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Biden appoints 26-year-old NigerianAmerican as White House counsel
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O u r G r eates t G lor y is n ot in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We a r e co mmittted to br in gin g th e co mmu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ias p or a . Yo u ma y als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www.af r ikan pos t. co m f o r d a ily n ews u pd a tes on Af r ica . D is cla imer : Th e o pin io n s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles an d s tor ies in th is N ews pa per a r e th os e o f th e a u th o r s an d do n o t n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ik an Po s t . All co mmen ts a n d s u g ges tion s ar e welco me.
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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Kenya appoints Naomi Campbell as tourism ambassador but that has triggered an uproar Pg. 12
US-based Ghanaian Surgeon To Complete $11 Million Pharmaceutical Plant In Ghana Pg. 21
Meet the Ghanaian-British politician who is now UK’s first Black business secretary Page 35
US embassy celebrates Nigerian doctor who helped Pfizer develop Pg. 35
Issa Hayatou Decorated Honorary CAF President Pg. 26
All you need to know about Ghanaian-British actress Adjoa Andoh, star of Netflix’s Bridgerton Pg. 32
Counsel at Palantir Technologies Inc. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and the University “Today, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice of Florida. Originally from Florida, President-elect Kamala Harris announced additional members of the Office of the White Olorunnipa Badejo lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and son,” the stateHouse Counsel,” a statement on the Bidenment read. Harris transition website read. President-Joe Biden has appointed Nigerianborn Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo as a White House counsel.
“These experienced and accomplished individuals have a wide range of knowledge from various fields and will be ready to get to work on day one.” Badejo, a lawyer and an alumna of Berkeley Law College in the US, was named among the additional 20 new members of the office of the White House counsel.
She was also a general counsel of the House Selected Subcommittee on the Coronavirus crisis which was chaired by James Clyburn, house majority whip.
Badejo is not the first Nigerian- American to be appointed by the US president-elect. Adewale Adeyemo was recently announced as deputy secretary of the treasury department.
According to the statement, Badejo has served as a counsel for policy to the assistant Another Nigerian American, Osaremen attorney general in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Ethics Counsel at Okolo, was also appointed a member of Biden’s COVID-19 response team. the White House Counsel’s Office and Attorney Advisor at the Administrative Conference of the United States during the Obama-Biden administration.
“Olorunnipa Badejo began her legal career as https://guardian.ng/ an associate with the law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP and was Legal
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10 of Africa’s Richest Kings and their net worth as at 2020
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Riches and royalty go hand in hand. It is a rare phenomenon to find a poor ruler. In the 21st century, rich African kings earn their wealth from government taxes, community donations, businesses, inheritance, and other ventures. Their net worth is estimated based on the assets held after accounting for debt. Here is a look at the top 10 richest kings in Africa 2020.
In contemporary Africa, most traditional rulers are governed by written national laws and constitutions. eSwatini remains the only absolute monarch in the continent. All the royal heads have the duty to ensure the economic development of the ruled, even as they amass personal wealth.
10. King Goodwill Zwelithini of 9. Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin of Akyem Zulu South Africa – $19 milAbuakwa Ghana – $28 million lion
King Zwelithini of Zulu South Africa gets an annual allowance of $6 million and grants from the government. Photo: City_Press Source: Twitter The Zulu reigning king was born on 14th July 1948 in Nangoma, South Africa. He ascended to the monarch position in 1968 after his father, King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, passed away. The Zulu ruler gets an annual allowance of $6 million. He also receives grants and other luxuries from the South African government, which are deducted from the country’s revenue.
5. Obi Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe of Onitsha Nigeria – $50 million
Nnaemka Alfred was born on 14th May 1941 and emerged as the Obi of Onitsha in May 2002. He is one of the most prominent kings in Eastern Nigeria.
Nana Amoatia became the 35th king to ascend the Okyeman Ofori Panin stool on 4th October 1999 after the passing away of Osagyefuo Kuntunkununku II. Since his ascension, and he has been advocating for economic and commercial development as well as the general welfare of the people of Akyem and Ghana in general.
8. Togbe Afede XIV of Asogli State Ghana – $30 million
The Agbogbomefia was born on 23rd April 1957 as James Akpo and was coroneted in October 2003. He holds a Business Administration degree from the University of Ghana and an MBA from Yale School of Management. Togbe is a great investor and holds the following titles. Current executive chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra A board member of several companies He established SAS Finance Group Ltd, which consists of SAS Investment Management Ltd and Strategic African Securities Ltd. He established a private equity investment company called Strategic Initiatives Ltd (SIL). Co-founder of Africa World Airlines Ltd, Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Ltd, and Databank Financial Services The majority shareholder in Accra Hearts of Oak FC.
4. King Mswati III of Swaziland – $50 million
The King of eSwatini was born on 19th April 1968 in Manzini as Makhosetive. He took the crown on 25th April 1986 at 18 years old, thus becoming the world’s youngest monarch to rule at the time. He is also the last absolute monarch in Africa. King Mswati III is the last absolute monarch in Africa, and he earns a salary of $50 million. Photo: ZiFMStereo Source: Twitter The Head of the Swazi Royal Family gets an annual salary of $50 million, which is deducted from the government treasury.
He is also in charge of an investment
7. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II of Ashanti Ghana – $40 million
Osei Tutu II of Ashanti Ghana is a gold owner, real estate investor, and a mining equipment provider in Ghana. Photo: ANMakubuya Source: Twitter Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose birth name is Nana Barima Kwaku Duah, was born on 6th May 1950. He began his reign as the Asantehene of the Ashanti people on 26th April 1999. The ruler is the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana, and the Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England.In the 1980s, Osei Tutu II started a mortgage finance firm called Primoda Financial Services Ltd, which is located in North West London. In 1989, he established Transpomech International (Ghana) Limited, a mining equipment provider in Ghana. He also has a massive collection of valuable gold crown jewels as well as real estate properties in South Africa and Ghana.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu was born on 29th October 1943 and was crowned the 21st Oba of Lagos in May 2003. He is a law graduate from the University of Lagos. He served in the Nigerian Police Force for 32 years, where he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector General.
1. King Mohammed VI of Morocco – $2 billion
3. Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar III of Sokoto – $100 million
Sa’adu was born on 24th August 1956. He served in the military from 1977 and retired in 2006 as Brigadier general. He became the 20th Sultan of Sokoto in November 2006 after the death of Sultan Miccado on ADC Airlines Flight 53. Sa’adu is the most powerful traditional leader in Northern Nigeria and is the Nigerian head of the Islamic religion.
6. Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos Nigeria – $40 million
2. Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinrutan of Ugbo Land Nigeria – $300 million
The Olugbo of Ugbo Land was born in 1950 and became king in 2009. He has an estimated net worth of $300 million, which makes him the second richest African royalty and the wealthiest in Nigeria. The King owns Obat Oil, a leading privately-owned oil company in Nigeria.He also owns an extensive portfolio of residential and prime commercial real estate property in Nigeria and London.
The King of Morocco, a member of the Alaouite dynasty, was born on 21st August 1963. He was crowned King in July 1999 after the passing away of his father, King Hassan II. As of 2020, King Mohammed VI has an estimated net worth of $2 billion, making him the richest king in Africa. His palace’s daily operating budget is estimated at $960,000. King Mohammed VI is a successful banker and businessman in Morocco. Source: briefly.co.za
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January 2021
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These are the seven most worthless African passports to hold in 2021
Democratic Republic of Congo, commonly referred to as DR Congo, is a country in Central Africa. It is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11thlargest in the world. Its passport holders can visit 42 countries without a prior visa. Eritrea
The Eritrean passport ties with the Congolese passport at 100th in the global rankings. Eritrean passport holders can visit 42 destinations visa-free. The Eritrean passport is issued to citizens of Eritrea for international travel after the completion of mandatory military service. Eritreans living abroad only receive a passport from their consulate if they have paid their taxes to their country. African passports. Photo: Reuters/Finbarr O'reilly The Henley Passport Index has released its latest report on the ranking of the world’s passports according to the destinations one can visit without a prior visa. According to the latest ranking, Japan maintains the top spot as having the world’s most powerful passport while in Africa, South Africa tops the chart.
Global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners use data from the International Air Transport Association to determine how many destinations passport holders in every country can access without first obtaining a visa.
The index is updated in real-time throughout the year to reflect visa-policy changes and recently, Henley released its quarterly report on the world’s most desirable and least desirable passports. The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.
According to the index, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini have the most powerful passports in Africa. The index also captures countries with worthless passports.
Below is a list of seven African countries with the most worthless passports. Somalia
South Sudan
The Somali passport is ranked as the most worthless passport not only in Africa but in the world. The Horn of African nation is ranked 106 and its passport holders can visit a total of 33 visa-free destinations. Since 2007, Somalia has been taking a number of steps to improve the power of its passport, including issuing e-passport and national identity documents and birth certificates.
Libya
Ranked 104 globally, the Libyan passport is the second most worthless African passport. Libyan passport holders can visit 38 countries without a prior visa. The Libyan passport is issued to citizens of Libya for international travel and identification of Libyan nationals within the borders and abroad. Sudan
The passport of Sudan is the third-worst African passport and it is ranked 102 globally. Sudanese passport holders can visit 40 countries without prior visa approval. The validity of the Sudanese passport is valid for 5-7 years after issuance. The Republic of Sudan started issuing electronic passports to citizens in May 2009 in three categories; the citizen’s passport, Business passports for men and women who need to travel often, and smaller passports for children. Democratic Republic of Congo
The South Sudanese passport is only able to take holders to 43 visa-free destinations. The passport is given to citizens of South Sudan for international travel. The Republic of South Sudan started issuing internationally recognized electronic passports in January 2012 and they are valid for 5 years after being issued. Ethiopia
Ranked 98th in the whole world, an Ethiopian passport holder can access 44 visa-free destinations across the world. Ethiopia is currently issuing electronic passports that require fingerprints. Therefore, all applications must be made in-person at the Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs offices or Embassy of Ethiopia if the applicant is abroad.
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Ethiopia successfully launches second satellite into space, with help from China again
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Senegal-born Chef, Mory Sacko Named Young Chef Of The Year
Mory Sacko, chef at Mosuke restaurant has been awarded one star and joint winner of the Young Chef Award. The award was given by the 2021 Michelin Guide.
The Deputy General Director of Ethiopia Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI), Yishrun Alemayehu, confirmed the Horn of Africa nation successfully launched its second Chinese-backed satellite into space on Tuesday, Xinhua News Agency confirmed.
strengthen the effort in technology transfer and human development.”
Alemayehu also said the government of China paid about $1.5 million in manufacturing costs. The Horn of Africa nation successfully launched its first-ever satellite – the ETRSS-1 – into Named ET-Smart-RSS, the satel- space in December 2019 in what lite, which was blasted into orbit the country’s space exploration from the China Wenchang space- chief said he hoped marked a new craft launch site, is equipped with dawn in space technology opporhighly advanced resolutions and tunities in the country at the time. has the capabilities to capture much clearer pictures, The 72-kg multi-spectral satellite, Alemayehu said. which was also designed by both Chinese and Ethiopian engineers and is reportedly 700km from the earth, uses a remote sensing “Preliminary design was conducted in Ethiopia, while detailed microsatellite to monitor weather and technical works were under- patterns resources and to forecast taken in collaboration with the weather for the purposes of Chinese experts in China through better agricultural planning, zooming and other platforms,” he drought early warning, mining activities and forestry managetold state-owned newspaper, the Ethiopian Herald. “The 8.9 kilo- ment, Xinhua News Agency grams nano satellite is a great reported. achievement of Ethiopia in a Speaking to Reuters after the first number of ways. The institute launch, the head of the Ethiopian will keep on working to further
Space Science and Technology Institute, Solomon Belay, said he believes the satellite spells new opportunities for the East African powerhouse.
