2018

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Ghana Embassy In Washington DC Holds RTI Forum

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Mo Ibrahim Prize: Liberia's Sirleaf Wins African Leadership Prize

The Ghana Embassy in the United States will next month host a forum on the Right To Information (RTI) Bill, as the campaign for its passage gathers momentum.

The forum which is being organized by Washington DC-based communications firm Loud Silence Media on March 9, 2018, will discuss the benefits of the passage of the RTI bill and its subsequent effects on Ghana’s governance.

According to the founder of Loud Silence Media, Kevin Taylor, the forum is part of a campaign to ensure the passage of the RTI bill brings more benefits than disadvantages to Ghanaians.

“We have to understand that our right to free information comes with lots and lots of responsibilities. We have the responsibility to share information responsibly as individuals - especially as journalists,” Mr Taylor noted.

“We are using social media as the platform to share very sensitive and investigative news. We need to be a lot more cautious with that when the RTI bill is passed. We need to learn from people who have experience with such issues so we can brainstorm, and better be prepared,” he added.

A team of experts in information dissemination and social media management from diverse backgrounds will be empanelled to discuss the subject “the RTI bill and an era of social media.”

The forum will cover topics such as verifying facts on social media, combating fake news, breaking news online, photography and visual journalism in the digital age, as well as education on the tenets of the RTI Bill.

The proposed RTI Bill, which has been in Parliament for more than a decade without being passed, is expected to give the public access to information held by public institutions and private entities which use state funds.

The government has set a fresh timeline of May 2018 to get it passed. Mr Taylor says there will be major red flags in the media landscape when the bill is eventually passed that need to be looked at now.

“Many journalists are trained in radio or newspaper reporting but a lot more lack the skills needed for digital journalism and social media reporting. We are doing this in order to educate the media and public alike,” he explained.

Event Coordinator for the forum Oral Ofori who is the Founder of TheAfricanDream LLC disclosed Ghana's Ambassador to the U.S. Dr Barfuor Adjei Barwuah will be the special guest of honour at the event. It will be attended by tens of Ghanaians living in the US.

Mr Taylor’s Loud Silence Media which was founded in 2012 has over the years undertaken a number of projects aimed at helping advance the socioeconomic development of the country.

In 2015, Mr Taylor received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce a documentary on Ghana’s struggles with energy production and innovative power solutions in the country.

The resulting documentary, The Africa Energy Project was published internationally by Al Jazeera and other international media organizations.

In 2016, Mr Taylor launched With All Due Respect, an online television series that discusses running national issues with frankness and satire.

Liberia's ex-president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has won the $5m (£3.6m) Mo Ibrahim prize for African Leadership.

Mrs Sirleaf, who stepped down last month, became Africa's first elected female president in 2006.

She was praised for her work rebuilding the nation after civil war and leading a process of reconciliation.

celebrates African leaders who governed well, raised living standards and then left office.

The $5m prize is spread over 10 years and is followed by $200,000 a year for life.

But it is not always awarded. On six occasions, no leader was considered worthy of it.

Mo Ibrahim prize timeline: 2007: Mozambique's former President Joaquim Chissano 2008: Botswana's former President Festus Mogae 2009: No award given It added that Liberia was the only country out of 54 to 2010: No award given improve in every category and sub-category of the 2011: Cape Verde's former President Pedro Verona Ibrahim Index of African Governance.

Pires 2012: No award given Mrs Sirleaf served two terms as president, but could not 2013: No award given run again in recent polls, which were won by former foot2014: Namibia's former President Hifikipunye baller George Weah.

Pohamba 2015: No award given Her own party has expelled her, alleging she had cam2016: No award given paigned for Mr Weah rather than her party's candidate.

The prize committee admitted that while Ms Sirleaf was accused of tolerating corruption, she had shown exceptional leadership in difficult circumstances.

The legacy of Africa's first elected female president

She is the fifth recipient of the prize since 2007, which

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43027375

February

Meet The 5 Most Powerful African Queens From History

According to Greek records, the first amazons were from Libya–a name that, anciently, was used to refer to the whole of North Africa. The feminine gender might be considered as the weaker sex in Africa, yet our well off history records solid ladies who rose to control and more prominent statures than most male pioneers who could just dream of it. In fact. Some of these amazons, like the Amazon of Dahomey, had troops that solely had female fighters. And if women could fight and defeat male warriors, then there’s nothing that could stop them from earning the same respect as men as far as leadership is concerned. To take you through what the African history holds on women, we have compiled a list of 5 Most Powerful African Queens From History

In a bid to conquer the formidable Ancient Egyptian kingdom, Alexander had to first invade Ethiopia in 332 BC. But his army could not go past Ethiopia since it was being commanded by one of the most dreaded generals of that time, Empress Candace. King Alexander, on seeing this, decided to pull back his army as he could not risk being defeated by this great African Empress. And up to date, historically, Candace is credited as one of the strongest-female military tactician who also had great military commanding skills.

3. Makeda — The Queen of Sheba, 960 BC

1. Amina– The Queen of Zaria, Nigeria, in the 15th century

Aminatu, commonly known as Amina, was a great Hausa warrior who later became the queen of Zazzau; now known as Zaria. As a grand-daughter to king Sarkin, Amina was the apparent heir of the throne after Bakwa of Turunku (the king’s wife and the mother to Amina). Contrary to how her mother used to rule the Zazzau kingdom, Amina chose to be a warrior and eventually became one of the greatest warriors of the Zazzau kingdom. And when her mother died, the kingdom was passed to Karama–the queen’s younger brother–who ruled for 10 years. That’s how Amina, after Karama’s death, then became the queen of Zazzau.

She ruled for 34 years and continued to be an active warrior until her death. History has is that she conducted her first militaryexpedition 3 months after she stepped into power. This, in turn, helped her to hold her power into place for another 34 years, which again saw to it that she had expanded the Zazzau kingdom into one of the greatest domains of that time. But her main focus was not entirely based on annexing lands from her neighboring communities; instead, she fought hard to grant the Hausa traders of that time a safe passage through the Kingdoms. She is also acclaimed for being the ruler behind the fortified city walls–a common characteristic of Hausa states.

Apart of being the subject of one of the most recited bible verses or an inevitable subject of the present time history, Makeda’s achievements and her great kingdom will forever be hailed by several generations yet to come. The most interesting story of this great African leader is when she met with the biblical King Solomon. In fact, she’s biblically described as the epitome of beauty and power, and has a series of other remarkable achievements recorded in the Glory-of-Kings and the Kebar Nagast.

During the reign of Makeda, Ethiopia was considered to be second after Egypt as far as power and fame was concerned.

This made several kingdoms to be fascinated by how this female ruler could make such a small kingdom to be one of the most revered kingdoms in the world. This is what made king Solomon to be interested in having a commercial relationship with Sheba. As a result, he decided to invite Queen Makeda to Israel, and the rest is history.

2. Candace– The empress of Ethiopia, 332 BC

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by marring Ramses II–the Pharaoh of the lower Egypt as per the time. And up to date, there are several monuments of their epic love affair in Abu Simbel. Historians also believe that she was the eldest daughter to Amenhotep III, and that she played an active role in reshaping ancient Egyptian civilization.

Queen Nefertiti has been placed above all the other Egyptian queens. As a result, her name is enclosed in the Egyptian royal Cartouche. In addition, there are several statues and drawings that honor her in Egypt. There are also several folk songs and tales that talk about her and King Akhenaten, or Ramses II, and how they faced a tough resistance from the priests of that time, but eventually won.

5. Yaa Asantewa — Ashanti kingdom, Ghana

blackhistoryfactorfiction.com The last but not the list in our list of the 5 most powerful African queens from history is the Ghanaians Yaa Asantewa, known as the woman who fearlessly fought against British colonialists to her exile. The speech she last gave to the chiefs who were about to chicken out from the war against colonists is what inspired several men to go ahead and fight against the British for the release of their king: King Prempeh who had been captured by the British.

Queen Asantewa, together with other warriors, managed to keep the British army at fort but were eventually captured and exiled. Historically, Yaa Asantewa is credited as the last woman to ever lead a major war against the colonists;thus, her name will forever be remembered throughout the African history.

Source: https://howafrica.com

4. Nefertiti — Queen of Ancient Kemet from 1292 BC to 1225 BC Nefertiti -- Queen of Ancient kemet mummies2pyramids.info Queen Nefertiti is well acknowledged as the queen who brought the war between the lower Kemet and the upper Kemet to an end when she decided to defy their indifferences

2018

Hugh Masekela, Dead

February

From the Editor

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

We ar e committted 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 p or a .  Yo u may als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www. af r ik an pos t. co m f o r d aily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica.

D is cla imer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s to r ies in th is N ews p aper ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s a n d do n ot n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ikan Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s a r e welco me.

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 10 Issue 2 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Zimbabwe Hoping To Build Bob Marley Statue Pg. 12

New York Street To Be Named After Late Heroic GhanaianBorn Soldier Pg. 25

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Wins 2017 Ibrahim Prize for Leadership Page 5

Christ, the Constant Companion Pg. 11

Health Outcomes in a Foreign Land Pg. 14

UPDATE

Ambassador Hector Posset of Benin invited to Embassy Chef Challenge Pg. 9

Legendary jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, a leading figure in the struggle to end apartheid and "the father of South African jazz", has died aged 78.

In a statement, his family said he had "passed peacefully" in Johannesburg "after a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer".

The following year, his instrumental single Grazing in the Grass topped the charts in the US and became a worldwide hit.

Masekela returned to South Africa in 1990 following the release of Nelson Mandela, whose freedom he had called for in his 1986 anthem Bring Home Nelson Mandela.

Masekela gained global recognition with his dis- In June 2010, he performed at both the opening tinctive Afro-Jazz sound and hits such as Soweto concert of the Fifa World Cup and the tournaBlues. ment's opening ceremony in Soweto's Soccer City.

The 1977 song became synonymous with the anti-apartheid movement.

Born in the South African town of Witbank in 1939, Masekela was inspired to learn the trumpet after seeing Kirk Douglas play Bix Beiderbecke in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn.

He persuaded one of his teachers - the antiapartheid crusader Father Trevor Huddleston - to buy him an instrument, promising to stay out of trouble in return.

In 1960, aged 21, he left South Africa to begin what would be 30 years in exile from the land of his birth.

