Life and Times Magazine Summer 2013 Edition

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LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 1

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We are gradually approaching our third anniversary and there are lots of reasons to celebrate during our 3rd Annual Fiesta coming up on September 7, 2013.

We have become a publication that is sought after by our community from Atlanta to Baltimore and from New York, to Houston and to Los Angeles. We are gradually achieving our goal of becoming a respected and influential voice for our community both in the Diaspora and in Africa.

This would not have been possible without the generous support we received from all of you loyal fans, readers, advert patrons and corporate sponsors of this dream which started as a labor of love.

We have listened to your counsel, feedbacks and criticisms and that is why today we have a product that can rival any other publication anywhere in the world.

Your collective push has propelled us to higher heights and for that, we thank you.

We would now build on the success that LIFE and TIMES has become and the great product that we have into a commercially solid venture that will be sustainable for years to come.

This edition is another tour de force...

Our cover story brings you the compelling life story of Dr. Julius Kpaduwa, a renowned Physician and Humanitarian who has refused to simply enjoy the comforts of his very successful medical career but SUMMER 2013

continually strives to serve and lend a helping hand to those in need.

We also bring you the Profile in Excellence of Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye, an amazing woman and a trail blazer in so many ways, who is always on the quest to break barriers and reach for the stars.

The PEOPLE and PLACES section takes you to Houston for a spotlight on the Ijaw Foundation 3rd Annual Convention and to Atlanta for the 13th Annual Banquet of the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia. Here in Los Angeles, we take you to the classy weddings of Ify Agusi & Tayo Damola and Chinyelu Ndika & Kester Ezuma.

We also have a rich fashion pull out showcasing Mocolate Design House, Sumarie Design House and Addictive Closet Shoes. Life and Times award winning photographer, Devere also takes you to Las Vegas, Nevada for a Super Model Tour.

On top of all these, you will still get your regular columns covering Youth, Health, Religion, Life's issues etc.

This is yet another edition you cannot afford to miss and I want to thank everybody in the LIFE and TIMES board and production team that has made this possible.

V{|~x aãx~x Chike Nweke Publisher Summer 2013

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Contents 3.

10.

16.

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From The Desk Of The Publisher

Cover Profile: Dr. Julius Kpaduwa, accomplished physician and humanitarian.

Profile In Excellence: 'Sinachi Ugwuonye Breaking barriers

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22. People And Place: Victoria Weds Tayo 36.

Fashion & Style: Mo’colatee Fashion House

41.

Beauty of the Moment: Dr Nicoline Amber

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42. People And Places: Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) celebrated its 13th Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet.

48. People And Places: Ijaw Foundation Inc. 3rd AnnualConvention 54. People And Places: Celebrating The Life Of Lolo Rose Chukwuezi At 70 64. People And Places: All Nigerian Nationals in Diaspora (ANNID) Annual Banquet

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34 SUMMER 2013

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68.

Money And Finance: College in Your Child’s Future?

72. Fashion And Style: Sumahrie Collections 78.

Fashion And Style: Spotlight On Shoe Designer: Addictive Closet

82. People And Places: Kim L. Hunter: African Family Induction

82. People And Places: Re-Introducing Northern Nigeria: Not As You Know It 92. People And Places: Chinyelu weds Kester

96. Money And Finance: Moneygram to transfer to NASDAQ 98. Arts And Culture: Gem of the Rainforest 99. Subscriptions

100. Arts & Entertainment: The Azonto Craze

102. News and Politics: Boko Haram Revisited 104. Health: Why I Hate Sugar

107. Fashion and Style: Las Vegas Model Tour

114. Spotlight: South Africa Alive with possibilities 121. Youth: The Nigerian Connection

122. Spotlight: Spotlight on Kano State.

128. Life's Issues: Finding Balance through Travel 130. Community: Community Snap Shots

131. People and Places: Dr. Solo Egbuho @ 60

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133. Religion and Spiritual Affairs: Enemies Of Marriage: Lack of Communication SUMMER 2013

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LIFE AND TIMES MAGAZINE is published by Life and Times Network Inc. a publishing and Public Relations Company, 7095 Hollywood Blvd, #485 Hollywood CA 90028 Tel: +1-424-204-2703 Fax: 310-626-9754, Email: mail@lifeandtimesmagazine.com, lifetimenet@gmail.com, www.lifeandtimesmagazine.com

COMPANY BOARD CEO/Publisher: Chike Nweke

MEMBERS: Dan Musa, Ph.D Lara Okunubi Ebere Anakwenze Clem Ainabe, Ph.D Arthur Abraham, JP Halilu Haruna, CEA Joachim 'Joe' Nwude, JD Amaka Akudinobi, Esq Frank Oti Ayodele Adeleye Umar Baba Eugene Edoga, LLD (Head, Abuja-Nigeria Bureau) Arinze Egbuna (Regional Director-NE,U.S.A) Iruka Udeagha-Ndubuizu,LLM (Regional Director, S.E. , USA)

EDITORIAL BOARD Chair, Clem Ainabe, Ph.D Deputy Chair, Jude Akudinobi, Ph.D Executive Editor: Arthur Abraham Features Editor: Grace Neequaye Correspondents: Chinyere Ifeacho Osayande Aghazebamwan Stella Johnson Yemi Abiodun Tommy Musa

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COLUMNISTS Dr. Dipo Kalejaiye- Religion Victor Onwaeze Esq- Law Dr. Olufemi Saliu- Health Nkem DenChukwu- Life's issues Chris Abili- News and Politics Ijeoma Nwawka- Youth Photographers: Devere Wheatfall Ade James Frank Osaemeka Kingsley Nwamadu Uju Anokwute

MARKETING/ADVERTISING Jude "Majid" Nwosu, MBA Chioma Angelican Opara (Maryland Representative)

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Sports

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LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 7

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Introducing New Members of The Life and Times Team

Chief Charles Arinze Egbuna, (B.URP, MSC) Regional Director, North Western United States Charles is also President and CEO of Ozalla Contruction Company LLC a leading Construction company in the State of Illinois. Charles lives in Chicago with his wife Ifeoma and five children 8 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Attorney Mrs. Iruka Udeagha-Ndubuizu, (LLM, CRCP) Regional Director, South Eastern United States.

Mrs. Ndubuizu is also an Assistant Director in the Contracts Administration Division of Emory University, Atlanta GA, Office of sponsored programs. Iruka lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.

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Ms. Grace Neequaye, (B.A, MPH) - Features Editor, Life and Times A native of Accra, Ghana has been living the Los Angeles for the past 7 years. She attended Ohio University where she received a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in French. She then received a Masters of Public Health from the University of Southern California.

Grace works for a multi National Medical Research Company and is as a licensed ZumbaÂŽ Fitness Instructor.

Mrs. Chioma Angelican Opara, (BSN)- Maryland Representative.

Chioma also runs a leading Nursing StaďŹƒng Agency in Baltimore Maryland where she lives with her husband and three children.

Compiled by: Prince Arthur Abraham Executive Editor SUMMER 2013

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Cover Story

DR. JULIUS KPADUWA ACCOMPLISHED PHYSICIAN AND HUMANITARIAN

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Cover Story

Dr. Julius Kpaduwa is an ardent believer who has positively contributed to the development of Nigeria. Dr. Kpaduwa came to the United States in 1971 to study medicine and has been practicing for the last 34 years.

During this time he has kept true to his roots by offering to serve Imo State by running for Governor in 2003. Even after his failed gubernatorial bid, he accepted to serve as Chairman of the Board of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Orlu from 2009-2011.

As President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in SUMMER 2013

America (ANPA) from 20082010 he ensured that the Association collaborated with Nigerian health care officials in elevating the state of the practice of medicine and oversaw annual medical missions to Nigeria to deliver state of the art medical care to hundreds of poor patients in several communities.

Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria to parents from Mbano, Imo State, young Julius attended Igbobi College, Yaba Lagos State for his secondary education before coming to America in 1971 for the purpose of becoming a doctor.

He received his undergraduate degree from Berea College in Kentucky and proceeded to study Medicine at Howard Medical School from where he graduated in 1979. In his 34 years of practice as a Doctor, Julius Kpaduwa is well-accomplished and is very actively engaged in civic affairs.

In this interview with Life and Times Publisher, Chike Nweke; Dr. Kpaduwa talks about his background, family, growing up years, professional accomplishments, and hopes and dreams for Nigeria.

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Cover Story

Tell us a little bit about your educational and family background.

Answer: I was born in Abeokuta and raised in Lagos.

My father was an Army male nurse and was posted to different parts of Nigeria during his distinguished service at the Nigerian military. He was however in Lagos for most of his career and that was where all my other siblings were born and raised.

This background is responsible for my unique global Nigerian perspective. I attended Saint Patrick’s primary school in Yaba Lagos where just about every Nigerian ethnic group was represented. I also obtained my secondary education at Igbobi College in Lagos. That school also had just about all the Nigerian ethnic group represented. You can see how I fit in very well with all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

In 1967, our family left Lagos because of the pending civil war to return to the South East. That was an eye opener and the move was responsible for most of my Igbo culture. I then became a full Nigerian. My father was posted to the garrison in Enugu where I stayed briefly before proceeding to Mary Knoll College in Okuku Ogoja for my higher school education. That 12 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

was truncated in June 1967 at the beginning of the civil war. I then returned to my home town Ezike Mbano in Imo State for the duration of the war. That was where my ‘Igbo Kwenu” profile was nurtured and cemented.

From there I joined the Biafran Army and was stationed in Obosi until the end of the war. I then returned to Igbobi College Lagos to continued my interrupted higher school education. I was soon admitted to Berea Col-

lege in Kentucky where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in three and half years. My medical school career started in 1975 at Howard University medical school and I then moved to State University Teaching hospital in

Down State New York, Brooklyn for my Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I finished in 1983 and moved to Los Angeles in January 1984. That is my life history in a nut shell.

You were born in Abeokuta in the then Western Nigeria and spent a lot of your growing up years in Western Nigeria before coming to the United States. How did this shape your world view especially as it relates to the often tenuous inter tribal relationships in Nigeria?

Answer: You can see how my background and up bringing has placed me in a unique position as an all Nigerian kid. I have lifelong friends of all Nigerian ethnic background and a lot of people find it difficult to place me in any particular Nigerian ethnic group. They get confused because I am very comfortable in my Igbo Kwenu community and my Ngbati Ngbati brothers and sisters. I also will not get lost in the Sanu deiki environment. Nigeria would have been a different place if most kids shared in my upbringing.

You attended the prestigious Howard Medical School graduating in 1979 and SUMMER 2013

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subsequently specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

You have accomplished a lot in your 34 years practice of medicine including the establishment of the Mother and Child Health Centers in El Monte CA, Medical Director of Alta Dena Health Services Corporation, Chief of Staff, Greater El Monte Community Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, OrluNigeria just to name a few.

How did you get this far and what has been the low and high points of your distinguished career?

Answer: My accomplishments are a result of God’s gift, focus and seriousness of purpose and sheer good old hard work. I knew that I wanted a medical career from high school in Lagos. I started working towards it from then on. Why the medical career?

My father’s medical career is chiefly responsible, but more my passionate side played a significant role.

Being able to relieve pain and suffering and do no harm to mankind appealed to me. I have always believed in putting in the best effort in all I do. My wife, who is also a physician, and I have built a successful medical practice here in Los Angeles. I am the President of a multiple independent practice association called Avalon and Vice President of Greater San Gabriel Valley IPA, also a multi-specialty independent physician group. In all these endeavors, I have been able to acquire significant management skills.

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The low point of my endeavors is typified by my inability to accomplish all I had in mind when the Governor of Imo state, His Excellency Chief Ikedi Ohakim gave me the honor of being the Chairman of the Board of IMSUTH. I will forever be grateful to him for giving me that opportunity. The difficult political terrain made it challenging to make significant changes. I did however learn a lot from that unique experience.

From 2008-2010 you were President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians In America (ANPA) and you have been a very active member of the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA). How has your

membership of these professional organizations shaped your view of the practice of medicine generally and the state of medical practice in Nigeria that you observe first hand during the annual medical missions that ANPA undertakes to Nigeria?

Answer: The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, ANPA was founded in 1995.

As you may know there are over 5000 practicing Nigerian physicians in the Diaspora, mostly in the USA. This accounts for the biggest brain drain from Nigeria as many of these physicians attended Nigerian medical schools.

ANPA was formed to reverse the brain drain one way or the other.

The vision of the association is “a LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 13

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Cover Story healthier Nigeria in a healthier world.”

From its inception to present, the association has engaged in improving the healthcare delivery in our motherland. Medical missions in Nigeria were started

by ANPA shortly after its inauguration and continue to date.

tion to the environment that the whole effort was all about. That marked a turning point for our association as we developed important working relationship with the Nigerian Government through the Ministry of Health.

We also engaged the Nigerian Medical Association and our col-

My wife and I started the Mbano medical mission in 2001 and it has continued under the USA Mbano National Association ever since. Numerous lives have been medically touched by this drop in the bucket effort.

In 2008 I became the National President of ANPA and in my 2 year term, I moved our National convention to Abuja Nigeria in 2009. I thought that it made sense to move our yearly conven-

leagues in the UK: MANSAG. It has been a very fruitful relationship. It is however a work in progress. We have also tried to build medical centers in Nigeria.

This has not been easy but we will continue the relentless effort.

I have always felt that we owe it to society to transfer the abundant knowledge and resources that we have been blessed with in USA to our mother land. Personal achievement without

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meaningful impact on our community is diminished greatly.

That is my motivating force. It is all about the society at large and not the individual self.

In 2003 you ran for Governor of Imo State, Nigeria. You were once Chairman of Nigerian Democracy Task force, you are a very respected community leader in the Nigerian Community here in the United States and you help indigenes of your local community of Mbano carry out several humanitarian projects back home on a regular basis. Despite your stellar professional achievements you have refused to rest in the comfort that your professional accomplishments have given you. What is your driving motivation to serve the people?

Answer: The motivating force for my being is my positive impact on society in general. I would have failed miserably if I conquered the world and the world had nothing to show for it.

That was why I decided to run for the Governorship of Imo State in 2003.

As you may know, I almost lost my life in that effort but I was immediately flown to the USA for medical treatment. .

