AfricaWorld Newspaper Weekly November 14th 2020

14th November

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

www.africaworldnewspaper.com @AfricaWorldNews

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Africaworld News International

PRESIDENT TRUMP SURE OF VICTORY IF ONLY

LEGAL VOTES ARE COUNTED "I take no comfort in saying that we saw this coming. Back in June, for example, I told Lou Dobbs, “It’s been a state by state battle to protect the integrity of our elections. There will be a severe temptation to cheat, and now that’s going to be a lot easier to do because our system is going to be overwhelmed with ballots and applications for ballots.” Tom Fitton wrote on Breitbart politics in his article, Fitton: 2020 Election Update.

By Ukachukwu Okorie Continues page 22

See Page 2

See Page 9

See Page 14

OSU-OHU-UME: Where does Time management more Does Vaginal infection this Igbo generation stand? important than before Affect Fertility?

PAGE 2

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

UYOKANJO SHRINE

Editorial

UNITED STATES MUST

OSU-OHU-UME:

LEAD BY EXAMPLE Where does this Igbo

S

o unfortunate for many observers around the world on developments from the United States presidential vote count.

Against all odds, allegations of voter fraud echoes so loud that many non American citizens feel embarrassed.

The role of the social media is helping photo and video technology show some of the hardcore exhibits that may appear in the courts as the contest go to the wire.

Unfortunately, the US had always prided itself as the bastion of the electoral process, but seems to have shot itself in the foot. Usually, many countries elections are monitored by the United States, who indirectly certify or decry its process. So how will this electoral quagmire be sorted? Follow laid down laws as the heated rivalries is causing insincerity.

There should be a recount at designated hot spots which are highly contested to restore integrity and confidence.

Ukachukwu Okorie Editor-in-chief, AfricaWorld News

POEMS

THE RAHAMA GLITCH Who goes there?

Where is the drape?

Why is their back broken?

What a bug that seems a glitch!

I am who I was born to be Neither perfect, nor a saint But I adore Okike And fiercely loyal to Biafra

Before you begin to ask Uyokanjo was born with his mates Beauty is in the eyes Of course, it eats before the mouthEither you believe or not Chukwu Okike is my courage Who will cast a pebble?

Biafra is the land of my birth But who has not eaten?

If you are teaching a chorus Sing about the shower in the rain The lightening that scribbled on the sky The rainbow that sealed a covenant Life is sweeter than honey And the stars of the Rising Sun Eyes see beyond its vision As a mouthful doesn't harm theEven if they doubt you Keep repeating the chorus cavity Let it permeate into the marrows When the eyes have seen it all.

Chukwu Okike Abiama is my weakness OKIKE THEN BIAFRA Then my Land of the Rising Sun. Lest you feign ignorance Heaven is classic Its clothing is beautiful The throne is open And the faithful got a vision

generation stand? - Part 2

C

ontinuing from part 1 of this thesis, I beg to look at important issues surrounding the subject under review and how it affects us today. But before we proceed, it is important to note that the essence of history is for posterity to judge. I think posterity could be likened to a mirror that judge historical facts. I enjoyed the responses to the part one as it brought out in full view, divergent thoughts on the matter from this generation. Contributions ranged; many that condemned it, some that feigned ignorance that it does not exist and others that argued, we ought to keep quiet and avoid washing our dirty linen in the public.

When I ask, where this generation stands, I have my reasons. Chief among my reasons being that the Osu caste system undermines our cohesion, what we intend to achieve and the core principle of our values.

The Igbo people refer to the Osu in varied names depending on which clan you are native of; it is referred to as Adu-Ebo in Nzam in Onitsha. In the Nsukka area, it is known as Oruma; it is called Nwani or Ohualusi at Augwu area while in Owere, they are called Osuarusi. Osu, Ume, Ohu, Oru, Ohu Ume, Omoni (Okpu-Aja) have the same connotation in Igboland. The people referred to by the names are regarded as sub-human being, the unclean class, or slaves. They are all lumped together as Osu, but on occasions like Iju Ajuju Nwanyi – Marriage inquiry, one’s caste come into focus.

According to authoritative sources, the abolition of slavery in the West, in the 19th century, led to abundance of slaves in the Igbo markets, causing the number of Ume, Ohu and Osu to skyrocket. According to Igbo historian, Adiele Afigbo in his book, The Abolition of the Slave Trade in Southeastern Nigeria, 1885–1950 -Those families which were really rich competed with one another in the number of slaves each killed for its dead or used to placate the gods-.