Under the tutelage of Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, he was encouraged to develop his own unique style.

In 1967, he performed at the Monterey Pop Festival alongside Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Ravi Shankar, The Who and Jimi Hendrix.

http://www.bbc.com

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Pastor Sprayed Believers With Insecticide

A South African self-styled prophet who sprayed his followers with the insecticide, Doom, has been found guilty of assault, local media report.

Lethebo Rabalago - widely known as the Doom Pastor - was also found guilty of contravening the Agricultural Stock Remedies Act, a court ruling said.

Rabalago claims the insect repellent he used in 2016 could heal cancer and HIV.

A sentence is yet to be handed down after the verdict by Mookgopong Magistrates Court in Limpopo province.

Africa Live: More on this and other top stories Clamp-down on bogus preachers On Friday, magistrate Frans Mahodi told the court the state had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the five people who laid assault charges were violated, South Africa's national broadcaster SABC reports.

The magistrate said the fact that the complainants "were sprayed on their faces with Doom makes this offence [the] worst of its kind".

He also revealed some of them had suffered "detrimental side effects... like coughing for more than seven months" after the incident.

Rabalago - who run the Mount Zion General Assembly - was arrested after it emerged he had used the product to "cure" his followers of various ailments in 2016.

Source:http://www.bbc.com

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Young Nigerian scientist Tolullah Oni shines at World Economic Forum 2018

Dr Tolullah Oni gave five presentations on approaches to infectious disease prevention, urban health, healthy ageing, and precision health at this year’s World Economic Forum annual meeting.

The annual event, held from 23-26 January 2018 brings together business leaders, international political leaders, economists, and journalists to Davos, the eastern alps region of Switzerland to discuss the most pressing issues of our time.

Alongside speakers such as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the U.S.’s Donald Trump, Dr Oni will speak about her work on public health to the forum’s theme of: “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World”.

Dr Oni is especially decorated. She was awarded the South African Young Academy of Science award in 2013 and currently serves as co-chair of the Executive Committee. She was also elected to the 2014 Young Physicians Leadership Programme by the InterAcademy Medical Panel and the World Academy of Science.

She is a 2015 World Economic Forum Young Scientist and was selected as a future global leader to participate in the Future Leaders Program of the Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society Forum, Japan, 2015. She also received the Carnegie “Next Generation of African Academics” and the 2015 Claude Leon Merit research awards.

Her most recent award, the Next Einstein Forum Fellows designation, recognizes and supports her as one of Africa’s best young scientists and technologists.

According to the Fellowship, her Einstein Challenge is as follows: Tolu is working on establishing the Research Initiative for Cities Health and Equity (RICHE), an

interdisciplinary research programme for urban health research in Africa. The RICHE program will be a platform to address urban health inequity and to identify creative strategies to address complex population health and broader societal challenges through a coordinated and intersectoral partnership between academia, civil society and government.

As the continent continues to wrestle with issues of health delivery and health infrastructure, the presence of doctors such as Dr Tolullah Oni on the global stage sets precedence and helps to push African health forward.

Dr Oni was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and received her medical training in London and South Africa. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town.

Bridget Boakye BRIDGET BOAKYE Staff Contributor

https://face2faceafrica.com

Ambassador Hector Posset of Benin invited to Embassy Chef Challenge February

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Benin’s Ambassador to the United States (US) His Excellency Hector Posset in early February 2018 promised his embassy’s participation in the tenth-anniversary edition of the Embassy Chef Challenge (ECC) event to be held May 17, 2018, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, District of Columbia (DC).

Ambassador Posset made the promise during a meeting organized by Oral Ofori of TheAfricanDream.net at the Embassy of Benin in Washington (DC) as part of efforts to increase the number of African Embassies at the ECC event.

Pete Kirschner, Director of Marketing Communications, Sports & Entertainment Division for Events DC, organizers of ECC was at hand to shed some light on the event. Also present at the meeting was Benjamin Agon of the embassy’s Political and Cultural Affairs and First Counselor Gafari Dango, as well as George Kwasi Bright of the Afrikan Post newspaper.

Mr. Kirschner explained that ECC is an annual international cooking challenge and cultural event in which embassies choose a chef to create a dish from their national cuisine to celebrate cooking talents of respective chefs from Washington DC embassies.

“This event also provides a taste of the world’s foods to the diplomatic community, folks on the hill, tourists and everyday Washington DC residents in a showcase of the variety of culinary arts especially in the diplomatic corps of DC. We will be very excited to see Benin participate this year as we increase the African participation and diversity“, said Mr. Kirschner.

Some specialty Beninese foods expected to feature at the 2018 ECC in May will most likely include Acarajé which is made from peeled black-eyed peas formed into balls and then deep-fried in palm oil, the popular special fried plantain known as Aloko, Wagasi cheese made from cow milk and other delicious foods of Benin.

In 2017 Morocco won the Judge’s Choice award while Haiti won the People’s Choice award at the ECC competition. Morocco was the first nation in 2009 to win both awards in the first-ever event. New Zealand, Thailand, and Venezuela respectively in 2013, 2014 and 2015 repeated Morocco’s feat by winning Judge’s and People’s choice awards.

More than 40 participating embassies will be represented at the 2018 event expected to draw a crowd of over 2000. Find out more about the event at www.eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com.

Source: TheAfricanDream.net

cc: Cultural Tourism DC DC Mayor's Office on African Affairs

Gabonese Player, Aubameyang, Becomes Most Expensive African Player

Gabonese prolific striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Wednesday joined English Premier League side Arsenal for £56 million, becoming the most expensive African player of all time.

The 28-year-old travelled to London from Germany on Tuesday ahead of the move, but had to wait until Wednesday to undergo a medical before finalizing the deal.

His fee surpasses that of Liverpool’s Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, who until on Wednesday was the most expensive African footballer, having cost the Reds around £34.3 million.

Aubameyang, who has scored 21 goals in 23 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions this season, had been linked with a move to the Premier League after topping the goalscoring table in the Bundesliga last season.

The Gabonese star came third in the Confederations of African Football (CAF) African Footballer of the Year awards, behind Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah [Egypt] and Sadio Mane [Senegal].

Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc praised Aubameyang for his contribution to the German side

“In this team he performed superbly for Borussia Dortmund and scored many important goals and was part of the team that won the German Cup in 2017. We wish Pierre-Emerick all the best for his future at Arsenal.”

While at Dortmund, the Gabonese won one DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.

He was named the Bundesliga Player of the Year for the 2015/16 season.

He joins an Arsenal side that has dipped in form, having won only three in 11 PL games, recording only one victory since the turn of the year.

The North London side currently lies sixth in the PL table, 23 points behind leaders Manchester City and eight points behind fourth placed Liverpool.

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Emergency Door Falls Off Nigerian Plane

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A Nigerian airline has blamed a passenger after one of its aircraft doors fell off shortly after landing.

The flight from Lagos to Abuja was taxiing on the runway when the emergency exit door came away.

Dana Air denied that it was caused by a mechanical fault, and said the door could not fall off "without a conscious effort by a passenger to open it".

But one passenger told the BBC that everyone on board had denied tampering with the door.

Dapo Sanwo, from Lagos, said: "The flight was noisy with vibrations from the floor panel. I noticed the emergency door latch was loose and dangling."

"When we landed and the plane was taxiing back to the park point, we heard a poof-like explosion, followed by a surge of breeze and noise. It was terrible."

"The cabin crew tried to say a passenger pulled the hatch which everyone denied. They also tried to get us to stop taking videos or pictures."

Christ, the Constant Companion

in Sunday school that Jesus Christ, our Savior who died on the cross, yet lives in my heart and is still everywhere loves me and is always with me, comforted me to no end. If anything at all gave me confidence as a little girl, it was this very teaching. While living in Ghana and on traveling the paths mentioned above, sometimes, I would look up at the moon, sun or just into the sky and imagine God up there and I would like to pinpoint where He was. I had no real sense of security in my guardians; they were verbally and physically abusive, and my parents were nowhere close, so like a child who grabs onto a security blanket or even a beloved stuffed animal, I grabbed on to God fiercely.

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah While walking with my invisible companion, I often sang a song I learned from Sunday school that I mostly Closer than a brother remember going like this: “There is no one like Jesus to My Jesus is to me; me; no matter how sinful I may be. I am going to my He is my faithful friend, Lord, who died on the cross; there is no one like Jesus to Everything to me; me.” I came to later learn The Bible teaches that God He is my Solid Rock, inhabits in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). This My shield and my hiding place; makes perfect sense as to why I intuited He was with me.

Closer than a brother Decades later, having been in the States for 30 plus years, I Jesus is to me. still remember that song and sometimes sing it during my personal devotion time. And I have observed that I sing the When we sing songs like the one above, that song mostly when I reflect on how far God has brought me Jesus is closer than a brother, that He is a dear and from meandering the streets of Accra and also when I feel faithful friend, do we sing it because it is true to our alone and have nowhere to turn. I realize even as I am in experiences and do we sing it because He is indeed a my forties, surrounded by my supportive parents, four sibdear friend to us? When we sing, “what a friend we lings, a loving husband, two precious children and numerhave in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a ous nieces nephews and friends, that the only constant and privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer,” is it the only true dependable entity in my life is Jesus Himself. based on a truth, or are they simply lyrics to a church Yes, indeed, there is no one like Jesus to me. song? It is that personal relationship with God, that The Lord Jesus has indeed proven to stick closer than a day to day, month to month, year to year constant brother (Proverbs 18:24). I can always go to Him and find relationship with a loving Savior, through all the bright and dark episodes of our lives, that prompts us solace. I can turn to Jesus and vent. I can go to Him and to sing such songs and pour our hearts in intimacy to a cry my eyes out about whatever is heavily pressing on me at a particular time. And when I emerge out of that special caring and compassionate Savior. If you can indeed space, whether it is my praying room, my car, or a corner sing such songs truthfully, then you know Jesus as a true friend and you have your stories and testimonies of my bedroom, having gone through a catharsis, I feel relieved, I feel empowered and I feel secure. If anything, I to share. The following, is part of my story. am reassured of His promises to be with me, to carry me, When I was a child growing up in Ghana, to protect me, to comfort me, because I feel all that in His although I had siblings around me, I often felt alone. embrace. Thus, He is not only a dear friend, but a mother, a My parents were already in the States and while I knew they were somewhere far away perhaps thinking father, a husband, an All in All. Then again, when it is time to fight my battles, He is of me, the sense of loneliness and thought of my sinthere to shield me against the bullets and daggers of my gularity never left me. I remember, many times as a enemies and helps me to direct cannon balls and missiles at little girl from the age of 7 through 10, walking the neighborhoods of Tema and parts of Accra by myself them, ensuring that they hit, maim and destroy their targets, even as I use the very words He has given me as weapons making turns here and there through concrete neighof destruction. One of His dearest yet most powerful borhood roads and many unpaved ones with which I promises I utilize in prayer is that “no weapon formed was not always familiar, selling bread, ice water or against me shall prosper and every tongue that will rise up just meandering simply because I could. It was at these times that I would sing my Sunday school songs against me in judgement will be condemned” (Isaiah in my head. I sang them to drive away the fears and I 54:17). Certainly, none of the weapons of my enemies have been effective and God has always been my defender. sang them just to feel connected to someone who Why wouldn’t I sing that He is my faithful friend? Why would watch over me and care for me, someone who wouldn’t I claim He bears all my sins and griefs? He is the would protect me from mean-spirited caretakers. So friend you can count on, the One who will not abandon of course, I sang the songs to God, to feel that He is you, but will be your constant supporter at each and every indeed with me and that He is watching over me. turn.

