Spring Edition 2014 Life and Times Magazine

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FROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER

We are settling into the year 2014 with all the promises that it holds.

The year 2013 had its mixed blessings, it put a lot of our economies on the road to recovery and created many new opportunities around the world.

The economic gains of 2013 appear to be solidifying in 2014 and it appears that the global economic recession is coming to an end. Obama recorded a symbolic victory over his political foes in the Republican party as the unemployment rate dipped to 6.6 percent in January 2014 with 175,000 new jobs created in February 2014 and as his signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act (A.C.A)- popularly known as Obama Care- against all odds recorded 7.1 Million enrollments at the end of the open enrollment period that came to a close on March 31, 2014.

The U.S. unemployment rate which came down from highs of almost 8.8 percent during Obama's reelection campaign and the dire predictions of Republicans that Obama care was domed even heightened the joy of these successes.

We also had cheering news that the Nigerian economy is growing at a robust 7% and certain redenomination have placed the economy as the largest presently in Africa.

Despite all these successes several events in the first quarter of 2014 remind us that the world is still a dangerous place.

The Ukrainian pro Russian Prime Minister was toppled in February 2014 and Russia invaded Crimea and hurriedly held a referendum to give its annexation of that Ukrainian region a stamp of legitimacy. It is yet to be seen how the Ukrainian crisis will play out as the United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on Russia and threatened more action. The World is yet to figure out what actually happened to Malaysian Air flight 370 and its 239 passengers and crew that disappeared on March 8, 2014. In Nigeria the Boko Haram terrorists continue to plunder villages and cities in North Eastern Nigeria while President Goodluck Jonathan has convened a national confer-

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ence to discuss ways and means of Nigerians coexisting peacefully together and building a truly great nation.

Despite all the above uncertainties, we have brought you another vintage edition of Life and Times- we celebrate the richest black man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote who turned a N500,000 (about $500,000) loan from an uncle in 1977 into a $25 Billion fortune in about 37 years and today straddles the African business landscape like a colossus. We do a spotlight on U.B.A, Africa's truly global bank and we take you to the alluring and enchanting small nation of GambiaWest Africa's tourist heaven.

This edition also features PEOPLE and PLACES; the Love fest by the Household of Christ Church in Capitol Heights Maryland, the induction of Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora Inc. New Jersey Chapter, the Hand in Hand celebration of marriage by the International Christian Center (I.C.C) Los Angeles and other staples that you have come to associate with your award winning magazine- Life and Times.

It is yet another edition that you will love to read from cover to cover..

Chike Nweke Publisher Spring 2014.

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contents

3. From The Desk Of The Publisher 8. Cover Profile: ALIKO DANGOTE The man With The Midas Touch 16. Spotlight:

MODUPE OZOLUA: Restoring Beauty 22. Profile In Excellence: VIOLET ARENE: Management Consultant empowering women through ‘Voice of Eve’ 26. People And Places: Hand in Hand Celebration of Marriage 2014

by International Christian Center

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38. People And Places: Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), S. CA 2013 banquet 48. People And Places: YABA TV- BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION, 2014 53. Beauty of the Moment: Joy Osayande 54. People And Places: UmuadaNdi Igbo inDiaspora Inc.New Jersey Induction

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Nov 10, 2013 62. Fashion & Beauty: Yere Designs: Designer to expect @ the Life and Times Fiesta 2014.

64. People And Places: JOY & OSAYANDE Forever as one 72 Youth DARING TO REACH FOR YOUR DREAM 74. Health

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THE CURE FOR CRAVING SALAD FOR BREAKFAST 4 & TIMES MAGAZINE BYLIFE OLUFEMI SALIU, M.D

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108 77. Subscriptions 78. Spotlight ANAMBRA STATE: The Light of the Nation 91. Subscriptions 82. Money & Finance The UBA Group Africa’s Global Bank Brand 84. Fashion & Style Mocolate Fashion House 90. People and Places Los Angeles Wake for Lady Priscillia Nkolika Obiamalu 98. People and Places Household Of Christ Church, Maryland 2014 ANNUAL LOVE FEST 102. Feature The death of my mother and grandmother has become our cross to bear. By Melvin Emesibe 104. Spotlight THE ALLURING GAMBIA

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108. Music & Entertainment WIZKID: AFRICA'S ARTISTE OF THE YEAR 2013 111. Art & Culture The Launching of The Divine Fragrance of Life A book by Mark Eda 114. GRACIE'S CORNER Dealing with Cultural Identity Crisis

BY Grace Neequaye 113. The Law & You IS YOUR MARRIAGE VALID IN THE UNITED STATES? 120. Life Issues Are You a Thermometer or aThermostat?

By Iruka A. Ndubuizu 122. Life Issues 10 steps to Personal Empowerment (for Parents) 124. RELIGION & SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS Winning in Life by making goals By Pastor Dipo Kalejaiye

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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, lifentimesmag@aol.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 Joe Oduoza Umar Baba Eugene Edoga, LLD (Head, Abuja-Nigeria Bureau) Arinze Egbuna (Regional Director-NE,U.S.A) Iruka Udeagha Ndubuizu (Director S.E, U.S.A) EDITORIAL BOARD Chair, Clem Ainabe, Ph.D Deputy Chair, Jude Akudinobi, Ph.D Executive Editor: Arthur Abraham Correspondents: Chinyere Ifeacho Osayande Aghazebamwan Stella Johnson Yemi Abiodun Tommy Musa 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 HEAD MARKETING/ADVERTISING Jude "Majid" Nwosu, MBA

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Cover Story

ALIKO DANGOTE THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH

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Cover Story

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, plans to invest up to $8bn to build a Nigerian oil refinery with a capacity of around 400,000 barrels a day by late 2016.

This will almost double Nigeria’s current refining capacity.

“This will really help not only Nigeria but sub-Saharan Africa. There has not been a new refinery for a long time in sub-Saharan Africa,” Dangote said in an interview.

The country currently has the capacity to produce some 445,000 barrels per day among four refineries, but they operate well below that owing to SPRING 2014

decades of mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s leading energy producer.

Nigeria, the continent’s second-biggest economy, relies on subsidized imports for 80 per cent of its fuel needs.

A surge in domestic capacity would be welcomed by investors in Nigeria, but it would cut into profits made by European refiners and oil traders who would lose part of that lucrative market.

Dangote said the country’s ability to import fuel would soon be challenged.

“In five years, when our population is over 200 million, we won’t have the infrastructure to receive the amount of fuel we

use. It has to be done,” he said.

Past efforts to build refineries have often been delayed or cancelled, but analysts have said Dangote should be able to build a profitable Nigerian refinery, owing to his past successes in industry and his strong government connections.

Nigeria has two refineries in its main Port Harcourt oil hub, one in the Niger Delta town of Warri, and one in Kaduna in the North that serve 170 million people. Not one of them functions at full capacity.

Analysts have said previous attempts to get the refineries going have been held back by vested interests such as fuel imLIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Cover Story

porters profiting from the status quo. Dangote said this concerned him.

“The people who were supposed to invest in refineries, who understand the market, are benefiting from there being no refineries because of the fuel import business,” he said. “Some we are going to try to interfere.”

Nigeria’s government subsidizes fuel imports to keep pump prices well below the

market rate at a cost of billions of dollars a year. Fuel subsidies are the single biggest item on the country’s budget.

Dangote said making a new refinery run at a profit would work even if the government failed to scrap the subsidized fuel price that has deterred others from investing.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, MFR, GCON was born April 10, 1957, in Kano, Nigeria. His estimated

net worth of $25 billion as of March 2014 makes him the 23rd richest people in the world and the richest black person. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, he is the owner of the Dangote Group, which has interests in commodities, banking, oil and gas, real estate etc with operations in Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Togo, Ghana, South Africa and Zambia.

He is the first black man to Continued on page 11

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Cover Story Continued from page 10

make the Forbes Top 25 World’s richest list in modern history.

Dangote has had interests in business right from childhood.

He would buy cartons of sugar boxes and sell them to make money. He studied business at the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt and thereafter returned to Nigeria. He started his business at the age of 21 after a loan of �500,000 provided to him by his uncle.

Established in 1977, the Dangote Group is now a multi-trillion naira conglomerate with many of its operations in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. At present, Dangote has enlarged his line of businesses to also cover food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight. The Dangote Group also dominates the sugar market in Nigeria and is a major sugar supplier to the country's soft drink companies, breweries, and confectioners.

The Dangote Group has moved from being a trading company to being the largest industrial group in Nigeria and includes Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Flour.

In Nigeria today, Dangote Group with its dominance in the sugar market and refinery business is the main supplier (70% of the market) to the coun12 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

try's soft drinks companies, breweries and confectioners. It is the largest refinery in Africa and the third largest in the world, producing 800,000 tons of sugar annually. Apart from these, Dangote Group owns salt factories and flour mills and is a major importer of rice, fish, pasta, cement and fertilizer. The company exports cotton, cashew nuts, cocoa, sesame seed and ginger to several countries. It also has major investments in real estate, banking, transport, textiles and oil and gas. The company employs over 11,000 people and is the largest industrial conglomerate in the whole of West Africa.

Dangote has diversified into telecommunications and has started building 14,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables in Nigeria. As a result, Dangote was honored in January 2009 as the leading provider of employment in the Nigerian construction industry.

Dangote played a very prominent role in the funding of Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, to which he gave over N200 million (US$2M). He also contributed $500,000 to the National Mosque under the aegis of "Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku". He also contributed

N200 million to the Obasanjo Presidential Library. These highly controversial gifts to members of the ruling Party [PDP] have generated significant concerns despite highly publicized anti-corruption drives during Obasanjo's second term. This has left many to attribute Aliko Dangote's fortunes to his closeness and excessive favoritism he receives from the Nigerian government.

On 23 May 2010, Britain's Daily Mirror reported that Dangote was interested in buying a 16 percent stake in Premiership side Arsenal belonging to Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith. Dangote later denied these rumors.

On November 14, 2011, Dangote was awarded Nigeria's second highest honor, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

Dangote reportedly added $9.2 billion to his personal wealth in 2013, according to the Bloomberg Index, now making him the 30th richest person in the world in their ranking, in addition to being the richest person in Africa. ***Sources: Reuters, Punch Newspapers-Nigeria, Bloomberg and Wikipedia

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Spotlight

MODUPE OZOLUA Restoring Beauty 16 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Spotlight

Miss Modupe Ozien Ozolua was born in Benin City, Nigeria in October 10th 1973. She is the youngest of four siblings born to Chief J.I. and Chief Mrs. M.S. Ozolua.

She had her early education in Nigeria, attending University of Benin Primary and Secondary schools, and Queen Idia Girls College in Benin City. Her secondary education was completed at Apata Memorial High School, Isolo, Lagos.

After her secondary education, Miss Modupe Ozolua left for the United States of America.

She went to South Western College, San Diego and Devery International University, Los Angeles, California.

In both schools Miss Ozolua was on the Dean's list for being a student with exceptional performance. Modupe studied Graphic Design and Business Administration.

She was also recognized in the 1994-1995 edition of the NATIONAL DEAN'S LIST. This is a publication that list all the acclaimed students all over the United States of America, that constantly make the Dean's list in their universities.

Her interest in Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgery was awakened after she went through some Cosmetic Surgery procedures. As a woman born in Nigeria, she knew the importance of a woman wanting to look and

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feel good about herself. And hence, she decided to make Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery available in Nigeria.

Miss Ozolua was still residing in Los Angeles with her husband and son when she initially opened Body Enhancement in Lagos, Nigeria. From Los Angels she ran her office in Lagos. Making regular trips to attend to clients.

After her divorce and the death of her mother, she relocated to Nigeria with her son.