Thanks to Almighty God and the good old USA where I was immediately flown for medical treatment. I spent a year and half undergoing multiple surgical operations and rehabilitation and disability. I am grateful to Almighty God. The earlier medical missions that we under took SUMMER 2013

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motivated me to seek the highest political office in the State. The deplorable medical conditions that still exist today were emotionally moving. I thought that I could use that executive position to positively impact the lives of the people. We in the Diaspora have a lot to give.

We are fortunate to live in the most advanced society in the world and we have the opportunity of being successful in that society and there is so much we can take back home. I very strongly believe this. Someone asked me if I will do it all over again and I said yes! I will do it in a heartbeat if I thought that there is even a 50% chance of success. Of course all is in the hands of God. You are a devoted family man and have been married to Stella , who as a pediatrician partners with you in the SUMMER 2013

running of the El Monte Mother and Child Clinics. You have also raised four successful children. How do you balance your hectic professional/civic duties with the role of being a great husband and a devoted father?

Answer: Being married to a very accomplished wife like Stella is God’s blessing and a big help. We would not have achieved this much without the unique union. God has really blessed us. We have to share this blessing with the society at large.

What advice will you give to a new immigrant who has just arrived America on achieving success here?

Answer: For the new immigrants, I have one advice. Be prepared to work hard. Nothing good comes easy. Be honest with yourself and be focused. There is

no magic about success. Do not follow the wrong crowd and always be close to God. The Almighty will help you and society at large.

Please give us your parting comments: Answer: I will like to end this interview with a comment on Nigeria. Nigeria is a developing country that has a lot of potential. Its citizens both inside and out of the country is its biggest asset. No one should be left behind in the quest for a better society. Let us all throw away selfishness. When the society prospers, we all benefit immensely individually.

We in the Diaspora should not shy away from playing a role in the development of our home country. We should take the best from our adopted country back to our homeland. The World will be much better off for it.

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Profile in Excellence

'SINACHI UGWUONYE

Breaking Barriers

Chief (Dr.) Ifesinachi Ugwuonye is a high achiever in every sense of the word- who is always trying to conquer new horizons.

Educated in some of the best schools, Ifesinachi obtained her ďŹ rst degree in Foreign Languages and Literature in February 1994 from the University of Port Har16 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

court Nigeria before proceeding to the Universite Catholique de Lille, France to obtain a Masters degree in International Commerce in June 1996. She came to America in 1997 and lived in the Washington DC area until the end of 2001 when she moved to California. While working as a Mortgage Loan Con-

sultant with Citibank, she proceeded to the University of Phoenix, San Diego Campus to obtain an MBA in Global Business and Finance in September 2008.

Not resting on her academic quest, Ifesinachi went on to obtain a Juris Doctor degree from the Trinity International University Law School SUMMER 2013

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Profile in Excellence

in Santa Ana, California in December 2012.

Ifesinachi has worked for some of the leading financial institutions in America including the World Bank in Washington DC, Union Bank of California, Wells Fargo Bank, Citibank and Bank of America. Currently she is a Senior Mortgage Banker with Bank of the West - PNB Paribas while she contemplates her legal career.

Dr. Ugwuonye loves giving back to the less privileged and started the ‘Sinachi Scholarship Foundation in 1999 with the goal of offering educational scholarships to the less privileged back home in Nigeria. Today the Sinachi foundation has offered scholarships to over twenty college and college-bound girls and SUMMER 2013

has plans to expand its schemes to help more students.

She is the mother of two great children Prince Chidera Funsho Idowu- 22 and Princess Akachi Adaobi - 9.

In this interview with our Publisher, Hon. Chike Nweke, Dr. Ugwuonye talks about her background, her growing up years, her dreams and her hopes for Nigeria.

Please tell us a little bit about your family background and your growing up years?

Thank you Hon. Chike Nweke for your time and interest in my story. Well, for me, growing up was quite an adventure; some pleasant and some not so pleasant.

But of course, that is probably how

it is for every one. On the family side, it was somewhat complicated. I was born towards the end of the Biafran/Nigerian Civil War in a Town called Umumba NdiUno in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State. I was told that my father, Prince Michael Ugwuonye died tragically when I was only two years old. He was less than 40 years old. I was mostly brought up by my aunt, my father’s sister with some stops here and there. I then lived with my aunt’s first son - my cousin in Benin City where I attended Elementary School.

My father’s father, Ezeani Ugwuonye was the traditional ruler of my town and is still described as very wise man that rendered some interesting rulings in deciding some major town issues. He LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 17

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Profile in Excellence

out a father. I am however, very grateful to the people - relatives and non-relatives who offered help and made it possible to move from one stage to another, slowly but steadily until what you have here today. Those people should take credit for whatever I have accomplished today because without their sacrifices I wouldn’t be here.

was a great defender of the oppressed and lowly. He was very humble and truthful. His son, my father was like his father as he defended truth, justice and the oppressed. He too was very kind and generous.

I am the second child of my family with seven brothers and no sister. But haven lived away from home during all my growing up stage, I hardly saw them and for a 18 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

long time was confused as to which was my family. I would be introduced to a new brother during my holiday visits from Benin, but as time went by it became clearer to me.

Under that situation and under the environment we lived in, it automatically fell on me to provide for everyone. As you probably know, even today, it is quite challenging for a girl to grow up with-

You are highly educated and have attended some of the best schools in the world. Tell us a little about your educational background and how this has prepared you for the success you have achieved today?

Being “highly educated” is relative or subjective. While I do not claim to have “all that” in the area of education, I admit that I have seen many walls of some great Universities. As you mentioned above, I started out at the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) 1989 to 1994. I wanted to study English language, but I met Professor Nnolim, who later became the Dean of Faculty of Humanities.

After listening to my reason for wanting to study English, he thought that I would be better served in the Foreign Languages and Literature Department. His reasoning is that there are fewer French/German majors than English majors, and as such, better job opportunities. Following his advice and his help, I was admitted into the department of Foreign Languages and Literature with French major and German minor.

This was the turning point in my life, I had the opportunity to go for the year abroad program, sponsored partly by the Nigerian government and partly by the University. During my time, that program was reduced from going SUMMER 2013

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Profile in Excellence

to France to spending a year at the French Village in Badagry, Lagos State, but with full exposure and access to the French culture through its embassy.

Still due to the French connection, I applied and was admitted to the Universite de Charles de Guaule, Department of Languages and Literature, Lille, France. Running a semester behind as it took me extra six months to complete the degree requirements in Uniport due to strikes, I arrived Lille, France in February of 1994 and started classes right away. But within a couple of months at the school, I realized that Languages alone will not get me to where I dreamed of being. This was how I also attended L’ Universite Catholique de Lille, France, studying International Commerce and Translation. Here, I obtained a Mater’s Degree, (MA) in 1996.

That was still not enough, I wanted to learn more. I wanted to know whatever I could through education, it was like an obsession, it was all about “what else and how?”. I realized that I loved numbers, commerce, economics, business and all that makes the world market exchange possible.

I moved to the U.S.A in 1997 straight from France. Having mastered the French language, it was easier to get by in the U.S than it would have been if I had moved straight from Nigeria under my unique circumstance. I worked with what I learned in school. The MBA came much later down the line, but made much easier by my profession as a Mortgage Banker.

You have two Masters Degrees in International Commerce and a Masters in Business Administration and you just bagged a Juris Doctor SUMMER 2013

(JD) Degree... why a law degree and what is propelling this quest for knowledge and achievement?

You know, I actually always wanted to read law, but I could not pursue that right away in college because like I mentioned above, I had some family responsibilities even while trying to get by in school. I first took the LSAT in early 2001 in Washington DC, however, the plan to attend Law School at that time was delayed due to my move to California, but I did not give up on that dream.

My employers at the different banks offered Tuition reimbursement if employees study job-related courses in school. While the study of law was not reimbursed by my employer, an MBA program was. So I took the MBA courses and received full reimbursement from my employer, Citibank at the time.

A Law Degree/study of law was really a natural next step for me based on my previous education and current career. My work as a Mortgage Banker entails dealing with some legal documents as it pertains to Real Properties, Title, Deeds, Wills, Trusts, etc. As soon as I was done with the MBA program, I applied and was admitted to a Ph’d program. While pursuing that, a great friend of mine advised that I would be better served by using that time to study law instead. I went back to study for and take the LSAT and was admitted to read Law. I started in 2009 and finished in 2012 Tell us about your charity the ‘Sinachi foundation and where you want it to go, 10, 20, 50 years from now?

The Sinachi Foundation, Inc. is

a California Corporation and a Nigeria NGO. Website is www.sinachi.org The Foundation, which is also called “Education for Girls Too” (EGT) was an idea that I conceived as a little girl. I was first inspired by the story of Pip in The Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, then followed by the generosity of strangers who ask for nothing in return. I knew that I would be some strange little kid’s benefactor someday just like those other strangers were mine in the years past. I wanted to give back to the community through sponsoring the education of young people who have no one to sponsor them.

I decided to concentrate on the girls because I believe that sponsoring a girl carries a multiplier effect in that most girls will help sponsor their families in return.

Another important reason is that if a girl is educated, her children will be better served and that would directly impact their communities at large. There are some boys who are beneficiaries of the scheme, but the major focus is on girls.

The program is made possible by the support of the traditional rulers in my county, Ezeagu Local Government Area. These traditional rulers serve as the Trustees of the Foundation and are the ones responsible for selecting the best situated/qualified child to receive this scholarship. They are: HRM Igwe S. Ozoekwem of Umumba Ndi-Uno HRM Igwe Justice Eze Ozobu of Imezi-Owa HRM Igwe B. Nnachetam of Olo HRM Igwe C. Offor of Oghe HRM Igwe S. Okozo of Umana Ndi-Agu - late but now represented by his son, Prince O. Okozo LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 19

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Profile in Excellence

A tribute to Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye, JD

By Chief Mrs. Gertrude Ezegbunam

The face of a modern African woman – mother, friend, breadwinner, mentor, confidant, high achiever, homemaker, epitome of beauty and you can go on. Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye I have witnessed you through all of these and more and you perform all of them with grace and smile.

You are a role model for all our Nigerian and African women. I have alOther traditional rulers have expressed desire to have their communities included. The current Trustees are working on the additions.

We also have Board of Directors which comprise of men and women of different professional backgrounds.

As for what the future holds, I hope that the Foundation will at some point function independent of my personal financial contributions. I hope that the Foundation outlives me by several hundred of years and that the beneficiaries today will become the benefactors of tomorrow

By God’s grace, we will not stop until everyone is doing well.

It was in appreciation of my contribution to the community 20 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

ways thought that you are capable of achieving great heights but when you informed me you were going for your law degree, I was surprised but I knew that you are a determined woman and I encouraged you to shoot for the sky and you did.

I want to tell you that I am proud of you the way you raised your children while making waves in the community and your life. I that these traditional rulers came together and conferred a Chieftaincy Title - Ada di Ora mms of Ezeagu Local Government Area on me. This is why some people address me as “Chief” or Ada di ora mms. I have additional Title - Ada e ji eje mba of Enugu State from the Enugu folks, based equally on my contributions to the community.

What are the dreams you hope to fulfill in the future?

My dreams for the future are several. But most of all, I hope to positively impact my environment through my works. I hope for a more friendly environment where my children and their peers can feel safe and accomplished. I hope for a community with less bitter-

know most women would love to be like you. It was not easy but you knew the end result you wanted and you aimed and achieved them with all the distractions. God will continue to give you strength to persevere. You know that I will always support you in whatever endeavor because I trust that you will not give up. And thank you for being you.

ness and more goodwill towards one another.

Tell us the high and low points of your professional career and what you could have done differently?

Well, in my profession, high and low points are things of every day. You want those deals closed, period. But seriously, in my career as a mortgage banker, my real satisfaction comes with the ability to help yet another family close on and move into their dream home.

In as much as the money that comes with it is welcome, the happiness of these people as they achieve their dream is inestimable.

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Profile in Excellence

I work in the Orange County Area of California which means that the average client is quite savvy in mortgages as they are mostly multiple times home owners. The inner cities are in a different situation where there are more first time home buyers. But regardless of what class of these, a closed deal is a closed deal.

In recent times, the mortgage industry experienced some set back due largely to the U.S economy crisis. Commissions are as a direct result of volumes. While commissions may not be as high as they used to be, I am still one of the top producers of mortgage products in my area of coverage.

As such, recruiters are constantly seeking me out hoping for employment relationships. For now, I am satisfied working with Bank of the West, just like I was satisfied working for the previous banks before this one.

My moves from the different banks were purely based on Business decisions, in search of more successes. I maintain my great relationships with all of them and often have reasons to share ideas with past colleagues.

Tell us a little bit about your wonderful children and the challenges of raising children in America?

Oh, my children! They are my special gifts from God. You have met them and you can attest to this. They are such supportive young wise children. The boy, Prince Chidera is in University while the girl, Princess Akachi is in grade school. They watch over each other as I navigate the Corporate American World, trying to be the best in what I do and provide the finest of things for them. They are honest, humble, respectful SUMMER 2013

kids. They are not arrogant as might be the case with children in their situation. They are kind and willing to share with they have with the less privileged. They understand and desire to help with the Sinachi Foundation and what it stands for. I really don’t know what I might have done good to deserve such rare blessings from God. I count myself very lucky to have them and they are my children.

What advise will you give to a new Nigerian or African immigrant who just arrived America on finding success here?

You know, success is what you want it to be. Coming from Nigeria or any other African Country to America by itself is already something of s giant step. All I can say is that people should choose their associations wisely because while some will want to help you succeed, others may be more willing to help you not succeed. But anyone that starts out with an open mind and acceptance of change will generally be in a better position to achieve more. You have become successful when you say you have. No one else can determine what another’s point of success is.

While one person wants to own a mansion, another may just be satisfied with living in an apartment and staying out of trouble. Because we all have different and unique dreams, we also all have different successes. Let your success be yours and not anyone else’s.

You are engaged through your foundation in working for the alleviation of the suffering of the poor in Nigeria. What are your dreams and hopes for our Country?

Just that there is no reason for any willing and able person to be poor. Nigeria is so blessed that it still beats my understanding why we have so many poor people in that country. I think that Nigerians are highly intelligent and motivated people, and that if given the opportunity, many will accomplish great things. While I do not think that the government is solely responsible for the situation, I think that the government can do more than it is currently doing to provide gainful employment to the masses, affordable healthcare and other basic amenities.