From that time until now, His presence has always More and more, as I mature in the Lord and move in been with me.

Jesus Himself assures us that He is and will always relationships with family and friends alike, I sometimes feel that sense of loneliness, that sense of singularity as I be with us when He says, “lo I am with you, even to did when I was a child. As I become wiser, I come to the end of time” (Mathew 28:20). As a child, learning

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learn that even family with all their great intentions, cannot always be depended upon to have your back, for they may be the very ones who might try to trip you. They might be the very ones who will pose as a hindrance to your goals and hopes. And why not? There is no one whom Satan will not attempt to use. So even your closest ally can be tempted, can be influenced and contaminated by spiritual forces at work and come at you in a way that you or they never thought was possible.

Recall that even the Apostle Peter, who confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, was shortly thereafter rebuked when Jesus tells him, “get thee behind me Satan” (Mark 8:33), because He spoke against the purpose of Christ’s life, which was to be crucified. Such moments draw you closer to that trusted constant friend, Jesus. Such moments cause you to realize how alone you are in this world and how it is all about nurturing, maintaining and treasuring that personal relationship with that true constant friend.

Many times, we can find comfort in the arms of our loved ones and be strengthened. When you have a good support system as I do, you can have an ear to listen to you and an advocate who will stand for you. My husband has been and can be there to hold my hands and pray with me; my parents are there to help shield me spiritually and my spiritual mother can be counted upon to hold me up in prayer. But even these well-meaning individuals have not always been there and cannot always be there. Clearly, my parents were not there when I roamed in the neighborhoods of Accra. Nor were they or my siblings there when I attended college out of state. I recall that while they were often reachable via phone calls, they were not always when there was an academic, emotional or spiritual crisis. Sometimes when you need them, you simply cannot get a hold of them. They too go through their ups and downs. They too go through their busy lives where others are pulling them here and there as support systems, so sometimes they simply cannot be there and it is you and only you against those enclosing walls that appear to want to suffocate and swallow you up. But the operative word is “appear,” for those walls cannot lie and tell you that you are alone, because you are not alone if you have Christ. That great big sky hovering way above us cannot make us insignificant, for we are not if we have Christ. If you honestly know Him, then He has proven his friendship to you repeatedly and has been your constant companion.

So go ahead and sing that song that draws you closer to Him. Go ahead and hum that hymn that reminds you of how far He has brought you, how much He is there for you and how He is indeed your closest and truest friend. Yes, you too can sing that song and reflect on that true relationship with the one who can give you solace.

Uganda's Museveni: I love Trump for being frank with Africans

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has given a speech declaring his "love" for US President Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, Mr Trump was accused of referring to African nations as "shithole" countries during an immigration meeting.

Zimbabwe Hoping To Build Bob Marley Statue February 2018

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An arts consultant to the Zimbabwean government is hoping to build a statue of Bob Marley at the Rufaro stadium in Harare, where Marley performed in 1980 to mark the country's independence.

The announcement came three days after the anniversary of Bob Marley's birth on 6 February - a day celebrated in his home country of Jamaica.

Martin Chemhere has been speaking with Marley's estate about building the statue and seems to have got the go ahead.

Mr Trump has denied making the remarks but US senators who attended the meeting say But there are some conditions: the statue must be for the public and pre-approved by the Marley family. Zimbabwe, or a private sponsor, must also cover all the costs. that he did.

The African Union demanded that Mr Trump apologise for his "clearly racist" com“I’m thrilled to have finally succeeded in this project for our beautiful country," Mr ments.

America has got one of the best presidents ever," Mr Museveni said to laughter during the opening of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

"I love Trump because he tells Africans frankly. The Africans need to solve their problems, the Africans are weak."

Mr Museveni's comments are in opposition to the reaction of many leaders who have condemned Mr Trump's language.

On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron told the BBC that he shared Africa's outrage.

On Monday, people in Haiti, another country that Mr Trump disparaged, protested against the president's remarks.

Mr Museveni's defence of the US president came just hours after the US ambassador to Uganda criticised Mr Trump.

"[His words] are obviously quite disturbing and upsetting," Deborah Malac said.

Mr Trump allegedly used the term "shithole countries" when asking why the US should accept immigrants from Haiti and some countries in Africa.

In 2017, Mr Trump allegedly said that Afghanistan was a terrorist haven; all people from Haiti "have Aids", and that Nigerians would never "go back to their huts" once allowed into the US, the New York Times reported.

Source:www.bbc.com

Chemhere said, according to TeleSur. "The approval is a great achievement for Zimbabwe... as the statue will attract tourists."

Marley had a good relationship with Zimbabwe, writing a song in support of its independence efforts.

When he performed in 1980, he famously covered all his expenses to and from the concert, and refused to accept money for performing.

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Health Outcomes in a Foreign Land’

February 2018

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Targets Diaspora Africans Authored by Dr. Bernard Kwabi-Addo

including a host of other health conditions. The culture of the African may also influence their health, thus diet, use of alternative medicines and spirituality can impact health outcomes.” — Dr. Kwabi-Addo.

African-born immigrants are amongst the fastest growing migrant groups in the USA; mostly from West Africa (Nigeria and Ghana) and Eastern Africa (Ethiopia and Kenya). More than half of the African immigrants arrived recently. Thus there has been limited research on African immigrant health, a reason for which they tend to be categorized as AfricanAmerican or Black in health statistics.

As a result, the need to advance the research in this underrepresented population and avoid lumping African immigrants with other groups under the broad category as “African” is dire if we are to identify diseases that disproportionately affect this population including HIV/AIDs, strokes, and liver cancer. Dr. Kwabi-Addo gives an instance: “many African immigrants have limited knowledge about cancer or preventative measures such as screening and this is in part compounded by barriers and challenges including lack of insurance and access to primary care physicians.”

“We face a mammoth challenge in health disparities with no simple solutions. Reduction of health disparities must be approached from different angles, many of which I have outlined in my book as part of efforts to improve healthcare knowledge, access to preventative measures and navigating the healthcare system as an African living in the Diaspora” Dr. Kwabi-Addo tells TheAfricanDream.net

According to Dr. Bernard Kwabi-Addo and in his book, ‘Health Outcomes in a Foreign Land – A Role for Epigenomic and Environmental Interactions (Springer 2017)’, there has been a high incidence and mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic liver disease, kidney disease and cancer among the African diaspora in Western European and North American countries.

The picture is different when compared to Africans on the African continent or Europeans and Americans in their respective host countries. In ‘Health Outcomes in a Foreign Land‘, Dr. Kwabi-Addo uses multiple lenses to analyze the complex causes of health disparities among Africans (or other minorities) in the diaspora.

The book discusses the biological (genetic and epigenetic) factors and non-biological (environmental and social) factors in its effort at explaining the health disparities.

TheAfricanDream.net talked with the book’s author to learn more about it.

Dr. Kwabi-Addo, himself an immigrant originally from Ghana says “the process of migration from one’s native country to a different country affects every aspect of the lives of Africans, especially their health with the overriding theme of disparity and disadvantage.”

The environment and communities in which people are born and live, grow, work and age affect their health outcomes. The Doctor further explains that “these circumstances are further shaped by the distribution of wealth, power, and resources at the global, national, and local levels, which can themselves be influenced by government policies.”

Research has shown that the African diaspora is dispro-

Bernard Kwabi-Addo, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Principal Investigator of the Prostate portionately affected by premature births or low birth weight Cancer Research Laboratory at Howard University in Washington, D.C., infants and such early life course is directly linked to future in the United States. He is also an adjunct associate professor of health outcomes. Thus, the 9 months gestation period, and Oncology at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland. what the growing fetus gets exposed to such as insufficient nutrition, pollutions, drugs, infections, and hormones have This 324-page book, which is his second, is published by Springer important implications for the health of the individual.

International Publishing and available online at www.springer.com/us/book/9783319558646.’Cancer Causes and “In this new book…“, Dr. Kwabi-Addo says, “I try to throw Controversies: Understanding Risk Reduction and Prevention‘ is his first more light on the existing evidence of multi-generational publication jointly authored with Tia Laura Lindstrom. consequences of adverse health for the African diaspora that directly ties in with low socioeconomic status, racial segregation, discrimination, incarceration rates, fatherlessness, unemployment, and other negativities that come to play.”

Behavioral and lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption obviously also take an adverse tole on one’s health.

However, some of these choices are themselves influenced by the heavy marketing of unhealthy foods and lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods as well as the heavy marketing of alcohol and cigarettes especially targeting the youth. These are a commonplace feature in low-income neighborhoods as detailed in the book.

Individuals of the African diaspora with limited education or low socio-economic status and racial minorities are disproportionately affected by low health literacy. This creates a lack of the ability to obtain, process and to understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

“On the other hand, educational investment in formal schooling and graduate degree, as well as on-the-job training, has positive health outcomes. Biological factors such as mutations (genetic variations) are linked to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney disease and cancer disparities

Source: Oral Ofori / TheAfricanDream.net

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Interesting Facts About The Origin Of Birthdays And Birthday Cakes

February 2018

Nigeria's Kehinde Wiley Paints Obama's Official Portrait

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Mr. Obama picked Mr. Wiley to paint his official presidential portrait in October 2017.