After it abolished slavery on 25 March, 1807, through the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, Britain began to fashion out ways to make its European rivals end it.

Although the end of slavery had beneficial reasons as an industrial revolution provided new systems which required high efficiency, through free trade and free labour. More so, Britain did not want its European rivals to keep benefiting from slavery as it did. As it entered it into the statute books, the Act made it illegal to engage in the slave trade throughout its colonies, even though slave trafficking between the Caribbean islands continued, regardless, until 1811. However, the British Empire entered into agreements with other slave trading countries and signed the reciprocal search treaty, in which they stationed a vessel on the Atlantic, and searched all suspected slave vessels. Slaves found were taken to their new colony in Freetown. With the amalgamation in 1914 and full colonial administration taking off, slavery in the interior ended in early 20th century. As a matter of fact, research records show that after the end of slavery, many middlemen sought out black markets and continued, and rich Igbo families kept slaves even beyond the middle of the 20th century. According to an oral interview I conducted with two elders of Owere origin, they informed that slave ownership continued even in the 1960s. They argued that affluent Igbos kept slaves as domestic staff and farm workers, but terms were not like in the early 20th century. Acquiring the Osu status is through inheritance and marriage.

However, colonialism and the advent of Christianity engineered a new policy that threw a spanner into the woods. Some outcasts were appointed as warrant chiefs when the British introduced divide and rule tactics. Their appointments came as a Cont in P22

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

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By Joseph Okechukwu

US ELECTIONS: DID YOU CELEBRATE TOO EARLY? Y

ou know, the last 24-48 hours have been particularly challenging, both emotionally and psychologically for Trump supporters worldwide and understandably so. If you’re on Social Media, by now you must have lost count of the insults and humiliating jeers from the “Bidenians.” And all of that simply at the prospect of a Biden presidency - which at best still hugely hangs in the balance. Imagine if he had truly won?! And these are the same people who would preach “healing” and “building bridges” at the drop of a hat.

Unfortunately, many are now realizing they may have celebrated too early. Biden presidency is still a massive “if.” Let me repeat, “Biden presidency is still a gigantic “if.” I’m not making it up. That’s the reality right now.

Okay, in Pennsylvania where Trump led with over 700,000 votes before they fraudulently stopped counting and began adding votes for Biden with zero added to Trump until “Biden took the lead”, remember? Pennsylvania has now been ordered by the Supreme Court of the United States to Segregate all the votes that arrived after 8pm on the Election Day, November 3.

Keep in mind that Trump was leading with over 700,000 votes at the close of the day on November 3. The votes with which “Biden overtook Trump” mostly arrived in the middle of the night on November 4 and continued to arrive from God knows where until “Biden took the lead” days later. There have been huge allegations with mounting evidences that most of those votes that were mailed in to help Biden were fake and fraudulent.

Trump’s team asked for access to verify the votes, the PA officials denied them access. Even when a local court ruled, they still flouted it. Wonder what they were hiding.

Now, the Supreme Court has ordered for the second time that the votes must be segregated. Justice Alito did. Look it up. Trump team believes that when these votes are segregated, the fraud will be exposed during a recount and Trump’s landslide win will finally be unveiled. How can anybody now call this state for Biden, even if he leads with 1 million votes? Impossible. Gridlock! Litigation!

This is why Donald Trump tweeted this: “Joe Biden should not wrongfully claim the office of the President. I could make that claim also. Legal proceedings are just now beginning!”

This race is nowhere close to over and the media keeps giving them false hopes. Nearly every state that gave Biden the current 253 electoral votes is right now in contest. How can you declare victory under such circumstances? It’s absolutely insane.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania USPS Whistleblower Richard Hopkins has now gone Public; Confirms Federal Investigators Have Spoken With Him About Postmaster Rob Weisenbach's Order To Backdate Ballots To November 3rd, 2020. When Federal officials step in before 270, that’s huge and if you’re honest, you can see why a Biden “presidency” is too early to call if not altogether a mirage.

Okay, let’s move over to Michigan. You may never see this on mainstream news but do you know that some software glitch in Michigan was transferring Trump’s vote to Biden? So, people will vote for Trump and the software would send the vote to Biden! In one particular polling station, about 6,000 Trump votes went to Biden because of this software. 6,000! They called it a glitch but the Trump team has a name for it. It’s something they already know and I will get to that in a minute.