Modupe Ozolua has received numerous awards which include, Nigeria Women Awards, Dame International For Pioneering Action A w a r d 2003; City People For Female Achiever In The Beauty Sector 2001;

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Spotlight

Moremi Hall Executive Council, Oba Femi Awolowo Unversity For Award Of Excellence 2002; City People For Beautician Of The Year 2001.

Miss Ozolua felt that numerous individuals in her country, Nigeria, would want to improve their appearance.

Therefore, she opened a ‘Body Enhancement’ operation in Nigeria to give individuals a “new lease of life with either cosmetic or reconstructive surgery” (Ekunkunbor, 2007). When she pioneered cosmetic surgery in West Africa, Miss Ozolua was running her Body Enhancement Company in Nigeria from Los Angeles.

She finally relocated to Nigeria with her son after the death of her mother and her divorce in 2001. Miss Ozolua’s ‘Body Enhancement’ company has been in existence since 2001.

Ozolua’s company seems to be a very prosperous company that sets out to promote health and give a second chance to less privileged. Indeed, Ozolua's company, Body Enhancement, has put Nigeria in the spot light in relation to cosmetic surgery in Africa. She is contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s National image.

By all account, Miss Ozolua is clearly an ambitious woman.

Miss Ozolua describes herself in her interview with Adeseun (2004) as a

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“workaholic” –to which one might add; intelligent and an ambitious woman. She dresses to impress the public.

Ekunkunbor (2007) describes her as “a woman of many parts”. Ozolua has been recognised by the public through her following awards: • Nigeria Women Awards. • Dame International for Pioneering Action Award 2003. • City People for Female Achiever in the Beauty sector 2001.

• Moremi Hall Executive Council •

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Spotlight

Oba Femi Awolowo University for Award of Excellence 2002. • City People for Beautician of the Year 2001. Likewise, Ozolua has been featured on CNN, BBC and many other international media publications. In Africa she has been featured in numerous magazines and press publications.

For example, Pride magazine of the united kingdom, Guardian Newspaper [London and Nigerian editions], Ovation International Magazine, Tell Magazine, Society International Journal, Afrikan Beatz magazine, The Empress magazine, Reality International magazine etc. She has appeared on numerous radio stations and TV shows, including BBC and Nigerian Television Authority.

Source: Wikipedia and http://www.onlinenigeria.com/member/content.asp?conte ntid=567

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Profile in Excellence

Violet Arene

Management consultant empowering women through ‘Voice of Eve’ 22 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Profile in Excellence

In Voice of Eve Studio

Dr. Violet Arene has been selected as a recipient of the Life and Times 2014, “Community Service Award”. This award will be given to her at the LIFE and TIMES 4rd Annual Fiesta which will take place on Saturday August 16, 2014 at the Raddison Hotel LAX, 6225 Century Boulevard, Los Angeles CA 90045 at 6PM. This honor is given annually to a person who has distinguished his or herself as a Community leader who serves the needs, yearnings and aspirations of our Community. The LIFE and TIMES board considered her trailblazing efforts in single handedly piloting the production of the Kith and Kin a program on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Network on fostering Unity, Peace and SPRING 2014

Progress from 1994- 2001 and the “Voice of Eve’’ from January 2013- till date on the same NTA Network as Voice on Nigerian national Television for Women’s issues and family unity. Prior to that she used her position as a General Manager, Total Quality Control in the office of the Group Managing Director, Nigerian national Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to train and empower young professionals.

Ms KEMI AJUMOBI of BusinessDay Newspaper, Lagos Nigeria recently had an interview with Dr. Arene which was Published on February 7, 2014. Below is a transcript of the publication which shed an interesting light on Dr. Arene's background, goals and motivations.

We all have our stories of childhood – some bitter, some sweet. My Leading Woman for this week tells me hers was tough.

“My father’s name means ‘the king has arrived’, but I did not see much wealth,” she says. “What I saw was much love. It cushioned off the struggles. I also saw my father believing in me, and taking a risk to send me to school and to the university when it was against social expectations as girls were traditionally expected to be married off early, and only needing minimal education. I learned to be loving, compassionate and kind because I got those virtues from my parents and my family experience. I also learned hard work and perseverance because I could not afford to fail, and despite all odds, to aim high in life, LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

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Profile in Excellence

Special Guest -Attorney Iruka Ndubuizu

a trait that has remained in me, and which has been boosted by my strong faith and trust in God.” I managed to catch up with her to share her story with me before the show started as I was invited as a guest speaker for her television programme on NTA called ‘Voice of Eve’. Violet Arene is my Leading Woman for this week!

She bagged a 2nd class upper degree in History from University of Ibadan, a PGD in Education, an M.A. in Education from Arizona State University in the United States, and a PhD in Education from University of Lagos. A believer in social contributions and legacy, she was NTA network presenter for ‘Kith & Kin’, a family social programme, for six years. She is a motivator who empowers women through her TV women enlightenment programme called ‘Voice of Eve’. A management development consultant and trainer, she is the president/founder, Lydia Rock Consult Nig. Ltd, a management consulting and training firm.

Arene had several years of experience working in the public

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sector, which, she says, enlarged her heart and patriotic fervour.

“In both my experience in the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, I gave my service with passion and predilection for excellence. I think I did very well because I have many merit awards for distinction in service, in management and leadership,” she tells me.

She not only had experience in the public sector but also with the private sector, and she speaks about it. “My experience in Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) after my statutory retirement from the NNPC, after more than thirty-five years in the public service, exposed me to the culture of the private sector. I combined my experience in the Federal Ministry of Education and in the NNPC to give management training programmes to the IGI group staff,” she says.

Back to the reason she invited me over, to be a guest on her show, I thought it wise to ask her when and why she started the show. She explains that she

started the ‘Voice of Eve’ a year ago, as an independent producer and presenter, to provide a TV platform dedicated to airing women’s voices over women’s issues and national affairs.

“As you know, women are key stakeholders and contributors to the project-Nigeria, today and in history. It is also to give women not only a voice, but visibility. It serves as a platform for women to be given the opportunity to participate in serious reflections on issues of national development, democracy, and the future of Nigeria for our children, and to particularly advocate for the girlchild’s protection and education as potential mothers of the nation.

Women’s education and enlightenment, we believe, will accelerate national development and the growth of the national economy,” she tells me.

She adds that the response to the ‘Voice of Eve’ has been very favourable both here in Nigeria and with Nigerians in Diaspora, since the episodes are also on Youtube and “we are also liked and commended on Facebook”.

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Profile in Excellence

Panel Discussion

In yonder days, I used to rush to catch up with ‘Kith and Kin’.

That programme turns out to be Arene’s first TV experience. “‘Kith and Kin’ was a family programme which aired for about seven years from 1994,” she says.

“I was surprisingly invited to be the presenter by the NTA network. It was my first experience in television, but it went very well, people never seem to forget about it. I learnt a lot from it about social values and how important this soft side of life is to Nigerians.”

Arene tells me that her heart is naturally oriented to people. “I can call myself a natural human developer. That is why I have great success in teaching, training, preaching, mentoring coaching, and counselling. I did mention the pathogenic society in my first book, ‘Personality Excellence’, to sensitise the gap between what especially the underdogs in our society have been made to be from neglect and sub-human living, and what they could have beSPRING 2014

come with better attention and provisions. The developing world presents this unhappy scenario and it takes a toll on their human capital, their greatest asset,” she explains.

I asked her what drives her, what’s her philosophy, and she says: “My philosophy in life is to live a purpose-driven life, Godhonouring, unrelenting servanthood, loving and giving, deeply compassionate, and legacyminded. I love to build, and I am building all the time, whether physical structures or human beings, from nothing to something, and from good to better, with relentless faith in possibilities that have made what would have been a very ordinary woman one worthy of your interview today. I am an unrepentant optimist, and unstoppable, because I have faith in God.” Arene shocks me with one of the most fascinating responses I have received from my guests on this page when I ask what their professional and personal challenges are.

“The main professional challenge now is ‘who will inherit my library?’” she says unequivocally.

“All my children are medical doctors. None is into management consultancy and training.”

We both laugh at her response, but she tells me, seriously, that she is exploring ideas of what to do with the books.

Ever grateful to God for all he has done for her, Arene concludes: “At my age now, I can say, like King David in the Bible: ‘I have been young, and now I am old, I have never seen the righteous man forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.’ Money is not everything. If we know God, His love, grace and mercy, we will try to be like Him wherever we are, and to live an accountable life.”

Source: Kemi Ajumobi in Business Day, Nigeria (Archived) under- Leading Woman, 1st Published- February 7, 2014

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People and Places

Hand in Hand Celebration of Marriage 2014

by International Christian Center [I.C.C.] Los Angeles It was a select gathering of couples at the Los Verdes golf Course, Rancho Palos Verdes, California at the 13th Annual "Hand in Hand Celebration of Marriage Event" by the International Christian Center [ICC] Los Angeles on Saturday 15th March 2014.

Couples were challenged to step into their God-ordained roles and live up to their marriage vows.

Couples celebrated their love for each other, renewed their vows and spent a great time in all manner of fun activites, feasting, fellowship with other couples and dancing.

Past. Dipo & Nony Kalejaiye

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People and Places

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Austin & Nkechi Eneh

Dcns Tunde & Ronke Atane

Dcn Badewa & Taiwo Olukunle

Benjamin & Nancy Audu

Chike & Mercy Nweke

Cruz & Diana Jimenez

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People and Places

Dada & Tosin Ojeisekhoda

Pastor Emmanuel & Pastor Grace Oyebobola

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Mcs Pastor Pamela Williams and Dcns Daisy Anajemba

Fola & Laitan Adebayo

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People and Places

Pastor & Pastor Mrs Promise Adeyemi

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Ehis & Linda Inegbenoise

Emmanuel & Chinalurum Opara

Emmanuel & Onyinye Chukwuma

Erasmus & Ijeoma Ibebuike

Femi & Bosede Saliu

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People and Places

Francis & Kadijah Dibia

Gbolahan & Nike Oshodi

Mr. and Mrs. Dipo and Funmi Fashakin

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Gabriel & Chisom Ogbonda

Gibson & Lamide Anugwom

Dcn Godwin & Wunmi Obele

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People and Places

Ijezie & Kristine Mbamalu

Ike & Chika Onyebalu

Jerome & Therese Okonkwo

Jonathan & Ifetumi Audu

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Ken & Catherine Ogu

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People and Places

Kenneth & Min Ijeoma Udeh

Kenny & Jummy Ojute

Kester & Annah Ezuma

Kevin & Mrs. Anokwute

Min Laja & Sumbo Ibraheem

MR & MRS CHARLES & ANN SMITH

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People and Places

Mr. and Mrs. Gibson and Comfort Ojukwu

MR and MRS REX & AMAKA ANYAOHA

Mr. & Mrs. Atanga

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MR & MRS UGO & CHIOMA ORANU

Mr. & Mrs. Aniemeka

Mr. & Mrs. Idah

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People and Places

Eugene and Vivien Odega

Pastor Oje & Dcns Helen Uwadia

Olukunle & Ronke Bamishile

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Muyiwa & Pastor Pamela Williams

Oliver & Dcns Daisy Anajemba

Onuka & Uchechi Iroha

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People and Places

Onyeka & Ify Mbachu

Ugochukwu & Elizabeth Agim

Dcn Phemi & Pst Yinka Adeniran

Dcn Segun & Pst Nkiru Benson

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Saturday & Sophia Aisuan

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People and Places

Tony & Maureen Adigwe

Ugo & Nkiru Ene

Ernest & Nnena Ekejiuba

Dancing Time

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Pastor Wole & Dcns Bimbo Adefeso

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Dr. Popoola and Dr. Kpaduwa

Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), S. CA 2013 banquet The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Southern California Chapter held their 2013 End of Year Banquet on November 16, 2013 at the LAX Westin Hotel. The event was one of many avenues to celebrate achievements and raise funds for ANPA projects such as medical missions and mentoring programs.