The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery while making the announcement at the time, said, "Wiley is an exciting choice for the presidential portrait."

Wiley, a hip-hop portraitist is known for lush, larger-than-life portraits that overlay black street culture with European classical motifs.

Wiley has, however, painted famous faces prior to working with Obama.

In 2009, Michael Jackson commissioned a portrait, which was not painted until after the king of pop passed on. He has also painted rappers LL Cool J and Ice-T, along with soccer royalty around the world.

Who is Kehinde Wiley?

Facts About Birthdays And Birthday Cakes

The early explanations about birthdays revolve around worshipping the gods.

It started in ancient Egypt when the coronation date of a Pharoah was a pretty big deal. It was believed that on their coronation day, Pharoahs were transformed from human to god.

Egyptologist Dr. James Hoffmeier believes that the reference to Pharoah’s birthday in the Bible was actually a reference to Pharoah’s coronation or “birth” as a god.

Another part of the birthday tradition can be traced to the Greeks. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and the moon, the daughter of Zeus and twin sister of Apollo was honoured by the Greeks who would bake round or moon-shaped honey cakes in offering.

The Greeks adorned these cakes with lit candles to help them resemble the glow of the full moon. There also existed a belief in some ancient cultures that smoke could help carry prayers up to the gods.

The Romans seem to be the first known people to use cakes to generate the birthdays of humans. They would bake cakes with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and grated cheese to honor the birthdays of friends and family.

The more modern kid’s birthday cakes began with the German Kinderfest in the late 18th century. Childrens cakes were decorated with candles for each year the child had been alive and an extra one as a wish that the child would live another year.

It was also the German’s that had children blowing out candles and making a wish. https://howafrica.com

By Jayne Augoye The official portrait of former American President Barack Obama painted by a Nigerian, Kehinde Wiley, was unveiled on Monday at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Not only did Mr. Obama become the first African-American president to have a portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, Mr. Wiley also became the first African-American artist to paint an official presidential portrait.

Wiley was born South Central, Los Angeles in 1977, where he was raised by a single mother and was one of six siblings.

His mother was a linguist, and he grew up surrounded by books. Wiley took his first art lesson at age 11, and at age 12, in 1989, he was one of 50 American children who went to live in Russia at the Center for U.S./U.S.S.R. Initiatives.

There, he studied art and Russian language. He eventually attended the San Francisco Art Institute, and studied art in graduate school at Yale.

He is based in New York, but has studios around the world in Beijing and West The New-York based portrait painter known for his highly natu- Africa. ralistic paintings of African-Americans has also showcased the portrait on his Instagram page on Tuesday.

The background of his paintings reference

Amy Sherald, an African-American artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, also painted former first lady Michelle Obama's portrait.

Mrs. Obama's portrait was also revealed to the public on Monday, and it will hang in the first floor of the National Potrait Gallley until November.

African cloth patterns snaking through the composition to give further clues on his subject.

Source: http://allafrica.com/

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Vital African Wedding Traditions You Should Know About

Africa, is made up of many nations and tribes with wedding traditions rooted deeply into the culture.

Here is a quick look at 10 African wedding traditions.

Igbo

Do you wish prosperity to newlyweds? Well, that’s exactly what the Igbo Tribe from Nigeria also does.

After a lengthy process of negotiations, and approval from the umunna (extended family), and the bride price payment, Ime-Ego, the Igbo Tribe celebrates marriage in a ceremony called the Igba Nkwu. It is on this day that the newlywed couple is wished a prosperous future by the throwing and rubbing of banknotes on their foreheads.

Bemba In the Bemba culture of Zambia, marriage starts with a class called Bana Chimbusa, a secret counselling session for the bride. The class is followed by Chilanga Mulilo, where the bride’s family takes different family dishes and presents them to the groom’s family, giving a symbolic preview of what the groom will be eating when married.

Nights before the wedding are filled with a lot of dance Moroccan parties, a good warmup for the ceremony, or the Ama Shikulo, an official merging of the two families where peo- The Moroccan marriage celebration includes several ceremonies that can last between three days to a week. ple go up and give advice and best wishes to the couple.

After an agreement by witnesses and the Adoul (Notary), gifts such as jewelry and shoes are exchanged. Two days before the wedding, the bride goes to the Hamam, a traditional sauna. This is regarded as an act of purification. This is then followed by the Hennaya, where the bride and friends receive symbolic motifs as a lucky charm. The wedding day is characterSwahili ized by recitals of Quranic verses, white caftans, The Swahili wedding involves a separation between the matching jewelry, food, dance and, of course, music. men and the women. While the bride attends the Henna party the night before the wedding, the men do the Kirumbizi, a fighting dance usually performed to the music of drums and a flute. This is followed by the Ndebele Nikah, the vows ceremony, after which the groom gets Right before a Ndebele wedding, the groom’s mother will invited to a luncheon called the Walima. The wedding cli- usually make a Jocolo, a special apron made from maxes as the groom picks up his wife in a dance and goatskin decorated with beautiful colorful beads. This music-filled procession as they head to their new home. special garment gets be worn by all the married women The Himba From the Kunene Region of Northern Namibia, The Himba people “kidnap” the bride before her big day, only to work on wardrobe and have her dressed in a pure leather headdress called an okori. Her skin and hair are smeared with herbs and butterfat and crowned in expensive jewelry. After the ceremony, the groom’s family plasters the bride in butterfat ointment, marking her acceptance into the family.

Zulu The Zulu traditional wedding ceremony , or Umabo, usually takes place after a white wedding. This follows the dowry ceremony, lobola, the bringing of gifts for the bride’s mother and close family, or Izibizo and Umbondo, where the bride brings different household groceries for her soon-to-be family. On the big day, a Zulu bride will change her outfit at least three different times to convey to her in-laws her beauty in different styles and colors.

The Nuer Among the Nuer people of Southern Sudan, the groom is required to pay 20-40 cows. After various celebrations and ceremonies, the wedding is still regarded as not complete up until the wife has birthed two children. If the wife only bears one child and the husband asks for a divorce, he is given a choice between his cows or custody of the child.

during the wedding ceremony, and it represents a mother being surrounded by children.

On the wedding day, the groom will then perform a ceremony in honor of his wife, giving her credit for all she has done in their time together. This is usually characterized by recitals, dance, and prayers.

Amhara

Among the Amhara people of Ethiopia, most marriages are negotiated by the two families with a civil ceremony sealing the contract. On the wedding day, Invited guests arrive at the venue; mostly a decorated auditorium or hall. Traditional food and drinks will then be served. The usual attire for the big day is the traditional Habesha Cloth. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the groom will take his bride to his place and the party will continue at his house.

Maasai

Marriage in the Maasai Tribe consists of a tedious process of courtship. The admirer is required to show his appreciation to his wife through the giving of a gift, usually a chain, which is followed by him giving out strong drinks to his newly-added family members, his in-laws.

Once the parents approve, the groom is then required to give at least three cows and two sheep; one sheep is slaughtered and its fat is used to decorate the bride’s gown.

African Nations Make History with Winter Olympic Competitors February 2018

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Akwasi Frimpong competing for Ghana and Maame Biney who was born in Ghana but competing for the United States The 2018 Winter Olympic Games have officially begun in Pyeongchang, South Korea, with a spectacular light show and the traditional parade of athletes entering the Olympic stadium.

This year, Nigeria has its first team in the Winter Games — a women's bobsled team. They'll be hurtling down the ice at speeds of 150 kilometers an hour.

Other athletes originally from Africa will be making history at the games.

Akwasi Frimpong will represent Ghana on the skeleton, a small sled that rockets down the icy course. Simidele Adeagbo will be Nigeria's first female skeleton competitor. Eritrea has its first competitor, skier Shannon Ogbani Abeda, who was born in Canada to Eritrean immigrants.

And Maame Biney, who was born in Ghana, has become a darling of the U.S. speed skating team.

The Winter Games run through February 25. https://www.voanews.com

February 2018

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Afrikan Post

February 2018

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Industrialist, Lawyer & Npp Stalwart Appiah- Menka Passes On Afrikan

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February 2018

Veteran Actor Super OD Dies at 84

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Veteran actor Asonaba Kwaku Darko, popularly known as Super OD, has died.

The actor passed away on Tuesday, February 13 at the Swedru Government Hospital in the Central Region.

The 84-year-old veteran actor had been out of the public’s eye for some time due to his illness and had been living in Agona Swedru.

Lawyer Nana Appiah Akenten – Menka Founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Minister of State in the Second Republic has passed.

It is unclear what caused the sudden demise of the octogenarian politician who played a key role in the political activities of the NPP in the Ashanti Region leading up 2016 election of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

SHORT PROFILE

Mr Appiah Menka was an industrialist whose company, Appiah Menka Complex Limited, produced the Apino soap.

A lawyer by profession, he was a Minister of State in the Second Republic and a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP ).

He was a member of the Constitution Review Commission which was established by the Mills administration.

Mr Appiah Menka is also the Chairman of the Ashanti Oil Mills, Appiah Menka Complex Limited and Appiah Menka Plantations.

He is also the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the NPP in the Ashanti Region.

He was a prod product of Abuakwa State College in Eastern Region. http://ultimatefmonline.com

Osofo Dadzie Group.

New York Street To Be Named Nigeria: Google Celebrates Stephen After Late Heroic Ghanaian-Born Keshi On Posthumous Birthday Soldier

4A f r i k a n

February 2018

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A street in Bronx, New York, is set to be named after Private 1st Class Emmanuel Mensah, the Ghanaian-born US soldier who died rescuing people from the Belmont building fire in December 2017.

This was announced by the area’s district councilman, Ritchie Torres.

Kwabena Mensah will also receive a Medal of Valor and a Soldier’s Medal from the Army, the latter being the highest peacetime honor for bravery not involving armed conflict.

The 28-year-old soldier was among the 13 victims of the fire that gutted the building on December 28, 2017.

Mr. Torres was speaking during a gathering of the community and religious leaders to announce support for the victims of the Belmont building fire, as well as the distribution of donations collected.