But here’s what has happened: the so called glitch was fixed in a particular county where Biden had won and instantly, Trump carried that county! No longer Biden! See proof below. And guess what? 47 other counties in the state of Michigan used this same software. It has now been discovered that same software was deployed in many other states, especially the Democrat-controlled states. Now, investigators are looking into all of those. And you wanna call the election?

HAMMER and Scorecard are the names for the software programs said to have been developed by American intelligence agencies for use in controlling the outcomes of elections through algorithms that adjust vote tabulation.

It’s being alleged that elements from the Obama-Biden regime have been deploying this independently, even after they’d left office. This is now leading to a nationwide probe into the elections. Think about that. How can you declare a winner under the circumstances, I ask? The media don’t determine who becomes America’s president. The American people do.

Besides, no matter what numbers have been given to you as electoral college score, the Electoral College will still meet on December 14 to vote and allot.

How then can you declare a winner?

In Arizona, which the globalist-owned and operated Fox News had called for Biden on November 3, Biden now leads with less than 30,000 votes. Almost less than 1%! Can you imagine?! And they called that state for him!

Today, most in the mainstream media circles have now discounted Arizona’s 11 electoral college votes from Biden’s 264, leaving him with 253, for fear Trump could actually end up winning Arizona. And guess what? Litigation is on in Arizona too. Look up sharpie gate.

Two solid times, Joe Biden had prepared to deliver a Victory Speech and each time, he goes up to the podium and says something else. And you don’t see the handwriting on the wall?

This election has been a gigantic mess and I can’t stop wondering how long it’ll take our world, not just America to recover from this.

If Trump doesn’t fight to #StoptheSteal and #CountEveryLEGALVote and expose these criminals who have brazenly committed felony and jail them all, America will loose its moral grounds to fight corruption till eternity. Thank God he’s ready to fight.

Already, Nigerian and some African politicians who are very good students of corrupt ideals have started taking notes. How can America slam election riggers with visa bans and sanctions if these leftist criminals get away with this? It’s time to fight until victory is won.

And we will fight. We are “Trumpets” and we don’t cave.

Thankfully, we’re not as heartless and toxic as those who prematurely took a victory lap with imbecilic vituperations. We’re different. We’re lovely and godly. We don’t say quit till we see the last drop. We don’t go down without a fight. And just so you know, this battle is not over yet.

And even if, God forbid, it doesn’t eventually go our way, we will be very gracious in defeat knowing fully well that we’ve done all we could to sound the alarm and warn our generation. If you’re a Trump supporter, You should be very proud and happy right now because, it’s not yet over until God says so.

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

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By Ori Martins

ZIK did nothing for NDIGBO: is it true?

I

t's not really very conceivable how this notorious insinuation that Zik never did anything for Ndigbo came about. Even more disturbing is why it has been sustained., and now accepted by a good number of Ndigbo as true. Politically, Zik's noble achievements for Nigeria in general and Ndigbo in particular, may not be equalled by any politician again. In the First Republic, Zik's towering greatness produced an Igbo as president (himself), senate president (Nwafor Orizu), Nwachuku (Speaker of HOR), and Aguiyi Ironsi was the head of the army. Zik mentored and inspired a generation of Igbo politicians, including Mbaonu Ojike, M. I. Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Mbadiwe, Raymond Njoku, Mbazulike Amaechi and many others. It was Zik, as Eastern Premier that commenced the economic revolution that made ( 1954 and 1964,) Eastern Nigeria to be described as "the fastest growing economy in the world," by the Harvard Review; faster than China, faster than Singapore, and all the so-called "Asian Tigers." Obi Nwakamma, an American based professor stated in his Vanguard on Sunday column that "all over the East there were quality schools built by the various communities using the Town Development Unions from 1954 (Zik was the premier at that time) and acessing the matching grants of the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation.

And this was the East with the poorest revenue resources of any of the regions. The Mbaise Secondary School still exists, the National High School Okigwe exists, the Ngwa High School exists, the Enyiogugu Grammar School exists, etc. These were solid schools built all over the East with matching goverment grants (provided by Zik's administration). "The Catholic Church forced the Azikiwe government from its scholarship program, but it is also on record, that the Eastern government was the only government in the world that invested 45% of its revenues in education. The East had the highest number of schools; the highest school enrollment; the broadest penetration of medical services; and the best modern road network in west Africa.