The National body, the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA)-20th Year Convention that will hold in Anaheim CA from the 18-20th August, 2014. The 20th Anniversary Gala that will hold at the Sheraton Park Hotel at Anaheim Resort on Saturday July 19, 2014.

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To join hands with ANPA in its humanitarian missions and programs or be a sponsor for the 2014 ANPA 4TH ANNUAL Golf Classic Saturday, July 19, 2014 7:00am at Coyote Hills Golf Course, please contact: Dr. Kpaduwa : jkpaduwa@msn.com, or Dr. Popoola :dapo335@aol.com Or ANPA P.O.Box 414209, Kansas City, MO 64141 Tel: 913-402-7102, Fax: 913-273-1140 Email: secretariat@anpa.org, website: http://www.anpa.org/ Following is a photo essay of the ANPA, S. CA 2013 end of year banquet..

Photo Credit: Red Carpet Films

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People and Places

Dr. Nkem Chukwumerije

Guests

Dr. Stella Kpaduwa and Madame Kofo

Mrs. Popoola, Dr. Popoola and Mrs. Sheila Quintana

Dr. Popoola interviewing Mrs Sheila Quintana

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Guests

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People and Places

Dr. Popoola with Family, Dr. Alvin, Dr. Fola May, Zea May, Lillie Popoola, Dele Popoola

Skidmore Family, Peju, Tyler, Jeannie, Alan

A cross-section of guest with Dr. & Mrs. Nkem Chukwumerije

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Guests

Dr. & Prof. (Mrs.) Ugwueze

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People and Places

Guests

Co-Host, Ife

Guests checking in

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Guests

Adanna Duru

Vicky Arinze

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People and Places

Dr. Clifford Eke

Mr. Marty Adebowale

Guests

Dr. and Mrs. Olu Oredugba, with Dr. and Mrs. Tunde Ajilore

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Dr. Popoola

Guests

Guests

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People and Places

Mr. & Mrs. Amene

Guests

With IJ & Adanna Duru

Lillie Popoola, Dr. Don Umoren, Gilla Olowopopu

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Guests

With Dr. Bisi Waddell

Chuddy & Chita Oje

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People and Places

With Mr. & Mrs.Marty Adebowale

Bukky Ogunpola & Dr. Oyeyemi

Comedian Wamilele cracking up the crowd

Atty. Sam & Dr. Chinelo Ogbogu with guests Mrs. Ogunidimu & Guest

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People and Places

With Pamela Anchang

Guests

Guests

Guests

Nony Nwasike & Friend

Mr. Eric & Mrs. Joy Ezuka

Guests

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Uchenna Nworgu & Friends

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People and Places

Chike Nweke & Dr. Comfort Nwachie

Guests

Mrs. Ada Okoro & Mrs. Uche Oti

Guests

A cross-section of Unique Ladies LA

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People and Places

A cross section of the high table

YABA TV- BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION, 2014 TORRANCE CIVIC CENTER, SATURDAY FEB 8, 2014 Since 1992 the Yaba TV Show has been promoting Africans & African-Americans on TV. The show is designed to bridge the cultural divide between African Americans and Africans and aims to foster cultural empowerment, inter-cultural exchange and education.

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The annual Black History Month Celebration, Banquet and Fundraiser is one of the avenues employed by Elizabeth “Sia Sia” Yiaba the founder of Yaba TV at attaining these laudable goals set by Yaba TV. Come and enjoy food from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, African cul-

tural dancers, fashion show and awards to deserving achievers within the African Diaspora and African American Community.

Following is a photo essay of this great ceremony . . .

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People and Places

"Sia Sia" receiving an Award from Mayor Jim Dear

Cross section of Guests

Fashion show by Mrs. Lola Oluyide

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Dr. Otiona Okach, Chairman of the occasion

Cross section of Guests

Speech by Mr. and Mrs. David Burnting

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People and Places

Dr. Ukeje, Atty. Chijioke and Chioma Ikonte

Cross Section of Guests

Cross Section of Guests

Cross Section of Guests

UC Riverside African Students Dance Troupe

Cross section of Guests

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Redeem in Motion Dance Troupe

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People and Places

Award to Prof Amaka Donn

Award to Dr. Ukeje Agu

Award to Dr. Cardin Gill Award to Rebecca Osborne

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Beauty of the Moment

New Bride, Palos Verdes CA

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People and Places

It was a gathering of Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora Inc. from all over the world for the New Jersey Chapter Grand Inauguration of the p r e -

mier organization of Igbo Women in Diaspora at Best Western Robert Treat Hotel, 50 Park Place, Down townNewark NJ. Led by Chief Adaozo Grace Nnonye Agude and members of the national Executive, the occasion saw the induction of about 80 new members of the chapter and the crowning of Dame Ivy Onyejekwe, New

Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora Inc.

New Jersey Induction Nov 10, 2013

Jersey Chapter President as the Ugochinyere Umuada ndi Igbo for her relentless efforts in building the New Jersey chapter.

Another highlight of the occasion was the award of two round trip Arik Air tickets to a lucky winner by the Vice President Arik Air Americas, Mr. Robert Brunner who attended the occasion with his beautiful wife.

Following is a photo essay of this event covered exclusively by Life and Times Magazine is the official media house to Umuada Ndi Igbo in Diaspora Inc.

Dame Ivy being crowned Ugochinyere Umu ada Ndi Igbo by Adaozo

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People and Places

Members at business meeting

Ozo Ibekwe, Christy Ejiogu, Chime Okafor

Nnenna Anokwute, Amaka Okpala, Mary Meregini and Carol Egbo

Cross Section of Umuada

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Dame Ivy Onyejekwe and Lady Cecilia OkoliCruz & Diana Jimenez

Adaozo and Erimma

Carol Egbo, Adaozo, Odera and Vero Aneke

Members at business meeting

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People and Places

Amazing Hall DĂŠcor

Ladies Ozo Ibekwe and Christy Ejiogu

Christy, Dame Ivy, Nnenne and Uloma

Chief launcher Chief Collins Akparanta

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Mr and Mrs Brunner with Dame Onyejekwe

Umuada NJ Getting ready for induction

MC- Mrs Victoria Ezebuiro

Barrister and Mrs. Ogbozor

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People and Places

Baltimore MD, Umuada members

Ushering In Chief and Lolo Udenta

Chief and Lolo Polly Uba- Chairnan People's Club- NJ- Princeton Branch

Cross Section of NJ Princesses

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Mr Anikwenwa, Chairman Igbo USA NJ

Chief Ada Ozo, Adazuruigbo

Chief Ulomma- grand entrance

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People and Places

Eze Duruaku- entrance

Receiving city of Newark proclamation

Adaozo, grand entrance

Umuada dancing in

Cross Section of NJ members

Award to Mrs. Eva Ezike

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Award to Chief Chike Nweke

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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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ni eu

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Fashion & Beauty

Designer to expect @ the Life and Times Fiesta 2014.

Yere Designs Contact: yeredesigns@gmail.com

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People and Places

Warri- Nigeria, December 28, 2013 On December 28th, 2013, Osayande and Joy in a simple, but elegant culturally rich traditional wedding ceremony exchanged vow in presence of their family and community in Warri, Delta State. Nigeria.

Their vows reflected in their traditional Urobo and Isoko Delta State culture exemplify the very best of love and commitment.

Rtd. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hon. Daniel Edore Obiuwevibi and Hon. Chief Osazuwa were

Chairmen of the occasion. Hon. Nosa Aifuwa nd Chief Adodo were speakers of the occasion.

Hon. Victor Obogho as the father of the bride surrounded with his brother and sister graciously exemplifying the very best of Africa’s loving hospitality.

As Osayande and Joy exchanged vows of a joint life forever… as husband and wife, the atmosphere was welcoming, importantly most and inclusive and culturally rich in traditions. The lengthy list of guest s and the o v e r a l l warm and loving at

amosphere made the wedding ceremony special. The ceremony Included music, songs, poems and readings that further emphasized the rich religious and African cultural traditions that was theme of the wedding.. “A wedding built on the love and blessing of Christ”.

Following is a photo essay of this match made in heaven…

Groom Osayande spraying beautiful bride, Joy

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People and Places

Handsome groom Osayande

Beautiful bride, Joy

Bride and groom attentively listening to Pastor Igbadumeh

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People and Places

Pastor and 1st Lady Dele Igbadumeh blessing the occasion

Best man,Kenneth holding the mic as groom recite the vows

Groom embraces mother-in-law

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Best man,Kenneth holding the mic as groom recite the vows

Bride's maid with couple

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People and Places

Groom signs marriage certificate

Bride signs marriage certificate

Bride's mother signing as witness

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Groom's father: Retired AIG of Police: Daniel E. Obiuwevibi signing as witness

Bride's mother signing as witness

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People and Places

Best man signing as witness

Pastor Igbadumeh signing as witness

Couple surrounded by family members in church

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Bride's maid signing as witness

Couple first dance

Couple dancing with well wishes

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People and Places

Couple at the church service

Couple with officiating ministers

Couple dancing

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Couple with groom's father and a relative

Couples with relatives

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People and Places

Couple with relatives

A Relative

Couple with bride's family

With Church choir members

With bride's mother and brother

With brides' friends

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People and Places

Couple with bride's maid and friend

Couple during traditional ceremony

Couple receiving blessings from family

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Bride dressed in traditional outfit

Couple during traditional ceremony

Couple dancing

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Youth

DARING TO REACH FOR YOUR

DREAMS

BY MARK AMAZA

In my stay so far on this earth, one man that has inspired me so much is the US President Barack Obama. Not just by his intelligence, or the fact that he is the first black man to be president of the United States, but the courage and the conviction to pursue his dreams.

There is a story of when Barack was dating his wife, Michelle, she asked her brother to go with him to a basketball game in order to form an opinion of him. During the game, Barack’s future brother-in-law asked him what his ultimate life goal was. Barack replied, “To be the President of the US”.

The answer sounded so crazy to Michelle’s brother that he refused to mention it to his sister, seeing that she liked the young man so much and he didn’t want her to leave him. It was inconceivable to him that a

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black man would become the American President. This was not just the opinion of one man. The generality of black Americans did not see it happening then. Yet, all these did not deter Barack as he went on to have one of the most exciting political campaigns in history and make history as the first American President. This story of a man with conviction of what he wanted to be and what he was passionate about, combined with courage and determination is one I constantly remember to keep me motivated.

I have come to realize that most, if not all people have dreams and ambitions that sound crazy to others. They sound crazy either because no one has done that before or because others around them do not have the size of their dreams. It ends up putting in

us a latent fear of failure so strong that we do not even try to reach for our dreams. Eventually, we scale down the size of our dreams to be in conformity with what the world around expects of us. We then end up living mediocre lives, beyond our potentials; or we live unfulfilled lives even if we are in comfort and wealth. It is really a sad thing to watch; even worse to experience.

I believe that in every person, God gives us passions and dreams which are linked to a purpose. The purpose for this purpose is that we use our passions, talents and dreams to serving others. For me, an easy way to discovering what my purpose was this 3-step test: 1.

What is that one thing or collection of things you do that comes to you very naturally, in no matter raw a form?

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Youth

2.

What are those things that when doing, you lose all track of time and can do for hours without end even without the promise of pay?

3.

Whenever you dream about yourself in the future, (and we all do), what is that thing or what are those things we continually see yourself doing?

These 3 steps culminate in a job or vocation that achieves your purpose by benefiting others. This might be a job that is not in existence right now or one that very few people around you are involved in. But here is the catch: when God puts those dreams and passions in your heart linked to a purpose, only you feel those passions and envision those dreams. People around you can only notice it, and that is for those who are discerning. That is why it is very easy for them to discourage you about reaching for your dreams.

In spite of this, I believe that no dream is beyond being achieved. Infact, my desire for everyone is that they live to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams. Whenever I meet, hear or read of someone pursuing his or her passions, I get energized myself. But dreaming is not enough – one must also work towards achieving them.