“Space is food, space is job creation, a tool for technology… sovereignty, to reduce poverty, everything for Ethiopian to achieve universal and sustainable development,” Belay said.
The Chinese government also sponsored about $6 million of the over $7 million project. Ethiopia plans to launch 15 satellites between the next 10-15 years.
The African Union has encouraged more African countries to look into the opportunities space technology provides for environmental and economic benefits.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
Sacko is known for his very accomplished style of cuisine which mixes African influences with its tropism for Japan, all against a background of French technical bases. Sacko became a firm favourite during France’s 11th season of Top Chef until he was surprisingly eliminated. The 28-year-old was trained by Thierry Marx at the Mandarin Oriental and openned his first restaurant, Mosuke, in Paris.
“Thank you to my whole team, to my partner, who is part of the restaurant team and who has been with me since the beginning, to the whole team with whom we were motivated from the very beginning to do our utmost right away. I’m really thinking of them at the moment.” he said after recieving the 2021 Michelin Guide Young Chef of the year award. One of Top Chef France 2020’s iconic contestantsm Sacko grew up in France but was born in Kayem Senegal from Malian and Senegalese parents.
The Young Chef Award was this year given to two young talents: Coline Faulquier, 31, whose Signature restaurant in Marseille also earned its first star, and Mory Sacko, 28, head of MoSuKe restaurant in Paris. https://howafrica.com/
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Burkina Faso’s Hugues Zango Sets World Meet the first Black president Indoor Triple Jump Record of the Council of Fashion Designers of America
Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango made history on Saturday by setting a new indoor triple jump world record of 18.07m at a meeting in Aubiere, France. The African record holder in both indoors and outdoors events made the jump with his sixth and final effort. The previous indoor world record of 17.92m had been set by Zango’s coach Teddy Tamgho of France in Paris in 2011.
As a result, the 27-year-old became the first triple jumper ever to break through the 18-meter barrier in an indoor event. His record also saw him set a new personal best beating his previous mark of 17.77m, which was also achieved in an indoor competition last year.
Zango, who won bronze in the event at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, will be aiming to win his country’s first Olympic medal at the Games in Tokyo later this year. The current men’s outdoor triple jump world record is 18.29m and was set by Britain’s Jonathan Edwards back in 1995 in Gothenburg.
Zango’s current personal best at an outdoor event is 17.66m which he set in Doha. Only six men, among them Edwards and Tamgho, have ever managed to jump more than 18m in an outdoor event.
https://howafrica.com/
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Representation in every sphere of our lives speaks volumes as every demographic in the world has something to offer. Sadly, it has taken a while but the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has announced CaSandra Diggs as its new president.
She was formerly the Chief Administrative and Financial officer; however, this promotion opens more doors as she steers the affairs of the prestigious fashion organisation. Diggs will be reporting to CFDA CEO Steven Kolb and the Board of Directors, of which designer Tom Ford is currently chairman. She has been with the CFDA since 2001 and according to the CFDA, “she will be charged with developing strategy and making decisions that further the CFDA’s purpose to champion, educate, and support its membership and the fashion industry-at-large.”
CFDA CEO Kolb said in a statement, “CaSandra is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations.
“Expanding her role will provide the CFDA with more opportunity to meet the needs of the membership in a broad and diverse way. It is a critical time for our industry, and she is the right person with the right ideas to help lead CFDA into the future.”
Many might have heard this a billion times over since the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not in ordinary times because every aspect of our lives has been affected by the pandemic. The fashion industry is no different as it has been hit drastically by the virus.
This is indeed a “critical time” as the future of Fashion Week organised by the CFDA hangs in the balance with an overwhelming amount stipulated to be lost due to current happenings.
However, the CFDA has availed its outfit to both well-known and lesser-known designers in these trying times and has recently collaborated with Harlem’s Fashion Row and assisted in creating the ICON 360 Fund, a $1 million fund for BIPoC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) designers affected by the COVID crisis, among other enterprises.
On her appointment, Diggs said: “CFDA remains a vital pillar of the fashion community. I am delighted to join Tom Ford and Steven Kolb as we continue to advance and evolve the CFDA into a modern, forward-thinking organization that is reflective of our times.” https://face2faceafrica.com/
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Thank you 2020 for giving TheAfricanDream.net a great schooling for 2021 January 2 0 2 1
there’s something that can break you into pieces like you were nothing and leave you gasping for hope. The second thing? Well it is that it’s OK to fall and fail, for the best way to the top is always from the bottom, you just have to be humble and human enough to seek help and remember why you went down.
Oral Ofori
Before I share with you some of my most well-received lessons from 2020, I first want to say thank you to everyone and every situation that allowed me to do better this year, yes even COVID19. Speaking of coronavirus, I want to ask you to join me in taking a 30 seconds pause in honor of all the departed souls snatched by this pandemic.
2020 was supposed to have been my perfect vision. OK so I didn’t expect everything to go the way I had planned it, but heck I also didn’t expect everything to go haywire and off-track either. For those of us that made it and are still here, we are no special than those who didn’t. I share the pain of those who lost businesses and opportunities, and again even of those who grieving their lost.
about Today’s date is December 30, 2020, it is a Wednesday, there’s already a vaccine for COVID19, but there’s also a newer and more virulent strain of this virus that is criss crossing its way around the globe like Abedi Pele dribbling a ball on a field. There are those leery of this new vaccine, and then there are those of you who let me do what I enjoy — digital storytelling.
Permit me to thank all my readers and supporters across the globe immensely for journeying with me on my digital storytelling train. Thanks to you we wrote and shared amazing stories [a few of them were told in video too], all of which greatly inspired me, opened my eyes to the possibilities the future presents when one surrounds themselves and their thoughts with positivity, persistence, and determination.
If 2020 didn’t break you it doesn’t mean you are too hard, be thankful for life If there’s anything I’ve learnt from 2020 then it is these two things: that no matter how energized you are by a positive mental attitude,
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what life and nature have to offer — that way you might be lucky enough to discover the gifts inside you that are waiting to fill someone else up.
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What I didn’t learn well in 2020 that will prepare me for 2021 I don’t know what 2021 has to offer, but I know whatever it is, I am taking it with the lessons from 2020 and setting Hope is a good thing, and it is what I got from the situations and people that allowed myself up to do better by learning to not me to tell their stories, in a way they were forget the lessons of the hustle so I can look at the bigger picture. Ghanaian dighelping me make sense of this pandemic ital marketer and consultant Edward and myself. Most of the stories I told before lockdown painted a clearer picture Asare did just that. He reminded me of the fact that who you are is not where of how blessed I was to be able to do the you are, rather who you are is what’s things I did. Like this January 2020 piece about Masao Meroe, an African-American inside you, and so long as you’re nurturwho had freshly gained his Ghanaian citi- ing it, you will flourish wherever. zenship. It made me more appreciative Edward said to me during one of the being Ghanaian, something I sometimes few times that I interviewed him; “In the took for granted. village, I just learned to accept myself, Masao’s story was my second of a 3-piece- but not my predicament. I gave everywriting adventure I took over a period of 3 thing that I did my all, knowing that it months to discover what it felt like for for- was going to pay off one day. I however didn’t expect that day to arrive at this eigners obtaining Ghanaian citizenship. Unbeknownst to me, I was going to go on time, especially amidst a pandemic. I have been humbled by all…“ another adventure of writing series that I would title ‘Heroes of COVID-19‘ that My name is Oral Ofori, I am a will capture the stories of institutions and individuals who were bringing joy in their Ghanaian-American digital storyteller, small ways to people straddled in front of a and an information and communication pandemic that had only started to show its research media consultant with about a decade and a half of experience telling true ugliness. the stories of Africans and how they positively impact the world. Thank you ‘Heroes of COVID-19’ started in April 2020 and at the time of writing this piece, 2020 for all the stories you helped me tell, for helping me recognize the patit had featured 12 compelling stories of terns I need to understand to do better in people across Africa and the world that 2021. changed my perspective on life itself. There are so many more such people out there that I am looking forward to writing Happy New Year in advance. Now 2021 let's get ready to RUMBLE, there are so about in 2021. many stories waiting to be told, learn The one lesson I wished I had learned ear- more at www.oralofori.com! lier in 2020 was the art of slowing down, I wish I had taken more time to slow down, given myself more breaks, even if to just Written by Oral Ofori do some vegging out. It is OK to do that too, sometimes it’s not just OK to pause, but to completely come to a halt, and enjoy
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January 2021
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Kenya appoints Naomi Campbell as tourism ambassador but that has triggered an uproar
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Twitter, many Kenyans were outraged by the appointment of Campbell, saying there are Kenya celebrities who could be appointed to become ambassadors. One Twitter user wrote: “Let’s address this because it’s clear it’s time for @tunajibu to retire..so Apparently Naomi Campbell is to become #Magicalkenya International Ambassador. #Kenya has International celebrities like Lupita, Debra Sanaipei, Christine Wawira, but he picked a Non Kenyan for this? How?”
Naomi Campbell. Pic credit: Pixelformula/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock ABU MUBARIK
A move by Kenyan authorities to improve the country’s tourism numbers has resulted in a backlash. Kenya’s tourism sector has taken a nosedive following the spread of the COVID-19 and lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus.
According to a report by Kenya’s Tourism Research Institute, tourists numbers have fallen by 72% between January and October last year. “The sector hence lost over 110bn Kenyan shillings [$1bn, £738m] of direct international tourists’ revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” the report noted.
To reverse the downward spiral, Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry appointed British supermodel Naomi Campbell to become an
ambassador for the industry. The 50year-old model has 10 million followers on Instagram and Kenya is seeking to leverage this mass to revive its tourism sector. “Supermodel Naomi Campbell has agreed to be Magical Kenya International Tourism Ambassador. She will help promote the marketing of Kenya as an ideal tourism and travel destination to the world,” a statement from the ministry read.
The agreement was reportedly reached over the weekend when the supermodel visited the East African nation. “We welcome the exciting news that Naomi Campbell will advocate for tourism and travel internationally for the magical Kenya brand,” said Najib Balala, the head of the ministry. The appointment of Naomi Campbell has however caused an uproar that is playing out on social media. On
Another user posted: “Ministry of Tourism taps Naomi Campbell, a tired model who has lost her mojo to be the Magical Kenya international Brand Ambassador and is to market Kenya as a tourism and travel destination. Why not @Lupita_Nyongo or one of our daughters of international repute? Lol” “Lupita Nyong’o would have made a better Magical Kenya International Ambassador compared to Naomi Campbell. Well, It’s just what I think,” another Twitter user posted.
Many Twitter users did also express shock at the uproar that greeted the appointment of Campbell, particularly, comparing her with Kenyan model Lupita Nyongo. “Look at Kenya’s International arrivals, the USA is first, contributing 12.9% followed closely by Italy with 12.0%. the UK comes in 3rd with a share of 9.5%, followed by Germany with 7.2%. Naomi Campbell appeals more to their citizens than Lupita Nyong’o does.”
“Kenyans should understand that these two top models Naomi Campbell and Lupita Nyongo pose and commands quite different niche markets when it comes to sponsor different entities,here the CS @tunajibu has something unique why he’s targeting Naomi Campbell and not otherwise!”