We will continue to do those Western Union runs while we continue to hope that the sun will rise again in Nigeria.

Please give one parting word to our readers and talk about any issues we have not covered in this questionnaire that you would want our reader to know...

Hon. Chike Nweke, let me thank you again for helping bring out such stories to our greater community. I want to say that I have come across some very interesting Nigerians in the U.S and that I am truly glad to be a part of our community. I will like to continue to help in fostering peace and peaceful co-existence among our people. It is true that the economic struggles could sometimes cause people to act in not so rational of manners when dealing with one another. But I believe that if we pay closer attention to what a person is trying to say, that we may begin to understand where they are coming from, and what point they are trying to make. We will be much better served overall if we make efforts to help one another succeed.

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 21

People and Places

Victoria Weds Tayo Los Angeles-March 30, 2013

22 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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People and Places

Beautiful Victoria Ifunanya Agusi said I do to her heartthrob the urbane and handsome Omotayo Okaniawon Damola at a classy ceremony, in Los Angeles on March 30, 2013.

The ceremony was held at the majestic 1st Congregational Church Downtown Los Angeles CA renowned for having the biggest pipe organ ensemble in the world and the reception was held at the Doubletree by Hilton Culver City California. It was a majestic, urbane and cultural event as guests attended the digniďŹ ed church service at a cathedral that was built by one of the best Gothic architects and draws crowds from around the world who come to savor the beautiful sounds of the imposing pipe organ. The classy reception was also a ďŹ ne fusion of western and Nigerian cultures. The following are pictures from LIFE and TIMES exclusive coverage of the event.

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People and Places

Before the Altar

With father of Bride

Church Bridal Train

BEAUTIFUL BRIDEMAIDS

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Preparing for Church

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People and Places

SAY I DO

Couple with the Onyebalu's

With the Kalejaiyes

Creas Nwokeabia with Chika Onyebalu Bride’s Family

Groom's family

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People and Places

Wedding Train

Bride's Co- Workers

Couple with Church Ministers

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Groom's family and friends

DJ PAUL & Doris Onuoha

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People and Places

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People and Places

COUPLE WITH EXCLUSIVE LADIES

Couple Royal Entrance

With Aso Ebi Ladies

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Bride and Groom

Couple Royal Entrance

GOLD IFEJIKA

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People and Places

WITH SISTER UJU

WAITING TO CATCH THE BOUQUET

BRIDE's CO-WORKERS

Lerato Catching the Bouqet

CUTTING THE CAKE

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Ik and Chika Onyebalu

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People and Places

Aso Ebi Ladies

ERIC EZUKA, DOLLY CHIKWELU AND CHIKE

JULIA, UJU, GRACE and friends

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TONY & DOROTHY ONYEAGORO

Chike and Mercy Nweke

SHARON and DIVINE JOY

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People and Places

TESSY & BUSOLA

PASTOR OKEY & DR. COMFORT NWACHIE

LERATO, JULIE GENELYN

VERA AND DORIS

ASO EBI LADIES

Couple with friend

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People and Places

DAVEON & LOLA TAYLOR

KEN & ADAMMA OGBOGU

SIS FUNKE WITH COUPLE

GODDY & LILIAN NDUKWE

GUESTS

ABAYOMI,Afolabi and friend with Couple

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People and Places

GBENGA, CHARLES, TAYO, LANRE & BAYO

Samco Success Life Band

Mr. and Mrs. Yalomi

IFY & MIKE HOLLYWOOD

Abay Debela and Fitsum Haile

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Fashion & Style

Mo’colatee Fashion House 36 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Fashion & Style

Contact: Omolade Akpata, Managing Director, Mo’colatee Fashions LLC Tel: +1-310-866-9926 Email mo2mocolateef@gmail.com Photography: Timest Photos SUMMER 2013

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Fashion & Style

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Fashion & Style

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Fashion & Style

Mo’colatee Fashion House

At 14 years old, Molade Akpata started the fashion line “Mo’colatee Fashions” for all ages and all sizes. Now 18, she has had over 10 big successful shows of her own and has expanded her fashion throughout different Universities in California.

Mo’colatee fashion is inspired by her culture combined with what normal kids that you see on the street wear. Her fashion line consists of casual, elegant, and extraordinary designs. Since then she has been inspired to do more. Later this year Molade Akpata will be having her 3rd Annual independent fashion show featuring international star Davido. Ten percent of the profit will be given to a children’s cancer awareness organization.

Contact: Mo’colatee Fashions CEO: Mola Akpata Tel: +1-310-866-9926 Email mo2mocolateef@gmail.com

86 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Beauty of the Moment

WÜA a|vÉÄ|Çx TÅux KEYNOTE SPEAKER, EDUCATOR AND PARENT/YOUTH MENTOR.

SUMMER 2013

BOOKING CONTACT: WWW.NICOLINEAMBE.COM

LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 41

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People and Places

a|zxÜ|tÇ jÉÅxÇ TááÉv|tà|ÉÇ Éy ZxÉÜz|t (NWAG)

13th Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet It was a gathering of the cream of the Nigerian community and their friends in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, June 29, 2013 as the Nigerian Women 42 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Association of Georgia (NWAG) celebrated its 13th Annual Fundraising and Awards Banquet. According to its President, Engr. (Mrs.) Abby

Ebodaghe, the association is a non-profit organization whose aim is to lend a helping hand to the less privileged in both Georgia and Nigeria. The mission of SUMMER 2013

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People and Places

NWAG is to serve its local community in Georgia as well as its country Nigeria, through empowerment, cultural enrichment, and education of women, youth and children.

In the last 13 years, NWAG has awarded 338 scholarships to female students in a Nigerian University (one student per State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja), as well 35 scholarships to college bound Nigerian High School students in Georgia. As part of its medical outreach, NWAG has donated over one million dollars ($1m) worth of medical supplies and equipment to 12 community hospitals in various States in Nigeria. In collaboration with Eko Club International, NWAG has also

embarked on bi-annual Medical Mission trips to provide free medical services to those who do not have access to adequate medical care in Nigeria. Additionally, NWAG annually supports the nutrition program of 10 orphanages in Nigeria.

This year’s ceremony was aimed at raising funds for the continuation of the great work that NWAG is doing. Highlight of the 2013 event was the bestowing of the, “Woman of Valor” award to Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Odochi Orji, First Lady of Abia State of Nigeria and the “Award of Excellence” to Dr. (Mrs.) Chris Anyanwu, distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Imo East senatorial zone in the National

President Abby Ebodaghe and VP Iruka Ndubuizu ushering In Abia 1st Lady

A cross section of NWAG members

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Assembly.

Eight (8) new members were also inducted at this year’s event. The induction ceremony was conducted by NWAG’s Vice President, Attorney (Mrs.) Iruka Ndubuizu. NWAG membership is open to every Nigerian female, by birth or marriage, over the age of 21.

For additional information on the organization’s goals and accomplishments or to make a donation, visit their website at www.nwag.org, call 770-4964380, send email to info@nwag.org or send mail to P. O. Box 14532, Atlanta, Georgia 30324.

The following is a photo essay of this great event...

Dr. Emelia Orubele receiving member of the year ward from NWAG President

A cross section of NWAG members

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People and Places

2013 Inductees taking their induction oath

Scholarship Recipient, Atty. Iruka, Engr. Abby and Mrs. Toyin Osinubi

Mrs. Nnezi Onuoha (SA-Media to Abia 1st lady)- reading the citation

Dr. Winifred Nweke

Ms. Mfon Ufot, 1st Lady-Mrs. Mercy Orji and NWAG President

44 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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People and Places

Dancing Time with performer- Dr.Hope Davis

Ms. Mfon Ufot recite the poem "The Flame" to the 1st lady

1st lady Abia state with Abia Women in Atlanta

The First lady Receiving the 'Woman of Valor' award

2013 Inductees taking their oath of commitment to NWAG

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People and Places

First Lady of Abia state- Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji

Senator Chris Anyanwu with supporters

Dr. Stella Etta (NWAG Secretary) reading Senator Anyanwu's citation

L-R: Atty. Ndubuizu, Mrs. Udogu, Senator Anyanwu and Engr. Ebodaghe

Senator Anyanwu receiving the "Woman of Excellence" award

Senator Chris Anyanwu and Honorable Pat Udogu

46 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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People and Places

NWAG members with Abia 1st Lady & Consul General of Atl, Amb. G. Teneilabe

Abia First Lady, Mrs. Mercy Orji accepting her award

Cross section of crowd at ceremony

Senator Anyanwu, Attorney Ndubuizi and guests

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Ambassador Geoffrey Teneilabe and his wife

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People and Places

M

T

from Friday May 10 through Sunday May 12, 2013 in Houston

and Dr. Chris Ekiyor; Chairman of Patani Local Government Area of B

Ijaw Foundation Inc. 3rd Annual Convention HOUSTON, TEXAS MAY 10-12, 2013 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

It was a gathering of the cream of the IJAWS in the Diaspora and from home at the 3rd Annual convention of the Ijaw Foundation Inc. from Friday May 10 through Sunday May 12, 2013 in Houston Texas. The convention which held at the Hilton Houston Southwest had as its theme: “The role of education in the transformation of Niger Delta’s economic and social development�

Dignitaries who attended include Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, Deputy SUMMER 2013

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People and Places

National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s ruling party, Ambassador Akpabio, Nigeria’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States, Pastor Power Z. Aginighan; Former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Corporation (NNDC) Dr. Ibikare Fubara; Technical Assistant to Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Silver Opusunju; Secretary of the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, Mr. Patterson Ogon of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Abuja and Dr. Chris Ekiyor; Chairman of Patani Local Government Area of Bayelsa State Nigeria.

The occasion featured presentation of papers on the role of education in the transformation of Niger Delta’s economic and social development and key note speeches from the distinguished guests.

At the end of the convention, participants present agreed to dissolve the Governing Board of the Ijaw foundation and Mr. Amabo MacHarry, Amasenibo Stephen Benstowe, Dr. May Banigo and Dr. Chris Ekiyor were appointed as members of the caretaker Committee pending the election of a substantive board.

The very successful convention was planned by a committee with Amasenibo Stephen Benstowe as Chairman, Engr. Shedrack Fubara, Mr. Chris Abili and Mrs. Roselyn Jack ,Mrs. Daerebo Brown West, Mr. Amabo McHarry, Mr. Chris Abili, and Mr. Julius Enarusai as members.

The following is a photo essay of the convention:

Cross section of High Table

Amabo MacHarry & Steve Benstowe

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Steve Benstowe, Dr. May Banigo and Bishop Inye Hart

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People and Places

L-R, Benstowe, Aginighan, Allison, Hart, Otokito

Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, Deputy Chairman PDP

L-R, Patterson Ogon, Pastor Aginighan, Adonye Allison

A cross section of participants

Dr. Chris Ekiyor and Engr. Shedrack Fubara

5 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Mrs. MacHarry and Ms. Vivian Jacks

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People and Places

A cross section of participants

Dr. Banigo presenting plaque to Patterson Ogon

Mr. Adonye Allison making a presentation

Dr. Ekiyor presenting plaque to Pastor Aginighan Dinner Table Set

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People and Places

Prayer at Dinner Time

Otokito, friend and Onegi Davies

Nigerian Deputy Amb. to the U.S., Ambassador Archibong

5 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Steve presenting plaque to Dr. Sam Sam Jaja

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Sports

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People and Places

Celebrating The Life Of

Lolo Rose Chukwuezi At 70 It was a gathering of the stars of our Los Angeles social scene as Chief Mike (Ugochinyere) and Princess Gladys ( Ahudiya) Ogunkah opened up their palatial home in Rancho Palos Verdes to celebrate Lolo Rose Chukwuezi (Princess Glady’s) mother on the occasion of her 70th birthday.

The occasion started with a prayer service led by Evangelist Chinyere Ifeacho and several other Pastors attending. Guests were later treated to the finest Nigerian Cuisine and drinks and danced into the wee hours of the morning. As celebrated Los Angeles MC, Nze Dr. Solo Egbuho jokedDon Peringon vintage Champagne was flowing like water!

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Mama and her Ogunkah grand children

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People and Places

Evangelist Chinyere, bringing the Word

Cross section of guests

Princess Gladys and sweet mother

Pastor Reginald Njoku praying

Celebrant with officiating Pastors

56 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Ahudiya and Ugochinyere with Mom

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People and Places

Princess Gladys and Chief Michael Ogunkah

With Mama Nkechi and Mama Chika

Dr. Solo and Princess Nnenna, grand entrance

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MC, Nze Dr. Solo Egbuho

With UK and Vicki Obasi

With Princess Uloaku Onyeagoro

Mike and Kingsley (Dokins)

Mama and friends

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People and Places

L-R Sally, Chi Mbelu, Ogo and Chi Mba

The Okeneme's & Other guests

UK Obasi and Mama Chidimma, spraying Mama

With Chris Emedom and wife

58 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Mama's friends

With Mrs. Keve Anigbogu

Princess Tessy Orjiakor, spraying

Dancing Time

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People and Places

With Lolo Umeh

With Chi-Chi , Chudi and others

Sweet Mothers

With Chi-Chi and Chudi Okpala

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Ahudiya, Princess Nnenna and Mom

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People and Places

Chike Ejizu, Sonny Nwanisiobi and guest

Dorcas, Ify Kabba, Lolo Nzenwa

Ms. Vicky Iruke and guest

Mr. and Mrs. Iguh

Nze Cliff Obi, Nze Felix Nwosu and guest

Mr. and Mrs. Okeneme

Mr. Emma and Mrs. Chikodi Alor

Mr. and Mrs. Uche Okereke

60 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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People and Places

Kolanut Ready for presentation

L'bon Decor

Talking Tech and guests

Big Fish and family

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Assorted variety of food served

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People and Places

Mr. and Mrs. Dave Ejimole and others

Mr.IK and Mrs. Ify Okonkwo & Son

Mrs. Ada Okoro spraying celebrant

With McWillis Amugo

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Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Anokwute

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People and Places

Mrs. Irene Njoku-Nwogu

Mr. Emeka and Mrs. Vivian Okoro

Mr. and Mrs. Ugoji and family

Mr. Dozie Ozoemenna and family

With Chief Dan Egeonuigwe

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Guests

With Mr. and Mrs. Irondi

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People and Places

ANNID OTC Annual Banquet, Houston Texas May 6, 2013

Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke.