“Emmanuel Mensah represents the best that this country and this community has to offer,” Mr. Torres said.

Speaking to the New York Daily News, Mensah’s father, Kwabena Mensah, 62, said the street renaming would honor the grieving family.

“That is going to be nice on his legacy. He will be remembered forever. He’s gone, but when I see the street with his name on it, that will put me in a good mood… Naming a street after him will keep him here forever,” Kwabena Mensah’s father said.

After the fire broke out on the first floor of the building, the young soldier, who was home for the holidays, saved four lives.

Reports indicate that Kwabena Mensah raced in and out of the burning building at least three times bringing others to safety, but he was unable to make it out himself.

Authorities say a 3-year-old boy ignited the blaze while playing with a gas stove inside his first-floor apartment.

The boy’s mother, who escaped the inferno with the little boy and a second small child, did not close the door as she raced to safety, fire officials said. https://www.modernghana.com

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By Tunde Eludini Tech giant, Google, on Tuesday created a doodle of the late former Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi, on its search engine page.

The gesture is to celebrate the football icon who would have been 56 today.

Google said the doodle was to recognise the legacy of the former coach Super Eagles captain who died on June 7, 2016, at 54.

A Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google's homepages that commemorate holidays, events, achievements, and people.

Mr. Keshi born on 23 January 1962 was a world-acclaimed soccer icon who first played football before going into coaching and made a success of both.During his playing career, Keshi earned 60 caps for the Nigerian national football team, making him the nation's second-most capped player at the time of his retirement.

He represented the country at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, captaining the Super Eagles to victory in the latter.

He also played club football in five countries, most notably Belgium, where he won the Belgian league championship with R.S.C. Anderlecht in 1991.

As a manager, Keshi achieved success by qualifying Togo for the only FIFA World Cup appearance in its history in 2006.

However, he left the position prior to the tournament and was replaced by Otto Pfister.

He later coached his native Nigeria, where he became one of only two people, along with Egypt's Mahmoud El-Gohary, to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach.

Over two years since his demise, The Big Boss as he is fondly called is still being missed in football circles.

Source: www.bbcnews.com

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South Sudan Recalls Ambassador From US As Dispute Escalates

February 2018

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Morocco Becomes The First African Nation To Host And Win CHAN Tournament

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connect before Osas Okoro’s cross went out of range.

Ajiboye was forced to clear a danger on 44 minutes as he quickly came off his line to punch away El Haddad’s whipped in free-kick.

Morocco’s persistence eventually paid off on 45 minutes thanks to Hadraf who finished off a cutback after Emeka Ogbugh was beaten for pace.

South Sudan has recalled its ambassador to US as the dispute between Juba and Washington escalates over an arms embargo.

President Salva Kiir’s Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny told the Africareview on phone that Juba had recalled Mr Garang Diing Akuong for consultations, especially in response to Washington’s arms restrictions to South Sudan.

SANCTIONS

The South Sudan Foreign Affairs ministry also confirmed the matter, saying the nation was looking for ways to address the situation without hurting Washington-Juba relations.

South Sudan and the US have been embroiled in a diplomatic row this year after Washington pressured the UN Security Council to impose sanctions against Juba over its failure to end the war.

The US announced the ban of arms sale to South Sudan, saying the continuing violence, which has created a humanitarian crisis, showed no signs of ending.

It also says both the government and rebels were heavily spending on military than on peace and development.

CONFLICT

“The government and armed opposition, despite signing the December 21 Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and ongoing efforts by the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (Igad) to advance peace and despite the suffering of their own people, have continued the use of military force to seek political advantage,” the US Department of State said in a statement posted on its official website.

The US also highlighted the massive displacement of civilians and the killing of aid workers, as well as gross human rights violations and a lack of political will to end the conflict as key motives behind the arms embargo.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed the US arms ban, saying it would send a strong message to South Sudan leaders that abuses and broken promises would not be tolerated.

The watchdog also said it was time the UN Security Council followed the US example to impose sanctions on South Sudan unless peace was achieved.

https://howafrica.com

Hosts Morocco have won the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) title after thrashing 10- man home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-0 in Sunday’s final in Casablanca.

It was the first time both Morocco and Nigeria would play in the final of CHAN.

A brace from Zakaria Hadraf and a goal each from Walid El Karti and Ayoub El Kaabi, his ninth of the tournament, secured the emphatic win.

Moses Eneji, who made his first appearance in the tournament against Morocco, was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The last time both countries met in CHAN was in the quarterfinals of the 2014 edition when the Home Eagles, under the late Stephen Keshi, came from 3-0 down to win 4-3 after extra-time.

Morocco become the first country to host and win the CHAN and are the third North African team after Libya (2014) and Tunisia (2011) to win the tournament.

Also they are the third country after Democratic Republic of Congo (AFCON: 1968, 1974, CHAN: 2009, 2016) and Tunisia (AFCON: 2004, CHAN: 2011) to win the CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco’s only AFCON title was won in 1976.

Nigeria are now the first country to lose 4-0 in the final of the CHAN.

Morocco almost took the lead on three minutes through Walid El Karti who connected with a cut-back only to see his effort go off target from close range.

Morocco thought they had opened the scoring but danger man Ayoub El Kaabi’s goal was disallowed after the ball had gone out of play from a corner.

In the 15th minute, El Kaabi had a chance to open the scoring but his overhead kick came off the cross bar.

Nigeria had their first opportunity in the 25th minute after Eneji turned from his marker and laid on to Okechukwu Gabriel who was quickly closed down from shooting.

Morocco continued to create chances and in the 31st minute they went close again, this time through Jawad El Yamiq but his header from Ismail El Haddad’s cross was saved by the impressive Dele Ajiboye.

In the 35th minute, Badr Benoun almost broke the deadlock from a knock down off a corner but scooped his chance over the top.

Two minutes later, Gabriel flicked the ball for Eneji who failed to

Just three minutes into the second half, Nigeria were reduced to 10 men as Eneji was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a reckless challenge.

In the 53rd minute, the Eagles made their first change with Anthony Okpotu replacing Ogbugh.

Morocco almost doubled their lead on 54 minutes following a well-struck shot from Abdeljalil Jbira but Ajiboye palmed his effort away.

A minute later Ajiboye made a point-blank save to deny El Kaabi from getting on the score sheet.

El Kaabi went close again on 56 minutes after he was left unmarked but his free header went off target.

Morocco’s constant pressure paid off as El Karti made it 2-0 on 61 minutes, heading in a rebound off an Ajiboye save after Nigeria failed to clear.

In the 64th minute, Morocco scored again to bring score to 3-0 as Hadraf pounced to register his second of the game.

Morocco should have added a fourth on 68 minutes but Ajiboye made a close range save to deny El Kaabi.

El Kaabi was not to be denied in the 73rd minute as he capitalised on another sloppy play by the Nigerian defence to make it 4-0.

The Moroccans were still not done yet as they went in search of a fifth late in the game but failed to make the effort count.

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Kingslight Chapel Concludes Shebah Convention 2018 With Prophetic, Anointing and Deliverance Service

Kingslight Chapel International Inc. in Virginia concluded their five day annual Shebah convention on Monday February 12, 2018 with a glorious prophetic anointing and deliverance service.

The convention which was under the theme “Enveloped by His Glory For Supernatural Signs and Wonders”, brought together worshippers from the entire Washington Metropolitan Area who packed the Shebah Temple , leaving hardly any place to sit.

The main speaker, Rev. Osbert Blankson Eduam, a renowned conference speaker, unleashed prophecies, made startling revelations, and uncovered mysteries in the lives of many people.

A lot of people got their breakthrough during the four day power packed convention.

The Springs of Melody, the resident Choir of the ministry, entreated the congregation to a lot of soul inspiring songs.

Apostle Dr. and Rev. Mrs. Ahia Armah who hosted the event were so delighted and confessed the annual convention has uplifted the ministry to a different level. They however admitted that a lot of work was put in the preparation by the various church coordinators and commended them for their untiring efforts.

They also expressed their appreciation to the entire community of worshippers who joined them to make the convention a success.

On Sunday February 11th the climax of the Convention, Prophet Osbert preached about Convenant relationships with God and the need to be faithful in giving through first fruits, tithing, supporting ministers, parents and family.

Prophet Blankson Eduam afterwards pronounced ten-fold anointing blessings on everyone’s life.

On Monday, February 12, Prophet Osbert Blankson Eduam minstered at the Asburn Mission of Kingslight Chapel international Inc in Ashburn Virginia before embarking on his flight back to Ghana.

His amazing prophetic ministration dazzled everyone to the extent that he became the subject of discussion in town.

He could call people he was meeting for the first time by their full names, mention their residential addresses,telephone numbers, Childrens names, date of birth, date of marriage, schools they attended and even when they accepted the Lord.

One lady who is visiting from New York confessed, “I believe I came to Washington DC because of this man and never in my life have I witnessed such deep prophesies which have uncovered such mysteries in my life as this one.”

At the end of the convention the Prophet expressed his appreciation to the Hosts, Apostle Dr. and Rev. Mrs. Ahia –Armah for their wonderful reception and went on to mention that it has become a known fact that their reception is exceptional they take very good care of visiting Ministers.

Kingslight Chapel International Inc is a word-based Holy Ghost filled multicultural and racially diverse church with a Divine Mandate to bring Light to this dark world, Hope to the hopeless, and to equip the child of God for mission and victory. The Church, which is under the able leadership of Apostle Dr. and Rev. Mrs. Ahia –Armah, is based in Woodbridge, Virginia.

SHEBAH CONVENTION is an Annual Prophetic Convention that traditionally proceeds a 30-day fast

Kingslight Chapel International Inc. is located at 14348 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge, Virginia 22191

Prophet Blankson Eduam

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Afrikan

Nigerian actors in Hollywood you might not have heard of

February 2018

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These highly talented and gifted actors of Nigerian descent are making waves in Hollywood.

Nigeria is blessed with both human and natural resources. She exports intellectuals round the globe representing the home nation, and the entertainment industry is not left out. Here are the profiles of some of the top Nigerian-born actors in Hollywood!