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Elite Ladies Club donates to Amadies Orphanage Home in Jacobu, Ashanti region
The world continues to make efforts in fighting global hunger. And rightly so because food is one of the necessities of life. The United Nations through its Sustainable Development Goals is working towards a better and sustainable future for all. With SDGs number 2 putting the spotlight on “Zero Hunger”, countries are entreated to do their bit to support the fight at the global level.
Ghana is among the many countries who are working hard to achieve the realization of a “zero hunger’ world”. At the national level, the implementation of the School Feeding Programme is reducing hunger and keeping more children in school. But the fact remains that a lot more needs to be done in bridging the gap on food insecurity.
When we talk about food insecurity, orphans and homeless children suffer its repercussions the most. It is in this light that the Elite Ladies Club (ELC), an NGO in USA with presence in Ghana, has taken it upon itself to support some orphanages in Ghana. On Sunday 3rd January 2021, the club reached out to the Amadies Foundation Orphanage Home in Jacobu in the Ashanti Region with a donation. The donation included food items such as bags of rice, sugar, gallons of cooking oil, cases of drinks, assorted biscuits and toiletries. In the spirit of merry making in the season, the club also served the children with deliciously prepared meals to enable them enjoy the holiday festivities. The home caters for about One Hundred children between the ages of 2 years and 15 years.
Representatives of the Elite Ladies in Ghana: Esther Boateng, Enid Ohenewaa, Anita Adu and Evelyn Gyamfi who presented the donation reiterated the club’s mission in building sustainable development and supporting underserved communities. Receiving the items, Madam Comfort Amadie, CEO of the orphanage was thankful to the club for the gesture and used the opportunity to appeal to the public to as a matter of urgency try to reach out to orphanages across the country to support their operations, thereby putting smiles on the faces of orphans and other needy children.
Elite Ladies Club has made similar donations in the last year to Royal Seed Orphanage Home in Central region, Nwamasi Community Clinic in Ashanti region, and Mamprobi Polyclinic in Accra. The organization has also been involved in many charitable events in the United States including feeding the homeless, donations to the needy, caregiving services at nursing homes and many others.
To support our mission please visit online at www.elcus.org to donate
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Tunisia Set To Lose Stolen Millions In Swiss Banks
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Tunisian Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi speaks during a press conference to announce a wide cabinet reshuffle in the capital Tunis, on January 16, 2021. FETHI BELAID / AFP
Tunisia could lose millions of dollars stashed in Switzerland by the family of ousted dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, a senior official said Saturday.
The funds are currently frozen by Swiss authorities but a deadline to claw back funds ends midnight on Tuesday and restrictions then cease, a presidential official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Swiss authorities imposed a 10-year freeze on assets of Ben Ali and his clan amid a corruption probe on January 19, 2011, five days after the toppled leader fled to Saudi Arabia, where he later died.
Swiss-based campaign group Public Eye, which investigates human rights violations by Swiss companies, estimates Ben Ali’s family and allies shifted some $320 million into Swiss banks in the years before his ouster.
Leila Trabelsi, Ben Ali’s widow, and her wealthy businessman brother Belhassen Trabelsi, are among 30 to 50 of his relatives and associates who “could get hold of the money”, the source said. “We are in touch daily with the Swiss authorities, but despite their understanding, it will be difficult to achieve anything” by the deadline, the source added.
The Swiss have reportedly demanded docu-
ments to prove the funds are indeed illegal, before they could return it to Tunisia’s government.
Swiss authorities also want to know the legal status of members of the Ben Ali clan, many of whom faced warrants and trials in Tunisia for corruption, the source said.
The authorities have failed to compile the information due to political instability in Tunisia, which has seen nine government since 2011, the source added.
Swiss daily Le Temps said Swiss officials had offered to create a joint body to support Tunisian efforts to reclaim the cash.
But former Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi, who died in 2019, preferred to try retrieve funds through reconciliation deals with members of the Ben Ali clan.
https://howafrica.com/
One Ahmed Umar Bolori shared a photo of Kanuri-British Rahma Monguno drinking camel urine in Borno, Nigeria.
Rahma is the son of late former Nigerian minister and influential Borno politician, Shettima Ali Monguno, who died in 2016. According to Bolori, Monguno encourages people to drink camel urine, milk and eat the meat for health benefits..
“Meet Kanuri-British Rahma Monguno (the man pictured below sipping Camel Urine). He drinks and encourages the ‘sipping’ of Camel Urine and drinking of the Milk as well as eating the meat for health benefits. He however caution people to first seek medical advice. One man’s meat is another’s poison. I’ve tried the urine twice but the milk and meat severally along with Rahma.” he wrote. Monguno further claimed that camel urine is good for heart and liver issues.
“There are warnings attached to science, just as in most edibles. The ones we attain here, are from healthy animals that are migratory, so during the dry season, the milk is available as is the urine, all fresh. It lasts for about 3_4 months a year, before the herds move out again for grazing. It’s good for heart and liver issues, and more, but please do research on the internet, there are conflicting issues.” said Monguno. https://howafrica.com/
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Heroes of COVID-19: Ghana’s Edward Asare wins amid deadly pandemic
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Africans, mostly youths, from countries like Liberia, South Africa, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Ghana. Mr. Edward Asare and his amazing endurance excited a lot of our readers through his online community.
“Edward has a combined social media following of almost 301k broken down into 16k likes on Facebook, 8.7k on Instagram, 46k on Twitter, and a Facebook public group with over 246k membership,” revealed Oppong Clifford Benjamin of TheAfricanDream.net who is one of the team members that assessed Edward’s work. Clifford reported that Edward used his pages in ways that positively attracted following, increasing his growth and online visibility in the process. “For me, it was not really about the numbers of people that he directly influenced online, but how he single-handedly made sense of it all and still had time to be the social media manager of YEN.com.gh as well,” Clifford said. “This guy is delivering positive results to all these pages he manages while also helping promote the works of individuals and corporations by giving valuable pieces of advice and tips about traversing social media amidst a pandemic. That’s selfless hard work right there.” TheAfricanDream.net loved how Edward provided solace, info, and opportunities for many of his online community members.
From double-trouble to double-glory, and still pushing Here is what TheAfricanDream.net December Covid-19 Hero, and YEA 2020 Digital Media Influencer who studied business at Accra Academy in Ghana said: “This double-glory today reminds me of my double-trouble days. I remember after I graduated from the University of Ghana in 2012 where I studied Economics and Information Studies, I had to leave the allure of Ghana’s capital to return to farming in my rural village in Dawatrim-Asesewa in the Eastern Region because I couldn’t find a job.“
Edward Asare proudly displaying his 2020 YEA Digital Media Influence Award This 27-year-old Ghanaian named Edward Asare has shown fit for our December 2020 Covid-19 Hero. his true mettle amidst COVID-19 by rising from the point of being unemployed for over two years to becoming a force Almost 301k following on social media and still worth reckoning with in the Ghanaian social media landscape. selfless
Mr. Asare, originally from Dawatrim-Asesewa in the Eastern Region, granted TheAfricanDream.net an insightful interview early in August of 2020 where he shared amazing tips about how to make money online. That interview was well received after its publication, and it was no surprise when four months down the line in November 2020 we heard that he had been adjudged Digital Media Influencer in Ghana by Youth Excellence Awards (YEA).
When we heard that Clique Empire, organizers of the YEA had announced winners for the 2020 edition, our eyes glistened when we saw Mr. Asare’s name on the list. After putting together a quick meeting, the management of TheAfricanDream.net decided Mr. Asare will also be the best
Yes, it is a double-glory for Edward as he is honored by YEA Africa, through its awards scheme that seeks to recognize and celebrate outstanding youths in Africa who push to create positive impacts on society in their various fields of work. And at the same time, he was named among the Heroes of Covid-19; a series that brings recognition to people in the backdrop of a world facing a darkness who still shine lights of hope to inspire humanity.
Edward Asare proudly displaying his 2020 YEA Digital Media Influence Award Heroes of Covid-19 has since its inception had the honor of capturing wonderful stories of amazing
“In the village, I just learned to accept myself, but not my predicament. I gave everything that I did my all, knowing that it was going to pay off one day. I however didn’t expect that day to arrive at this time, especially amidst a pandemic. I have been humbled by all this. I’m dedicating these wins to everyone in my past and present who helped me or gave me a hard time — you have all contributed to this great day,” said the Digital Media Consultant who also asked that the world continue to adhere to safety protocols as the fight against Covid-19 continues. Some tips Edward shared with us about staying relevant online as a business amidst a pandemic included “don’t disregard your customer/client because of this pandemic, always keep connected, advertise more online, take advantage of new initiatives across respective social media platforms that encourage businesses that have been forced to move online, remember you competitors are still competing but don’t panic because of this, just position yourself confidently as clients and people in general love confidence that deliver positive results.” Congratulations once again Edward Asare, we can’t wait to see you grow into further greatness as you continue to excel and give businesses and clients ideas to thrive in these hard times. See you soon in the United States as we gather some of our Heroes of Covid-19 hopefully under one roof to share their respective stories with each other before mid-2021. Written by Oral Ofori
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13895 Hedgewood Dr, suite 317 Woodbridge, VA 22193
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Adjiringano Botwe Rd. Next to Goil StationEast Legon, Accra LOC: Abogba : Near the Cemetary Opposite Shell Petrol Station Accra
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Heroes of COVID-19: Plus 109.4K Oklahomans push Kojo AsamoaCaesar
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“I spoke my truth; I shared my story and my values. I didn’t come out as fake. I didn’t pretend to be something that I wasn’t and I think people are drawn to that. People are drawn to authenticity and there are too many fakers and pretenders in our politics nowadays,” said Kojo Asamoa-Caesar who felt people got drawn to his candidature because of the authenticity in his campaign message.
Kojo holding his daughter Hadassah and standing next to his wife Onikah Asamoa-Caesar in photo courtesy of Facebook
Kojo Asamoa–Caesar became the first GhanaianAmerican to receive a major political party nomination for federal office in the United States (US) when he was nominated to run for congress after winning the primaries in his district as a black man, a feat that hasn’t happened in over a century in that district.
Mr. Asamoa-Caesar is TheAfricanDream.net Hero of COVID-19 for the month of November 2020.
The Ghanaian-American politician based in Oklahoma and a member of the Democratic Party was nominated to represent Oklahoma’s 1st congressional district of Tulsa after elections on 30, 2020. And Even though he lost to Kevin Hern, the incumbent, Kojo’s candidature drew a lot of positive attention given its historical antecedents.
So first of all he became our COVID-19 Hero here at TheAfricanDream.net just for the mere fact that he dared to run for office as a Democrat in a place like Oklahoma’s 1st district which has had 19 representatives since it was created in 1907, none of which has been black. We thought it was more interesting especially when the fact is considered that of these 19, only 7 were Democrats and the remaining 13 were Republicans.
Since the second half of the 20th century, this district has leaned increasingly Republican with the last 5 representatives coming from that party since
1984. For a black man to dare to dream this big and run for office there is truly inspirational, a dare that got a lot of his native Ghanaians behind him, the continent of Africa as well, and over 109.454 native Oklahomans who cast their ballots in support of him.
Kojo raked 33% of the total votes in the district in the November 2020 elections, before that he won the primaries in there 63.6%, both margins are the largest ever recorded in the district in over 3 decades. The fact that he put his job as a lawyer and a kindergarten school teacher on hold for almost a year in pursuit of his ambitions to serve speaks to his character.
For him, it is not merely about winning office, but passionately about making the American dream accessible to all hardworking honest people living in the US, whether they be Americans or not.