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grossing yourself in medical knowledge. Also, you cannot delude yourself about being passionate about for what you have absolutely little or no talent in. that is why the first of the 3-step formula to discovering your purpose starts with taking note of that which comes to you naturally.

You have to start where you are to begin to pursue your dreams. If it requires education and reading, throw yourself into it. Find people who are also on or close to your career path and learn from them, either by personal interaction or by reading what they have written. Find a mentor who will help you develop. But most importantly, do not wait until you have everything in order before you start to put into practice what you have learnt and what you desire to do. Remember, perfect is the enemy of done. As you start, you will learn from your mistakes and gain experience more than what books can teach you.

Pursuing your dreams is also more a function of what you should not do than what you should be doing. You have to make the radical decision to say no to engaging yourself in activities that do not fit into your dreams, and would just be a drain of your energy and a distraction. You have to focus on what you are doing.

My last point deals with how to overcome discouragement from those around you. Once you are convinced of what you want to do and where you want

to go, talk about it a lot with those closest around you. This not only shows them how serious you are, but also commits yourself to that path. It is said that 9 out of 10 times you voice out your plans and intentions, you go on to achieve them. The next thing is to immediately start working out your dreams, no matter how rough it is initially. If your dream is to one day have a world-class animation studio, start with making roughly animated cartoon sketches on your PC. If your desire is to one day have a worldrenowned youth football academy, start with involving yourself with a neighbourhood soccer team. These things go as an indication to those around you about how serious you are.

It also visualizes for them what you have been seeing in your mind for a long time, and starts to win their support.

Whatever dreams and passions you have held in your heart for a long time is divinely put for a purpose. Do not let it go to waste. Dare to reach for it.

Do not let the fear of missing the ball keep you from playing the game.

Remember, the impossible is most times simply the untried.

Mark Amaza runs MINDcapital, a branding and business model development focused on small and medium-sized businesses. He is also an online columnist and blogger

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Health

Why do we crave coffee like we do? In offices people go around hugging their coffee cups! Now energy drinks such as 5-Hour energy and red bull are becoming popular among youths, and adults. A college student once told me in his class virtually everyone sips from a cup of a favorite stimulant drink. Last fall, out of curiosity I asked a friend at work why he likes to drink so much coffee. “I got to stay awake,” he retorted.

Also in 2013 another friend with normal Body Mass Index raised a different issue in frustration: “I get tired easily!” And of course, I had my own issue with caffeine:I drank 5-7 cups of coffee on week days-and craved cookies, bagel, donuts, and potato chips.

To address the issues of food craving, and fatigue I’ll refer to the works of a renown nutrition researcher, Dr. Joel Fuhrman. He is a frontrunner in the concept of nutrient-calorie density of foods: the number of nutrients packaged in a calorie worth of foods. These nutrients

are vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as antioxidants. It’s an index that may be used to compare the nutritional values of foods. This researcher has a very comprehensive chart for virtually all foods. For instance, 1000 nutrients are contained in a calorie worth of kale while a calorie worth of potato chips has just 11 nutrients. Most common foods are covered in the chart.

To drive home my point, I compiled two tables from Dr. Fuhrman’s chart. The average nutrient per calorie score for table1 is about 300; the average score for table 2 is 30. In other words if most of the foods you eat are from table1, you are taking in about 300 nutrients for every calorie of food.But if they are from table 2, you are consuming just 30 nutrients for every calorie of food.

On that basis, a moderately active 30 year old female who requires 2000 calories a day consumes 600,000 nutrients a day-2000 multiplied by 300-If she chooses most of her foods from table 1. The daily nutrient intake would however be just 60,000 (2000 multiplied by 30) if her foods are from table 2. But if, like most people, she chooses from the yellow zone of table 2

THE CURE FOR CRAVING SALAD FOR BREAKFAST

BY OLUFEMI SALIU, M.D

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TABLE 1

NUTRIENT PER CALORIE SCORE (EXCERPTS)

MUSTARD GREENS 1000 STRAWBERRIES where the average KALE 1000 TOMATO nutrient per calorie TURNIP GREENS 1000 PLUMS is 12, her daily nuCOLLARD GREENS 1000 RASPBERRIES trient intake would BOK CHOY 824 CELERY be much lower: SPINACH 739 MUSHROOMS 24,000. So her daily RED PEPPER 420 BLUE BERRIES nutrient deficit CABBAGE 420 LETTUCE ROMAINE 389 ORANGE would be 576,000.

BROCCOLI 376 GRAPEFRUIT This deficit CAULIFLOWER 285 CANTALOUPE is huge. When the GREEN PEPPER 258 KIWI tank is low on gas, CARROTS 240 BEETS the yellow reserve ASPARAGUS 234 EGGPLANT light alerts the ZUCCHINI 222 WATERMELON driver to fill up the JOEL FUHRMAN, M.D. tank. Similarly, the human body-studies have shown-is TABLE 2 endowed with a NUTRIENT PER CALORIE SCORE (EXCERPTS) complex system of APPLE 76 PASTA sensors, chemical LENTILS 68 WHITE BREAD messengers, neural PINEAPPLE 64 BAGEL connections, and BLACK BEANS 58 PIZZA organs in the gut, OATS, COOKED 53 CHEESEBURGER SOYBEANS 48 PRETZELS blood, and brain PEARS 46 WHITE RICE that detects the adSOY BURGERS 45 POTATO CHIPS equacy of nutrients AVOCADO 38 VANIL ICE CREAM consumed. When GRAPES 31 VANILLA FROZEN YOGURT adequate, there’d POTATO 31 HOT DOG, BEEF be no desire to eat.

BANANA 30 FRENCH FRIES If inadequate, such SOY CHEESE 27 SUGAR COOKIES as when a moderCORN 25 CREAM CHEESE WHOLE WHEAT 25 HONEY ately active 30 year BREAD old female consumes 24,000 nutriJoel Fuhrman, M.D. ents instead of ing the brain what it needs: 600,000 there’d be a surge in apmore nutrients, the signal-cravpetite. This craving is an alert ing- would disappear, just like from the brain to consume more the yellow reserve light vannutrients to fill up the ‘imagiishes when the gas tank is filled nary nutrient tank’. up.

When the brain asks for Furthermore, the foods more nutrients we habitually in the yellow zone are also high consume nutrient poor coffee, glycemic; when eaten in the carbonated drinks, donuts, morning-and other times, croissant, bagel, bread, cereals, through insulin action, the and muffin. If we yield by giv-

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blood sugar follows the roller-coaster 158 pattern-swinging up 145 and down. The 135 brain occupies a 134 rigid box so there is 130 no space to store 110 109 sugar in form of 102 glycogen or fat: it 100 extracts it’s glucose 97 directly from the 97 blood. So during the 97 downward swing, 91 paucity of glucose leads to mental cloudiness or fatigue. The solution to this problem is to maintain a normal 19 blood sugar at all 18 times; glucose is the 18 natural fuel, not caf17 feine. For this rea15 13 son, if your child has 12 attention deficit is11 sues in school, seek9 ing a professional 9 help would help but 8 do your own part by 7 helping to maintain 5 a steady blood sugar 4 1 level.

In order to achieve this blood sugar pattern thereby alleviating mental cloudiness, fatigue-and craving caffeine, and sugary foods you need to make the low glycemic, and nutrient rich foods of table 1 the cornerstone of your diet.

They’d also help to prevent, and control-as shown by studieschronic diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and 212 158

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Health

cancers. That is what I’ve been doing since the fall of 2011. And that was my recommendation to Joyce, a 40 year old mother of three who went to the emergency room because of dizziness. At 5’5’’ she weighed 204 pounds-and presented with a blood pressure of 198/110 in January of 2013. She recounted this experience to me, as a colleague, last June. Concerned about her fluctuating blood pressures on the screen the doctor said, “if you want to be around to see your grandchildren you must do something.”

She changed her diet shifting from yellow zone to table 1 foods. After three weeks she lost desire for coffee-and by August her weight was down by 20 pounds.

On 2/27/2014 when I approached her for permission to use her story, she has lost 29 pounds so far. Last November her doctor told her: “continue to do whatever you’ve been

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doing.” Her blood pressure is now normal.

Joyce has introduced her husband, and the children to her new life style.

I follow my diet strictly. My typical breakfast, 6 am on weekdays, and 9 to 10 am on weekends, consists of foods mainly from table 1: Kale 2 ounces Broccoli 8 ounces Bell Pepper (yellow, red or orange) 3 ounces Raw Walnut 1 ounce Raw Cashew Nut 1 ounce 1- 2 Boiled Organic Eggs (wild fish, free range chicken or grass fed beef) 1 Bottle of water

Depending on how cold the salad is, I warm it up for 60 to 90 seconds in the microwave before eating. I don’t use any dressing. Choose your favorite foods from table1; if you can’t chew them like I do, make a smoothie-and make it your breakfast: the enzymes that digest vegetables at lunch or dinner are there to break down the salad at dawn. This is my prescription for curing food craving in your office: salad for breakfast.

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Spotlight

ANAMBRA

STATE The light of the nation

Country Date created: Capital Governor Total Area rank

Nigeria 27 August 1991 Awka Willie Obiano (APGA) 4,844 km2 (1,870 sq mi) 35 of 36

Population • Total • Rank • Density

(2006 census)1 4,055,048 10 of 36 840/km2 (2,200/sq mi)

GDP (PPP) • Year2007 • Total $11.83 billion • Per capita $1,615 Time zone ISO 3166 code Website

WAT (UTC+01 NG-AN anambrastate.gov.ng

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Anambra State is a state in south-eastern Nigeria.

Its name is an anglicized version of the original 'Oma Mbala', the native name of the Anambra River. The Capital and the Seat of Government is Awka. Onitsha and Nnewi are the biggest commercial and industrial cities, respectively.

The state's theme is "Light Of The Nation". Boundaries are formed by Delta State to the west, Imo State and Rivers State to the south, Enugu State to the east and Kogi State to the north. The origin of the name is derived from the Anambra

River which is a tributary of the famous River Niger.

OVERVIEW: LOCATION & PEOPLE Anambra has one of the highest population densities in Africa. The state comprises numerous thickly populated villages, a number of small towns and a few major towns; some areas are so thickly populated that the estimated density is 1500-2000 persons living within every square kilometre. Most of the population is rural, although over the last two

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Chief Willie Obiano Governor Anambra State

decades the rural-urban migration has stretched the meagre urban services to a breaking point. This pattern of human migration has posed serious problems for the state's resources, fragile infrastructure, environmental sanitation, erosion control and social services. This pressure is especially evident in its huge commercial city of Onitsha.

Consequently, portable water, electricity and decent housing for the residents of Onitsha have become a luxury. The onerous task before the new government of Chief Willie Obiano is to reverse the decadence of the past and turn things around for the teeming population of Onit-

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sha in particular and and the entire state generally.

Most of the population of Anambra State are members of the enterprising Igbo ethnic group who are renowned for their resoucefulness and spirit of entrepreneurship.

The Anambra Igbo are ubiquitous and can be found in all nooks and cranies of Nigeria, as well as in virtually every region of the world.

Wherever they find themselves, the entrepreuneurial skills of the Igbo stand them out in all their fields of endeavour. Indeed, Anambra State is a very exciting place to visit by anyone who wants to experience the vibrance of authentic Africa.

Government House, Awka

Resources:

Anambra is rich in natural gas, crude oil, bauxite, ceramic and has an almost 100 percent arable soil.

In the year 2006, foundation laying ceremony for the first Nigerian private refinery Orient Petroleum Refinery (OPR) was made at Aguleri area.The Orient Petroleum Resource Ltd, (OPRL) owners of OPR, was licensed in June 2002, by the Federal Government to construct a private refinery with a 55,000 b/d capacity.