David Oyelowo is best known for playing MI5 officer Danny Hunter in the British TV drama series Spooks (known in North America as MI-5) from 2002 to 2004. Born in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, to Nigerian parents, Oyelowo first attended a youth theatre after being invited by a girl to whom he was attracted. He then studied theatre studies for A level at City and Islington College, and his teacher suggested he should become an actor.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje -- This well known figure in Hollywood was born in Islington, London. His parents are Nigerians, of Yoruba origin. He has a law degree from King's College London and a Masters in Law from the University of London. His best known acting roles have been as the imposing convict Simon Adebisi in the 1990s HBO prison series Oz, and as Mr Eko on ABC's survivor drama Lost. He has numerous film credits since he began acting in 1994 and has appeared in many top films, including The Bourne Identity, in which he played a deposed African dictator, Hitu the police officer in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Lock-Nah in The Mummy Returns, and Heavy Duty in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2009, Akinnuoye-Agbaje told MTV that he was in talks with Marvel Studios to play Black Panther in the film of the same name. "We're talking to Marvel about 'Black Panther'... But it's about time we have a black superhero, isn't it? He's from a fictional village in Africa, and the timing is so right for that kind of character to come through... And while I'm in my prime, this is the time. We've got [U.S. President Barack] Obama, now we need something onscreen to represent, so..." the actor mused. However, Marvel Studios have not yet confirmed that he will get the role.

Chiwetelu Umeadi "Chiwetel" Ejiofor, has received numerous acting awards and nominations, including the 2006 BAFTA Awards Rising Star, three Golden Globe Awards' nominations, and the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in Othello. Born July 10, 1977 in London's Forest Gate to Nigerian parents who belonged to the Igbo ethnic group. His father, Arinze, was a doctor, and his mother, Obiajulu, was a pharmacist. In 1988, when Ejiofor was 11, during a family trip to Nigeria for a wedding, he and his father were driving to Lagos after the celebrations when their car was involved in a head-on crash with a lorry. His father was killed, but Ejiofor survived. He was badly injured, and received the scars on his forehead. Ejiofor began acting in school plays at the age of thirteen, and soon joined the National Youth Theatre. He then got into the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art but had to leave after his first year, after getting a role in Steven Spielberg's film Amistad. He played the title role in Othello at the Bloomsbury Theatre in September 1995, and again at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow in 1996 when he starred opposite Rachael Stirling, who played Desdemona. Ejiofor made his film debut in the television film Deadly Voyage in 1996. Ejiofor had his first leading film role in 2002's Dirty Pretty Things, for which he won a British Independent Film Award for best actor. In the following year, he was part of the ensemble cast of Love Actually, starred in a BBC adaptation of Chaucer's The Knight's Tale and also starred in the BBC series Trust. Ejiofor's performance in Tsunami: The Aftermath received a 2007 Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a mini-series or film made for TV. In 2007, Ejiofor starred opposite Don Cheadle in Talk to Me, a film based on the true story of Ralph "Petey" Greene (played

by Cheadle), an African-American radio personality in the 1960s and '70s. He performed on stage in The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre from January 18 to March 17, 2007.

Ejiofor is considered one of the leading candidates to play T'Challa/Black Panther in the proposed Black Panther film based on the Marvel comic books character. Ejiofor was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours. In the same year, he made his directorial debut in the short film Slapper, which he also wrote, based on an idea by editor/director Yusuf Pirhasan. Ejiofor appeared alongside John Cusack in the 2009 film 2012. The film went on to gross over $700 million, and is among the list of highestgrossing films of all time and placing 5th of top films of 2009.

In 2013, Ejiofor appeared in the leading role in the BBC Two drama series Dancing on the Edge, playing the part of band creator Louis Lester. He is currently working on more award-winning movies.

Gbenga Akinnagbe is an American actor, best known for his role as Chris Partlow on the HBO original series The Wire. Born in Washington, D.C. in December 12, 1978 to Nigerian parents, he grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. Akinnagbe was in and out of trouble as a youth. He is the second oldest of six children, with one older sister and four younger brothers. Akinnagbe attended Bucknell University on a wrestling scholarship, majoring in Political Science and English. In 2003, Akinnagbe auditioned for the role of Chris Partlow on the HBO series The Wire, and, starting in 2004, began a frequent recurring role. In 2008, during the show's fifth and final season, he was promoted to a series regular. In 2007, Akinnagbe appeared in the film The Savages with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney, and Philip Bosco. He appeared in the remake of The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, which was released by Sony in June 2009. In 2010 in Seattle, Washington Akinnagbe starred in world premiere play The Thin Place at The Intiman Theatre. He was also in this fall's movie Lottery Ticket and is currently in The Good Wife as Pastor Isiah Easton. He is currently starring as Kelly Slater, a new nurse, in the 3rd season of the Showtime series Nurse Jackie. He will be seen in the lead role of Jack in the upcoming Independent film Home, directed by Jono Oliver. He is currently playing a drug lord in the USA series Graceland.

Caroline Chikezie -- born February 19, 1974 in England to Nigerian parents, this British actress is best known for playing Sasha Williams in As If, and Elaine Hardy in Footballers' Wives.

At fourteen, Chikezie was sent to boarding school in Nigeria in an attempt to make her abandon her dreams to become an actress. Prior to this, she had attended weekend classes at Italia Conti. On her return to the United Kingdom, she enrolled into Brunel University where she studied Medicinal Chemistry (she was expected to take over her father's hospital in Nigeria), but left after lecturers decided that she was unsuited to academic life. She later won a scholarship to the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts. As a film actress, Chikezie has starred in lots of films.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim - Born October 1, 1962, this BritishNigerian actor is best known for his portrayal of Georges Rutaganda in the 2004 motion picture Hotel Rwanda. He also featured as Colonel IkĂŠ Dubaku in season 7 of the Fox television series 24 and the TV film tie-in 24: Redemption. Other movies are Last Flight to Abuja (2012), Girl Soldier (2011), Darfur (film) (2009), The Fourth Kind (2009), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Big Fellas (2007), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007), Half of a Yellow Sun (2013)... and others.

Donald Adeosun Faison - born in 1974, this American actor is probably best known by fans of the popular television Comedydrama Scrubs (2001-2010). Bet you didn't know this American actor's middle name is Yoruba, Adeosun. Faison has also costarred in the films Remember the Titans (2000), Uptown Girls

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(2003), Something New (2006), Next Day Air (2009) and Kick-Ass 2 (2013). Faison was born in Harlem, New York, the son of Shirley, a talent agent, and Donald Faison, a building manager. His parents were active with the National Black Theatre in Harlem. Faison got his first role in a commercil at the age of 17. He became famous for his role as Murray Lawrence Duvall in the film Clueless (1995) movie, and its subsequent television series, which ran from 1996 to 1999. In 1995, he also appeared in Waiting to Exhale as Tarik. He also starred in Big Fat Liar alongside Frankie Muniz, Paul Giamatti, and Amanda Bynes. He had a recurring role as Tracy on Felicity, appeared in Remember the Titans, as the runningback turned corner-back Petey Jones, and provided voice work for various characters in the MTV animated series Clone High.

He had minor roles in the sitcoms Sister Sister and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and in the film Josie and the Pussycats. In 2005, Faison produced one episode of MTV's Punk'd involving his Scrubs co-star Zach Braff. He has also appeared in the music videos for Brandy's "Sittin' Up in My Room", Fall Out Boy's cover of Michael Jackson's "Beat It," and Gavin Degraw's "Chariot." He is currently the host for the TBS comedy sketch show Who Gets the Last Laugh.

Nonso Anozie - born in 1979, Anozi is an English actor known for his appearances on stage, and his film and television roles.

In 2002, he played the title role in William Shakespeare's King Lear, and won the Ian Charleson Award in 2004 for his performance in Othello. Anozie played small roles, such as as Think Tank in Guy Ritchie's film RocknRolla, and Frank Mace in Joe Wright's Atonement. He played the lead in Cass, a 2008 British crime drama film recreating the life of Cass Pennant. In 2009, he appeared in the supporting cast of the BBC TV threepart 2003 Iraq War drama, Occupation, where he played a US Marine-turned-private-military-contractor. In 2011, he played Artus, a Zamoran pirate and close friend of Conan, in Conan the Barbarian. That year, he was also cast to play the role of Xaro Xhoan Daxos in the HBO series Game of Thrones, and was cast as Jackson Burke in The Grey. He also plays the role of Samson in the History Channel's television miniseries The Bible.

Sophie Okonedo - born in 1968 to a Nigerian father and a Jewish mother, Okonedo is an award-winning British actress known for her roles in successful British and American productions. In 1991, she made her acting debut in the British critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama, Young Soul Rebels.

She has received an Academy Award nomination for her critically acclaimed role in Hotel Rwanda, a Golden Globe nomination for Tsunami: The Aftermath, and BAFTA nominations for Criminal Justice and Mrs. Mandela. Her other film roles included Aeon Flux, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Dirty Pretty Things, Skin and The Secret Life of Bees. Okonedo was born in London, the daughter of Joan (nĂŠe Allman), a pilates teacher, and Henry Okonedo (1939-2009), who worked for the government. Her father was Nigerian, and her mother, an Ashkenazi Jew, was born in the East End, to Yiddish-speaking immigrants from Poland and Russia. Okonedo was brought up in her mother's Jewish faith. When she was five years old, her father left the family, and she was brought up in relative poverty by her single mother ("but we always had books," she has said). Okonedo trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She has worked in a variety of media including film, television, theatre and audio drama.

Source: Entertainment.naija.ng

https://www.naija.ng/49656.html

Nigerian actors in Hollywood you might not have heard of February 2018

Hakeem Kae Kazim

Sophie Okonedo

Hope Olaide Wilson

Carmen Ejogo

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Nina Sosanya — Photo Credit: daviekd.tumblr.com

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Tracy Ifeachor

Richard Ayoade — Photo Credit: jounwin.co.uk

Enuka Okuma

Nonso Anozie

Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje

David Oyelowo

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Trivia

Today was my first day entering a Court. The Judge Shouted " Order, Order !!" I Was so excited , So I shouted Back " fried rice with chicken, five bottles of malt and chilled glass of special ice mineral water .� Am Now Locked up In A Dark Room. Am Sure They Will Bring My Order soon.