He is a genuine people’s man, the reason why he is wanted back: “many electorates have entreated me to come back and contest for that office again and I will yield to the call in the right time,” he disclosed to TheAfricanDream.net, saying, it might be for some other kind of office, “but you will certainly see my name on the ballot again…“
“There will come a moment for the need for a messenger with the message that I am well suited to deliver, and when that call comes I will answer it.”
On behalf of TheAfricanDream.net, I asked Mr. Asamoa–Caesar whether he had anything to say about the upcoming elections in Ghana on December 7, 2020. He did, by calling for the elections to be free and fair and for losers in the elections to concede defeat peacefully, whether in the presidential or parliamentary race, as the office was bigger than whoever occupied it. Such acts will set a good example for Ghana’s growing democracy and Africa as a continent. “If we want to advance our democracy and ensure that there is trust in our institutions then leaders have to be committed to putting the interest of the country before party or self.“ This is not the end, it is only the beginning, and like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kojo Asamoa-Caesar-Caesar tells his supporters worldwide that “I will be back!“
Written by Oral Ofori
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TOP 20 BEST UNIVERSITIES IN AFRICA
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US-based Ghanaian Surgeon To Complete Us$11 Million Pharmaceutical Plant In Ghana
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Reconstructive Efforts) Worldwide in 2008, an organization that provides free reconstructive surgeries in various African countries to children and adults with disfiguring deformities from birth, accidents, and diseases, involving not only the head and neck region but also the extremities, trunk, and breasts. R.E.S.T.O.R.E also educates local healthcare professionals on the latest techniques and safety measures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
TOP 20 BEST UNIVERSITIES IN AFRICA- US world news ranking system (2021) 1. University of Cape Town (Rank in the world=103) 2. University of witwatersrand (Rank in the world=192) 3. University of stellenbosch (Rank in the world=321) 4. University of kwazulu-natal (Rank in the world=332) 5. University of Johannesburg (Rank in the world=378) 6. Cairo University (Rank in the world= 427) 7. University of Pretoria (Rank in the world= 444) 8. University of ibadan (Rank in the world= 525) 9. Mansoura University (Rank in the world= 547) 10. Addis Ababa University (Rank in the world= 553) 11. North west University (Rank in the world= 564) 12. Kwame Nkrumah university of Science and Technology Ghana (Rank in the world= 580) 13. University of Casablanca Hassan II (Rank in the world= 618) 14. Makerere University (Rank in the world= 631) 15. Ain shams University (Rank in the world= 648) 16. University of the Western cape (Rank in the world= 729) 17. Alexandria University (Rank in
the world= 790) 18. University of Nairobi (Rank in the world= 792) 19. Mohammed V University (Rank in the world= 807) 20. University of gondar (Rank in the world= 826) The rankings are based on, Global research reputation (12.5%), Regional research reputation (12.5%), Publications (10%), Books (2.5%), Conferences (2.5%), Normalized citation impact (10%), Total citations (7.5%), Number of publications that are among the 10% most cited (12.5%), Percentage of total publications that are among the 10% most cited (10%), International collaboration – relative to country (5%), International collaboration (5%), Number of highly cited papers that are among the top 1% most cited in their respective field ( 5%), Percentage of total publications that are among the top 1% most highly cited papers (5%) https://howafrica.com
United States-based Ghanaian surgeon Dr Michael K Obeng is set to continue the construction of a multimillion-dollar pharmaceutical plant in Ghana.
The project worth between US$8.5 to US$11 million dollars was started in 2019 to manufacture affordable and effective, superior quality medications that meet the highest international standards, for the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria, and pain, therefore making a vital contribution in curbing and mitigating the challenges and risks associated with counterfeit medications imported from China, India, and Pakistan.
It came to a screeching halt due to the global COVID19 pandemic. His goal is to continue the project this month and also to meet with corroborates from Belarus and Morocco.
The underlying motivation behind this project is to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa in order to improve public health outcomes and to positively contribute to economic development across the continent.
A statement by Dr Obeng with the heading ‘Drugs for Africans by Africans’ read “It is very evident that the disruption of COVID-19 has reinforced the necessity for closer integration amongst Africans to boost mutual self-sufficiency, strengthen the continent’s economies, and reduce dependence on external sources.”
It added, “projects such as these, significantly enhance the continent’s economic fortunes, creating prosperity, and providing opportunities for employment for the broad masses of Africans, particularly the youth.”
An award-winning, renowned Ghanaian American Harvard-trained plastic surgeon and a Global Health Strategist. Dr Michael K Obeng is a former Chief of Plastic Surgery, at St Elizabeth Boardman Health Centre in Ohio, US. A philanthropist, humanitarian, health-care consultant, and a true visionary, he has transcended barriers and all stereotypes; continuing to trail-blaze paths that many only dream of.”
Dr. Obeng founded R.E.S.T.O.R.E (Restoring Emotional Stability Through Outstanding
The Foundation has donated over 50 (fifty) million US Dollars worth of free of charge reconstructive surgeries in three different continents over the past 11 years. He is also the President and CEO of Global Health Solution, a healthcare consulting firm, that is bridging the gap between morbidity and healthy living.
Dr Miko, as he is fondly known, believes that “a healthy nation is a wealthy nation”.
The sector makes significant contributions to the overall economic development through enhanced export activity, increased intraAfrican trade, the emergence of supportive industries and the reduced reliance on imports of which very limited oversight by national regulatory authorities is possible thus contributes to the increasing pressure on national foreign exchange reserves and foster trade deficits, which result in negative impacts on national economies.
Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector is valued at US$300 million and comprises consumer/retail sales as well as the export of products to other West African countries.
The industry boasts an estimated 40 registered manufacturers of which 22 are currently active. Ghana’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector directly employs 5,000 workers, 10 manufacturers account for 80% of the total industry output which in turn provides the springboard for Africa’s economic integration and rapid growth.
https://www.ghanaweb.com/
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Winners Church, Virginia Celebrate 10th Anniversary
January 2021
Winners Church, a Virginia-based mega-church crowned their 10th-anniversary celebration with a musical program, a thanksgiving and ordination service.
He concluded his message with some powerful demonstration of the strategic direction. He said “ You have to note the strategy of the shepherd” and also called for the support of the congregation for the Pastor. On Saturday December 19th Winners Church At the end of his sermon Pastor James launched its 10 year anniversary celebration Sturdivant long time mentor to Pastor with a live and virtual musical praise night at Henry and Mrs. Floral Godwin ordained the Church’s Dumfries, Virginia auditorium. Pastor Henry as a Pastor called to the servMany members of the church and the communi- ice of God, and then laid his hands on both ty gathered to celebrate the huge milestone. of them and prayed for them. With the The climax of the celebration was a thanksgivgrowth of the Church it has become necesing service on Sunday December 20th. Pastor sary to elevate leaders to support the pastor Henry Godwin the Senior Pastor of the Church as such Pastor Henry Godwin called and expressed his profound appreciation to his wife, elevated the following members in the minthe leadership of the Church and the entire con- istry. Zenny Oluwo, Kola Fagbenro and gregation for the support they have given him to Margaret Emuh were ordained as Associate enable the Church to thrive despite all chalpastors. Elvis Odika was elevated as a lenges. The Host Pastor also testified that the Deacon with Daniel Mukete and Jacques Church has been sustained financially throughLengo being called to office as elders . out its 10 year span without any external finan- Adeola Tella and Jane Fon Nongni were cial support. called into service as ministers in training. The Genesis Awards being plaques with citations of appreciation were presented to certain The primary goal of Winners Church, personalities who have served faithfully in vari- Virginia is to develop men and women who ous capacities in the church since its inception. are on fire for God. Pastor and First Lady
Godwin place the spiritual growth and Guest Psalmist, Minister Abbey Cheche swept maturity at the forefront of the ministry. the entire congregation to their feet with musical tunes from his saxophone. He electrified the service with high praise and worship songs with Nigerian talking drums blurting in the background. That musical interlude prepared the ground for an inspirational message by the guest speaker Pastor James Sturdivant. In his brief message Pastor Sturdivant admonished the Church by reading from Exodus 17:817. He said “Before you win you travail through confrontations as such your beginning cannot dictate how your story ends. Winning is how your story ends. He went on “We are more than conquerors, it does not mean you have to fight but must have shown up and be confronted. Put on the whole armor of God and stand to get what you stood for.’
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Heroes of COVID-19: Cameroonian-American Emmanuel Kulu Jnr on Kemet Afrikan
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ly and the little things we have — just like in the days of Kemet,” Kulu explained.
Despite the pandemic Kulu has nevertheless not stopped educating the masses in the diaspora about the true African history, he is using online platforms and making the most of the Internet to reach the world, which is how we found him.
This 2021, Kulu plans on releasing his second book to I, Black Pharaoh Golden age of Triumph, and a children’s book as well. The Buffalo New York-based historian advises other African historians to not “teach with resentment to oppressors, with hateful, racist, and unjust speech. However, continue to spread the remarkable history of Africa with love because Africa is where all humanity began.“
The mission of TheAfricanDream.net to tell the stories of Africa and Africans from an African perspective led to the initiation of the ‘Heroes of COVID-19’ writing series in April 2020. The series celebrates individuals and organizations in defiance of the Coronavirus Pandemic carrying out their functions to fight the deadly virus, like Mr. Emmanuel Kulu Jnr. who is our January 2021 COVID-19 hero.
Mr. Emmanuel Kulu Jnr., an African Historian and Author of Cameroon’s Zulu/Bantu Tribe is also a career social worker deeply passionate about history and creative arts. Kulu began his professional creative career in 2015 with film writing and acting. Some of his early roles were in films like The Rize & Fall of Tephlon Ent., Bug Love, and The First Purge.
Emmanuel Kulu Snr (left) in file photo In more recent years, Kulu turned his focus to his African lineage. After several years of deep study and research of great African kingdoms, he drew his attention to ancient Egypt, which serves as the monarch of African Studies and Antiquities. What made Kulu a great fit for our ‘Heroes of COVID-19‘ January 2021 pick was his deep questioning of the validity of prior novel and film depictions of ancient Egyptians who were, in fact, African people.
As an African Historian, Kulu has traveled around for lectures, seminars, and conferences on the miseducation of African history at various high schools, colleges, and universities, a great service TheAfricanDream.net feels is badly needed, especially for the youths who might be distracted by prolonged exposure to the wrong kinds of media owing to the pandemic lockdown.
See both sides of the spectrum, and bridge the gaps between Based on his thorough research, Kulu created a historical fiction based on true events in writing. These works were “I, Black Pharaoh: Rise to Power (2020)” and “I, Black Pharaoh: Golden Age of Triumph (2021)“. Both novels restore the true African imagery of Ancient Egypt, which is known as Kemet.
TheAfricanDream.net recognized Kulu’s nonprofits engagements in the development of African history and asked him what was the inspiration behind what he did. Beginning with a faint pride smile in his voice, he said “As an African living in America, I was subjected to a Eurocentric Curriculum, but thankfully my African father, Emmanuel Kulu, Sr. raised me
in line with the glorious achievements of ancient Africa.”
“That upbringing with a heavy devotion to who I am as an African led me to pursue the need to educate those that have been misled on their African history in the western world. Yes it was going to be a Herculean task, but all big tasks have small beginnings, and I saw my opportunity to begin in my small way through my writings,” Kulu said.