Furthermore, Anambra state is a state that has many other resources in terms of agro-based activities like fishery and farming, as well as land cultivated for pasturing and animal husbandry.

Igbo Ukwu Pot

Anambra Maidens

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Igbo Culture

to an estimated three hundred crocodiles and water turtles. Fishing is not allowed on the lake and the crocoIgbo Mask diles, being sacred animals to the people, cannot be killed.

Legend says that these crocodiles were instrumental in delivering the town from enemy soldiers during the Nigerian civil war. It is believed that these sacred crocodiles and turtles transformed themselves into beautiful ladies and lured the soldiers unawares into the lake where they disappeared Niger Bridge - Gateway to Anambra without trace. At noon the crocodiles and the turtles apCurrently, Anambra State pear at the banks of the lake has the lowest poverty rate in to take in sunlight.

Nigeria.

Ogbunike Caves, listed by UNESCO as a world Heritage TOURISM: Agulu Crocodile Lake is Site is one of the most visited located along Awka road in tourist sites in Anambra Agulu, Aniocha Local Govern- State. It is classified as a ment Area of the state. A po- Sandstone cave (Lateritic tential tourist site, it is home sandstones of Campanian80 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

Miocene age). It has very scenic vegetation with attractive waterfall. It is situated in the Ogba hills Ogbunike, across the Ugwu-Aga Escarpment Umunya by the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway and lies in the coordinates of N06 11 11 and E06 54 21.

Igbo Ukwu Museum is an ancient town known for astonishing metalcrafts and has remained an attraction to tourists because of its bronze artifacts. The bronzes which were first noticed in 1938 and later excavated by Thurstan Shaw (an English archaeologist) date back to about the 9th century, are of high value and historic relevance.

Uzu-Oka: Awka is historically known for the great metal foundry, Uzu Craftmanship.

Imo-Awka is an annual festival celebrated by the natives.

Nickname(s): Light of the

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Money & Finance

The

UBA Group

Africa’s Global Bank Brand United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group is one of the leading financial services brands in Nigeria and Africa. With operations in 19 African countries including Nigeria, UBA has become a behemoth in the financial landscape, evolving from single country operations to continental player in multi-jurisdictions.

As it of fondly referred to as “Africa’s Global Bank”, UBA offers universal banking services through 700 business offices to more than seven million customers across 19 African countries (including Nigeria) with offices in London, New York and Paris. UBA Plc, the bank, is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The UBA brand resonates with people with people across

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age groupings, social cadres across Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world. With the diverse range of products and services across its African subsidiaries and global financial centres, the bank has successfully broken boundaries through its electronic channels and mobile banking platforms to ensure customers are not limited by location in carrying out day to day business transactions.

Driven by the need to provide banking services in easy and convenient ways, UBA offers different debit and prepaid card services to fit different customer segments in the economy and uses most sophisticated mobile banking platforms. These channels offer real time transfer of

funds to different individuals and also for payment of services such as: utility bills and other fee related services. The bank’s internet banking platform also provides tailor made products and services to its different corporate clients for different purposes such as: bill collections, funds transfers and payment for goods and services.

Operations in Africa The UBA Group, outside Nigeria, operates in 18 African countries. Its African spread currently covers all regions except North Africa. The Group has eight West African subsidiaries in Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, and Senegal. In Central Africa, the UBA Group is present in Cameroun, Tchad, Congo, Gabon and Congo Brazaville. In East Africa, the UBA Group is present in Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda while in Southern Africa, the Group is present in Zambia.

UBA’s Africa’s subsidiaries contribute about 25% of the Group’s balance sheet with a target to

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raise their contribution to 50% in the medium term.

Supporting African Businesses In each of the countries the UBA Group operates, it actively supports the growth and wealth creation among individual, local businesses, institutions and governments through active lending to the local business community as well as financing cross border transactions thereby facilitating intra Africa trade. The UBA Group had total loans portfolio of N870 billion. The Group’s lending portfolio was spread across the critical sectors of the African economy including; Oil and Gas, Power and Energy, Manufacturing, ICT, Construction, General Commerce and other sectors.

The UBA Group also actively supports the spending plans of the governments in the countries it operates by actively investing in sovereign debts and securities to help governments finance critical infrastructure needs, reduce dependence on external borrowing and development assistance.

Building a savings culture and capital formation While supporting growth in the countries it operates, the UBA Group drives capital formation by encouraging a savings culture in the countries in which it operates. With an array of highly attractive retail banking products, innovative e-banking offerings and tailored corporate solutions.

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dividuals, local businesses, institutions and government to support critical sectors of the local economy.

Awards Over the years, UBA Group and its subsidiaries have won awards and recognitions for supporting their local economy. In 2013, two UBA Group subsidiaries were named the ‘Best Banks’ in their respective countries. UBA Cameroon and UBA Senegal on March 19, 2013 were named among ‘World’s Best Banks in 2013’ in their respective countries by Global Finance magazine, based in New York.

Corporate Social Responsibility at UBA Group As Africa’s leading pan African bank, UBA takes seriously its commitment to drive for economic development across the continent. The Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are thus geared to support initiatives that entrenches sustainable economic growth across the continent. UBA Foundation; the bank’s corporate social responsibility arm which is funded wholly by the bank is committed to the socio-economic betterment of African communities. Through its focus areas; education, economic empowerment, environment and special projects, UBA Foundation is positively touching lives.

A key project of UBA Foundation is the “Read Africa” initia-

Mr Phillips Oduoza The Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc

tive. The project is aimed at rekindling reading habits among African youths. It is executed across all of the group’s subsidiaries in the 19 countries the UBA Group operates including Nigeria. The project involves the provision of recommended English literature books for junior and senior secondary school students across the African continent.

The Read Africa initiative is complemented with another initiative on prostate cancer awareness across the continent in a bid to reduce death from this deadly disease. There are also special projects carried out by the UBA Foundation which includes; reducing infant mortality through donation of Incubators to hospitals across the country, building of Hostels in universities, renovation of classrooms and building of Information and Communication Centers (ICTs).

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Fashion & Style

Mocolate Fashion House molaakpata@gmail.com

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Fashion & Style

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People and Places

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People and Places

LOS ANGELES, MARCH 1, 2014 Family and friends of Late Lady Priscilla Nkolika Obiamalu, Nee Nwagbo), gathered to pay their last glowing tributes to a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunty, cousin and friend who died in Los Angeles on January 25, 2014 at the age of 77 years. Mrs. Obiamalu lived a life of true Christian virtues

and was a natural leader who impacted positively on so many during her life time.

Mourning groups included The Knights of Saint Johns & Ladies Auxiliary, the Igbo Catholic Group of Los Angeles & Priests, the Anambra Association of Southern California, Nnewi Southern California (Umu-Anedo), the Committee of Friends, Nigerians In Diaspora Organization, The NAS organization,

and the Nigerian Embassy, Washington DC. The funeral service was held at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church Los Angeles and the traditional wake keeping took place at Our Community Hall Carson CA where festivities lasted till the early hours of the next morning.

Following is a photo essay of the funeral service and wake‌

Mama's body lying in State

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People and Places

Lady Obiamalu Cover

Rico and Maureen Obiamalu

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George Obiamalu Jnr

Mourners @ the service

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People and Places

St. Eugene's choir

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A cross section of the Obiamalu family

Dr. Stella Kpaduwa and others

Mrs. Meg Emeruwa and others

Raymond, Vivian and children

Crowd at wake

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Rico Reading the lesson

Doreen Oranuba-nee Obiamalu

Pall bearers

Prince Ikeanyi and Friend

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Ada Dollars, Larry, Chuck and Dr. Solo

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People and Places

Obiamalu family

Sir George Obiamalu Snr, Doreen and friends

Uzo, Ebube, Chinye and Ngozi

Sir George, Doreen and guest

Cross section of Anambra men

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Mrs. Akpamgbo, Doreen and Mrs. Ugochukwu

Raymond Obiamalu

Vivian and friends

Youth Dancers

Mourners

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People and Places

Mourners

Govt college Umuahia old boys

Amambra S. CA

Mourners

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People and Places

Household Of Christ Church, Maryland 2014 ANNUAL LOVE FEST Household of Christ Church (HOCC) located in 1203 Marblewood Avenue, Capitol Heights MD 20743, held its annual Love Fest, February 28th 2014, to celebrate married couples and singles alike.

The event was filled with glitz, glamour, joy and laughter, with all the couples and singles

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Rev. Stella & Pastor Chris Uyanwune

getting their groove on. The following are some pictures from this life transforming event.

Check out the remaining pictures on our website: www.hocconline.org and you could also follow us on facebook @: householdofchristchurch/facebook Enjoy!

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People and Places

Andrew & Glenn [Speaking On What's love Is All about]

Event Organisers [Seun, Yomi, Genius, Cherece, Uchechi, Chuks, Tola & Nnenna

Isabelle & Koku Logossou

Modestus & Chioma Anyanwu

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Ajoke, Yetunde & Toyin

Jumoke & Charles vonGoins

Pastor Moses & Ifeyinwa Ike

FoxyP [MC]

Pastor Ifeanyi Ezenagu

Cruz & Diana Jimenez

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People and Places

Carolyn & Dr. Stanley Onye

Chief Ugo & Chief Stella Nwosu

Chima & Nne Chimuma

Julius & Esther Niranoluwa

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Chichi & Chris Onwuakpa

Chika & ND Okoroafor

Agnes, Inocent & Vivian Nwachukwu

Lily, Mimi, Martine & Friend

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Amaka, CJ & Lilicent

ND & Nnena Ejeh

Fate & Sam Fashola

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Chief Nancy & Chief Emma Amaechi

Mr. and Mrs Genius Ndukuba

Peju & Tayo Akinto

Tosin & Adetutu

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The death of my mother and grandmother has become our cross to bear - Melvin Emesibe As an occurring theme in America, we see more and more, Nigerian men taking the lives of their Nigerian wives. My story is no different. My father, Charles Emesibe, took the life of my mother, Ibiene Emesibe, and maternal grandmother, Leticia Abili, on the fateful day of August 5, 2002.

What is done has been done and cannot be altered. This story can be found anywhere on the internet with a click of a button, making it no longer exclusive but public knowledge. So due to the accessibility and lasting sensitivity of this story, I will not touch base on it.

However, my agenda will be to educate and elaborate on the circumstances and character flaws that lead to this unimagin-

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able event. The life of my family and loved ones have been forever changed, so please understand that even after twelve years we are still not ready to divulge or commentate on this specific aspect of our history.

Also, respectfully know, we do not invite your pity or grievances. It is our cross to bear and our eternal quarrel with God. Before I begin, there are important facts that need to be understood and eternalized to give this story value. One, nothing happens without cause or reason; and Two, God is in control.

When horrific events such as these take place, we are so quick to cast stones and condemn without weighing all interest.

Simply understand that often times, where there are episodes

of great anger, it is stemmed from great love. A mistake not erected from malicious intent but of passionate misunderstandings.

Our Nigerian culture is still slowly evolving from archaic foundations. Established on aged hierarchies that continue to influence interactions between husband and wife today. This Husband-Wife hierarchy is closely associated with that of the abolished Master-Slave hierarchy, where men feel like they own their wives.

This trend has since been passed down to where the old and young alike can remember their fathers beating their mothers. I do not know nor do I find it relevant to address where this societal and cultural norm comes

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from. I do however; see the issue of its longevity perpetuating much of the same outcomes, a call to action. Claiming something as property gives the owner sole discretion on the outcomes and likelihood of the belonging. Whether it flourishes in the sun or is left to decay in the field is a choice left to one.

Associating this ideology to human beings is very problematic. We cannot own or control another human being, because God the father gives us our own freewill. This along with other elements is to why the MasterSlave hierarchy is no longer in existence in America. It simply cannot be done, but from my understanding this is the root of problems that capture Nigerian men and women. Trying to preserve the old ways in a new world proves to be costly. This creates problems to for the men, who are not the owners, and the women, who are not property.