"Indeed if we look carefully, the only public hospitals and most of the schools still standing in the East today, at various stages of run down are the schools and hospitals built by Azikiwe/Okpara. Every division of the East had a Joint Hospital as part of the Eastern Medical services. "First, the Eastern Outlook, the government paper of Eastern Nigeria was the first newspaper established by any government in Nigeria, and it was of such quality and impact that the literacy level of Easterners, and the depth of public information retailed by Outlook was without compare. This is besides the fact that Western Nigerian Broadcast Services, WNBS-TV founded in 1958 only preceded the ENBC-TV founded in 1959, by only seven months. But Outlook preceded Sketch by about 15 years. Now Azikiwe built the Onitsha Modern Market, the first modern mall or trade emporium in West Africa. Onitsha was effectively Dubai before Dubai. People traveled all over Africa, from as far as the Congo and Sudan and Egypt, to come and buy and trade in Onitsha. The economic impact of this was humonguos.

Azikiwe built the first Nigerian University at Nsukka with the first School of Law, the first School of Engineering, the first Business School; the first School of Journalism, and the first School of Music and Performance, etc. By the time its first graduates took the Nigerian civil service exams in 1963, everybody began to raise the cry of "Igbo domination". "Azikiwe began the first modern library system in West Africa. The East had a system of city libraries starting with the very modern Zik's Library in Enugu. I Literally grew up in the Umuahia Divisional Library. These libraries were built all over the East. Schools in the East were built with libraries. Moreover the Eastern Nigerian Library Board had a sysem of rural and mobile libraries. There was nothing like it anywhere else in Nigeria: kids had library cards and able to borrow or order books from the public library. "The great Ibadan historian, Tekena Tamuno, was unambiguous in stating once at NIPPS, Jos, that "the Igbos are the makers of moderm Nigeria (and it was led by Zik) . When they abandoned their project, Nigeria collapsed." We must remind Nigerians, particularly Igbo children, daily of these fact, to achieve what Achebe called " a balance of stories." And that also means we must read beyond the surface of things. Dare Babarinsa's Guardian essay is angled carefully to maintain a revisionist narrative. And that is to be always challenged, however innocent it might seem. "Even today, most Yoruba think that Awolowo founded the Universities of Ibadan and Lagos. No one has reminded them that it took Azikiwe's pressures for a university for Nigeria, in his meeting with Arthur Richards in 1946, that led to the cobstitution of the Eliot commision and subsequently the founding of the University College, Ibadan. This fact is even clearly conveyed in Michael Crowder's eponymous book, The Story of Nigeria. Nsukka was Azikiwe's critique of what he felt to be the conceptual limitations of Ibadan. The University of Lagos was the result of NCNC's ideological contributions to the federal policy during the ill fated coalition government with the NPC. UNILAG was an NCNC project, shepherded by Aja Wachukwu as minister for education. Even the great UNILAG in her 50th anniversary failed to mention Prof Eni Njoku as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, a man that layed the solid foundation of what made Unilag what it is today". Those who clap with one hand quickly forget that Zik put in place the financial giant called African Continental Bank, ABC. He brought Okpara as the premier to replace him and equally guided him in building Eastern Breweries that produced Golden Guinea, Adapalm that still serves as a huge revenue products to South East states, farmlands, ceramics industry, glass industry, cashew plantations, Nkalagu Cement Factory, constructed various kilometres of roads, including the Owerri - Mbaise - Obowo - Umuahia Road. From all available records, Zik performed wonders for Ndigbo in particular and Nigeria in general. Continue to rest in peace and happy posthumous birthday, the great Zik of Africa.

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

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Shades of Daily Living By: Ollus Ndomu

Time management more

important than before T

he emergence of Coronavirus has significantly changed the normal way of doing things. Everything has gone digital with devices being at the centre of daily routines. This has however not changed the fact that human life revolves around productivity which abounds in meeting deadlines, planning, strategizing and strategizing.

According to the latest survey by this publication, many people are failing to meet deadlines amidst this prevailing pandemic. This is partly blamed on limited computer literacy among people that are working and studying using online platforms. On the other hand, lack of time management skills is a big contributing factor.