The need to correct the many misinformation in African history has been a major concern to teachers of African history in America, indeed. Kulu saw a responsibility there to contribute his bit to fixing this error by being an ambassador of Africa in the Diaspora. What better person for this all-important task than a man whose father is a Bantu descent of Zulu extraction. and a mother (Betty Kulu) who is African-American.
“I was able to see both sides of the spectrum, and bridge the gaps between the two,” Kulu told TheAfricanDream.net of his parents’ influence on him – his father played for the Indomitable Lions in the early ’70s — national football team of Cameroon.
Lets all now go back to Kemet amidst COVID-19 and teach the love of Africa This history adventurer needs to leave their comfort zone to do best what he does because he wants to impact the African diaspora in ways that will make them look at themselves with pride and no longer see themselves as slaves or people of poverty. He does this by telling his followers and listeners that “to know where you are going, you must know where you came from. Wake up Africa, you are royalty!“
Coronavirus has affected everyone in many negative ways. It impeded many of Kulu’s planned book tours, conferences, and seminars. He told TheAfricanDream.net that he has lost associates and friends to the icy grips of COVID-19. This pandemic has been tough for many small businesses in the United States and across the world, especially African and African-American business owners.
“But the virus in a way presents a fine example for us all to return to our African cultural roots and maintain the healthy life habits of our forefathers and foremothers from generations past. To practice cleanliness on the level they did and train our children and family in this practice. To learn patience, faith in God, kindness, and begin to appreciate more the value of fami-
The truth Cannot be hidden forever For years, the Western world through mediums like film, novels, and educational literature has continued to perpetuate the perspective of the “European/Middle Eastern” depiction of Ancient Egypt. But is this depiction accurate based on how the Ancient Egyptians depicted themselves? Well, the answer is, No!
“By unanimous testimony from Greek historians and philosophers including Aristotle, Herodias, Pythagoras, Hippocrates and many more including African kings like Mansa Musa (Musa I) the richest human to have ever lived, and even ancient Egyptians themselves, the people of Kemet were no different than other black Africans in physical appearance and features,” — Emmanuel Kulu.
“This kind of knowledge emboldens me as a person with African descent,” Kulu disclosed to TheAfricanDream.net as he recounted how onetime upon posting his book cover via social media, he had to overcome racism from commenters. “I was constantly called monkey, nigger, slave, and was even accused of black-washing Ancient Egypt. This happened so often that it made him want to give up,” but he kept pushing on, letting his knowledge and history of his past drive him into his light.
It is his quest to share his light and his father’s advice to continue the path of truth and understanding that kept him going and to ignore “those who oppose the African truth as they have been miseducated,” he said, concluding that “it is not their fault that they have been miseducated, but it could be my fault for not sharing my knowledge amidst opposition, the truth cannot be hidden forever.”
Follow TheAfricanDream.net ‘Heroes of COVID-19’ person for January 2021 as @iblackpharaoh on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Written by Oral Ofori
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Newest Station in Takoradi — Sankofa Radio FIFA-recognized European 98.9 Begins Test Transmission in Ghana agent Alessio Sundas is now eyeing US soccer
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In the business of football, precisely in the area of scouting and player management, Alessio Sundas is a household name in Europe. This Italian sports agent and founder of Sports Man (scouting agency) is also a media entrepreneur, author, and television personality who wants to imprint on Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States (US).
Sankofa Radio is the oil city of Takoradi latest radio addition, operating on 98.9 Mhz on the FM band, Sankofa began its official test transmission on Monday, January 4, 2021, in Ghana. 98.9 studios in Takoradi The newly born radio station based in Chapel Hill started its official test transmission ahead of real programming which is scheduled to begin February 1, 2021. The station which promises to deliver quality content with international taste will be targeting Ghanaians locally and those in the diaspora.
Sankofa Radio 98.9 will compete in the mass end market demographic with most of its content presented in local Ghanaian languages. Investigations by TheAfricanDream.net uncovered that the station, which is currently operating from its studio across from “Ship House” near the Bank of Ghana building in Takoradi, is a commercial station that will focus on social issues, sports, music, entertainment, and educative programs as well as initiatives focused on serving as a bridge between Ghanaians living in the country and those abroad. The station with Ultra-modern studio will operate under the tagline “Y3nso Y3ndze Nyi”, which translates from the Ghanaian Fante language into English to mean “this is ours also“
Having had the opportunity to listen to its initial testing on-air, TheAfricanDream.net can attest to the audio quality of this new radio, and we invite Sekondi-Takoradi folks to scan your radio set to 98.9 Mhz now and keep it locked there to enjoy refreshingly good infotainment with quality sound.
As part of efforts to spice up programming, the station’s management disclosed to TheAfricanDream.net that they “will be relaying Mama Effe’s show, ‘Obra’ to the line up for 1-3pm on weekdays. As the only radio station in Ghana’s Western region to do this, we feel very humbled and also responsible to set a
Recently, in 2020, Alessio Sundas who is also a renowned FIFA agent and players’ manager started making inroads into the MLS. The celebrated player-manager who in 2018 initiated the restoration of the Serie A Championship to its former glory, in an interview with TheAfricanDream.net revealed that: "MLS is a fantastic market and footballing communities are starting to like it here in the USA too."
quality pace for the area and our audience. Mama Effe of Nhyira 104.5FM in Kumasi hosts arguably the most popular radio show in Ghana, which is Obra, and we are excited to be simulcasting her.”
Sankofa Radio 98.9 is also already streaming on www.sankofaradio.com, and could be found at mytunein.com, Ghanaweb.com, Modernghana.com, and all major Ghanaian radio streaming platforms online. For partnership and collaborations visit their website as they prepare to take the entire Ghanaian local language radio to the next level.
Written by Oral Ofori
The man has over 20 years of management experience managing great footballers like Italian-Tunisian goalkeeper Aladin Ayoub, and Ferjani Sassi who is one of Africa’s best midfielders now playing with Egypt’s Zamalek SC.
"I am trying to enter the American market and I must say that I am receiving great satisfaction. I am increasing my contacts and networks more and more in the process. I found many guys with a great desire to improve and do well in the MLS too. I’ve been working with several of them in the hope that I will be successful at placing European players into MLS to help enhance its championships," Alessio shared.
Sundas MLS and World soccer initiatives Sundas is well known in the soccer community for proposing initiatives that lead to the development of league structures and football business in general. A recent example being in February 2020 where he proposed to FIFA to allow the use of non-EU players to play in Serie A and European clubs, he has also made a proposal for radical change in the American MLS championship.
He shared with TheAfricanDream.net that "the American championship, like everything here, is spectacular and indeed magnificent. However, I notice that many things are missing and certainly its regulation can be changed for the better. I am also working in this direction with targeted proposals." Read also: FIFA financial aid amid COVID-19 to support member associations The Italian FIFA agent said of his sensational proposal to better MLS when he said "it will not derive enough money just from enrolling clubs in the championships, there needs to be some very specific rules."
"There will need to be a change in the rules, which will introduce
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Issa Hayatou Decorated Honorary CAF President
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US embassy celebrates Nigerian doctor who helped Pfizer develop COVID-19 vaccine
The US embassy in Nigeria has celebrated Onyema Ogbuagbu, a Nigerianborn researcher and medical doctor, for his role in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Former CAF President Issa Hayatou was on played in the central African country from 16 Friday decorated Honorary President of the January to 7 February 2021. organization at a colourful ceremony in Yaounde in his native Cameroon. The decision to confer the Honorary President title on Hayatou was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee at its meeting last month, Acting CAF President Constant Omari presented and was unanimously approved by the CAF a plaque and symbolic official CAF match ball General Assembly. to the iconic leader in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the star-studded event. The Acting CAF President lauded the role of the 74-year-old, who led the continent’s football Members of the CAF Executive Committee, sev- governing body from 1988 to 2017, towards the eral FA Presidents and Cameroon Government development of the game in Africa. officials were also in attendance when the longest-serving leader in CAF history was festooned. https://howafrica.com/ The event took place on the eve of the opening of Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), the tournament designed exclusively for home-based players, and which will be
Pfizer and BioNTech had announced that the first vaccine they developed against COVID-19 could prevent more than 90 percent of people from getting infected.
The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns have been raised. Pfizer was quoted as saying it would be able to supply 50 million doses by the end of 2020, and around 1.3 billion by the end of 2021.
Leading Pfizer research for a COVID-19 vaccine is Ogbuagu with years of medical research experience.In a tweet, the US embassy commended the Nigerian-born doctor for helping “the drug company Pfizer develop the first effective COVID-19 vaccine in the United States”.
“Nigerians contribute to the world in so many ways. Our hats off to Dr. Onyema Ogbuagbu at Yale who helped develop a COVID-19 vaccine,” the tweet reads.The US embassy, in its recognition of Ogbuagu’s effort, described it as an “incredible contribution to ending this world-wide pandemic”.
Ogbuagu is one of the twin sons of Chibuzo Ogbuagu, a former vice-chancellor of Abia State University, and Stella Ogbuagu, a professor of sociology who was best graduating student of the 1974 class at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). His twin brother is an engineer.
He studied medicine at the University of Calabar, Cross River state, in 2003. After graduation, he interned at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, before proceeding to the US.
Ogbuagu is an associate professor of medicine in the clinician-educator track and director of the HIV clinical trials programme of the Yale AIDS programme at the Yale School of Medicine.
He is Yale principal investigator on multiple investigational therapeutic and preventative clinical trials for COVID-19, including remdesivir (now FDA approved), leronlimab and remdesivir and tocilizumab combination therapy, as well as the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine trial.
Chris Kamo
https://glpost.com/
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Joe Biden To Sign Executive Order Ending Muslim Travel Ban And 11 Other Trump’s Policies On First Day In Office
deliver economic relief to working families bearing the brunt of this crisis,” Klain writes.
From January 25 to February 1, Klain writes that Biden will issue orders on everything from directing his government to buy American products to beginning to fulfill promises to reform the criminal justice system.
During that week, Biden will also direct the federal government to determine how to reunite children separated from their families at the US-Mexico border, as well as sign additional orders aimed at tackling climate change and expanding access to health care.
US President-elect, Joe Biden plans to sign roughly a dozen executive orders on his first day in the White House, that will show a stunning rebuke of outgoing US President Donald Trump’s policies .
directives to Cabinet agencies in fulfillment of the promises he made.”
The memo also outlines that Biden plans to send Congress a large-scale immigration plan within his first 100 days in office which would offer a pathway to citizenship for the millions The executive orders include rejoining of undocumented immigrants currently in the the Paris climate accord and ending the United States. travel ban on predominantly Muslim Remember this week Biden announced his countries, according to a memo from first legislative priority – a $1.9 trillion coronincoming chief of staff Ron Klain avirus relief package that included direct payreleased Saturday night, January 16. ments to Americans. Biden will also sign orders halting “Full achievement of the Biden-Harris evictions and student loan payments Administration’s policy objectives requires not during the coronavirus pandemic and just the executive actions the president-elect issuing a mask mandate on all federal has promised to take, but also robust property. Congressional action,” Klain wrote. Klain’s Saturday memo, which was The day after Biden is inaugurated, according first reported by the New York Times to Klain, he will “sign a number of executive reads; actions to move aggressively to change the “During the campaign, President-elect course of the COVID-19 crisis and safely reBiden pledged to take immediate action open schools and businesses, including by taking action to mitigate spread through expandto start addressing these crises and ing testing, protecting workers, and establishbuild back better,” Klain writes. ing clear public health standards.” “As president, he will keep those promAnd on January 22, Biden will direct his ises and sign dozens of executive Cabinet agencies to “take immediate action to orders, presidential memoranda, and
“Of course, these actions are just the start of our work,” Klain writes.