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All Nigerian Nationals in Diaspora (ANNID) held its Annual banquet at the Off Shore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston Texas on Monday May 6, 2013 in Houston Texas.

The Theme of this year’s banquet was the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and beyond; The way forward for Nigeria’s oil industry.

Special Recognition was given to Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke.

Other distinguished guests at the occasion includes Senator Emmanuel Paulker Izibefin, Chairman , Senate Committee on Petroleum; His Excellency Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje;Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum, Ambassador Robin Renee Sanders Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria.

The event was hosted by Chief Peter Mozie, Global Chairman ANNID and Dr. Tina Obi-Roberts ; Global Woman leader ANNID and the local Chapter of ANNID in Houston SUMMER 2013

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People and Places

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People and Places

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People and Places

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Money and Finance

Is College in Your Child’s Future?

8 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

It’s no secret that the cost of sending just one child to college for four years can be staggering – tuition and fee hikes regularly outpace ination. The following chart shows how average college costs would continue to increase at a 5.2% annual ination rate.

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Money and Finance Estimated annual college costs 2012 2017 2022 2027

Public*

Private*

$31,952

$62,907

$21,447 $47,604 $70,924

$42,224 $93,722

$139,632

*Total yearly costs for in-state tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

Base is 2011-2012 school year. Costs for all future years projected by Wells Fargo Advisors in October 2011 assuming an 8.3% average annual increase per year. Source: 2011 Trends in College Pricing. ©2011 collegeboard.com, Inc. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved. collegeboard.com.

Rather than sending your student into the world with a burden of student-loan or private debt, consider saving options to help cover at least a portion, if not all, of higher-education expenses.

Start saving early. It’s common to assume that saving will be easier in the future when you’re earning more, but as your family and income grow, so do your expenses associated with your standard of living. If you wait until your student is closer to college age, you may find you’ve waited too long and may face the prospect of scaling back the family’s finances in other ways to save for hefty tuitions, fees, and living expenses.

Put time on your side. When you start saving early, college savings can earn substantially more over time through the power of compounded growth. For example, suppose you start putting aside $100 every month for an eight-year-old child. Assuming a 5% annual growth rate, you’ll save $15,592 by the time your child is ready for college but will have invested only $12,000 out-ofpocket.

If you wait until your child is 15 years old to start saving, you’ll have to put more money aside each month to save the same amount, and your out-of-pocket investment will be much greater.

For example, at the same 5% annual growth rate, it would take $400 per month to save $15,556 in time for college, and you’d have invested $14,400 out-of-pocket.* Know your options. Fortunately, parents and grandparents who intend to cover or contribute to a child’s education costs have more choices today SUMMER 2013

than they’ve ever had. If you’ve not yet looked into an education savings plan, Wells Fargo Advisors can help you choose among a variety of savings vehicles, including 529 plans, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and custodial accounts.

Visit wellsfargoadvisors.com/school for more information.

*This information is hypothetical and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent any specific return, yield or investment, nor is it indicative of future results. ********** This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Chukwudi Charles Oje, MBA, Financial Advisor in Manhattan Beach, CA at 310725-2267.

Disclosures Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.©2012 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Sports

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Sports

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Fashion & Style

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Fashion & Style

SUMAHRIE COLLECTIONS Email: sumahriecollections@yahoo.com Facebook.com/sumahrie collections Instagram / sumahrie / sumahrie collections Twitter/ sumahrie Tel:+1-626-216-6017 ** Photography by Ade James SUMMER 2013

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Fashion & Style

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Fashion & Style

SUMAHRIE COLLECTIONS Email: sumahriecollections@yahoo.com Facebook.com/sumahrie collections Instagram / sumahrie / sumahrie collections Twitter/ sumahrie Tel:+1-626-216-6017 ** Photography by Ade James

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Fashion & Style

Sumahrie collections is a clothing design

company based in LA. CA. Founded by Sierra

Leonian designer Mahriama Suma. Our designs

are intricately handmade accessories with a

traditional air to it. And one of a kind dresses

with unique,chic, and feminine elegance

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Ms. Mahriama Suma Designer and stylist Sumahrie collections

SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram/sumahrie www.facebook.com/ Sumahriecollections www. Twitter.com/sumahrie TEL: +1-626-216-6017 Photography by Ade James

TK-MK Foundation...education is the key...one child at a time....

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Photo: Kamara Brown Models Makeup: Aida Cosmetics Stylist: Sarah Mansaray

Sumahrie Collections

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Sports

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Fashion & Style

Addictive Closet Spotlight On Shoe Designer:

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Addictive Closet

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Fashion & Style

t ose l.com l c i r tive gma set o c l i Tay : Add clost@ veclo a l e o e ti e: L Nam dictiv addic 03 m Na iness opad ram/ 9693 6 s Bu ail: Sh Instag e: 323 Em bsite: Phon We iness s Bu

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Addictive Closet Fashion & Style

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LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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People and Places

Kim, Mercy and Chike celebrating African Unity

Kim L. Hunter: African Family Induction On April 13, 2013 at Radisson Hotel, Los Angeles Airport, the 10th Annual African Goodwill Awards and Induction ceremonies to ok place to once again continue to build the bridges of love and brotherhood between Africans and Africans in the Diaspora.

The awards and inductions were started 10 years ago by African Focus Inc. founded by Uchenna Nworgu. In the past ten 82 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

years many notables have been inducted into African families and several bonds of brotherhood and friendships have been formed.

This year, the publisher of Life and Times magazine, Chike Nweke and his wife Mercy inducted Mr. Kim L. Hunter into their Igbo-Nigerian family.

Kim L. Hunter founder and President/Chief Executive oďŹƒcer of Lagrant Communications, a

multimillion dollar integrated marketing and Communications Corporation was inducted into the Igbo- Nigeria family of Chief Chike and Lolo Mercy Nweke.

Kim is also the founder of AfroBrazilian.com and he said that he saw the induction into the Nigerian family of the Nweke’s as a way of building bridges between black people all over the world.

The following is a photo essay of the induction...

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People and Places

The Kings's Court

Beautiful Attendees

Lara Okunubi, Dawn Sutherland and friends

Uchenna and Emilia Nworgu, Founders of African Focus

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The Nweke's with Bob Brunner, VP Arik Air

Kim and the Nwekes with Ade james

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People and Places

His Royal Majesty Fon Fozoh II and his Queen

The Nwekes with Mr. and Mrs. Per Anderson

Nze Cliff Obi and Nze. Dr. Solo Egbuho

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The Nwekes with Kim Hunter and Paulo Lima

Neih (Godwill) & Mrs. Zoe Tamunang and their Inductees

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People and Places

Kim Receiving induction plaque HRM Fon Fozoh II

Happy inductees

Neih (Godwill) & Mrs. Zoe Tamunang and their Inductees

Kim, Jade and Chike

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Chike, Mercy, Jade and friend

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LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 57

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People and Places

Re-Introducing Northern Nigeria: Not As You Know It

I am writing this article mainly for the beneďŹ t of Southern Nigerians who have never been to the North, and mostly have a warped and inaccurate view of the North. I have been driven to write this out of my many personal experiences, and those of friends and family, as has been shared with me. This is mainly an educative piece about what Northern Nigeria is in reality; a complete, holistic picture of this region.

To make this piece a simple read and easy-to-follow, I am going to write it around 5 common perceptions about the North and debunk them: Religious Perception: The general belief held by most Southerners about the North is that the region is not just mainly Muslim, but wholly Muslim.

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Whenever I meet someone from the South and introduce myself, I am correctly placed as a Christian. But once I am asked my state and I say Borno State, the next question becomes, ‘Are you a Muslim?’ This is despite my name being a very common Biblical name, Mark, which is the second Gospel. Matter of fact, I have been asked that question while attending a church programme, with a Bible conspicuously held in my hands. You could imagine my surprise at that question. This has also been the experience of a lot of friends with common names such as ‘Emmanuel’, ‘Daniel’, etc.

To start with, out of the 19 Northern states, at least 5 have a majority Christian population: Plateau, Adamawa, Nassarawa, Taraba and Benue. At least 6

By Mark Amaza

more have at least 40% Christian population. These states include Niger, Gombe, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara and either Borno or Bauchi. That then leaves only Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara as having Muslim populations above 60%. How then are we all seen as Muslims?

This misconception could be excused when the person has an Arabic name, as there are many Northern Christians who bear names such as Jamila, Habiba, Halima, Sadiq, and Yunusa and so on. But when the person has an obvious Christian name and is even attends church services, you really begin to wonder.

Ethnic Perception: Another common perception of the North is that we are all Hausa. My usual response to this is to borSUMMER 2013

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row the logical argument of Simon Kolawole, the Editor-inChief of THISDay Newspapers.

In an article in which he attempted to educate his largely Southern readership base about the North, he went thus: “If out of the estimated 250 tribes in Nigeria, we can say that the South-West is mainly Yoruba with a few other tribes around Badagry area, the South-East wholly Igbo and the South-South being most diverse in the South with about 40 tribes, that still leaves the remaining 200 tribes in the North.�

How then are we reduced to one single ethnic group, Hausa?

It is only the North-West that is close to being homogenous, mainly Hausa and Fulani, but with still some minority tribes in the Zuru area of Kebbi State and the multi-diverse Southern Kaduna. The North-East and North-Central is ďŹ lled with tribes, many of whom I have never even heard of. For example, Adamawa State is so diverse that the largest ethnic group, the Fulani, is just 3% of the entire population. In my home state of Borno, there is a local government so diverse that from one village to another, you are likely to meet an entirely dierent ethnic group. The number of tribes there are so many that we just address the people as ‘Gwoza people’, after the name of the local government.

Even though we all speak Hausa as a lingua franca in order to communicate amongst ourselves as trading partners over SUMMER 2013

the centuries, that doesn’t make us Hausa people as much as communicating English doesn’t make you and I English people.

As a matter of fact, in the NorthEast, Hausa people are a minority and virtually non-existent in

mother went to school, and the surprised look on his face when I told him that my mum earned her masters’ degree over 20 years ago. There was also a time when my dad met someone at the Lagos International Airport and

the North-Central region.

Intellectual Beliefs: Now, this is one belief that whenever I am confronted with, it takes me a great deal of self-control not to ip out and lose my temper.

Times without number, when I tell people I am from Borno State, I am asked how come I speak such good English. What the hell? What am I supposed to speak? Arabic? The general expectation is that someone from the North is not supposed to be this learned, this well-spoken and articulate in English, this knowledgeable. I remember when a friend asked me if my

they got talking. When my dad told him his profession, the man, in a ďŹ t of surprise, exclaimed, ‘I didn’t know that there were professors in the North’.

I admit the fact that the North lags behind the South educationally, especially the North-West and the North-East. But this is not due to our inability to comprehend what we are being taught, but rather due to the incompetence of leadership in the region to give education its premium importance as a form of human development. We, like every other human being on the face of this earth, can excel when LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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given the opportunity. Talent and intellect abounds everywhere. Opportunity, however, does not. I personally know of many Northerners who have excelled nationally and internationally. Daily, the story of young men like Ahmed Mukoshy, who is born, bred and schooled in Sokoto, and yet, rose above his environment to become one of the emerging forces in IT in this country in his early 20s inspires

tor. Most of the commentators on the 234Next article announcing this achievement for this Nigerian and Nigeria made the ludicrous assertion that the appointment was done to please the North, that Dr Mukhtar did not merit it. Little did they know that Dr Mukhtar had worked at the World Bank and the African Development Bank, prior to his heading Nigeria’s

me. This is just one example among many that I could cite but for the lack of space.

I find it outright disgusting whenever people claim that if not for federal character and ‘zoning’, no Northerner would be able to compete in this country. Last week, I was shocked when a friend said only 10% of Northerners in the Federal Civil Service deserved their places on merit, and went on to add that if he had not known me personally and I were to get a job with the Federal Government, he would believe that I did not earn it on merit. The most ridiculous one I encountered was when earlier this year, former Minister of Finance, Dr Mansur Mukhtar was appointed a World Bank direc-

Budget Office on the invitation of the then and present Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former World Bank Managing Director, who also recommended him for the post of Finance Minister when she rejected former President Umaru Yar’adua’s invitation to join his government. What is even worse is that they did not care to know: their minds were already made up and could not be confused with the facts.

Geo-Political Beliefs: Another common belief among Southerners and most especially spread

by Southern newspapers is that the entire 19 Northern states act and think as one when it comes to issues of Northern politics.

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This is one of the biggest untruths about the North. Whenever Northern Nigeria is mentioned, the people of Benue, Kogi and Kwara states do not feel it refers to them. Geographically, they are part of the North; politically, however, they and the entire Middle-Belt act independently. This can be clearly in the last elections where President Goodluck Jonathan won in 7 Northern states, even against his strongest opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari, who is a Northerner. This was something I am sure a lot of people in the South, save for the political savvy, did not see coming.

One common sight of this perception being entrenched by newspapers is when politicians of Northern extraction speak on national issues. I have innumerably seen a washed-out Northern politician, without any influence or popularity speak regarding an issue, and the next day, newspapers carry bold headlines saying, ‘North rejects this’ or ‘North plans to do that’, quoting the same washed-out politician as speaking for the entire North. I have rarely seen a Bola Tinubu speaking and being quoted as the mouthpiece of the entire Yoruba ethnic group, or a Chief Edwin Clark for the Ijaw people. Methinks this is a way of selling newspapers by capitalizing on the image of the North as one single, political force which moves in a particular direction all-together SUMMER 2013

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Cultural/Social/Economic Belief: Admittedly, as people of the same region, we share a lot in common culturally and socially in the general terms: our mannerisms, modes of dressing, traditional titles (apart from paramount rulers with the exception of emirates), etc. Despite that, the Jukun in Taraba and the Kataf in Kaduna are very different in the specifics, as even the Bura and Marghi people of Borno/Adamawa States. To pick the attitude of one ethnic group in the North and attach it to all the others, is to put it mildly, a very shortsighted way of knowing and understanding the people of Northern Nigeria.

Another belief in the South is that the entire North is but an empty land mass with nothing but trees. I remember the controversy of the 2006 census when Kano State was said to have a slightly higher population than Lagos State. Many of my Southern friends called it ‘an impossibility’. In the words of one of them, ‘Lagos is so populated that when you throw grains of rice into the air, they wouldn’t land on the ground, but on people’.