Time management is organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter, not harder, so that you get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time affects your effectiveness and promotes stress.

Majority people say that there is never enough time in a day. However, the fact stands unchanged, we all get the same 24 hours. But why is it that some people achieve so much more with their time than others? The answer lies in good time management.

The highest achievers manage their time exceptionally well. By using the time-management techniques, you stand a greater chance of improving your ability to function more effectively, even in times of tight pressures.

Good time management requires an important shift in focus from activities to results: being busy isn’t the same as being effective. Ironically, the opposite is often closer to the truth.

Spending your day in a frenzy of activity often achieves less, because you’re dividing your attention between so many different tasks.

Good time management lets you work smarter – not harder – so you get more done in less time. In fact, good time management comes with enormous benefits such as greater productivity and efficiency, less stress, better professional reputation and increased opportunities for advancement.

Are you wondering about what it takes to achieve good time management? Wonder no more because I have five most practical ways to help you manage your time and these include: 1.

Plan your day in advance 2.

Find your productivity zone (time you are most productive and work in those hours) 3.

Set goals 4.

Don’t waste much of your time on social media 5.

Allocate time for rest, exercising and doing what gives you pleasure Remember, high productivity does not come by working from 6am to 6pm but by working smartly, which entails proper time management. Good time management will always afford you time for everything as the old adage goes, ‘a busy man has time for everything.’

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AFRICAWORLD NEWS

ST EVANS COLUMN

By Evangeline Ngozi Omini

LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS, 3 EDITION RD

Lovely readers of Africa World News, welcome to this week edition of St Evans Column.

From the previous editions, we started feeding our souls with the Word of God. This will help to remind us that we are in the END TIME, and awaiting the RETURN of Our Saviour JESUS CHRIST on this Planet earth, as he promised.

In the previous edition, I testified to the assurance of the Second Coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ, with my incredible true life story. And this adds to the scriptures promising the Second Coming of Christ. Note that Jesus promises us in Revelation 22:12; "behold I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay everyone for what he has done". And in 1 Corinthians 2:9; "but as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him".

THUS, WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING AT THIS END TIME? · Repent from your wicked ways. (Matthew 4:17). · Ask for grace and forgiveness of your sins. (2 Chronicles 30:9b). · Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour. (Titus 2:13). · Always plead the BLOOD OF JESUS upon your life and those of your loved ones. (Hebrew 9:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7; Galatians 3:13). · Always say the sinners' prayer. (Romans 10:9-10, 13). · Know that even if your sins are as scarlet, the Blood of JESUS will wash you and make you as white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18). (ALL Scriptures are in KJV Version). · Please listen to the ADVICE below: My biological father who is also my spiritual role model once advised me to run my race of Heaven by: ignoring the Judases, avoidng those who behave like Brutus ('et tu Brute?').

"Do not fight the bus stop demons, when you have to get to the airport for your flight! There are demons on your way to distract you from reaching your set goals. Ignore and avoid them until you get to your destination," my loving father advised.

A word is enough for the wise. Till next week, stay safe and remain blessed. Evangeline Ngozi Omini

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

INTERVIEW

PAGE 7

Nzeafulukwe Emerge New Igbo

Union Secretary General

Nzeafulukwe is his titled name like many traditional Igbos, but Goddy Aniuzu is more than a titled man. Multitalented and good looking, the new Igbo Union Secretary General had a chat with our editor Uka. He talked about his new office and plans of the new executives saddled to run the Igbo socio-cultural group IUD. Although, there are lots of issues to talk about, you will find excerpts below interesting.

How has it been with you since the pandemic?

Well, what can I say? I will first of all thank God for life. It has been generally quiet in the business environment and social sector where I mainly operate. However, I believe in keeping up with Government guidelines, especially social distancing to keep the virus at bay. Overall, it has been a subdued 2020, but I remain hopeful that soon we shall return to normalcy.

Igbo Union Dublin is affected from lots of activities, how are you guys coping?

To be honest with you, it hasn’t been easy for IUD, but I think we have turned the corner enough to behold a brighter future.

Comparatively, we haven’t really done bad when we take cognizance of how most organisations have fared. Graciously, IUD can boast that her membership is intact health-wise and we haven’t registered any fatality from this pandemic. We are equally proud that our membership is highly sensitized regarding their crucial responsibilities to themselves and their families at this perilous time. Therefore, I can safely say that apart from the lull in our usually robust socio-cultural engagements, The Union, though in a transition year, is coping well and poised to pick up from where we left activities as soon as possible.