U CANNOT give a woman everything she needs. If God Himself gave them eyebrows, they shave it and draw their own. God gave them nails, they cut it off and fixed their own, God gave them hair, they cut it off and fixed their own,He gave them breast, they repackage it to what they want, God still gave them buttocks ,they arrange it to the size they want.If even God can't satisfy them then who are U to think that you can please them ? đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;˜‚. My brother don't kill yourself

A 78 year old man collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. He was given an oxygen to sustain him for 24hours. After some time he was getting better So the doctor gave him his bill of $500,and when he saw the bill he started to cry.The doctor told him not to cry because of the bill that he could pay it in installment. But the man said "Iam not crying because of the money, i can pay all the cash.i'm crying because for just 24hours of using the oxygen am to pay $500.but i have been breathing Gods free air for 78yrs now. If am to pay, do you know how much am owing ??. Now back to you the one reading this,you have been breathing Gods free air without any obstruction nor payment for all the years

At a wedding ceremony the pastor asked if there was anyone who had any reason why the marriage shouldn't go on; it was time to stand up and speak, or forever let them hold their peace.The moment of utter silence was interrupted by a young beautiful woman carrying a child. She started slowly walking toward the pastor.Everything quickly turned to chaos. The bride slapped the groom.

The groom's mother fainted. The bridal trail scooted towards the door.The groom's men huddled together like a bereaved flock, wondering how best to help save the situation.The pastor asked the woman, "Can you tell us why you came forward? What do you have to say?"

The woman replied, "I can't hear from the back."

LESSON: Hold judgment until you've had all the facts. However, many times we fire the shots too quickly and beautiful relationships are ruined.

February 2018

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I called a married lady who was owing me money, but she didn't pick my calls. I called 10 times more, still no answer. Knowing that her husband was not at home, I decided to send her this message:"Hello Sisy, I'm not calling for the money. I just wanted to tell you that 2 girls were fighting over your husband in town today. It was a big fight and he was just there watching, until one of the girl managed to escape into his car and they drove off".

After some minutes, she called me but I ignored her. She kept calling and I found 21 missed calls from her and a message which read:"Where was the fight? Where did they go? Did you Noticed those girls? Please tell me, I am falling apart."I just read and didn't respond. She called again, 5 times and I didn't answer, then another message from her:"I have your money, please can we meet, so you tell me more?"Then i replied, "Okay, you can Send it through eWallet so that when I pass by the filling station to refuel, then I will pick you and drive you to one of the Girl's House because I know them." After 2 mins, I checked my account balance, my money was fully paid. I then switched off my phone and slept like a baby..... This January you need to be sharp

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February 2018

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Black Panther Premiere: 24-Year-Old Thokozile Muwamba Stars And Fans Wear African Becomes First Zambian Female Fighter Attire Pilot

Many stars and fans wore traditional African attire to the European premiere of Black Panther.

Leona Lewis, The Black Eyed Peas and John Boyega were on the black carpet at London's Eventim Apollo on Thursday night.

Actors Daniel Kaluuya and Lupita Nyongo wore some of the biggest designer names you'd expect to see at a film premiere.

But many took the opportunity to wear traditional clothes from around the continent.

Black Panther is Marvel's first film with a cast of all black superheroes.

The film's actors and fans have been vocal about how its release exemplifies a positive portrayal of Africa and blackness.

Hashtags like #WhatBlackPantherMeansToMe have flooded social media and the film has also made a mark on the fashion industry too.

Marvel Studios is presenting an event at New York Fashion week this month called 'Black Panther: Welcome to Wakanda' to show off clothes inspired by the new superhero movie.

And at the European premiere stars like Stormzy and John Boyega weren't far behind the curve, mixing suit trousers with West African prints.

Skip Twitter post by @MarvelUK View image on Twitter https:/bbcnews,com

24-year-old Second Lieutenant Thokozile Muwamba has made history in Zambia as the country’s first female fighter pilot to be accepted into the male dominated area of the military.

After joining the military in 2012, Muwamba was fortunate to be part of the Zambian Air Forces programme to train female pilots who will bridge the gender gap in the field.

“Men are not a competition but counterparts that one should work with, and hence women should begin to participate and realise their abilities. Because of this understanding, I am ready to undertake this task ahead of me,” she told local media Times of Zambia last week.

“I look at the fact that when I am in the aeroplane, the aircraft knows no sex as it depends on my input even if I am a woman. I can also give it the right steering for it to respond correctly,” Muwamba added.

Impossibilities can be made possible as long as one was determined to attain one’s goal.

The Zambian Air Force commander Lieutenant General Eric Mwaba Chimese announced in 2015 their decision to introduce female pilots to boost the fight for gender equality in Zambia.

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According to Brigadier-General Kapungwe, who is the commander of the ZAF base in Mumbwa, having Second Lieutenant Muwamba as the first female fighter pilot is a clear illustration that women were progressing.

“We want to see more women in the country to become fighter pilots in future,” the paper quotes him.

Second Lieutenant Thokozile Muwamba quit as a firstyear student at the Copperbelt University (CBU) to join the military and pursue her dream career of being a pilot.

She owed her success to hardwork, determination and inspiration from her family and instructors.

“Impossibilities can be made possible as long as one was determined to attain one’s goal,” she advised other women.

Africa has only a few female pilots especially in the Air Force.

Nigeria decorated its first female pilot, Flying Officer Blessing Liman, in 2012. Liman was apparently the first female military-pilot in West Africa at the time.

Afrikan

NPP-USA Officially Announces 2018 Congress And Elections February 2 0 1 8

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Must be up to date in the payment of his/her local and national dues arrears for 2017 on or before Monday, January 29, 2018

Member in Good Standing” means that, the said member has honored all financial obligations to both the local Chapter and NPP-USA National to be deemed to be in good standing.

Exception: Known and active members of NPP-USA in States with no Chapters are exempted from the local Chapter Requirements

Requirements for a Qualified Candidate Must be an active member of a local chapter for at least two years and in good standing.

Have registered with NPP-USA, obtained member ID card and or have an assigned ID number and is up to date on his/her yearly National dues of $100 for the two most recent years; 2016 & 2017 Shall pay a non-refundable Filing Fee of $300.00 with his/her application

Have paid up all local and national dues arrears for 2016 & 2017 on or before Thursday, January 25, 2018 Must meet the cutoff date requirement for filing of candidature

Member in Good Standing” means that, the said member has honored all financial obligations to both the Local Chapter and NPP-USA National to be deemed to be in good standing.

NPP-USA wishes to announce to its ardent members and sympathizers details of its upcoming 2018 Branch Congress and Elections.

This year’s Congress is in line with the party’s tradition to bring together members from its 20 chapters(States) every four years to elect new branch leaders, amend bylaws of the branch, deliberate on successes and challenges and formulate its strategic plan for the next four years. Please see below for details of the 2018 Branch Congress and Elections:

Congress Dates: Friday, March 16, 2018 to Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Hosting City: Atlanta, Georgia | Airport: HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport

Congress Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton, Atlanta Buckhead | 3285 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Congress Theme: Delivering on Our Promises: Mobilizing the Diaspora for Sustained Victories

Registration: Congress Registration and Hotel Bookings can be completed on our website. Please be informed that Congress fees and hotel rates are separate. All attendees are required to pay for their Congress fees by registering online and to book their own hotels either online or at a different location of their choice. Discounted Hotel Rates at the event venue will be available until Friday, February 23, 2018.

Congress Fee: $120 Full Congress | $75 Dinner Only

Hotel Rates: $139 per night for king size bed |$149 per night for double beds. We encourage all attendees to pair up and book double beds to reduce cost.

Media Accreditation: Members of the media who are

interested in covering the Congress are encouraged to apply for media accreditation on our website. You may access the application directly by visiting www.npp-usa.org/congressaccreditation .

Sponsorship: Sponsorship packages are available for all persons and companies that are interested in sponsoring the Congress. Congress sponsorship provides organizations the ability to increase exposure, build relationships and enhance their image with the most senior members of NPPUSA and NPP-Ghana. For more information on the various sponsorship packages, please visit our website. All potential sponsors must indicate their interest before Friday, February 16, 2018.

Local Organizers: For more information regarding the Congress, particularly, on issues relating to logistics and sponsorship, please contact the following planning committee leaders:

Dr. Kwasi Gyan Ayim-Darko | Planning Committee Chair | 404-988-1322

Dr. Richard Druyer | Planning Committee Co-Chair |770330-0997

Yvonne McCowin | Planning Committee Secretary |540841-0214

Elections: As part of the Congress, NPP-USA will elect new leaders to lead the branch for the next four years.

Please find key information about the elections below:

Requirements for a Qualified Voter Must be an active and dues paying member of a State chapter for at least one year (2016-2017)

Have registered with NPP-USA, obtained member ID card and or have an assigned ID number and have paid National dues for the year 2017.

Exception: Known and active members of NPP-USA in States with no Chapters are exempted from the local Chapter Requirements

Website: For more information on the upcoming Congress and election guidelines, please visit our website www.npp-usa.org .

Thank you!

---Signed--Kofi Tonto Director of Communications (Ag)

Obaa Yaa Amponsah Frimpong To Become The Chairperson Of NPP-USA Inc.

February 2 0 1 8

WHO IS SHE? Yaa Amponsah Gyamerah (Frimpong) was born at Obuasi, attended University of Science and Technology(KNUST), Kumasi, University of Denver and Regis University both in Denver Colorado. Obaa Yaa as we all call her is known to Vice President Dr Bawumia as the "lron Lady".

She has been married for 19 years to Mr Anthony Frimpong and they are blessed with three teen adorable boys; Jerome, Simon-Peter and Aaron.

Currently an astute entrepreneur and co-owner of JEROYAF Services, 14 years experience in the United States as a Social Worker and taught Obuasi Sec. Tech premigration.

Her community service and advocacy are unmatched. She served as the Public Relations Officer for Asanteman Association of Denver with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital being a beneficial of what Obaa Yaa helped championed. She served in different leadership roles with Rocky Mountain Ghana Council, an umbrella organization for Ghanaian Associations and churches. She volunteered for a USCIS sponsored program with Colorado Africa Organization teaching English as a second language and life skills to many African Refugees.

Obaa Yaa is a strong advocate for social justice and equal opportunity. Her convictions placed her squarely at the forefront of our 2008, 2012 and 2016 campaigns and fundraising and currently the Acting Chairperson of the Branch.

Obaa Yaa has been tried, tested and trusted and has not disappoint anytime she has been called to serve our Branch and our Elephant family. Obaa Yaa is firm, fair and consistent in her dealings with all.