A prevalent character flaw that exists not just in Nigerians but in all groups across the spectrum is the fact that our pride and egos get in the way. Sometimes it’s just too hard to say “I’m Sorry” or to admit doing wrong. In life we are all going to face this great challenge and the decision that we make is going to be undoubtedly bigger than the ego we are trying to protect.

This gets in the way of all relationships from friend to mother, daughter, father and brother.

To some it’s not as big of a factor but from my understanding, us Nigerians are as proud as they come.

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Lastly, nothing in this world was made to last. If you push hard enough the floor beneath you will give. Knowing that, we will still consciously push each other to the brink of no return.

For selfish reasons distorted by emotions. I’m sorry may settle the fire but it won’t alleviate the damage done by it. Relationships are no different. You can only handle so much before your roof is collapsing into the floor.

The outcome of my story

A prevalent character flaw that exists not just in Nigerians but in all groups across the spectrum is the fact that our pride and egos get in the way.

may be more radical than your stories but there is a common theme that binds them together.

So please, let this be a lesson learned, respect and love one another as equals. Never left things get so damaged and so far gone that we can no longer talk about what's going on. Don’t let anger sit. As the bible says, “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, do not give the devil a foothold.”

Ephesians 4:26–27

I make these claims, under the confidence that they will be read but now I will give you reason to emphasize with the words on this page. At twenty-two years old, a fourth year Political Science major and education minor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), I wear these claims as a blind fold over my eyes that I can never take off.

Meaning, this is all I have known and it distorts my vision of the world around me. I am a first generation Nigerian American. My parents immigrated here in their adult hood, wearing their accents as a clear signifier that they were not from this country and bore different standards and values from that of America. I witnessed these first hand, grew in these values, later to have some of those same values shackling my spirit.

At twenty-two years old I am a walking reminder of how prehistoric ideology cannot survive in changing times. I am a walking reminder of clashing egos and the realistic envisionment of what pride can do if not checked. I am also an envisionment of a relationship pushed to its breaking point. The memory of parents is survived through my family and me. I make these claims on the point that the unimaginable happened to me and my blindfold prohibits me from seeing it any other way.

-Melvin Emesibe, 22

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THE ALLURING

GAMBIA Gambia, is officially known as Republic of The Gambia, republic (2005 est. pop. 1,593,000), 4,361 sq mi (11,295 sq km), W Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and surrounded on the remaining three sides by Senegal. The capital is Banjul. It is the smallest country in mainland Africa.

The smallest country on the continent of Africa, The Gambia comprises Saint Mary's Island (site of Banjul) and, on the adja-

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cent mainland, a narrow strip never more than 30 mi (48 km) wide; this finger of land borders both banks of the Gambia River for c.200 mi (320 km) above its mouth. The river, which rises in Guinea and flows c.600 mi (970 km) to the Atlantic, is navigable throughout The Gambia and is the main transport artery. Along The Gambia's coast are fine sand beaches; inland is the swampy river valley, whose fertile alluvial soils support rice cultivation.

Peanuts, the country's chief cash crop, and some grains are raised on higher land. The climate is tropical and fairly dry.

HISTORY & GOVERNMENT: The Gambia's population consists primarily of Muslim ethnic groups; the Malinke (Mandinka) is the largest, followed by the Fulani (Fula), Wolof, Diola ( Jola), and Soninke (Serahuli). Almost a tenth of the population is Chris-

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tian. English is the official language, but a number of African dialects are widely spoken. During the sowing and reaping seasons migrants from Senegal and Guinea also come to work in the country.

Portuguese explorers reaching the Gambia region in the mid-15th cent. reported a group of small Malinke and Wolof states that were tributary to the empire of Mali. The English won

under the administration of Sierra Leone until 1843, when it became a separate crown colony.

Between 1866 and 1888 it was again governed from Sierra Leone. As the French extended their rule over Senegal's interior, they sought control over Britain's Gambia River settlements but failed during negotiations to offer Britain acceptable territory in compensation. In 1889, The Gambia's boundaries were defined,

Gambia River

trading rights from the Portuguese in 1588, but their hold was weak until the early 17th cent., when British merchant companies obtained trading charters and founded settlements along the Gambia River. In 1816 the British purchased Saint Mary's Island from a local chief and established Banjul (called Bathurst until 1973) as a base against the slave trade. The city remained a colonial backwater

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and in 1894 the interior was declared a British protectorate. The whole of the country came under British rule in 1902 and that same year a system of government was initiated in which chiefs supervised by British colonial commissioners ruled a variety of localities. In 1906 slavery in the colony was ended.

The Gambia continued the system of local rule under British supervision until after World War

II, when Britain began to encourage a greater measure of self-government and to train some Gambians for administrative positions. By the mid-1950s a legislative council had been formed, with members elected by the Gambian people, and a system had been initiated wherein appointed Gambian ministers worked along with British officials. The Gambia achieved full self-government in 1963 and in-

Yahya Jammeh President of the Gambia

dependence in 1965 under Dauda Kairaba Jawara and the People's Progressive party (PPP), made up of the predominant Malinke ethnic group. Following a referendum in 1970, The Gambia became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations. In contrast to many other new African states, The Gambia preserved democracy and remarkable political stability in its early years of independence.

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Since the mid-1970s large numbers of Gambians have migrated from rural to urban areas, resulting in high urban unemployment and overburdened services. The PPP demonstrated an interest in expanding the agricultural sector, but droughts in the late 1970s and early 1980s prompted a serious decline in agricultural production and a rise in inflation. In 1978, The Gambia entered into an agreement with Senegal to develop the Gambia River and its basin. Improvements in infrastructure and a heightened popular interest by outsiders in the country (largely because of the popularity of Alex Haley's novel Roots, set partially in The Gambia) helped spur a threefold increase in tourism between 1978 and 1988.

The Gambia was shaken in 1981 by a coup attempt by juniorranking soldiers; it was put down with the intervention of Senegalese troops. In 1982, The Gambia and Senegal formed a confederation, while maintaining individual sovereignty; by 1989, however, popular opposition and minor diplomatic problems led to the withdrawal of Senegalese troops and the dissolution of Senegambia. In July, 1994, Jawara was overthrown in a bloodless coup and Yahya Jammeh assumed power as chairman of the armed forces and head of state.

Jammeh survived an attempted countercoup in Nov., 1994, and won the presidential

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Gambia Sheraton

Gambian Beach

elections of Sept., 1996, from which the major opposition leaders effectively had been banned.

Only in 2001, in advance of new

presidential elections, was the ban on political activities by the opposition parties lifted, and in Oct., 2001, Jammeh was reelected.

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The 2002 parliamentary elections, in which Jammeh's party won nearly all the seats, were boycotted by the main opposition party.

There was a dispute with Senegal in Aug.–Oct., 2005, over increased ferry charges across the Gambia river, which led to a

2007), Jammeh's party again won all but a handful of the seats. The presidential election in Nov., 2011, was again won by Jammeh, and again denounced by the opposition and criticized by foreign organizations. Opposition parties boycotted the Mar., 2012, parliamentary elections; the outcome

Arch 22 main road into Banjul

Senegalese ferry boycott and a blockade of overland transport through Gambia, which hurt Senegal S of Gambia but also affected Gambian merchants. Gambia subsequently reduced the charges. A coup plot led by the chief of defense staff was foiled in Mar., 2006.

Jammeh was again reelected in Sept., 2006, but the opposition denounced and rejected the election for being marred by intimidation. In the subsequent parliamentary elections ( Jan.

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mirrored that of 2007 elections.

Jammeh's rule has been marked by the often brutal treatment of real and percieved opponents. In Oct., 2013, the country withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations, accusing it of being a neocolonial institution.

The Gambia is governed under the constitution of 1997.

The president, who is both head of state and head of government, is popularly elected for a fiveyear term; there are no term limits. The unicameral legislature

consists of a 53-seat National Assembly whose members also serve five-year terms; 48 members are elected and 5 are appointed by the president.

Administratively, The Gambia is made up of five divisions and the capital city.

ECONOMY Despite attempts at diversification, The Gambia's economy remains overwhelmingly dependent on the export of peanuts and their byproducts and the reexporting of imported foreign goods to other African nations.

About three quarters of the population is employed in agriculture. Rice, millet, sorghum, corn, and cassava are grown for subsistence, and cattle, sheep, and goats are raised. There is also a fishing industry. The main industrial activities center around the processing of agricultural products and some light manufacturing.

Tourism, which suffered following the 1994 military takeover, rebounded in the late 1990s. Besides peanut products, dried and smoked fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, and hides and skins are exported; foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery, and transportation equipment are imported. India, Great Britain, China, and Senegal are the country's leading trading partners. The Gambia is one of the world's poorest nations and relies heavily on foreign aid Source: infoplease.

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Music & Entertainment

AFRICA'S ARTISTE OF THE YEAR 2013 Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as WIZKID was born on July 16, 1990 in Surulere Lagos. He comes from a large family, and is the last of six children. He started his musical career in the church at the young age of 11 with the release

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of a 7 track album in the year 2000 under the label of the of OJB Jezreel one of the most celebrated music producers in Nigeria. When he began his musical career, Ayodeji used the name "Lil Prinz" but changed his stage name to WIZ-

KID at the age of 17 in 2006 when he began to gain stardom and national acclaim.

The debut album was well received by Ayo's family, friends, other artists and the church. He went back to the studio thereafter to perfect his

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skills and develop his talent. by 2006 when he took on the stage name WIZKID he was much more matured musically and started working with some of the big names in Nigeria's musical landscape like Neto C and Ikechukwu.

His music has continued to enjoy sustained radio plays since 2006 while he continued to enjoy collaboration with the existing big names in the industry.

WIZKID's major break in the Nigerian music industry came in 2009 with his collaboration with one of Nigeria's best rappers MI Abaga on the "Fast Money Fast Cars" track which drew major attention to WIZKID's sultry voice, engaging stage personae and unique swagger and style.

WIZKID is also a song writer and writes most of his songs. He has also been featured in several TV commercials the most recent was the PEPSI 2011 advert where he featured alongside female super star TIWA SAVAGE. He also featured in the TV commercial "Turn by Turn" by KEL's .

1n 2009 he signed a multi million naira deal with Nigerian leading R & B artist, producer and manager- the versatile Banky W who owns the Empire mates Entertainment 9EME) recording label. WIZKID has continued to release hit songs with EME records since 2009 and he presently enjoys stardom all over Africa and

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amongst Africans all over the diaspora. He has performed internationally with renowned artists like Chris Brown, Sunny Ade, Akon, Kardinal oďŹƒcial, Young Jeezy etc.

The release of his hit singles," Do't Dull", "Holla at your boy" and "Tease me" in 2010 conďŹ rmed WIZKID as a Nigerian musical star. After the release of his debut album "Super Star" in June 2011 WIZKID performed sold out concerts in Nigeria, the United States and in the United Kingdom.

In 2012, Wizkid signed a one year endorsement deal with Pepsi, allegedly w o r t h $350,000 U.S dollars. He traveled to Beirut, Lebanon with Tiwa Savage for a Pepsi commercial shoot.On May 28, 2013, Premium Times reported that Wizkid signed a one year deal with MTN Nigeria.

Moreover, the news source reported that Wizzy's Pepsi contract was renewed

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Music & Entertainment

for another two years.On October 23, 2013, Bellanaija reported that Wizkid signed an endorsement deal with Guinness for the "Guinness World of More" concert. The concert was held at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, 110 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

on November 3, 2013.

His work and contributions to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several achievements, including a BET Awards, a MOBO Awards from two nominations, a Channel O Music Video Awards from six nominations, three Nigeria En-

tertainment Awards from eleven nominations, a Ghana Music Awards from two nominations, two Dynamix All Youth Awards from three nominations, two City People Entertainment Awards from 4 nominations, and a Future Awards, among others. In addition, he has been nominated three times at the MTV Europe Music Awards as well as four times at the World Music Awards. He was ranked 5th on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 list of the Top 10 Richest/Bankable African Artists.In February 2014, Wizkid became the ďŹ rst ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.