However, they all forgot to factor in land mass, because Lagos State is a much smaller state than Kano State, and hence has the highest population density in Nigeria, hence making it look as SUMMER 2013

though it was way more populated.

There are cities in the North that have been thriving economically, such as Kano and Kaduna.

As a matter of fact, Kaduna State was adjudged by the World Bank in the year 2009 as the best place to do business.

Lastly, the most retrogressive belief about the North in the South is that the entire North is a hotbed for violence. As much as we have had more than our fair

share of ethno-religious violence, there are many states that have never experienced one, including states such as Zamfara, and others as Nassarawa and Benue.

I have not written this as a criticism of the people of Southern Nigeria, but rather, in the hope that this will be an enlightenment of the South about the North. It amazes me when I see that despite the fact that we have been a country for almost a century, yet, a lot of people down South know little or nothing about their fellow Nigerians in

the North, but know about Europe and America.

I have also realized that we as Northerners have allowed others to say our story for ourselves, hence have given it distortions, deletion and generalizations.

What has happened over time is what the writer Chimamanda Adichie, in her TED talk in March 2009, at Oxford, England, describes as ‘the danger of the single story’, where a single story of the North as a region of poor, illiterate, lazy, Hausa Muslims who do nothing but connive to lord over this country politically and kill Southerners’ has been repeated so much that it is seen as the truth. This is the kind of stuff that creates stereotyping, which in her words, ‘not that it is untrue, but that it is incomplete’.

This is one reason I still see

the significance of our NYSC scheme, choked with problems as it may be. We need to know each other more. Let us override this stereotypical mind-set and seek to learn about each other with open minds and seek the complete story that gives a holistic picture of our country.

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Sports

V{|ÇçxÄâ jxwá ^xáàxÜ It was a classy affair at the upscale International Christian Center on Saturday 4/20/13 as beautiful Ezenwanyi Chinyelu Ndika said I do to her handsome heartthrob Kester Ezuma in a private by -

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invitation -only -affair that had very close friends and family in attendance. It was also a truly beautiful white wedding and colorful Nigerian wedding reception.

Following is a photo essay of the event...

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People and Places

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Money and Finance

MONEYGRAM TO TRANSFER TO NASDAQ DALLAS — (BUSINESS WIRE) Apr. 23, 2013

MoneyGram International, Inc. (NYSE: MGI), a leading global money transfer company, announced today that it will move its stock listing to the NASDAQ Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange, effective May 13, 2013. The 96 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Company will continue trading under the ticker symbol “MGI.” “Upon being listed on the NASDAQ, MoneyGram joins the world’s most innovative companies,” said Pamela H. Patsley, chairman and chief executive officer. “NASDAQ is a global leader in advanced trading technologies, which will provide our shareholders with cost-efficient trading opporSUMMER 2013

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Money and Finance

tunities. MoneyGram will also benefit from reduced listing fees. As an innovative leader in the money transfer and payments industry, we are excited to be a part of the NASDAQ.” “We welcome MoneyGram to our growing list of leading companies that are innovators in their industries,” said Bruce Aust, executive vice presi-

dent, NASDAQ OMX. “MoneyGram brings its customers closer by helping them send funds almost anywhere in the world through cash, bank account, online and mobile. Their versatility and forward thinking culture is perfectly aligned with NASDAQ’s family of listed companies.”

About MoneyGram International

MoneyGram, a leading money transfer company, enables consumers who are not fully served by traditional financial institutions to meet their financial needs. MoneyGram offers bill payment services in the United States and Canada and money transfer services worldwide through a global network of more than 310,000 agent locations – including retailers, international post offices and financial institutions – in 197 countries and territories. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, please visit moneygram.com or connect with us on Facebook.

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Arts And Culture GEM OF THE RAINFOREST is the ultimate African Action-Adventure ďŹ lm only from the mind of Don Okolo.

This is my ďŹ rst solo outing as a producer. The ďŹ lm was shot in Houston and Cat Spring, Texas. Production shooting days; 28. We had some of the best cast and crew, all Houston residents with the exception of Ramsey Nouah. Gem of the Rainforest was shot on Scarlet Red camera with its prime lenses.

Brief Synopsis:

Gem of the Rainforest is the story about the two-faced

does indeed exist, Cat and Sweetwater will crash the exhibition event to confront Dr. Oppenheimer and Jesse Holland (played by Ramsey Nouah) about the mask’s origin. The adventure truly begins when Cat and Sweetwater attempt to steal the mask and take it back to Africa.

The story is so compelling that Demond Fernandez and Johnny Marquez from ABC 13 KTRK Eyewitness News Houston were on the set during one of our shooting days, and it was aired on their

GEM OF THE RAINFOREST

Street Corner Films and Crooks in a Castle Films Written and Directed by Don Okolo diamond mask stolen Produced by Nkem DenChukwu from Africa some 300 years

By Nkem DenChukwu ago when the ďŹ rst White men landed on the shores of the River Niger. Suddenly, for the ďŹ rst time in 300 years, the mask surfaces in the hands of a Texan resident, Dr. Dye Oppenheimer (Played by Joe GrisaďŹƒ). Geologist and Anthropologist professor, Dr. Catherine Ileka (aka Cat, played by Kae Shakir) gets a phone call from a friend, Sweetwater Brown (played by Perez Egbi), regarding the unveiling of a diamond mask in Houston. Cat comes to Houston to see if it’s true, and not just a myth.

To ascertain that the mask most believed never existed, SUMMER 2013

Hometown News segment.

Trendy Africa, the magazine also came on the set.

For more production details, please visitwww.imdb.com and search for Gem of the Rainforest.

Gem of the Rainforest will premiere in Houston on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at AMC LOEWS FOUNTAINS 18; Red carpet at 6PM; Showtime: 8PM to 10PM Prompt.

Other cities include Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, New York, and DMV area.

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Arts & Entertainment

The Azonto Craze…

By Grace Neequaye Features Editor, Life and Times

“Move to the left, to the right and watch me freeze…Azonto!”1 Azonto is one of the hottest dance movements to hit parties, clubs, dance halls, the streets and even churches. The distinct movements accompanied by a pulsating beat, keeps Azonto lovers grooving for hours on end. It is indeed quite a sight to see a room full of people jerking to the beat.

Azonto originated from the streets of Jamestown, Bukom and Chokor in Accra, Ghana. At its onset, it was a communicative dance which described various professions. The movements of the dance mimicked the profes100 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

sions, letting the audience know a person’s trade. For example a carpenter would mimic activities such as hammering, sawing, etc. This dance form was called Apaa, meaning work in the Ga language. As its popularity grew, high school students started displaying Azonto during competitions at their entertainment night where the best Azonto dancer was often crowned by the end of the night based on creativity and audience connection. In this manner, the Azonto fever was quickly dispersed throughout Ghana, as more high school students added their own twist to the dance and competitions continued. At the same time, young musicians started developing beats that matched the specific nature of the dance and before long, a movement was born. Along with the music and dance, Azonto is danced with

humor and a swag representative of a new generation of musicians and artists in the 21st century.

Azonto has expanded outside of the streets and high schools and has become an integral part of the dance scene. Like many other African dances, Azonto is also used for courting.

What is Azonto?

Azonto is a total body dance form. Often times, the arms and legs are kept in constant motion while demonstrating everyday movements, along with hip movements that are typical in African dance. The dance can be incorporated into any setting and any culture, providing a versatility that has allowed different countries to adapt it to suit their own movements. Facial expressions during an Azonto further add to the humor of the dance form. Azonto SUMMER 2013

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Arts & Entertainment can be danced in clusters/groups or by couples.

Trendsetters and popular artists of Azonto include Samini, E.L., Gasmilla, Sarkodie, Fuse ODG, Guru, Tiffany, and WizKid. Some of their biggest hits include Azonto by Fuse featuring Tiffany, You go kill me by Sarkodie featuring E.L, Obuu Mo by E.L., Lapaz Toyota by Guru, Yenko Nkoaa by Eduwoji featuring Stay J, and Aboodatoi by Gasmilla. Many of the songs are in local languages, though some of the most popular ones including Azonto is in English.

Azonto popularity

The world was introduced to Azonto when Asamoah Gyan gleefully did a little dance after scoring during the 2010 World Cup. This was part of his signature celebration and was dubbed “Asamoah Dance”. Since then, hundreds of YouTube® videos have been uploaded, websites have been created and the world has been doing the Azonto. Artists such as Chris Brown and Keri Hilson have been videoed gyrating their hips and working Azonto moves at recent concerts. In Chris Brown’s video for his latest song Fine China, he mentions incorporating some Azonto moves which he learned during his recent visit to Ghana.

Global Presence

Azonto has become one of the most widely recognized dance forms especially among Africans in Africa and also in the Diaspora. It has quickly spread around the world with eager new

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learners who want to be in the know. Video tutorials have been it easier to learn the movements in the comfort of one’s home, though dance floor lessons are also very popular. In this age of smart phones, cameras and high speed internet, new music and videos are quickly shared around the world. As more Africans have made homes all around the globe, it has been easy for Azonto to be well placed in all corners of the world. With a booming music industry in Africa, new studios have allowed for fresh blood and new creative ideas to be incorporated in the new movement. In some parts of Europe where there is a strong African presence, Azonto, along with other African music collectively considered “Afrobeats” can be heard on mainstream radio programs and on shows such as “Britain’s Got Talent”.

dancing Azonto so what is Alingo?” Additionally during an interview on 106 & Park, Chris Brown credited Nigerian artist WizKid for teaching him how to dance Azonto, sparking discussions that he should have at least also mentioned that Azonto is from Ghana and not Nigeria as implied.

Music and dance have always an integral part of African culture.

Azonto’s success is evidence that Africa has a place in the global world of Arts and Entertainment.

There is no doubt that the creative minds of Azonto will continue to produce quality work that will continue to shake up the world of music and dance.

Sources: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/se p/03/ghana-azonto-dance-craze-world http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azonto http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa18495493 http://www.modernghana.com/news/3696 04/1/ghanas-azonto-dance-craze-goesglobal.html http://africaposts.wordpress.com/2012/01/ 02/ghanas-azonto-dance-goes-global/ http://diasporaw.net/2013/06/05/azontofestival-to-shake-ghana/ http://www.averysegal.com/azonto/ http://entertainment.myjoyonline.com/pag es/news/201303/102648.php http://www.azonto233.com/music_videos. php http://ghanamagazine.com/lists/top-10azonto-songs/#.Ucrdsrnn_0c

Controversy

Like other movements, Azonto has not been without controversy.

Ghanaian artists including Samini have expressed displeasure about P-Square’s Alingo, saying that the moves shown in the music video are actually Azonto moves. Samini has recorded a song using Alingo in the background with lyrics such as “The name sounds like Azonto, the dance kinda looks like Azonto so try show me what I don’t know…I see that you

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News and Politics

Boko Haram Revisited In our 2012 Fall edition of LIFE & TIMES, when we first touched on Boko Haram, suggestion was made to President Johnathan Goodluck to address Boko Haram concerning its senseless killings of innocent Nigerian citizens in the name of its religion. It was hoped that such intervention would send a message to any group, foreign or domestic, that Nigeria as country will stand for and defend its citizen at any cost ... that under no circumstances will any group be left to impose its will on other groups or individuals.

The President’s inertia emboldened Boko Haram. If he had come out as late as Fall 2012, and used the resources at his disposal to respond to Boko Haram, its recent attacks on innocent citizens in Bama in Borno state would have been avoided. Additionally, the Pres102 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

ident’s delayed action on this group gave its leaders the effrontery to refuse a recent offer of a dialogue by the Nigerian government.

The question is what can be done now. There are many Nigerians who would want to see the full might of the Nigerian military put against this group and eviscerate it and all it represents. My dislike for this group notwithstanding, I would like to differ from the preceding as a solution In spite of the fact that leaders of the group were reported to have refused an invitation for a dialogue by the Nigerian government, I strongly believe and join experts in matters of groups like this (Boko Haram) that dialogue will be the best solution to the problem they present. Data suggests that anything done that militarizes the conflict and pushes aside the

opportunities for negations will bring about the internationalization of the conflict. Any major security crackdown could result in possible help from other countries and could have the potential of making the situation worse.

I would end this piece the way the first one ended …. any group whose ideology is founded on the belief of its supremacy to any other ideology or group, has no place in a civilized society or the society that we aspire to. Boko Haram has outlived its existence in Nigeria. Jonathan Gookluck and his lieutenants should stand up to it and let it and any other of such inclination know that Nigeria belongs to all of us. No group should be left to impose its will on others with impunity.

Long live Nigeria.

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Sports

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Health

Why I Hate Sugar

By Olufemi Saliu, M.D. I immigrated to the USA in 1987. Compare to here in the US, my added sugar intake in Nigeria was next to none: a few soft drinks a year, occasional candy and cookies, and at the most, a cube of sugar in my corn meal. My first decade as an immigrant is a different story-habitual sugar consumption. I ate potato chips, cookies, and drank carbonated drinks, and juice several times a day. After a full dinner, I went to bed on varying combinations of honey roasted peanuts (loaded with sugar and salt), ice cream, and bread. Sometimes it was hot chocolate or cold cereals with additional milk, and sugar.

In late 1999 a fellow physician, Dr. Mir said: “Dr. Saliu, do ten 104 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

push-ups a day.” When asked why, he retorted: “you’ve got a pot belly.” And my February 2000 physical examination revealed a weight gain of about 50 pounds over my first twelve years in the States, while my blood pressure was slightly elevated. The family doctor made a remark about my figure: “You’ve got folds all over your body.” About a week later I received a phone call from him: “your cholesterol is too high, and you could become diabetic soon if care is not taken. Eat more fibers and cut down your meat intake,” the doctor said.

I did what the physician recommended, and more: I cut down my meat intake, eliminated eggs from my diet, and added

broccoli to my lunch and dinner. I avoided soda and juice, but continued to eat bread, cake, cereals, and reduced portions of white rice. With these changes I lost 30 pounds over three months.

The weight loss could be attributed to avoidance of sodas, and cessation of nightly consumption of ice cream, cookies, cold cereals, bread, and hot chocolate. My blood pressure returned to normal while my cholesterol was usually a little less than 200. And it took me a while to get used to comments about my physique: Are you alright? Is your wife feeding you? Are you dieting? You just need to exercise!