“Much more will need to be done to fight COVID19, build our economy back better, combat systemic racism and inequality, and address the existential threat of the climate crisis. But by February 1st, America will be moving in the right direction on all four of these challenges — and more — thanks to President-elect Joe Biden’s leadership.”
https://howafrica.com/
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How Libya Came To Have Its Name
January 2021
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Museveni Wins Uganda's Disputed Election Ke est
allafrica.com Bobi Wine and Yoweri Museveni.
After the overthrow of the enigmatic Muammar alGaddafi nearly ten whole years ago, Libya has fallen off the cusp of self-determination that many countries, African and otherwise envied.
What has played out since 2011 has been the depletion of both the human and environmental resources that fed the country’s wealth and Gaddafi’s power. To this day, there does not seem to be a way out of the mess that many on the continent believe was created in the interest of the United States and powers in Africa. All of this is recent history. But way back before even Gaddafi and the politics that propelled him to power, the territory that was part of the Roman Empire. The deserts of North Africa, particularly the area we now call the Maghreb (Arabic for “place where sun sets” or “the west”) had been conquered by different peoples for thousands of years.
The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, the Aechemenids (a Persian people), the Greeks under Alexander, and later the Ptolemaic dynasties, all ruled this edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Although this part of North Africa had no access to such an essential resource as the Nile, it had no less been populated for at least two millennia before the Phoenicians invaded.
The people autochthonous to this region go by the umbrella name Berber, a corruption of barbari, a nomenclature used by the Ancient Romans for those they deem less-civilized. It is the root term of the word “barbarian” as used in English today. The 6thcentury Roman poet, Corippus, in his book Johannis, describes the Berber as “facies nigroque colorus” which means “faces of the black colour”.
In the same century, Procopius in Book IV of History of the Wars discussed the difference between the Vandals who had settled in North Africa and the Moors. Procopius says that the Vandals were not “black-skinned like the Maurusioi (Moors)”.
The tribes he classified as Maurusioi are those now described as ancient Berber. They include the Numidians, Masaesyle, Gaitules, Massyles, Masmuda and Mezikes. Among the Berber was also the people of the Libu tribe.
Documents dating back to 1,200 years before the common era indicate that the ancient Egyptians interacted with the Libu people. They warred and made peace and for the Egyptians, the Libu to the west became some of the most significant neighbors in antiquity.
Soon enough, by the Punic Wars of the 3rd century before the common era, the whole of the northwest of Africa was referred to as Libya owing to how the Carthaginians spelled Libu. The name would go on to be used to designate a much smaller area after about 600 years.
When Italy colonized modern Libya in 1911, the Europeans stuck with the name. And so did the North Africans themselves after independence in 1951.
NII NTREH | Associate Editor www.face2face.com
President Yoweri Museveni, who first took power in 1986, has been elected to a sixth term in office. The Electoral Commission said Saturday that he won with 58.64 percent of the vote, while his leading challenger Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, polled 34.83 percent. Forum for Democratic Change candidate Amuriat Oboi drew 3.24 per cent of the vote, while each of the remaining candidates attracted less than one percent. Turnout was 57.22 percent of almost 18 million registered voters. A boosted armed forces' presence patrolled nearly deserted streets while army helicopters hovered at low altitudes over some parts of the country while the results were announced. Bobi Wine had already rejected the legitimacy of the results on Friday.
Source Sankofa Radio
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After a painful experience, How Salamat A. Aliu beat the odds to Kevin Jones is now owner of latbecome Nigeria’s first indigenous est Black-owned used car dealertrained female neurosurgeon ship in Charlotte
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Kevin John owns the newest Black-owned used car dealership in Charlotte. Photo Credit: Black Business Kevin John recalls when he was young, his mother used her entire savings, $800, to buy Pontiac Sunbird. The joy of buying a vehicle lasted for only a week as it started having thermostat issues and the head gasket blew.
“We were left on the side of the road, and I remember the sadness and the disappointment in her face vividly. I felt her pain,” John tells Black Business.
Now 38 years old, John doesn’t want anyone to go through the traumatic experience that his family, particularly his mother, went through. He also doesn’t want anyone to become a victim of disingenuous car dealers who deliberately sell faulty cars to unsuspecting customers. In February 2020, he launched his own auto company called Vendu Auto Group in Charlotte, North Carolina, to sell cars. According to Black Business, John is very honest about the type of cars he sells as he doesn’t want to put anyone through the traumatic experience his mom went through.
John started his company by taking some seed money. He then found a lot, applied for a dealership license, bought some cars, and started re-selling cars. He encountered some setbacks but has still managed to triumph.
“I myself have had had plenty of setbacks and bumps in the road, including a bankruptcy now a decade in the rearview. I’ve made my share of poor choices, but the future looks bright and I don’t spend much time looking back. I haven’t had anything handed to me.”
Besides his car dealership, he has other businesses including two tech companies and a real estate company. Those two businesses were motivated by his grandparents, especially his grandfather, Little Willie John, who was a well-known Black entertainer in the 1960s. John’s Vendu Auto Group “employs new and innovative technology built into solid, traditional methodology and it’s core principles – Value to Every Customer,” its website says.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
There are not many female neurosurgeons in Africa as the field is still heavily dominated by men. Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu did not let the lack of representation prevent her from pursuing her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon and now she is the first female neurosurgeon certified in West Africa and the first indigenous trained female neurosurgeon in Nigeria.
Aliu was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, where she received her medical training at the University of Ilorin. After medical school, she took an interest in neurosurgeon and decided to specialize in neurosurgery at Usman Danfodiyo University under the mentorship of Professor BB Shehu. She knew very well that the training would be intensive but that did not scare her in the least bit. She first conceived the idea when she visited the Neurosurgery Centre in Nigeria’s Sokoto State. Despite the foreseeable obstacles and challenges especially being a woman venturing into the field, Aliu still persevered and successfully completed her course. The journey to becoming a certified medically trained neurosurgeon can take up to 15 years of schooling from the first degree right through to the end of the fellowship. To appreciate this great feat by Aliu, one must know that complex neurosurgery could take up to 15 hours in the theatre.
tions including the well-read publication, “Knotting of a nasogastric feeding tube in a child with head injury” with seven other physicians in 2014. They discussed the complications that could arise from placing a nasogastric tube in patients that are unable to feed themselves.
She was listed as part of the top 100 persons of the year by Arewa socio-political group in 2016 for her remarkable work in neurosurgery and advocacy for more women in the neurological field.
Aliu is married with two children and is currently working at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital as a neurosurgeon. She previously worked at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Aliu and her sisters are family goals and evidence that girl-child education is a must. All five of them are medical doctors including Aliu the neurosurgeon; Halima Aliu, a plastic surgeon; Raliat Aliu, an obstetrician and gynecologist; Khadijah Aliu, a family physician, and Medinah Aliu, a public health physician.
Aliu is an inspiration to many young girls and does not want to be the only woman medically certified neurosurgeon in Nigeria and West Africa. She thus continues to mentor other women with hopes of getting more women to consider specializing in neurosurgery.
This specialization involves more than brain surgeries. Neurosurgeons perform spine surgeries and specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders pertaining to the central and peripheral nervous system which includes congenital anomalies, trauma, tumors, vascular disorders, infections of the AMA NUNOO brain or spine, stroke, or degenerative diseases of the spine. https://face2faceafrica.com/ Aliu, who is in her 40s, co-authored three publica-
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HOW I BUILT MY OWN CAR AT THE AGE OF 14 - KELVIN ODARTEI
Kelvin Odartei and his "Kelvinsuik-2020"
In Kelvin Odartei’s young days when he was walking around, picking empty containers and scrap metals to build small vehicles for exhibitions, his mother was against the idea.
“I will say that Kelvin is the type of student who is very…I mean he always wants to explore with every opportunity that comes his way. When you give him something to do, he wants to do and do it very well and even do it extraordinarily.”
“I was trying to stop him because I don’t want my son to be a vagabond,” said Abigail Perbi. But a few years down the And that was how a young Kelvin never gave up on his line, Kelvin has manufactured his own stylish sports car, dream even when he faced challenges. which he calls “Kelvinsuik-2020”, to the admiration of many, and Perbi is now proud of her son’s feat. “I learned how to build the car on my own, and if I find any difficulties in it, I go to one of my friends to solve my The 18-year-old student of the Chantan M/A Basic School problems and also get the functions and names of the other in Accra, Ghana, who just completed his Basic Education car parts,” he said. Certificate Examination (BECE), came into the limelight Adjei, who has been calling on government and private after videos of him driving in his Lamborghini-like car to entities to support Kelvin, said its high time schools paid school on the last day of his BECE examinations went viral more attention to practical knowledge than theoretical, on social media. especially in skill-based subjects.
The 18-year-old student of the Chantan M/A Basic School in Accra, Ghana, who just completed his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), came into the limelight after videos of him driving in his Lamborghini-like car to school on the last day of his BECE examinations went viral on social media.
The young creative genius told Face2Face Africa that he started building the car when he was just 14.
“I saw a moving plane passing by and something told me to build a plane so from that day I started building an aeroplane. It led to a stage, when it reached that stage, how I wanted the aeroplane to fly, I couldn’t have it like that so I decided to build a car.
“Then I started building a car to exhibitions, for showing to people, and one day I got friends who are very excited for it, and they came part so we all work together. So one, I day started building this big project.” [sic]
His teacher, Patrick Yaw Adjei, has been giving him all the encouragement and support.
“Most at times, we train these kids in school, they do very well and they write their BECE and their WASSCE, they do very well but actually the skill on the ground, we are not able to develop them,” he said.
“We always want our kids to be doctors. We always want our kids to be lawyers, accountants…but I tell you, what this boy has produced, I can see that there is such a very very bright future for him, and that is why I want to encourage everyone out there.”
Kelvin’s mother couldn’t agree more. “For now his father has passed away, and we have a lot of challenges, but it is God. It is God. My dream is he should turn to be a very huge engineer.”
“My plans for the future is to build a car and manufacture cars in Ghana and all over the world,” said Kelvin.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
Zimbabwean Coach Accuses Cameroon Of Practicing Witchcraft After A Dead Bat With A Written Note Was Found On The Pitch January
2021
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The Confederation of African Football has announced they are looking into Zimbabwe’s accusations that Cameroon, who are hosting the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN), practised ‘witchcraft’ after a dead bat was found with a written note at the center of the pitch.
According to Zimbabwe’s national team coach, Zdravko Logarusic, before Saturday’s tournament opener – a 1- 0 victory for the Indomitable Lions over Zimbabwe, he saw a carcass of a bat on the centre-circle, with a note written on it. The image of Logarusic, standing over the carcass of the bat quickly circulated on social media, with the Zimbabwe football federation accusing Cameroon of practicing black magic. CAF, who oversee African football, now say Cameroon will be sanctioned if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered. “Issues of witchcraft are not the prerogative of Caf,” a Caf official told Goal.
“We have launched an investigation into the said action and if there is a breach of the regulations of the tournament, appropriate sanctions will be handed out accordingly.”
Cameroon won the match 1- 0.
This is not the first time that Cameroon have been accused of resorting to black magic in order to influence a competitive fixture.
In the Afcon 2002 semi-final between Mali and the Indomitable Lions, Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer and goalkeeping coach (and national team legend) Thomas Nkono were arrested by riot police after allegedly placing a charm on the pitch ahead of the fixture.