Wizkid's most notable songs include "Holla at Your Boy", "Don't Dull", "Love My Baby", "Azonto", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Dance For Me" with EME, and "Jaiye Jaiye", "Caro" among others. His discography resume includes collaboration with international and domestic acts such as Bracket,Angel[, Lynxxx, Iyanya,Wande Coal, Ice Prince, R2Bees, Wale, Young Jeezy, Akon, and Femi Kuti,] among others. Wizkid's debut album Superstar was released in 2011, He is currently working on Chosen, his second studio album scheduled to be release in 2014

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Art & Culture

The Launching of

The Divine Fragrance of Life A book by Mark Eda Prolific writer, Mr. Mark Eda's latest book - THE DIVINE FRAGRANCE OF LIFE- A BOOK was launched in Los Angeles on SATURDAY MARCH 8TH, 2014.

This book is a powerful tool to help couples foster Godly and enduring relationships. According to Mark Eda " The issue of solid and stable relationships is the bedrock of our families".

Following are highlights of the ceremony in pictures..

Author, O. Mark Eda, signing a book

Guests at the book signing

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Art & Culture

O. MARK EDA (AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER) with LESLEY TIMMONS

DRUSILLA MOORE ,EMMANUEL AMESI, BENEDICTA OGBONNAYA ,O.MARK EDA PATTI MARIUS & MUDIA AIMIUWU

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Art & Culture

BRENDA MIXON,O.MARK EDA ,RON ATIBA and friend

Friends

MATTHEW,GODWIN,SEBASTIAN,MARK

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MATTHEW OBA ,ALEX TAIRE and friends

L-R ALEX ,MARK , FRIEND, MARTIN, RON

WILLIAM ONWUKA & FRIENDS

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GRACIE'S CORNER

Dealing with

Cultural Identity Crisis

tries have garnered us freedoms that we did not experience under our various colonial masters. While it Grace Neequaye MPH CHES is true that many African counIn this new world of globalizatries have ongoing wars and are tion, we are no longer confined to still feeling the effects of colonialthe four corners of our city, town ism, it is safe to say that most or village. Thanks to technology African countries are moving up, we are exposed to the right along with the world and world...through the internet, are getting our share of exposure. music, dance, religious affiliaImmigration to other parts of the tions, movies, newspapers and world has steadily risen post-coloother media. There's almost no exnialism, which means that immicuse for not having knowledge grants are faced with new about what's happening in other challenges and new opportunities parts of the world. for growth.

The changes of the last 50 I left Africa in the 1990s. Starry years or so in many African couneyed, looking for new opportuni-

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ties and a chance to reconnect with my father- I landed in America in 1998 with hopes and big dreams for the future. The excitement of this realization was so overwhelming. I had just finished writing the most difficult exam of my life, celebrated my birthday with the family and was heading to the airport to start the new chapter of my life! Here we gooooo! It was all amazing ‌I was about enter the fairy tale world of the United States of America‌via the lovely state of Ohio! Oh such disillusionment!

My identity crisis started shortly upon arrival in Cincinnati, Ohio. School started, I got on the wrong school bus, missed home room (what exactly is that, anyway), and missed my entry into the school system; I had no idea

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GRACIE'S CORNER

where to go and there was no one really to ask. Around 5th period, I finally spotted someone who looked a little like me, with very long braids that my mother would surely disapprove of. I asked her where she was from.

She took one glance at me and said very indignantly, America?!

Sorry, I thought you were like me.

Over the next three years, I fielded various questions about living in trees, having access to telephones and learning how to wear clothes. I was shocked as to how little my classmates thought of my homeland. They had this idea of jungles and lions and scenes from “The Gods must be crazy”. This, of course, put me in a defensive position and I became a pioneer for Africa, spreading truth about my beautiful motherland. After a series of mishaps including being classified as an ESL student (but I’ve been speaking English all my life and I surely speak better English than most in this school), I graduated from high school.

During my first year of college, I was classified as an African American student. As part of efforts to seamlessly integrate students of color into a mostly white school, a big brother/sister program was set up. We were allowed on campus before the rest of the school population and started new lifelong friendships. We were all astonished as to how many students of color were on campus…until the remaining 20,000 plus showed up and made it obvious that there were fewer than SPRING 2014

1000 students of color on campus.

I joined various African American programs and as far as everyone knew, I was a sister. On campus, I would hear various conversations including some in languages from Ghana. I would chuckle because I understood them, but they generally thought I was African American. I finally felt a part of a system; there were no questions about my accent, no one asked me to repeat what I said several times and no questions about whether or not I knew how to wear clothes and if I missed my pet lion.

By my second year it all started to change. I had met a few Africans on campus and started attending “African” events. It didn’t take very much time, but I soon lost my identity as African American and became the African girl. I became different again, but this time with no real anchor. In the African American world, I was the African; in the African world, I was the African American. Most Africans did not believe that I was one of them, since I spoke like an American and many were convinced my features didn’t quite fit. Now instead of just being African, I had no real connection to either culture.

The challenge of growing up in someone else’s country is learning to adapt/assimilate without losing too much of yourself. My values, which are directly tied into my upbringing in Ghana

had to shift, because I had found a home in a new country. As immigrants we often have to pick the culture with which we most identify. Many of us are comforted by the usually strict African upbringing and tend to “go back to our roots”; rejecting the more liberal culture of the Western world.

I have learned that my “roots” have actually changed since I last lived in Ghana. While I’ve been trying to avoid assimilation, many back home have fully embraced the new world. The ultra-strict, usually religiously influenced African values have been replaced with values of the world. The things I remember are mostly no longer valid; life is moving on in Africa as well.

At some point, all immigrants will experience some kind of identity crisis. We will either relate better with our new lives, or attempt to hold onto what we remember. In my world, I have learned to live in both worlds’ best as I can. I enjoy the opportunities afforded by the US, and still take time to stay true to my roots by keeping connections with my people.

Thanks to technology, home is not as far away and I can always stay in touch.

Grace Neequaye MPH CHES

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The Law & You

IS YOUR MARRIAGE VALID IN THE UNITED STATES?- PART 1

By Ogochukwu Victor Onwaeze

It is a common practice for many Nigerians who live in the United States to enter into a marriage ceremony in Nigeria in addition to or in lieu of a marriage ceremony in the United States.

The phenomenon presents itself in different scenarios.

Some couples already married in Nigeria emigrate together to the United States and do not undergo another ceremony in the United States after their relocation. In other cases, both couple as single persons live in the United States, but decide to celebrate their marriage in Nigeria and do not undergo any ceremony in the United States. Some other couple go through some form of ceremony in Nigeria and then another ceremony in the United States.

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In another scenario, only one of the couple live in the United States while the other lives in Nigeria. They undergo some ceremony in Nigeria and then when the other spouse emigrates to the United States, they undergo another ceremony in the United States, while some make do with the ceremony in Nigeria alone. The last scenario is where the spouse who lives in the United States is in a marriage with a United States citizen aimed towards regularizing their stay in the country and during the subsistence of that marriage undergo a ceremony in Nigeria with a third party in Nigeria to start the ball rolling towards eventually bringing the third party spouse to the United States.

A variant of this last scenario is

where both spouses actually lives in the United States but while one or both of them are in subsisting marriages with a United States citizen towards regularizing their stay in the country undergo another marriage in Nigeria.

The question is whether the marriages contracted in Nigeria under the several scenarios above are valid marriages as far as the United States is concerned. Of course whether such a marriage is valid or not has far reaching implication for the spouses and their children for the purposes of dissolution, property and inheritance.

The general rule is that a marriage that is valid according to Nigerian Laws will be recognized as a valid marriage by a court in the United States under the full SPRING 2014

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faith and credit clause and will be given all the incidents of a valid marriage in a United States Court. The most important requirement then is that the marriage that is before the United States Court must be valid according to Nigerian Law. These marriage ceremonies described above take different forms but usually are marriages contracted under native law and custom. However there are three types of marriages recognized under Nigerian Law; The Act or “Christian” Marriage, Islamic Marriage and Customary Marriage. The word “Christian” Marriage is some sort of misnomer since the Marriage Act of Nigeria refers only to Act Marriage, Islamic Marriage and Customary Marriage, but the Act Marriage, which essentially is a ceremony celebrated in front of a court Register has become somewhat synonymous with a marriage celebrated in church, hence the term “Christian” Marriage.

The Act or Christian Marriage is akin to a marriage as known in the Western worlds and it is a marriage conducted according to the Marriage Act, Law of Nigeria 1914, re enacted as Marriage Act of 2004. A Statutory or Act marriage as it is called is defined as “a voluntary union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others during the continuance of the marriage.”

Section 18 Interpretation Act 2004. As such a person that is married under the Marriage Act is incapable of contracting anSPRING 2014

other marriage with a third party during the existence of the Act Marriage.

Therefore a couple married in Court or in Church in Nigeria and then emigrate to the United States do not need to undergo any further ceremony for their

tomary marriage. They need not undergo any further ceremony upon returning to the United States. Also a United States resident while unmarried who goes to Nigeria and undergo an Act or Christian marriage with a spouse resident in Nigeria need no other

marriage to be recognized as valid in a United States Court. So too for couples who while both resident in the United States decide to go back home to celebrate a church wedding in Nigeria, either alone or in addition to a cus-

ceremony in the United States for the marriage to be given validity.

Islamic Marriage is a marriage entered into according the Laws of Islam. Under the Islamic Marriage, the Husband can take up to four wives and more if he LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 117

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can afford it. As such polygyny is recognized under Islamic Marriage but only in the sense of polygamy. Polyandry is not recognized in an Islamic Marriage.

An Islamic marriage will be recognized as valid by a United States Court and it is irrelevant that it is a polygamous marriage.

As such a Nigerian Man who while resident in the United States goes to Nigeria and enters into multiple Islamic Marriages will have all such marriages recognized as valid by a United States Court. So too is the result if the Man is already married under Islamic law to different women and then emigrate to the United States with his wives. The marriages would still be regarded as valid. As will be seen later, it is important that the nature of the marriages remain the same as contracting another marriage under a different system of laws has serious implications on the validity of the previous marriages.

A Customary Marriage is a marriage entered into according to the Native Law and Custom of the place where it is contracted. For Native Law to the

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enforceable it must meet the repugnancy test, meaning that the custom under which the marriage is entered into is not considered repugnant. As such, although Customary Marriages are ordinarily valid, certain types of Customary marriages such as levirate marriages, widow inheritance etc would not be regarded as valid since such Native Law and Customs would be and have been deemed repugnant and against public policy.

Therefore a Nigerian couple who while living in Nigeria has entered into one of these kinds of marriages, even though recognized as valid by the customs of the area where the marriage is contracted, would upon emigrating to the United States have such marriages invalidated in a United States Court. So too, if a person resident in the United States goes to Nigeria and then undergo any such ceremony. An interesting question is whether the United States Court has the power to declare

a customary marriage invalid by reason of repugnancy or public policy, where a Nigerian Court has not decided such issue.

It is the opinion here that a United States Court borrowing from precedents in Nigerian courts of similar cases would have the power to do so and would not violate the full faith and credit clause in the process.

In a Customary Marriage, the Husband is at liberty to marry as many wives as he desires. Therefore, although most spouses married under native law and custom remain married to themselves only, a customary marriage is by nature and definition polygamous. However as in Islamic Marriages, polygyny as practiced under customary marriages is limited to polygamy and not does not admit of polyandry.

Therefore a Nigerian Couple while living in Nigeria undergo a

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The Law & You

Customary marriage need not undergo any further ceremony in the United States upon emigrating. The result is the same if couple living in the United States go to Nigeria and undergo a customary marriage. There is no need to also celebrate a “white” wedding or church wedding either in Nigeria or upon returning to the United States to validate their union.