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syndrome, no one asked if I was alright.

I was very strict in the first few years but later became careless: the vegetable portions decreased gradually while the processed portions such as potato chips, cookies, and cold cereals went up.

On August 17, 2011 (eleven years after the first dietary modification) my family doctor was concerned about my cholesterol: LDL 227. He gave me six months to make a life style change, or else he’d place me on cholesterol lowering medication. I drove directly from his office to the whole foods market closest to my house- and began this adventure in nutrition science.

From lack of understanding, I, along with most people blame excessive consumption of fat for metabolic syndrome: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this article is to expose the real culprit in the causation of metabolic syndrome.

First we need to know that the familiar table sugar-sucroseconsists of two simple sugars: glucose and fructose. Another simple sugar of importance is galactose which is found in milk.

When the fuel is running low in your car, the yellow alert comes on. Now for a moment, try to imagine you are seated in your car at a gas station after the pump is set up to fill the tank. Through a feedback mechanism the pump senses the tank is full, and stops pumping gas. Let’s assume the SUMMER 2013

feedback mechanism is defective. So the pump can’t sense the tank is full. There’d be a spillover of the gas by the time you get out of the car. Thus there are sensors in the car that detect when the gas is low, and when the tank is full.

Similarly, the human brain (hypothalamus), through certain hormones, can sense when you’re low or full on nutrients: ghrelin makes you feel hungry, while insulin, leptin, and cholecystokinin make you feel full on respective nutrients. Glucose and galactose( unlike fructose), protein, and fat are subject to this regulatory mechanism that makes the body aware it’s had enough, so these nutrients do not make people fat. On the other hand, fructose is not subject to this regulatory mechanism. As much as you eat is absorbed, and metabolized in the liver to fatty acids that circulate as LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood, and fat.

The brain is not able to tell you when you’ve had enough. The path of fructose conversion to fatty acids and fat is a path of least resistance. Elucidation of this concept is beyond the scope of this article. For better understanding you may read “Sweet Poison” by David Gillespie, a lawyer motivated to learn biochemistry because of his personal struggle with metabolic syndrome. So, my dear readers, fructose is your enemy; not fat, protein, or glucose.

But fructose is ubiquitous in our foods. The manufacturers add it to carbonated drinks, milk

shake, juice, cake, ice cream, bread, donut, honey roasted nuts, cookies, chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and so on. If the food is processed, it’s got added sugar.

I’ve heard people said in countless times: “I drink my coffee black, and with no sugar.” But a can of soda contains eight teaspoons of sugar. The table sugar added to tea is less of a problem than the sugar already added to coke, juice, potato chips, ice cream, and bread, just to name some. Beware of the sugar that is unseen.

Furthermore, fructose is fructose, whether it’s consumed in fruit or cookies. Due to fibers, and antioxidants in fruits, they are better than cookies but the fructose in them-when consumed excessively- might create weight problems. So fruits are to be consumed with caution. All the nutritional benefits of fruits are found in vegetables: you can do without fruits for a while if you’re concerned about your weight.

Obviously, fructose is added to make unpalatable food tasty. It also has a euphoric effect that makes you feel good when sugar lands on the tongue. So when added to food, you want more of the food. Studies are suggestive of addictive effect of sugar.

According to Dr. Robert Lustig, “Excessive consumption of fructose can cause many of the same health problems as alcohol.”

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which circulating blood sugar binds to tissue proteins forming advanced glycation end products(AGEs) which studies have linked to ageing, impairment of cognition, cataracts, and chronic joint diseases.

Whenever I give a talk on health hazards of fructose in processed food people ask a familiar question: “what then can we eat?”

These are my suggestions:

Avoid sodas, juice, and malt drinks with passion. Remember what Fela Anikulapo Kuti said: “Water no get enemy.

If the food is packaged in a bottle, can, cardboard box, or plastic bag, don’t eat it, or at the most, let it constitute less than 20% of your food.

Limit fruit consumption to at most two a day if your BMI (weight in kg divided by the square of height in meter) is within normal range. Excessive fruit consumption might make your weight problem worse. It’s a good idea for obese people to

avoid fruits until their weights are under control. All nutritional benefits of fruits are found in vegetables.

Habitually consume variety of vegetables every day; make vegetable salad a significant portion of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is no limit to how much to eat.

Remember to snack on variety of raw nuts daily. I always go to work with two handfuls of mixed RAW walnut, cashew nuts, and almonds. Avoid honey roasted nuts because they are loaded with sugar and salt. Furthermore, roasted nuts are deficient in heat labile nutrients.

Fish, chicken, meat, and eggs are not the culprit: fructose is the problem.

Legumes such beans are good.

The main carbohydrate in beans, amylopectin C is so resistant to digestion that it’s passed on to the bacteria in the colon for digestion.

The bacteria break it down to hydrogen and nitrogen, not simple sugars. Beans increase gas, and bulk in the colon.

ChrONIC EthANOL ExPOSurE Hematological disorders Electrolyte abnormalities HTN Cardiac dilatation Cardiomyopathy Dyslipidemia Pancreatitis Obesity(insulin resistance) Malnutrition Hepatic dysfunction Addiction

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Finally, changing your diet is just one side of the coin of healthful living. The other is appropriate exercise in reasonable intensity to avoid injury, and accelerated wear and tear of the joints. You may join a gym, take long walks, walk the stairs, and pack your car as far away as possible for an opportunity to walk. An optimum balance of dietary change and exercise, and of course the way we think is the key to good health. And do not be too far from your family doctor; I see mine annually. Our bodies, just like our cars need maintenance too.

References: Lustig, Robert H. et al. Public health: The toxic truth about sugar. Nature 482. 27-29 (02 February 2012) Gillespie, David. Sweet Poison: Why sugar is making us fat.

Davis, Williams. Wheat Belly: Lose the wheat, lose the weight, and find the path back to health.

ChrONIC fruCtOSE ExPOSurE HTN Myocardial infaction (dyslipidemia, insulin resistance) Dyslipidemia Pancreatitis Obesity(insulin resistance) Malnutrition(obesity) Hepatic dysfunction(non-alcoholic) Habituation, if not addiction.

Robert H. Lustig, et al

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Fashion and Style

LAS VEGAS SUPER MODEL TOUR Models: Cebrena and Iveanna Shot on Location: Las Vegas Nevada Photos by: Devere Photography SUMMER 2013

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Fashion and Style

Model: Iveanna Tucker, Height: 6' 1' Weight: 127lbs Measurements: 34-27-37 From: Las Vegas, Nevada Shot on Location: Las Vegas Photographer: Devere Photography Booking Contacts: mail@lifeandtimesmagazine.com Reference: Devere Photography Wardrobe by: Dupsies.com Make up: Stephanie of Las Vegas702-277-7492

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Model: Cebrena Tucker, Height: 6' 0'' Weight: 120lbs Measurements: 34-24-34 From: N. Las Vegas, Nevada Shot on Location: Las Vegas Photographer: Devere Photography Booking Contacts: mail@lifeandtimesmagazine.com Reference: Devere Photography Wardrobe by: Dupsies.com Make up: Stephanie of Las Vegas702-277-7492

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Spotlight

South Africa Alive with possibilities Diversity is a key feature of South Africa, where 11 languages are recognized as official, where community leaders include rabbis and chieftains, rugby players and returned exiles, where traditional healers ply their trade around the corner from stockbrokers and where housing ranges from mud huts to palatial homes with swimming pools.

The diverse communities, however, have not had much representation for long.

Until 1994 South Africa was ruled by a white minority government which was so determined to hang onto power that it took activists most of the last century before they succeeded in their fight to get rid of apartheid and extend democracy to the rest of the population.

The white government which came to power in 1948 enforced a separation of races with its policy called apartheid. It dictated that black and white communities should live in separate areas, travel in different buses

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and stand in their own queues.

The government introduced grand social engineering schemes such as the forced resettlement of hundreds of thousands of people. It poisoned and bombed opponents and encouraged trouble in neighboring countries.

The apartheid government eventually negotiated itself out of power, and the new leadership encouraged reconciliation. But the cost of the years of conflict will be paid for a long time yet, not least in terms of lawlessness, social disruption and lost education.

South Africa faces major problems, but having held four successful national elections as well as local polls since the end of white rule, a democratic culture appears to be taking hold, allowing people at least some say in the search for solutions.

Very much Africa’s superpower, South Africa has the continent’s biggest economy, though this went into recession in May 2009 following a sharp slowdown in the mining and manufacturing sectors. The construction industry, on the other hand, benefited from a huge programme of government investment ahead of the 2010 World Cup. South Africa is, along with China, Brazil, Russia and India, a member of the BRICS club of emerging world economic SUMMER 2013

countries in 2008 and protests by township residents over poor living conditions during the summer of 2009.

Land redistribution is an ongoing issue. Most farmland is still whiteowned. Having so far acquired land on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis, officials have signaled that large-scale expropriations are on the cards. The government aims to transfer 30% of farmland to black South Africans by 2014.

South Africa has the second-highest number of HIV/Aids patients in the world. Around one in seven of its citizens is infected with HIV. Free anti-retroviral drugs are available under a statefunded scheme.

Provinces of South Africa

powerhouses.

Many South Africans remain poor and unemployment is high a factor blamed for a wave of violent attacks against migrant workers from other African

At the end of apartheid in 1994, the “independent” and “semiindependent” Bantustans were abolished, as were the four original provinces (Cape, Natal, Orange Free State and Transvaal), and nine new provinces were created. Each province is governed by a unicameral legislature, which is elected every five years by partylist proportional representation.

The legislature elects a Premier as head of government, and the Premier appoints an Executive Council as a provincial cabinet.

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The powers of provincial governments are limited to topics listed in the Constitution; these topics include such fields as health, education, public housing and transport. South African main cities are Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

A chronology of key events:

4th century - Migrants from the north settle, joining the indigenous San and Khoikhoi people.

1480s - Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias is the first European to travel round the southern tip of Africa.

1497 - Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama lands on Natal coast.

1652 - Jan van Riebeeck, representing the Dutch East India Company, founds the Cape Colony at Table Bay. 11 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

1795 - British forces seize Cape Colony from the Netherlands.

Territory is returned to the Dutch in 1803; ceded to the British in 1806.

1816-1826 - Shaka Zulu founds and expands the Zulu empire, creates a formidable fighting force.

1835-1840 - Boers leave Cape Colony in the ‘Great Trek’ and found the Orange Free State and the Transvaal.

1852 - British grant limited selfgovernment to the Transvaal.

1856 - Natal separates from the Cape Colony.

Late 1850s - Boers proclaim the Transvaal a republic.

1867 - Diamonds discovered at Kimberley.

1877 - Britain annexes the Transvaal.

Mining has been the driving force

behind South Africa’s economic development 1879 - British defeat the Zulus in Natal.

1880-81 - Boers rebel against the British, sparking the first Anglo-Boer War. Conflict ends with a negotiated peace.

Transvaal is restored as a republic.

Mid 1880s - Gold is discovered in the Transvaal, triggering the gold rush.

1899 - British troops gather on the Transvaal border and ignore an ultimatum to disperse. The second Anglo-Boer War begins.

1902 - Treaty of Vereeniging ends the second Anglo-Boer War. The Transvaal and Orange Free State are made self-governing colonies of the British Empire.

1910 - Formation of Union of South Africa by former British SUMMER 2013

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colonies of the Cape and Natal, and the Boer republics of Transvaal, and Orange Free State.

1912 - Native National Congress founded, later renamed the African National Congress (ANC).

1913 - Land Act introduced to prevent blacks, except those living in Cape Province, from buying land outside reserves.

1914 - National Party founded.

1918 - Secret Broederbond (brotherhood) established to advance the Afrikaner cause.

1919 - South West Africa (Namibia) comes under South African administration.

Apartheid set in law 1948 - Policy of apartheid (separateness) adopted when National Party (NP) takes SUMMER 2013

power.

1950 - Population classified by race. Group Areas Act passed to segregate blacks and whites.

Communist Party banned.

ANC responds with campaign of civil disobedience, led by Nelson Mandela.

1960 - Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

1961 - South Africa declared a republic, leaves the Commonwealth. Mandela heads ANC’s new military wing, which launches sabotage campaign.

1960s - International pressure against government begins, South Africa excluded from Olympic Games.

1964 - ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life

imprisonment.

1966 September - Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd assassinated.

1970s - More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black ‘homelands’.

1976 - More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

1976: Black anger boils over.

People rallied against the white government, which hit back violently 1984-89 - Township revolt, state of emergency.

1989 - FW de Klerk replaces PW Botha as president, meets Mandela. Public facilities desegregated. Many ANC activists freed.

1990 - ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison. Namibia becomes independent.

1991 - Start of multi-party talks.

De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws, international sanctions lifted. Major fighting between ANC and Zulu Inkatha movement.

1993 - Agreement on interim constitution.

1994 April - ANC wins first nonracial elections. Mandela become president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.

Seeking truth 1996 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 11

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu begins hearings on human rights crimes committed by former government and liberation movements during apartheid era.

1990: De Klerk dismantles apartheid in South Africa 1996 - Parliament adopts new constitution. National Party withdraws from coalition, saying it is being ignored.

1998 - Truth and Reconciliation Commission report brands apartheid a crime against humanity and ďŹ nds the ANC accountable for human rights abuses.

1999 - ANC wins general elections, Thabo Mbeki takes over as president.

2000 December - ANC prevails in local elections. Recentlyformed Democratic Alliance captures nearly a quarter of the votes. The Inkatha Freedom Party wins 9%.

2001 April - 39 multi-national pharmaceutical companies halt a legal battle to stop South Africa importing generic Aids drugs. The decision is hailed as a victory for the world’s poorest countries in their eorts to import cheaper drugs to combat the virus.

2001 May - An oďŹƒcial panel considers allegations of corruption surrounding a 1999 arms deal involving British, French, German, Italian, Swedish and South African ďŹ rms. In November the panel clears the government of unlawful conduct.

2001 September - Durban hosts UN race conference.

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2001 December - High Court rules that pregnant women must be given Aids drugs to help prevent transmission of the virus to their babies.

2002 July - Constitutional court orders government to provide key anti-Aids drug at all public hospitals. Government had argued drug was too costly.