Her effective leadership role in our Branch is indisputable and her convincing deliverable during our 2017 NPP Conference in Ghana establishes her as a seasoned leader of the great NPP-USA branch. Her vision of expanding our collective potential through inclusiveness, transparency, result driven with hard work while employing people centered approach to leadership is a means to sustaining our hard-won victory moving forward. NPP-USA needs a sturdy hand and a consistent figure as Obaa Yaa.

ACADEMIC

B.A (HONS) SOCIAL SCIENCES (University of Science and Technology, Kumasi) MSW (University of Denver, Denver, Colorado) M.S ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT (Regis University, Denver, Colorado) MY ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP IN THE PARTY

NPP-USA Chairperson (Ag.) (2017 - Present) NPP-USA Two term 2ND Vice Chairperson (2009 - 2017) Secretary of NPP-USA Colorado Chapter (2007 - Present) Two-time Secretary to the NPP-USA Elections Committee (2009 & 2012) Secretary to NPP-USA Planning Committee to host Vice Presidential Candidate (2012) Participant at the NPP-USA National Congress in Dallas, Texas & Charlotte, North Carolina (September 2007 & Jan 2013) Host and Participant at the Second NPP International Conference, Denver, Colorado (May 2009) Participant in 2012 National Elections Campaign (Cape Coast South & Obuasi Constituencies) NPP-USA Delegate to NPP National Super-Delegates Conference – Proxy (August 2014) NPP-USA Delegate to NPP National Congress to Elect the Party’s Flagbearer (October 2014) Participant in 2016 National Elections Campaign (Amenfi Central, Obuasi East and West Constituencies) Member of the Welcome Subcommittee of the 2016 Transition Team of the Presidential Inauguration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Leader of NPP-USA Delegation to the NPP Delegates Conference in Cape Coast (August 2017) and to the Extraordinary Conference in Kumasi (December 2017)

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Afrikan

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WHY PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT MUST INVEST IN REAL ESTATE

I am a 2nd generation of an African descent living overseas and over the years I have realized that the first generation of African descent has a myopic way of thinking and doing things. As a Realtor, I have come across a number of scenarios that I feel burdened and overwhelmed to address. One of the attributes I have encountered is “IGNORANCE”. Of course scripture does say that “for lack of knowledge my people perish” and indeed most Africans are perishing because of the symptom of ignorance. What I have been trying to wrap my mind around is when you lay the foundation and educate one about the benefits of buying a real estate property in America, they are quick to say “I am concentrating on my project back home where I will spend my golden years!”

Over and over I keep hearing this statement. Yet, I have seen people go back home and come back to America in a twinkle of an eye. When I asked the reason for their sudden return back to America, the laundry list of things that drove them back to America goes on and on. Most go back home to find their project in shamble, or the monies that were sent home have been used by their relative (s) for other things; or sadly they go home and tragically die and not even enjoy the fruits of their labor. You know the stories. It puzzles me that we have not learned anything from these atrocious stories. We continue to perpetuate this cycle.

Imagine if you had invested in real estate here in America, you would have greatly reaped the benefits.

Here are a few things to consider. You would have gone back home and come back to your real estate property in whole to enjoy, or you could have enjoyed rental income from the real estate property in America while living overseas or you could have sell and cashed out the equity on your real estate in America as you venture off to motherland. You see real estate investment in America is a win-win coin for you.

The other side of the issue that troubles me is that our parents have failed to recognize that their decision for not investing has impacted the younger generation. We find it difficult to keep par with our peers who are non-Africans.

Most of our peers graduate with minimum or no student loans because their parents were able to use their home equity to support their college education. Furthermore,

our peers tend to get ahead of us because they have the luxury of living with their parents after college and as a result they are able to purchase their own first home and other things that give them an edge over us. Most importantly, our parents have failed to recognize that "us” the 2nd, 3rd etc…generations, the chances of us going back to motherland to acquire or posse your properties are slim. We ask that you keep the investment(s) here so we (your children, grand children, great grand children) can enjoy your labor.

Mommy, Daddy, Uncle, Aunt; the younger generation is crying out loud that you wake up and begin to realize that America is the land of opportunities and investment through home ownership is part of the deal that drove you from motherland to this great country you live in and now call “home”. When we see you investing or owning a property, it gives us something to look up to and the will to achieve greater things. It is no longer about you and going back to motherland; it’s about investing in our future so we can also enjoy all that America has to offer.

I will leave you with this to ponder; scripture says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” So as you start thinking of this, I urge you to start planning and start dreaming. The American dream is achievable and attainable. Imagine that!

Stay tuned for the next article which will provide a step by step guide on how to achieve the American dream through home ownership. Blessings in full portion!

For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Thank you.

Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® –Licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia Prince William CountyLocal Expert CONTACT 571-229-6694 Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Borderlessrealestate.com

Secure Your Future Get Life Insurance Call Today 571-778-1917 February 2018

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Outstanding Benefits

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Investments opportunities

Afrikan

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Tax Season is Here Again.

February 2018

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All too soon, the tax season is here with us again and you need someone who will prepare your taxes and get you your FULL refund.

You will need someone who will do a detailed analysis of your W2s and efficiently prepare your taxes where you will have no problems with the IRS. Call Dr. Lawrence Appiah on 703-400-1621 and let him prepare your taxes for you this year. If you don’t want to receive any letters from the IRS after you have spent all your money, call the tax expert and have your peace of mind with the IRS.

Call Dr. Lawrence Appiah (703-400-1621) For Your Full Tax Refund Within 5 Days Guaranteed.

No Appointments Necessary.

Tina Gyan Phd. Outlines Her Vision for NPP-USA Afrikan

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February 2018

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to appoint specific National Executive Council (NEC) members to visit all the chapters at least once in every quarter and report to the NEC. The reports of these appointees will reflect the reality of all the issues pertaining to the chapters. In other words, the NEC members will be serving and interacting face-to-face with the members to help resolve chapter concerns on as needed basis.

It is also my intension to help strengthen the work of patrons and council of elders in the NPP-USA. In this regard, each chapter will provide two patrons. The council of elders will not be more than seven people to be carefully selected from all the 50 states of the USA. The terms of reference of the patrons and council of elders will conform to our NPP-Ghana constitution.

With your help, I would like to shape the history of NPP-USA and the circumstances of our people both here in the USA and abroad. I will need your vote to enable me accomplish these goals. I would like to leave you with this quote:

“There are generations yet unborn, whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take.” ― Andy Andrews Thank you.

My Vision for the Position of First Vice Chair of NPP-USA

Dear NPP-USA family, I am an active member of NPP-USA both at the local and national levels. I hold my local membership in the Washington DC chapter where I serve as the Vice Chair (Ag) and as the Deputy Secretary at the NPP-USA national level. At both levels, my contributions are an eloquent testimony of how active I have been in the party.

At home, in Ghana, I am known by the current party leadership as hardworking and a faithful servant of our dear party and motherland. The least I can say is that, I am very passionate about the NPP. My wish has always been to serve the organization with verve and panache.

I am now aspiring for the position of First Vice Chairperson of NPP-USA. I will be assisting the national chairperson to execute her/his mandate and vision for NPPUSA, represent NPP-USA at home and abroad, chair meetings in the absence of the substantive chairperson and serve in any capacity as may be assigned by the Chairperson. Of paramount importance to me is to ensure that your membership in the NPP-USA becomes beneficial to you and your family, either directly or indirectly. We need strong leadership in the NPP-USA who can think innovatively, are charismatic, have the capacity to command the respect and/audience of policy makers, and implement a strategic agenda that will benefit all members of the NPP-USA.

As your First Vice Chairperson, I will share my vision with the other executives. One of these is to help to enroll as many party sympathizers from all walks of life into our fold. What I have realized is that most silent party sympathizers are not card-bearing.

With the support of the chairperson and the executives, I will work to get all these people on board. The benefit of this will be tremendous as we can tap into their human and material resources to help advance the vision of NPP-USA and the NPP in general.

I would also champion the cause of opening more chapters in as many states as possible. This will be possible when the USA is zoned. I will help the chairperson to create zones and appoint leaders to man these zones. The zones will advise on where and when to open new chapters. Having successfully assisted with the opening of the Baltimore, MD chapter and currently working on constituting a second chapter at Hampton Roads, VA, I have garnered much experience that will enable me continue with this operation.

In addition, I will help the chairperson to plan an annual delegates’ conference as it is the case in Ghana. This way, NPP-USA will grow from strength to strength thus outclassing all the diaspora branches in the world.

To ensure the effective running of our local chapters, I will encourage the chairperson

God Bless NPP-USA God Bless America

And, God Bless our Homeland, Ghana Tina Abrefa-Gyan, PhD, is currently the National Deputy Secretary of NPP-USA and the Vice Chair (Ag) for the Washington, DC Metro Area Chapter. She was born in Tamale to her father and mother who are from Wenchi and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong/Ahafo region respectively. Dr. Abrefa-Gyan grew up in Sunyani, obtained her primary and Junior Secondary School (JSS) education from Ridge Experimental School in Sunyani and completed Senior Secondary School at Mfantsiman Girls in Saltpond (Akyemfo). She completed her PhD at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at Washington University in St. Louis, and Bachelors’ degree in Social Work and Psychology at the University of Ghana, Legon. Career wise, she is an Assistant Professor at Norfolk State University in VA.

Her post–MSW experiences include working at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs-Division for the Advancement of Women (DESA-DAW) and clinical practice at the Hopewell Agency in St. Louis, Missouri. She is has the expertise, leadership, experience, training, and motivation necessary to successfully lead any organization in pursuing its goals, policies, and objectives. Most importantly, NPP-USA is a strategic branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and requires humble, capable, and dedicated leadership to meet its grand challenges.

Dr. Abrefa-Gyan wants to serve, lead, unite, and empower the NPP-USA to continue to partner with NPP-Ghana for transgenerational electoral victories in Ghana and transform the nation from poor to rich. Dr. Abrefa-Gyan has served the NPP-USA in various capacities at both the local and national levels and I am eager to serve again as the First Vice Chair of the NPP-USA if I am given the mandate to do so. In this defining moment of history, Dr. Abrefa-Gyan is poised to lead the NPP-USA to a new level of excellence, where all the members of NPP-USA will benefit from their participation in party activities.

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