A more difficult question is where the customary marriage is one of the new so called proxy marriages. The “proxy” marriage is quite common. This is where one or both of the spouses for various reasons do not attend the actual marriage ceremony.

Someone stands in their stead during the ceremony or a picture of the spouse is used for symbolic presence at the wedding ceremony. It is doubtful if this is a complete marriage. It is commonly practiced and assumed to be valid, but the issue has never been tested in a Nigerian Court.

As a fairly new phenomenon, the Nigerian Courts have not been faced with determining if the marriage is valid without the presence of one or both spouses.

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Moreover, because the persons who engage in this proxy marriages live outside of Nigeria and the question of the validity of such marriage will arise in a court outside Nigeria, a definite statement on the issue is unlikely to come up soon. It is very possible that a United States Court will hold such a marriage as invalid or at best incomplete.

This is because in the Act or Christian Marriage under Nigerian Law, (which is the closest to the concept of marriage in the United States) a proxy marriage is not recognized. One of the essential requirements for the validity of an Act or Christian Marriage under the Nigerian Marriage Act is the appearance of both spouses before a Priest or Court Registrar for the celebration of the marriage.

Because there is a high and real possibility that a proxy customary marriage will not be recognized in the United States Court, it is advisable that Nigerians who have undergone such proxy marriages undergo another ceremony here in the

United States to give their union a stamp of validity. And the sooner it is done the better since the incidents of marriage will attach to the couple only after the second ceremony is done.

The p r o x y i s s u e aside, a Nigerian Man in the United States can marry as many women as he desires under customary law if in fact he keeps going back home and entering into the several unions according to the native law and customs of the place where the marriage takes place. All such marriages will be recognized by a court in the United States under the full faith and credit clause. Just like in the Islamic Marriage, the Man who wishes to undertake such a venture must be careful to ensure that each of the marriage ceremony is contracted under the same system of law. ***Article to be concluded in the Summer 2014 edition ** The writer Ogochukwu Victor Onwaeze is an Attorney practicing in Los Angeles California and focuses his practice on family law, real estate and personal injury litigation. He can be reached at onwaeze@aol.com.

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Life Issues

Are You a

Thermometer Thermostat? or a

by Iruka A. Ndubuizu As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2014, it’s a good time to check our temperature to see how we are doing with our New Year resolutions. If you used the S.M.A.R.T principles (Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely) to prepare your goals, you are more likely to stick to them than those who did not.

However, despite our best intentions, our enthusiasm sometimes 120 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

wanes when things don’t happen as quickly as we hoped or expected, or if we encounter some roadblocks. I’ve always wondered how when this occurs, some folks give up entirely and abandon their plans while some intensify their efforts and stay focused on achieving the goals they set. I have since realized that, it is not that those who stay the course are stronger or wiser than

those who give up; rather they decide what meaning to ascribe to events that happen in their life.

They view an unfavorable outcome as an opportunity for growth rather than a sign of failure. We have the power to choose and yet sometimes we choose the negative path.

Lately, when things are not going my way, and before I start doubting myself, I stop and ask SPRING 2014

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whether I am operating like a thermometer or a thermostat.

This really helps me chart a course of action that yields better results. A thermometer just takes the temperature in the room while a thermostat sets the temperature. MerriamWebster dictionary defines a thermometer as “an instrument used for measuring temperature” and a thermostat as “a device that automatically adjusts the temperature in a room … to a desired level”.

One of the most powerful human qualities is choice. Thus, we have the power to decide whether to REACT or RESPOND to what is happening to our well laid plans. You can choose to react by feeling hopeless, frustrated, angry, discouraged or bitter in which case you are a thermometer merely reflecting what’s happening around you. If, however, you choose to respond (rather than react) to the glitches in your plans, you are likely to get a more controlled outcome because you are in charge. A thermostat responds by regulating the desired temperature. Essentially, you decide what you want the temperature to be and adjust it accordingly. The thermostat signals the air conditioner or the heater to cool the room down or warm it up as the case may be.

If you have abandoned any of your goals or plans out of fear or SPRING 2014

frustration, consider revisiting them and believe that you will get through them.

Look at them again with the eyes of faith and from a place of strength, no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem. Let faith, not fear rule your thoughts and actions. Don’t live your life like a thermometer sitting around and measuring your environment. Be an active participant in what happens around you by boldly taking charge of your plans and take steps to create the environment you desire. If someone slams a door on your face, shift gears and knock on a different door. You have the power to choose how you respond to your circumstances.

French philosopher, Jackson Kiddard reminds us that "… life is a journey. If you got everything you wanted all at once there'd be no point to living. Enjoy the ride, and in the end you'll see these 'setbacks' as giant leaps forward, only you couldn't see the bigger picture in the moment. Remain calm, all is within reach; all you have to do is show up every day, stay true to your path and you will surely find the treasure you seek."

So if things are moving slower than you want them to, fear not.

Do not succumb to bouts of depression and hopelessness. Although it is normal to feel frustrated when things don’t go

our way, we should try not to dwell on it. When you choose to see every setback as a learning opportunity and not the final outcome, you are likely to take the time to come up with creative ideas and solutions to resolve the problem. Like they say, “a delay is not a denial”.

So, use your power. This principle can be applied not just to goal setting, but also to other aspects of our lives. View setbacks and disappointments as opportunities for growth and learn from them. See failure as one step closer to success. Resolve to be as smart and as in control as the thermostat. Take charge of your destiny by creating the environment you want in your relationships, businesses and work places. Most importantly, remember to adjust it according to your desired level.

Iruka A. Ndubuizu is a “contract guru”, attorney, entrepreneur, consultant, trainer and lover of life.

She is an Assistant Director for Contracts Administration at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and the Founder of Eureka Consulting, LLC (www.eurekaconsultingllc.com).

You can reach her at info@eurekaconsultingllc.com; 678.244.1960.

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Life Issues

10

steps to Personal Empowerment (for Parents)

by Nicoline Ambe. Ph.D 122 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

We’re heading towards Summer 2014 and a new school year. It is the season to begin thinking about the renewing of self. A time to begin again. A time to turn over a new leaf – to empower yourself as a parent and to empower your child too, in the process.

In my daily work with parents and children, I have come learned that a parent’s mental, physical, emotional and intellectual well-being impacts their children. There are two components of personal empowerment: SPRING 2014

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Life Issues

1. Personal Care: Personal care has to do with how a parent takes care of themselves. Things they do to rejuvenate and renew their physical and spiritual wellbeing to ensure that they have the stamina to support their children. Personal care is an important element of parenting because it contributes to a healthy, happy family. Create daily routines and practices to de-stress yourself. Take time to find greater balance, enjoy yourself and focus on your well-being. There are five elements of personal care.

Namely: 1. Eating Healthy 2. Exercise 3. Spiritual Nourishment 4. Good Relationships 5. Mental and Emotional Health

2. Personal Development: Personal development has to do with a parents internal growth processes – A parent’s mindset. How they see themselves and what they believe about themselves. Their own personal goals, ambitions, dreams and self-awareness. The vision they have for their own life and the personal fulfillment they enjoy from living their dreams and satisfying their own internal desires. As a parent, you must have the ability to assess yourself, visualize your ideal life. Think about how your future looks like when your children leave home, or when

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you retire from the professional working world. Think about what steps to take to move in the direction of your dreams and personal goals, career or otherwise. Your level of selfconfidence will determine the heights your child can reach. If you are lacking in your own confidence, you will find it hard to believe in your child’s abilities. If you are out of commission, so will your child. There are five elements of personal development. Namely:

6. Your Mindset 7. Your Passion & Goals 8. How you handle Distractions 9. Your Personal Brand 10. Your personal growth In Conclusion: In the coming months, we will discuss each of these empowerment steps in detail. Stay tuned for future issue of Life and Times Magazine as we ex-

plore these topics in detail. In the meantime, it’s important to note that as a parent you must care for yourself first so that you have enough in your tank to care for your child. When you feel strong by taking the right steps to nurture and empower yourself, you will have what you need to give love and attention to your child. When you feel empty, you will be resentful, angry, and impatient. So, take time to fuel your tank as a parent and to bring yourself to complete fullness. This will allow you to give your child the best of yourself. You are worth it. Your child is worth it.

Dr. Nicoline Ambe Speaker.

Educator.

Author.

Parent and Youth Mentor Helping Parents Raise High Achievers!

www.nicolineambe.com

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RELIGION & SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS

Winning in Life by making goals

By Pastor Dipo Kalejaiye

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It is good for a soccer team to play hard. Great when they play smart. Mesmerizing when we behold the tapestry or symphony of Spain's national soccer Team's "tiki-taka" - "a nonsensical phrase that has come to describe the three Ps - (short) passing, patience, and possession". But what has made this team to be ranked number one in FIFA ( Federation of International Football Association) world rankings, and what

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made them win their last three major tournaments: the 2008 UEFA Euro Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup is not the "tiki-taka". It is scoring goals. They could have played all the "tiki-taka" they knew how, without making goals, they would not be winning games. Winning in life's journey is not too dissimilar. Setting goals sets you up for the trophy because on the way to reaching your goal, regardless of whether you do, you are inevitably scoring winning goals.

Please read on.

1. GOAL-SETTING IS A COMMANDMENT Corporations sets goals, particularly production and fiscal goals so that they can maximize their performance and profit.

Athletes set goals so that they can become the best : Kobe Bryant's off-season workout has been called the 666 program because he spends 2 hours running, 2 hours on basketball, and 2 hours weightlifting (for a total of 6 hours a day, 6 times a week, six months a year). No wonder he is already being celebrated as a basketball legend. The bible says Jesus Christ came "in the fullness of time", namely, at the time appointed. God himself set that goal. He is a goal-setter and he commands us to be. The bible says we should write the vision down ( the revelation, the plans, the goals) and make it plain.

Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians: " I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

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live purposefully. They have a destination. They know where they are going. They have goals.

They are not living by neglect and ceding their lives to others to run. They are in charge, adjusting and responding to life's vicissitudes not reacting, knee-jerking and drifting through life. They identify and determine what is important in life and they plan "scoring" goals as they propel their lives in that direction. A goal-less life is a direction-less life and a direction-less life is a purpose-less life. Take charge of your life and start setting goals.

2. GOALS ARE YOUR FAITH MANIFESTO Politicians unveil their manifesto to announce their promises to their constituents regardless of whether they are able to keep them or not. At least they are expressing their desire and hope that the promises will be kept. At wedding ceremonies, couples exchange vows expressing statements of faith and fidelity to each other. My wife and I founded the International Christian Center in our small apartment in 1999. We set a goal that we would move to one of the best Hotels in town within six months. God honored it and moved us to the Hilton and Towers Hotel within the time frame. Again we set a goal that that we would move into our own owned facility within one year. God honored it and we 126 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE

bought a prime property in a prime location within the time frame. Five years later, we set another goal and believed God to move us to a bigger multi-purpose facility. He did. He never fails. But without setting those goals, without making those statements of faith and praying them through, I am not sure we would be where we are today.

When you set a goal, you are simply saying that I trust God's word to give me the desire of my heart which is to achieve or attain to so and so by so and so period in my life. That is faith and because faith honors God, God in honors faith. Jesus told those he healed that it should be unto them according to their faith. So start making big and fantastic statements of faith. God can handle them. He says open your mouth wide and I will fill it. Read ephesians 3:20 and it will "wow" you: Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams].

Think about that! Superabundantly, far over and above all that you dare ask or think!! Infinitely beyond your highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, and dreams!!! So what are you waiting for? Start dreaming big and putting deadlines on those

dreams turning them to goals.

Goal-setting is not only a commandment from God, goals are also your faith manifesto which God will honor if they are godly. ( To Be Continued )

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)

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