2002 October - Bomb explosions in Soweto and a blast near Pretoria are thought to be the work of right-wing extremists.

Separately, police charge 17 right-wingers with plotting against the state.

2003 May - Walter Sisulu, a key ďŹ gure in the anti-apartheid struggle, dies aged 91.

Thousands gather to pay their last respects.

2003 November - Government approves major programme to treat and tackle HIV/Aids. It envisages network of drugdistributon centres and preventative programmes.

Cabinet had previously

refused to provide anti-Aids medicine via public health system.

2004 April - Ruling ANC wins landslide election victory, gaining nearly 70% of votes.

Thabo Mbeki begins a second term as president. Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi is dropped from the cabinet.

2005 March - Investigators exhume the ďŹ rst bodies in a Truth and Reconciliation Commission investigation into the fates of hundreds of people who disappeared in the apartheid era.

2005 May - Geographical names committee recommends that the culture minister should approve a name change for the capital from Pretoria to Tshwane.

Zuma sacked 2005 June - President Mbeki sacks his deputy, Jacob Zuma, in the aftermath of a corruption case.

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2005 August - Around 100,000 gold miners strike over pay, bringing the industry to a standstill.

2006 May - Former deputy president Jacob Zuma is acquitted of rape charges by the High Court in Johannesburg. He is reinstated as deputy leader of the governing African National Congress.

2006 June - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visits and promises to limit clothing exports to help South Africa’s ailing textile industry.

2006 September - Corruption charges against former deputy president Zuma are dismissed, boosting his bid for the presidency.

2006 December - South Africa becomes the first African country, and the fifth in the world, to allow same-sex unions.

2007 April - President Mbeki, often accused of turning a blind eye to crime, urges South Africans to join forces to bring rapists, drug dealers and corrupt SUMMER 2013

officials to justice.

2007 May - Cape Town mayor Helen Zille is elected as new leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA).

Mass strike 2007 June - Hundreds of thousands of public-sector workers take part in the biggest strike since the end of apartheid. The strike lasts for four weeks and causes widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and public transport.

2007 December - Zuma is elected chairman of the ANC, placing him in a strong position to become the next president.

Prosecutors bring new corruption charges against him.

2008 May - Wave of violence directed at foreigners hits townships across the country.

Dozens of people die and thousands of Zimbabweans, Malawians and Mozambicans return home.

2008 September - A judge throws out a corruption case against ruling ANC party chief Jacob

Zuma, opening the way for him to stand as the country’s president in 2009.

President Mbeki resigns over allegations that he interfered in the corruption case against Mr Zuma. ANC deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe is chosen by parliament as president.

New party launched 2008 December - A new political party is launched in Bloemfontein, in the first real challenge to the governing ANC. The Congress of the People - or Cope - is made up largely of defectors from the ANC and is headed by former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota.

2009 January - Appeals court rules that state prosecutors can resurrect their corruption case against ANC leader Jacob Zuma, opening the way for Mr Zuma’s trial to be resumed, just months before general election.

Lindiwe Mazibuko, becomes the opposition Democratic Alliance’s leader in parliament 2009 April - Public prosecutors drop corruption case against Jacob Zuma.

ANC wins general election.

2009 May - Parliament elects Jacob Zuma as president.

Economy goes into recession for first time in 17 years.

2009 July - Township residents complaining about poor living conditions mount violent protests.

2010 June - South Africa hosts the World Cup football tournament.

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nation-wide strike.

2011 May - Local elections, with opposition Democratic Alliance nearly doubling its share of the vote since the last poll.

President Zuma mediates in Libyan conflict.

2011 October - President Zuma sacks two ministers accused of corruption.

Opposition Democratic Alliance picks a black woman Lindiwe Mazibuko - as its leader in parliament.

2011 November - The ANC suspends its controversial and influential youth leader, Julius Malema, for five years for bringing the party into disrepute.

2011 National Assembly overwhelmingly approves

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information bill accused by critics of posing a threat to freedom of speech. The ANC says it is needed to safeguard national security.

2012 July - Member of white extremist group found guilty of plotting to kill Mandela and trying to overthrow government.

2012 August-October - Police open fire on workers at a platinum mine in Marikana, killing at least 34 people, and leaving at least 78 injured and arresting more than 200 others. Prosecutors drop murder charges in September against 270 miners after a public outcry, and the government sets up a judicial commission of inquiry in October.

2012 September - Former ANC youth leader Julius Malema is charged with money laundering over a government tender awarded to a company partly owned by his family trust. Mr Malema says the case is a politically motivated attempt to silence his campaign against President Zuma, in particular over the Marikana shootings.

2012 October - Platinum mine owner Amplats fires 12,000 striking miners as wave of wildcat strikes shows little sign of abating.

2012 December - President Zuma re-elected as leader of the ANC. Source-BBC NEWS, Country Profile

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Youth

The Nigerian Connection There is so much to be said about the power of networking.

Networking is simply actively meeting people in different settings, exchanging information, and following up in the near future to achieve a certain goal. This goal usually falls within one’s professional or business aspirations. The act of networking itself is simple and fluid and can be incredibly beneficial when one is intentional about doing it.

As Nigerians, we have a deep network to tap into. Nigerians are some of the most innovative, resourceful, and hardworking people in the world. We are everywhere and tend to succeed in whatever industry we apply ourselves in. As a young Nigerian, you are in an even better position to use the Nigerian network to your benefit because you are more flexible with your time and money, more inclined to try new things, and more ready to be creative. Equally as important is the fact that older generations of Nigerians are always willing to support the younger ones.

Below are some practical tips SUMMER 2013

to making the best use of your Nigerian connection.

Embrace your familial ties – We all have uncles and aunties – many of whom are directly related to us and many are family friends who treat and accept us as their own children. These people have known you for a long time and can likely connect you to other likeminded individuals. At the very least, they serve a close resource and like to put in a good word for you.

Go to conferences – Conferences related to Nigeria and Nigerians occur locally and globally on a relatively frequent basis. The focus and theme of each conference varies. Some may be tailored towards certain professions, others more interest-based (e.g. fashion, African development, sports etc.) while others more socially inclined.

Many however cross over a slew of subject areas and hold several workshops that more likely than not, you will find something of interest to you. All conferences bring out the best and brightest from the Nigerian community. You never know whom you will meet at these gatherings, so ensure to carry and collect business cards when you attend them.

Stay in touch with former employers – This tip is not unique to Nigerians but is still very important to networking. Former employers can connect you with

people who can further your career goals. Checking in to see how they are doing and updating them on what you are doing is one simple and essential method to broaden your chances of new professional opportunities.

Use social media – Social media is huge in today’s world of cyber connections. This is especially true for young Nigerians trying to make a name for themselves. The way you present yourself online holds a large stake in how new people will perceive you. Studies have shown that a substantial amount of employers perform online searches on each prospective candidate for employment. The same goes for potential business partners. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are all platforms you must use to your benefit.

Keep an open mind – It is crucial to approach networking with an open mind. There is no one way to network neither is there is a right time to stop networking.

Along those lines, though some connections will lead to something fruitful and others may not right away, they are all beneficial to building and molding your network.

- Ijeoma Nwawka, Esq.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Kano State THE COMMERCIAL HEARTBEAT OF NORTHERN NIGERIA Kano State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria lies between latitude 130 North in the North and 110 North in the South and longitude 80 W in the West and 100 in the East. Kano State is made up of the following forty four local government areas: Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dambatta, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Gabasawa, Garko, Garun Malam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Gwarzo, Kabo, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbotso, Kura, Kunchi, Madobi, Makoda, Minjibir, Kano Municipal, Nassarawa, Rimini Gado, Rogo, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tarauni,

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Tsanyawa, Tudun Wada, Tofa, Warawa and Wudil.

The total land area of Kano State is 20,760sq kilometers with a population of 9,383,682 based on the official 2006 National Population and Housing Census. Kano’s influence is not only demographic, but also economic. This is because “it represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another.”

Kano is largely Muslim. The majority of Kano Muslims are Sunni. Christians and followers of other non-Muslim religions form a small part of the population, and

traditionally lived in the Sabon Gari, or Foreign Quarter.

Kano City has been the capital of Kano State since the earliest recorded time. It is located on latitude 120 N and longitude 8.300 E within the semi-arid Sudan savannah zone of West Africa about 840 kilometers edge of the edge of the Sahara desert. Kano has a mean height of about 472.5m above sea level. Kano City has expanded over the years and has become the third largest conurbation in Nigeria with a population of about 3 million. It is made up of nine local government areas: Municipal, Gwale, Dala, Tarauni, Nassarawa,

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Fagge, Ungogo, Kumbotso and Dawakin Kudu.

Kano’s most enduring legacy Gidan Rumfar (Emir’s Palace) the seat of Kano’s prestigious Sarauta institution (Kingship) built over five hundred years ago and is located in the Municipal Local Government Area. The Emir of the Kano Emirate is Alhaji Ado Bayero The Kano State Government House is located in Tarauni Local Government Area.

Kano’s present Governor is Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

History of Kano from 999 to Date

Kano is one of the oldest political entities in Sudanic Africa which stretches from Atlantic Coast in the East. It has over 1000 years of history of centralized authority beginning with the Bagadawa Dynasty. This section briefly explores has been adopted from previous publications of the Research and Documentation Directorate.

evolved from farming family groups whose farms were very close to their homes and they were separated by waste-lands.

These separate settlements were called kauyuka or unguwoyi (sing. Kauye, unguwa). It was further suggested that authority was of two types family and communal. The communal authority was vested in the sarki (ruler) which was recognized for specific purposes. Especially farming which was the backbone of the economy. The sarkin noma (king of farming) coordinated all the farming activities including the religious rituals for rains. The

Establishment of Political Authority

The emergence of central political authority in Kano was closely associated with the foundation of birni (city) Kano itself.

This was like other Hausa states were the birane (cities) where the centers of political authority.

These cities developed as a result of immigration of diverse groups who have no kinship relationship and were integrated gradually displacing authorities whose power depended on kinship loyalties.

It has been postulated that political authority in Hausaland

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head of the family unit regulated all other affairs not related to agriculture. The kauye was a collection of these independent family units gidaje (sing. Gida) each headed by the maigida (family head). The society expanded as a result of immigration of families who were not related to each other ungu-

woyi and kauyuka merged and became towns garuruwa (sing.

Gari). The community leader of the gari was known as sarkin gari who was assisted by ward heads masu unguwanni (sing. Mai unguwa). As the town developed the authority of the sarki became expanded beyond the farmland with diminishing emphasis on kinship since most of the immigrants were not related.

The birni (city) evolved from the gari (town). The birni of antiquity was cosmopolitan; it was an urban center with a considerably large population of diverse groups who lack kinship relations with one and the other. Economic factors were responsible for the growth of birane (sing. Birni) of ancient Hausaland, because only buoyant economy could support a large population. Agriculture supported by fertile soil was the mainstay of the economy. The iron industry also supported agriculture by producing farm implements. Dutsen Dala, which was an iron site, was the foundation of LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 123

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Kano the greatest of all Hausa birane. Birnin Kano became the nucleus of fertile kasar (country of) Kano. Trade and religious attraction was contributed to the growth of kano. Dutsen Dala and Kurmin Jakara both located in Birnin kano were centers of iskokai (spirits) adored by the ancient Hausas. Barbushe the first known Sarkin Kano was a chief priest of Tsumburbura which were also iskokai. For any birni to flourish, it needed security thus another very important feature of any birni of ancient Hausaland was the ganuwa (city wall) which was a fortification. It has been suggested that this security of the birane was an essential element in their emergence as centers of “unusual political power.” The emergence of states in Hausaland appeared to have been linked with 124 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

the foundation of birane as these centers of political power.

Finn Fuglestad has criticized Abdullahi Smith’s theory of the evolution of the state in Hausaland. He has argued “that the institution and concept of Kinship in Hausaland were not indigenous to Hausaland. They did not grow smoothly out of pre-existing institutions but were on the contrary imposed by people perceived to be aliens.” Still Abdullahi Smith’s theory remains credible at least in kano because there are evidences from the ‘Kano Chronicle’ that indicate execution of some form of political authority by Barbushe and his predecessors apart from their spiritual leadership. It would be safer to assume that Sarauta Kingship institution in Kano was a synthesis of local tradition and

new innovations by Bagaudawa who conquered kano sometime in 999 CE. Political authority is closely associated with class distinction. In Hausaland members of the ruling class were known as masu sarauta and the talakawa are the commoners. The sarki was the head of the sarauta and also the head of state and all the state officials were masu sarauta. The office of the sarki (king) was dynastic and in Kano throughout the pre-jihad era it was vested in the family of Bagauda. The masu sarauta were fief holders given to them by the sarki for their loyalty.

The system was complex and it took several years to develop.

The most important innovation was the creation of the Tara ta Kano (literally Kano nine) by Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Rumfa.

This was the council of state made up of the senior state officials: Galadima, Madaki, and Wambai (always a slave) who were considered greater than the sarki, followed by Makama, Sarkin Jarumai and Sarkin Bai (always a slave) who were considered equal to the sarki and the last three who considered less than the sarki were: Barde, Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida and Turaki.

One of the functions of the Tara ta Kano might have been the selection of the new sarki from amongst the ‘yan sarki (sons of the King). It has been reported that the sarki always feared the consensus of the members of Tara ta Kano.

Some members of the sarauta had SUMMER 2013

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specific functions for example sarkin kasuwa was in charge of the market, the sarkin kofa was the official gatekeeper. These and some other titles later became less important. The sarakuna of important towns such as Gaya, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Bebeji and Ringim were later incorporated into sarauta. Rano also later lost its independence and became part of Kano. During the emirate period these sarakuna (kings) were relegated to the status of manyan dagatai (territorial chiefs) and they were considered below other hakimi (district head) in precedence and they became vassals of the powerful hakimi who were resident in the city. There were also sarauta titles that were reserved for royal slaves throughout the history of Kano for example Shamaki, Dan Rimi, Salama, Kasheka, Turakin Soro and Kilishi which other titles were later conSUMMER 2013

verted from royal slave titles to the nobility.

The Bagaudawa reign was not smooth as there was opposition from those displaced from power especially the descendants of Barbushe. Two Kings (Sarakuna) of the Bagauda dynasty Gajimasu and Tsamiya consolidated the political gains of Bagaudawa, built upon the foundation for territorial expansion of the community and attempted to socialize different cultures into one single dominant culture. Some of the sarakuna were very innovative. The most famous was Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Rumfa (1463 – 1499 CE/867-0=904 AH). The Kano Chronicler has stated that: “Hecan have no equal in might from the most notable political innovations where the institution of Tara ta Kano as earlier mentioned and conferement of titles on eunuchs.