A similar incident involving the Nigerian Football Association and Cameroon also occurred at the 2000 edition of the Nations Cup. https://howafrica.com/
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Ivorian Legend, Didier Drogba Announces Separation From His Wife Of 20 Years
January
2021
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Sierra Leone Man Hafiz Kanu Creates Messaging App Thats Faster Than WhatsApp
by ABU BAKARR JALLOH
Former Ivorian international and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba on Wednesday announced his separation from his estranged wife Lalla Diakite after over 20 years of marriage.
not used to discussing my private life, but due to speculation in the media today, I will confirm that unfortunately after 20 years together Lalla and I have made the difficult decision to go our separate ways.
The announcement came after he was forced by “We remain very close and our main goal has netizens to provide clarifications concerning their marriage following rumors that they were been our children and to protect them and the privacy of the family.” no longer living together as husband and wife.
Drogba and Lalla tied the knot on June 12, 2011, in Monaco in the presence of selected guests.
The 42-year-old made the shock announcement via his Instagram page telling fans that: “I am
They share three children together – Isaac, Iman and Kieran.
A US-based Sierra Leonean by the name of Hafiz Alhassan Kanu has created an app called Supfrica. The app, just like WhatsApp, has all the features that WhatsApp has. But one thing that it has that WhatsApp doesn’t is, it’s 2× faster than WhatsApp. Sending a message on Supfrica is faster than sending a message on WhatsApp. A voice and video call in Africa is of high quality just as WhatsApp. This is the time to embrace our own. It is proudly made by a Sierra Leonean! The app is also amazingly rated number 1 on Google Play Store Top Free Apps; leading the world’s top messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, Telegram, WeChat, etc. The messaging app, Supfrica, has the following features:
– Supfrica’s voice call and video call is faster, cheaper, and audible.
– You can forward messages to more than 20 contacts at once, unlike WhatsApp.
– With Supfrica, you can create a Supfrica group and add an unlimited number of contacts to your group, unlike WhatsApp – With Supfrica, you can use 2G, 3G, and 4G perfectly without scrambling when calling voice and video calls. https://howafrica.com/
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All you need to know about Ghanaian-British actress Adjoa Andoh, star of So Netflix’s Bridgerton women who have had to just get on with life, who’ve had to pull up their skirts, and girded their loins, and go.”
“I don’t think she’s a woman who suffers fools gladly. … And I just think there’s a lot of aunties, and moms, and godmothers, and all sorts who are like that. I suppose I wanted to pay tribute to them with Lady Danbury.” There are three prominent Black figures in Bridgerton — Lady Danbury, Simon and the Queen (played by Golda Rosheuvel), who were part of the upper class. This sparked some controversies after the series premiered because many think it is not a true reflection of the Regency era in England. However, Andoh believes there is no need for the uproar because for starters, diversity should be embraced at all times and she is “not interested in color-blind casting. Those days are gone.”
Adjoa Andoh plays the feisty and lovely Lady Danbury in Bridgerton. Photo: Netflix
Adjoa Andoh plays the feisty and lovely Lady Danbury in Bridgerton. Photo: Netflix Adjoa Andoh, as Lady Danbury in the Shondalandproduced Netflix series, Bridgerton, is everyone’s favorite aunt, godmother, or even grandmother. The Ghanaian-British actress and director was at the center of it all in the ton and very instrumental in the matchmaking of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), and Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor).
Bridgerton is based on the bestselling novels by Julia Quinn. The drama series created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes arrived on Christmas Day and follows two high-society families in Regency-era London. Upon release, it immediately skyrocketed to be the fifth-largest show on Netflix with over 63 million streams worldwide.
In the series, Lady Danbury is a widowed duchess, with no children, who has a mind of her own and a voice unlike most women in that era. She is free, rich, powerful, extremely influential, and at the helm of affairs in the ton. Her character in the hit period series mirrors that of a modern-day independent woman who commands the room whenever she enters.
“If you think about women of that era, she’s in a really good position,” she says of her character, “in
that she’s not married – she’s widowed, so she’s not subservient to a husband, as was the norm of the Regency period. She’s wealthy, and she’s powerful. As a woman, she’s got the best gig in town.”
Unlike her character, Andoh is married with three children and a preacher in the Church of England. Her acting career spans over 30 years, including a starring role opposite Morgan Freeman in the feature film Invictus, and she is a celebrated figure of the British theatre. Actorwriter-counsellor Deb’bora John Wilson gave her a foot in the door into the theatre.
According to Andoh, she dropped out of college where she was reading law and she and Wilson were in Black Women’s Group together. “She really saw me, took me into her drama class and eventually I auditioned for a show of hers in London. I got the job and that was me for life.”
Andoh’s Ghanaian father was a musician and a journalist and her mother was a history teacher so she was very familiar with the Regency period that the series was set in before her role on the show.
She spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about Lady Danbury and said she sees a lot of her mother and aunts in her. “I just see a lot of all those
The series is fictional with some historical allusions especially to the character of Queen Charlotte who was believed to be born to an African mother and the descendant of Alfonso III of Portugal. There are many historical documents referring to her as one of mixed heritage with her mulatto features sometimes being exaggerated and all.
“There’s real evidence of Black people in this country for centuries,” Andoh explains. “We’ve taken the factual existence of Black people in this country at that time, which is an absolute nailed-on fact and heightened it. “The fact that people don’t know about it is more about the bad way we teach history than about Bridgerton shoving stuff in that doesn’t exist.”
“We’re not making this stuff up,” Andoh says. “In that sense, we’re putting history back into history.” The 57-year-old is proud of her African and Black heritage and she used that as an inspiration for her role in Bridgerton. “As a Ghanaian, I come from a long matriarchal lineage; it’s a strong tradition in Ghana. My love of history and experience was an added advantage in my role as Lady Danbury.” https://face2faceafrica.com/
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of South African Stowaway Who Survived A Terrifying 5,600-Mile Flight To Uk Clinging To A Jet Gets Asylum
January 2021
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U.S. Town Elects Goat And Dog As Mayor
“My heart had pounded before, but that day it was not in my mind at all because I had just taken the decision to do it.
“I knew how dangerous it was but I just took my own chances. I didn’t care whether I lived or died. I had to leave Africa to survive.”
Cabeka surprisingly survived the dangerous flight despite a lack of oxygen and freezing temperatures. Aviation experts also revealed stowaways who usually hide in the unheated and unpressurized compartments of airplanes are more likely to die, Mail Online reported.
A 30-year-old stowaway who traveled from South Africa to London with his friend in an eleven-hour, 5,639-mile flight by hiding in the jumbo jet’s undercarriage in freezing -60C temperatures has been granted asylum.
According to Mail Online, Themba Cabeka and his friend – who passed away after falling from the British Airways flight minutes before landing at London’s Heathrow Airport – embarked on the dangerous journey in 2015. Though he was unknown, his identity finally came to light after it was announced he’ll be featured in a documentary. Titled The Man Who Fell From The Sky, the documentary will be premiered on Channel 4 on Monday, December, 4. Cabeka, who has since adopted the British name Justin, was discovered alive on the ground by Heathrow staff after falling from the plane as it landed. He sustained a number of injuries and was in a coma for six months. Shortly after the takeoff in Johannesburg on June 18, 2015, Cabeka passed out due to lack of oxygen and freezing minus temperatures in the plane’s undercarriage. “When the plane was flying, I could see the ground, I could see the cars, I could see small people. After a little time, I passed out through lack of oxygen. The last thing I remember just after the plane took off was Carlito [his deceased friend] saying to me: ‘Yeah, we’ve made it,’” he recalled.
Cabeka, who said he resided in a campsite near the Johannesburg Airport, revealed he met his then-homeless friend Carlito at a nightclub in the city. After the two established a relationship, he allowed him to move in with him. While staying together, they hatched the plan to get on the plane by scrutinizing engineering books – including one about aeroplanes – Carlito had in his possession. The two decided to attempt getting on the plane on the night of June 18, 2015.
“The airport was guarded so we jumped over the fence when it was dark,” Cabeka said, according to Mail Online. “We dressed in black because we have to dress like no one sees us – two T-shirts, three jackets, two jeans.” Though the news outlet said it was unknown if their intention was to get on the British Airways flight, Cabeka revealed they opted not to board American airliners because they did not want to fly over large areas of water.
“We had to force ourselves to be squeezed inside. I could hear the engine running,” Cabeka said.
“The thing that made me wake up is the way I dropped out on the runway,” Cabeka said. “I was here. The plane was there. I was asking myself, ‘How did I get out of the plane?’ I could see these guys, they were the guards, they carried me up and I passed out again. I woke up in hospital after being in a coma for six months.”
Doctors also said they believe Cabeka survived because his body was put in a state of “suspended animation” due to the minus temperatures. During that period, the heart, brain and other vital organs are reportedly put in “standby mode” and as such, don’t need that much oxygen, thereby mitigating any damage on the body’s cells and organs.
“I was lucky not to hurt my head,” he said. “I had two burn marks on my arm, but it is OK now because I had surgery. But something is still wrong with my leg. I’m hoping they can sort it out.”
Out of the 109 known global stowaway attempts, only 24 who hid in the plane’s landing gear have managed to survive, Mail Online reported. And though the dangerous journey could have ended with Cabeka losing his life just as his friend Carlito did, he was adamant his quest of seeking greener pastures was justified.
“I had to leave Africa to survive. But I would give other people advice: It’s not safe. It’s a life-ordeath situation,” Cabeka, who has since been granted a leave to remain in the UK after applying for asylum, said.
A town in Vermont, USA has elected both a goat and a dog to serve as its honorary mayor, an unusual step the town says it had to take in order to receive funds to renovate a 32-year-old playground.
It is not the first time the town of Fair Haven has elected an animal as mayor.
First, a goat named Lincoln was elected mayor in 2018, and a dog named Murphee has since taken over the job.
“When I was talked into putting Murfee up to run, I thought, easy-peasy, we’ll get some T-shirts, we’ll go to the Spring Fling, we’ll sell some shirts and raise some money,” the Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s owner, Linda Barker, told the Rutland Herald.
“And then COVID struck and it was like … there go all the easy plans,” she said, noting they’ve since begun selling face masks instead.
The town needed $100,000 to pay for the playground’s renovations. Fundraisers led by the goat and the dog made $30,000, and the town has put forward another $20,000 toward the project.
Now they have gotten most of their contributions due to their animal mayors, the town plans to start construction for the project in May. https://face2faceafrica.com/
https://howafrica.com/
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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® Samson Properties
Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia and Maryland
January 2021
Africa Union Secures 300 Million Covid-19 Vaccine Doses
By Sola Ogundipe The African Union has secured close to 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for distribution to its member nations.
The Senior Science Adviser for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, Dr Nicaise Ndembi, who confirmed this on Wednesday, said the 300 million doses are being secured independently of the global COVAX effort aimed at distributing COVID-19 vaccines to lower-income countries. "We have reached the final stage of our deals. We plan to have these by the end of the first quarter of 2021. We are expecting 600 million doses from the COVAX facility, but African officials are still waiting on the details, so we're happy we have alternative solutions." Ndembi said the doses will be allocated on the continental platform the AU set up in 2020 to make it easier for the 54 African countries to pool their purchasing power for bulk purchase.
He confirmed that African officials have approached at least 10 vaccine manufacturers and developers as the continent seeks to vaccinate 780 million people which is 60 percent of its population of 1.3 billion. Africa requires 1.5 billion doses for the vaccination exercise at an estimated cost of $10 billion.
Many African countries are seeing sharp increases in COVID-19 cases even as there are concerns about a new variant of the coronavirus in South Africa.