Sarkin Kano Muhammdu Rumfa

consolidated the Sarauta (Kingship) with several enduring features Gidan Rumfa (the Palace), Hawan Sallah (procession on the days of Muslim festivals) which is the largest procession of colorful horses (Durbar) in the world, Dawakin Zage (Spare horses for the sarki during battles and processions), Kakaki (trumpet), Figini (Sarki’s fan), Takalmin Jumuna (Ostrich sandals), Tagwayen Masu (twin spears). These regalia of Rumfa have remained part of Kano heritage ever since. The greatest legacy of Rumfa is not materialistic but social and intellectual reponses of Kano even during the most traumatic British colonial enterprises. The Kano leaders where guided by Rumfa’s legacy of hard work, good sense, courage, confidence and above all faith.

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was perhaps Sheikh Abd al-Karim al-Maghili. He was in Kano during the reign of Sarki Rumfa (1463-99).

He was a great Maliki Jusrists and Political Theorist. He wrote Ta’if fi ma yajib al-Muluk (The obligation of the Princes) and Mukhtasar mimma yajuz li’l-hukam fi radd alnas an al-haram (Summary of Permissibility of Turning Away People from Unlawful Acts by those in Authority) to guide Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Rumfa. It is not clear whether he wrote his alMughni al-nabil fi sharh Mukhtasar al-Khalil (A commentary on Mukhtasar Khalil) in Kano. Muhammad b. Ahmad (aka Aida Ahmad) (824-936AH/14691529 CE) is said to have resided in Kano an other parts of Hausaland he was an author and contemporary of al-Maghili. He was given ijaza (certificate) to teach by some scholars in Egypt and Hijaz and he wrote a commentary on the Mukhtasar. He may have taught in 126 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZI

Kano before he became the Qadi (Judge) of Katsina. Another Maliki Jurist who resided in Kano during the Bagaudawa period was Makhluf al-Bilbali apart from his knowledge of Fiqh he was also a Muhadith (scholar of Prophetic traditions) he had memorized the Sahih al-Bukhari. Some of his judgments and legal view have been documented.

From Emirate to Statehood

Shehu Usman Danfodio made Hijra (Migration) from Degel to Gudu (1217 ) February 21 1804.

This was after several years of preaching and that culminated in the establishment of his Community (Juma’ah) who were persecuted by the Gobir authorities necessitating this Hijra during the reign of Sarkin Gobir. At Gudu the Shehu’s followers pledged allegiance and formally made him the Amir al-Mumini (Commander of the faithful). The Sultan of Gobir

sent an expedition against the Jama’ah as the Shehu’s community and followers came to be know but it was driven back. The Shehu’s followers were also successful against the Gobir army at the famous Tabkin Kwatto battle.

Shehu just before his Hijra had instructed his followers from all parts of Hausaland to return to the localities and prepare for the Jihad. He also sent his Wathiqat ahl-Sudan to all parts of Hausaland and there was widespread mobilization against the established order. This culminated in the overthrow of the ruling dynasties of the major Hausa States of Kano, Katsina, Zazzau and Daura and the establishment of new provinces know as Emirates. The previously independent Hausa states and the new provinces gave their allegiance to Sokoto, which was the Caliphate established by the Shehu. It succeeded as the most prosperous and complexly SUMMER 2013

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Spotlight organized state in tropical Africa (Iliffe 1995: 171 and Lubek 1986:12) because it derived its legitimacy from the Islamic allegiance of its citizens. It has been rightly observed that “the Sokoto Caliphate was not properly speaking an empire, since its unity depended not so much on force, as on religious obedience the emirs or provincial governors owed the Commander of the faithful or Caliph at Sokoto” (Crowder 1978). Adeleye (1971) has also emphasized that: “It must be stressed that this loyalty which Sheikh received from the various communities was freely given not imposed.”

The British conquered Kano Emirate in 1903. Kano Emirate has been part of the Sokoto Caliphate since 1807 and was ruled by Emirs, the first was Sulaiman who ws succeeded by Ibrahim Dabo in 1819 and all subsequent Emirs (Sullubawa Dynasty) were his descendants. The British used the Emirate structure to administer the territory in system known as the indirect rule. The Emir was the sole Native Authority who was answerable to the colonial administration headed by the Resident at the Provincial level. Kano Province was made up of Kano Emirate and the Emirates of Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel but each had its Native Authority that controlled the courts, prisons and local police.

Throughout the colonial period the British tolerated arbitrary use of power by the native authorities so long as it did SUMMER 2013

not obstruct the attainment of colonial objectives of exploitation of local resources and the transmission of European culture. The arbitrary dismissal of district heads by the native authorities during this period was advantageous to the colonial authorities because as tax collectors the fear of dismisal made them more efficient. The British encouraged autocracy in judicial matters they had wanted Sarkin Kano Abbas to use his discretion on judicial issues so that the Sharia’h could be gradually abolished but he declined because of his religious consciousness.

Agitation for national independence increased after the Second World War partly because of returning soldiers who had become more enlightened as a result of their participation in the war and as well the gradual dissolution of the British Empire. The first political association to be formed in the Northern Region in August 1950 was the NEPU. Its first leader was Malam Abba Maikwaru of Fagge an Islamic Scholar and a community activist. He was a frontline member of Taron Masu Zumunta (TMZ) a grass root organization. Malam Aminu Kano resigned his teaching appointment in November 1950 and he later be-

came the President General of the NEPU. The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) was the party of the establishment. It has been described as the political party expression of the Native Authority and the sarauta. The emerging merchant capitalist class contributed to the financing of the party in order to maintain their dominant position in the commodity export trade. The party won most the elections in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

Its leader was Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardaunan Sokoto). It formed government in the Northern Region and Ahmadu Bello was the Premier. It also formed government at the Federal level because it had more seats in the parliament and it was in alliance with other parties. Sardauna’s deputy Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa thus became the Prime Minister of the Federation. The NPC was committed to the transfer of power to Nigerians who will maintain the status quo because of their association with colonial establhisment.

All NPC ministers at the regional

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Life Issues

Travel Finding Balance through

By Dr. Nicoline Ambe

Our daily life is consumed by work, commitments and routines which leave us with little or no time for ourselves and our families. The irony is that we work because we want to live a comfortable life and spend more time with ourselves, our children, our spouses and enjoy life more.

The harder you work, the more important it is that you take time for rejuvenation and self-restoration. Never allow a busy schedule to deprive you of living a quality life. Work 128 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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should never be an excuse to continue mundane activities that leave you drained and feeling unfulfilled. Many people claim that they are too busy to take time out for other things, but I believe that what you think about you bring about. So if you decide to take some time out for yourself and your family, then that is what you will do.

Summer presents a great opportunity to create that time to spend with yourself or your family, and to find balance. Summertime travel is one of the most effective ways to bring equilibrium to your busy life. Even if you are not a culturally minded person, traveling remains an appealing form of escape. The attraction of the activities and environments that are impossible to enjoy in your hometown make a trip worthwhile.

Whether you need to take a few weeks off to avoid the stress of work or need time off to contemplate where your life is headed, traveling should be your answer. At least once in your life, you should leave everything on pause and go somewhere, anywhere. Though it may not be obvious while you’re sitting at home, the knowledge acquired from traveling is invaluable. You’ll be enriched on many levels.

Traveling will provide you with a whole new perspective, whether that means no longer sweating the small stuff or promising to get out there and meet new people. Whether alone, with a partner, with your children, or in a group, your development surely speeds up when SUMMER 2013

you’re away from your customary environment..

You don’t necessarily need to travel out of the country. Visiting friends and loved ones in other states or cities is a great but costeffective way to get away.

To ensure that you make travel a part of your summer activity, you must plan at least one year ahead for the trip. First, decide where you would like to go.

Then decide how much the trip will cost you. When you know those details, you may start saving towards the trip by putting money aside each month. Will you be traveling alone? Will your spouse be joining you? Will the children be coming along as well? Plan for that. Children love to spend time away, especially if they are in the company of their parents. It gives them an amazing renewal and a great appreci-

ation for a world that is different from their own. It broadens their perspectives on life and presents a true opportunity to learn new things, and gain new experiences. They will have a lot to tell their friends when they come back to school.

Have a safe trip!

About the writer: Dr. Nicoline Ambe is a Keynote Speaker, Educator, and Parent/Youth Mentor. She is available to deliver keynote speeches to various audiences.

Details about her work can be found on her website at www.nicolineambe.com

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Community

COMMUNITY SNAP SHOTS

Benny Oke at the release concert for his Album- A heart for the nations

The "Community snaps shots" page is a public service by LIFE AND TIMES MAGAZINE to capture events that have made a difference in our community during the Quarter preceding our publication...

Benny Oke and the Nwani's at the Launch of Benny's debut album

The Izuchukwu's celebrating Kene's UCLA graduation

Mrs. Yinka Adeniran recieving teacher of the year award

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Mayor Dear with Akalaka Dancers during Carson @ 45.

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People and Places

DR. SOLO EGBUHO @ 60 Los Angeles- Nigerian Community- entertainment maestro and leading MC- Nze Dr. Solomon Egbuho turned 60 on June 1, 2013.

A huge number of the community's social elite turned out to SUMMER 2013

honor Nze Solo for his immense contributions to our community in the last three decades.

Following is a LIFE and TIMES photo tribute to Dr. Solo courtesy of WHITE HOUSE ENTERTAIMENT PHOTOGRAPHY LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 131

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Religion and Spiritual Affairs

Enemies Of Marriage: Lack of Communication

CONTINUED FROM THE SPRING EDITION

Enemy Number Four: Lack of Communication

Do you know that millions of couples engaged in a great flow SUMMER 2013

of communication before the marriage and found themselves no longer freely communicative as they used to shortly thereafter? I hear it all the time at marriage counseling sessions “my husband doesn’t tell me

anything. I don’t know what’s going on in his life.” Meanwhile she longs to know what he is thinking, how the business or work at the office is coming along and his feelings about the children. Most importantly she wants to know his thoughts about her. He, on the other hand, wants to keep all these to himself and usually does not feel obligated to share them.

Generally, men during courtship tend to be a little bit of a “Babbling Brook”. They have “butterflies in the belly” and happily babble away.

Like a rapidly flowing brook, almost everything that enters into the eye gate or the ear gate comes out the mouth gate in a ceaseless flow.

Then comes this inexplicable metamorphosis from a “Babbling Brook” to a “Dead Sea” personality.

The Sea of Galilee in Israel flows south by way of the Jordan River into the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea does not flow into any sea. It receives but does not give.

Like the Dead Sea, men after marriage tend to receive the talks, emotions, thoughts and touches of their spouse but do not give back.

When the wife questions him about his “deadness”, he retorts that he is alive and well! And that response is perfectly honest.

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Religion and Spiritual Affairs really sad. Because when we treat communication like a battleground and we think that somebody has to win and somebody has to lose, we both lose. Or the whole family loses.

Or whoever’s in the conversation, the argument. All the parties lose.

What’s really sad is, like this verse says, the devil is the one who wins.”

without a two-way communication. So, couples should establish a daily sharing time in which each will talk about three things that happened to them during the day and how they feel about them. This “Minimum Daily Requirement” can be increased progressively. Lack of Communication is an enemy of marriage. Is yours fortified against it?

Enemy Number Five: Wrong Communication

James 3:2 says “All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect”. Now, of course we know that nobody is perfect. It’s the easiest thing in the world for couples to say the wrong things to each other. Someone said “the tongue is in a wet place- therefore is apt to slip”.

James metaphorically proves how important our words are.

He says our words (mouth) direct where we go! Your words direct where your marriage is going. He gives the picture of a rudder on a ship. A small rudder guides a big ship. A great ocean liner is guided by a rudder.

Your words of communication is like a rudder to your marriage. By screaming “I’m done with you!”, “’Am getting a divorce”, “This marriage is over!” you are determining the direc134 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

tion of your marriage.

James also says our words (mouth) can destroy what we have (e.g. our marriage). He gives us the picture of a fire. Fire can easily get out of control. Your words can literally burn up your marriage. So be careful about the words of your communication in your marriage. Make sure they are HONEST words.

If your spouse catches you in one lie, it breeds mistrust because he or she will be thinking “what else have I been lied to about?” When angry, be especiallyCAREFUL of your words.

Chaundel Holladay sums it up well: “Communication can be a battlefield.

This thing of anger turns into a battlefield. We all even in that battlefield can respond differently.

Some of us want to dig a fox hole.

We say I’ll clam up and I’ll just wait.

I’ll watch and I’ll wait for the right time to strike. I’ll wait out this battlefield, this conflict.

Some of us decide that we’ll store up. We’ll create a munitions dump so that we can store up all the stuff that has hurt us and is bothering us and that kind of thing then one day we’ll just blast them all at once. The person who kind of stuffs atuff.

My personal favorite in arguing is the artillery. Bring out the big guns all the time. I don’t save anything up. I use it all in every argument. Usually my anger really exceeds the level of the offense, the situation. It’s so sad. It’s

Always use KIND words.

Proverbs 12:25 says “worry can rob you of happiness but kind words will cheer you up”. Don’t ignore GENTLE words. Gentle words have the power to break through anger. Proverbs 15:1 says “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger!” It takes courage to use gentle words because “gentle” literally means power under control. So learn to control your power of words. Communicate with WISE words. Proverbs 12:18 “thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.” Do you know that the bible says you’ll be called to account for every careless word and will be rewarded for every good word you have been speaking?

So, T (Truthful?) H (Helpful or Harmful?) I(Inspirational?) N (Necessary?) K (Kind?) THINK before you speak to your spouse and children!

Wrong communication is an enemy of marriage. Is yours fortified against it?

Oladipo Kalejaiye holds a Ph.D

degree in law and was a litigation

attorney in Nigeria, Europe and the United States for over 17 years. He

entered into full time ministry in year

2000, and currently serves as the pastor of International Christian Center, Los

Angeles ( You can contact him on the web: www.iccla.com, Facebook:

iccla/facebook, Twitter: @DipoKalejaiye) SUMMER 2013

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