Licensed Life and Health Insurance CONTACT 571-229-6694
Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Website: borderlessrealestate.com
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1635 Woodside Drive Woodbridge VA 22191
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11 Words You Didn’t Realize Were Named After People
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H
From nicotine to shrapnel to silhouette, learn about 10 everyday words that you may not have known are namesakes of real people from history.
Shrapnel While a lieutenant in the British Royal Artillery, England’s Henry Shrapnel spent years of his time and a portion of his fortune trying to invent an even deadlier weapon of war. The artillery officer’s self-funded experiments in the 1780s resulted in the development of a hollowed cannonball filled with lead shot and a small charge that could explode in mid-air over enemy lines to rain down a deadly burst of bullets. Shrapnel named his invention “spherical case shot,” but the exploding cannonballs—those “bombs bursting in air” enshrined in “The Star-Spangled Banner”—quickly came to bear his name. In the early 1800s, the British Army developed a cylindrical version of a shrapnel shell, and eventually the projectiles inside became unnecessary as the splintering shell casings proved even more lethal. Even after the development of high-explosive ammunition rendered shrapnel shells obsolete, the word “shrapnel” endures to describe any fragmenting artillery shards.
Boycott
Charles Boycott was not a popular man in Ireland in 1880. The former British army captain served as an estate manager in County Mayo as unrest grew over the land system through which absentee landlords in England grew rich at the expense of the Irish tenants working their land. With fears of another famine growing, the Irish National Land League demanded that Boycott and other land agents reduce their rents. When Boycott refused and continued to carry out evictions, the Land League responded with a nonviolent protest of social ostracization. Local workers refused to harvest his crops. Shops wouldn’t serve him. Neighbors ignored him. The mailman refused to deliver letters to him. Boycott was forced to hire armed guards to protect workers he imported from the north of Ireland to reap his crops, and his name soon became synonymous with the protest tactic employed against him.
Nicotine
When French diplomat and scholar Jean Nicot returned to Paris in 1561 from his stint as an ambassador to Portugal, he returned with an addictive plant discovered in the New World that caused a sensation in the French royal court. Nicot had been introduced to tobacco during his time in Lisbon, where it was crushed into powder and used as a remedy for a variety of illnesses, including cancer. After demonstrating the inhalation of powdered tobacco to the queen mother, Catherine de Medici, as a way to cure her headaches, snuffing became a popular activity in Paris. In 1753 Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus named the genus of tobacco cultivars “Nicotiana” in his honor. The active ingredient in tobacco, first isolated in 1828, was also named “nicotine” after the French diplomat.
Cardigan
Mesmerize
7th Earl of Cardigan, James Thomas Brudenell (Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Once known primarily as a British military hero of the Crimean War, the name of James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, now endures thanks to a cozy sweater. Following orders to attack the well-defended Russian artillery during the 1854 Battle of Balaclava, Lord Cardigan led the Charge of the Light Brigade, which would be immortalized in a poem by Alfred Tennyson. Although his cavalry was decimated by the Russian guns, the British major general was hailed as a national hero back in Britain for the gallantry of his soldiers. The fashion-conscious earl reportedly tapped into his personal fortune to outfit his soldiers and designed a knitted, woolen waistcoat with an open front worn by himself and his officers to stay warm during the Russian winter. The earl’s popularity led the Cardigan jacket—and later the Cardigan sweater—to become a fashion staple on both sides of the Atlantic.
The 18th-century German physician Franz Mesmer devised the theory of “animal magnetism,” believing that an invisible fluid in the body behaved according to the laws of magnetism and that obstacles in the fluid’s flow resulted in diseases. Mesmer theorized that a trained person could manipulate the fluid and remove those blockages through therapies that included holding the thumbs of patients or putting them into trances by staring into their eyes. While the treatments, which became known as mesmerism, proved effective in some instances, a royal commission convened by France’s King Louis XVI that included Benjamin Franklin and Joseph-Ignace Guillotin—who lent his name to the guillotine—found no evidence of animal magnetism. Mesmer’s theory led to the development of hypnotism and contributed “mesmerize” to the popular vocabulary.
Maverick
Samuel Maverick was born in South Carolina, attended Yale University and studied law in Virginia, but it was his years in Texas that ultimately made him a household name. A two-time mayor of San Antonio who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836 and was holed up in the Alamo just days before its fateful battle, Maverick had his name enter the popular lexicon in 1867 because of his refusal as a land baron to follow the conventional practice of having his cattle branded. His nonconformity may have had less to do with a stubborn independent streak, however, than his lack of interest in ranching and the cattle, which were given to him as payment by an old debtor. The term “maverick” initially meant not just a fiercely independent person but a “calf or yearling found without an owner’s brand.” Maverick’s grandson, U.S. Representative Maury Maverick, also contributed to the political lexicon by coining the word “gobbledygook” in 1944 to describe meaningless words in political memos.
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Silhouette
The shadow profiles cut from black paper that became a popular art form in the 1700s and 1800s bear the name of Étienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister known for pinching pennies.
Masochism
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How Could COVID-19 Affect November’s 2021 AFCON Qualifiers?
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January 2021
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4 BEDRROM HOUSE FOR SALE $110,000
House for sale $110,000
The third and fourth matches of the qualifying for the delayed 2021 Africa Cup of Nations are set to be played over the next week.
that Polish side Gornik Zabrze have said that Alasana Manneh will not be allowed to join up with the Scorpions.
The Nations Cup finals have already been delayed by a year and will now take place in 2022 in Cameroon.
There was better news for Saintfiet from Italian club AS Roma, who initially refused to release reserveteam player Ebrima Darboe but on Friday confirmed they would respect his wishes to join up with The Gambia for the back-to-back games against Gabon.
As with all sport around the world at the moment the way the matches are held will be affected by the global coronavirus pandemic.
BBC Sport Africa has been looking at some areas that will be affected.
Release of players In normal circumstances clubs around the globe are required by Fifa regulations to release their players for national team duty even if that person is injured.
In the past club’s and national associations have come to agreements over the availability of specific players for certain matches.
However if there is no such resolution players can end up being banned from playing for their clubs in some of the games after the international break.
Concerns caused by the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic is leading to some clubs being reluctant to allow their players to travel.
The Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet has complained
BBC Sport Africa contacted the club for a comment on the reasons Manneh was not being released but did not receive a reply.
One Roma player that will not be travelling is Guinea’s Amadou Diawara after the country’s football federation tweeted that he has tested positive of Covid-19. He has been replaced in the squad for the games against Chad by Ibrahima Camara, who plays in Portugal for Moreirense.
Guinea’s coach Didier Six has also questioned the amendments made by Fifa and how they are being implemented.
https://howafrica.com/
This home is newly built, carefully planned with appealing spaces. Upon entering this cozy home., you are greeted by an open plan lounge and dining room where your family and friends relax and socialize. The house has a separate visitor’s bathroom/toilet and a fully fitted and functional kitchen with a stress-free space to enjoy. Ready to leave in with electricity and water on a 100 x 50 ft plot of land situated on the main road to Millennium City, Kasoa,
Built to last with original features in a quite desirable area.The home offers 4 bedrooms each with en-suite bathroom that has a shower, basin and toilet. Original plan was for an Airbnb.Main features are as follows:A beautiful kitchen, dining room and lounge.4 large bedrooms and four large bathroomsTank for water and hot water, molded ceiling3 biodegradable manholesBig purposely build underground water tank linked with water harvest pipesParking space for 3 cars, airElectric fence/fire & smoke alarm, air conditions, fansAntique and modern lights from London all in boxes ready to be fixedSmall landscaped garden (still growing) All finishing/fittings are from UK: other fittings still in import boxes.
Contact Nana Kwasi on:703-725-6968 or Phyllis on WhatsApp 0447440225799 for further information.
Afrikan Post Jan 2021_June 2011.qxd 1/20/2021 1:40 PM Page 38
January 2021
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Meet the Ghanaian-British politician who is President Trump Decorates Bahrain King On Last Full now UK’s first Black Day In Office business secretary
US President Donald Trump bestowed a rare award on King Hamad of Bahrain on Tuesday, acknowledging the Gulf state’s normalisation of ties with Israel on his last full day in office. Trump, who sees Arab recognition of Israel as a key overseas achievement of his presidency, already conferred the same award on King Mohammed VI of Morocco last week for his move to restore ties.
Britain's Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department Kwasi Kwarteng is seen outside Downing Street in London, Britain, September 4, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay - RC1244AE3EC0 via Yahoo news Ghanaian-British politician Kwasi Kwarteng was this month named as a business secretary by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, making him the first Black secretary of state and currently the only Black politician in the cabinet.
As business secretary, his responsibilities will include “reassuring businesses in the wake of Brexit, addressing Britain’s future energy needs and pushing through a new, tougher corporate takeover regime, as well as liaising with business groups over Covid-19 restrictions,” according to FT.com.
Commenting on his appointment, the shadow business secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “Kwasi Kwarteng has a massive task. Businesses need support and a plan to help them through this year, not the inadequate sticking plaster measures we have seen.” Born in Waltham Forest in 1975 to parents who migrated to the UK from Ghana as students in the 1960s, Kwarteng has been serving as a Member of Parliament for Spelthorne since 2010. At age 13, he won a scholarship to study at Eton College and later read history at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned Bachelor and Ph.D. degrees in British History.
Before entering parliament, Kwarteng worked as a financial analyst and author. He authored the book “Ghosts of Empire,” about the legacy of the British Empire and also co-authored “Gridlock Nation” with Jonathan Dupont in 2011, on the causes and solutions to traffic congestion in Britain.
He first ventured into politics when he stood as the Conservative candidate in the constituency of Brent East at
the 2005 general election. He was unsuccessful but in 2010, he won the parliamentary race for Spelthorne. He was re-elected as Conservative MP for Spelthorne on May 7, 2015.
Kwarteng has served on a number of Select Committees since being elected and has served as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Leader of the House of Lords and the Chancellor of the Exchequer as well as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Exiting the European Union.
He was a strong supporter of Johnson in both the 2016 and 2019 Conservative Party Leadership elections. Following Johnson’s victory, he was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
In a mini reshuffle on January 8, Kwarteng replaced Alok Sharma as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, making him the first Black Conservative to have been appointed to the level of Secretary of State.
Kwarteng has been a strong advocate of local enterprise and reforms in the business environment to make the UK business-friendly. He launched an initiative in 2013 dubbed the “Spelthorne Business Plan Competition” to find the local entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The competition has run successfully every year since it was launched.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
Announcing his bestowal of the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, on King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Trump also paid tribute to Bahrain’s hosting of a June 2019 conference on the economic dimensions of his controversial Middle East peace plan, which broke with decades of international consensus and was boycotted by the Palestinians.
“King Hamad has shown extraordinary courage and leadership through his support of the Vision for Peace and his decision to establish full diplomatic relations with the State of Israel,” the official Bahrain
News Agency quoted Trump as saying.
“King Hamad has challenged old assumptions about the possibility for peace in the region, and in doing so, positively reshaped the landscape of the Middle East for generations,” Trump added.
Just across the Gulf from Iran, Bahrain is a longstanding Western ally which is home to the US Fifth Fleet.
In 2011, with support from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the Sunni ruling family crushed month-long Shiite-led protests for an elected prime minister.
It has since banned the two main opposition parties and thrown dozens of dissidents in jail.
The Legion of Merit is a military award that was created to honour allied leaders in World War II and had gone into obscurity until it was revived by Trump, who last month also presented it to the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan. https://howafrica.com/
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