You recently emerged as the new IUD Secretary, what are we expecting?

Yes, I did emerge as the new IGBO UNION DUBLIN Secretary General, but kudos must first of all go to my immediate constituencies; ENUGU STATE ASSOCIATION (ESA) and GREATER AWGU ASSEMBLY. My emergence may not have been possible without their robust backing, show of futuristic awareness and drive to move THE IGBO NATION (in the diaspora) to greater heights. They eschewed clannishness and stood with dynamism even in the face of pressure.

I will go further to commend the IUD CARETAKER COMMITTEE (CTC) ably led by High Chief SUNNY KALU for being dogged, astute, dynamic and innovative. They brought to The Union, an unprecedented approach to difficult circumstances. The CTC brought back to life IUD meetings; utilising contemporary technology to galvanize our membership, even as the pandemic raged on. They appointed a very tight ELECTORAL COMMITTEE and motivated them to work through a novel electoral process. It was amazing and unprecedented. I am not in doubt that the process will be either borrowed or emulated by other progressive migrant organisations.

IGBO UNION DUBLIN has come a long way and at this juncture, the only way is forward, which is to make IUD GREAT AGAIN.

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

INTERVIEW

We have experienced a whole lot at this stage, but we shall remain brave and relentless in our desire for success. The office of the IUD Secretary General shall in no shadow of doubt improve on our past. I intend to bring my personality and polished submissions to bear on The Union and NDIGBO in DUBLIN at large. We shall endeavour to galvanize, reach out, and write immensely well. Under this new IUD SECRETARIAT, we shall be jerked off our comfort zones to drive The Union progressively towards novel territories. We shall write to unite, to overhaul, to heal and not to harm or divide further. Coast to coast, shall we reach in creative cultural adventure and attempt to mend fences to the ultimate benefit of our growing children.

It shall indeed not be easy, but with the right diction and syntax, no barrier will be unbreakable. I must very importantly express that in ONYENDU BARR OBI ODOEMENA, we have a mature, cool and collected leader with a pragmatic team gunning for the common good.

It will be NDIGBO FIRST in the majority of this regime’s strategic approaches. This secretariat will drive home that philosophy and maintain the image and pride of the average ONYE IGBO in Dublin.

Regardless.

You have served IUD in different capacities, tell us more about your service to Igbos in Dublin.

If I am like my father and I am, then I strive to be selfless. “Utopia” is what we pursue, but in my own right as NZEAFULUKWE, my calling is to render service wherever I find myself. I do my best to have track records and indelible imprints anywhere I pass through. Yes, I have served IGBO UNION DUBLIN in various capacities both socially, officially and unofficially, but it cannot be enough. I only bless God Almighty that I’m not so poor that all I have is money. I have humility. I have empathy. I have requisite talents. Therefore, it will be needless to engage in counting my services to NDIGBO while we still have a lot to accomplish. So in answering your question, I would rather say that we are still on a journey and until we arrive our destination, we shall not take stock!

What will be special in the forthcoming government?

Without mincing words, The Leadership. Unequivocally, I will express that in my time in IUD, never have such a sound team been assembled.

In my humble opinion, there appears to be no weak link so we won’t be playing THE WEAKEST LINK. One of the greatest gifts in life is that of A SOUND MIND and that is the icing on this Executives’ cake. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, IUD WILL BE GREAT AGAIN. The cross section of our membership is very excited again and buoyed with expectant optimism. They can feel it. They think they can even touch the glory that lurks. It is imminent.

I have tagged this A RESTORATION REGIME and with due respect, it will remain our custom and tradition that any successor is expected to improve on the predecessor. Our optimism is not out of place when we consider where we are coming from. Our resolve solidifies with the emergence of a reinvigorated and galvanized IUD membership showing support, matched with astute discipline.

Let me assure you that our glory is flowing back. That irrepressible IUD flamboyance is near. Our membership is keen.

What do you want to achieve as the new Igbo Union Scribe?

I think you had asked this question versed differently and I did justice.

However, I will reiterate that there will be an innovative and contemporary approach to writing and information. IGBO UNION DUBLIN will restore pride of place and attract sound and respectable membership. Administratively, it will be game-over for indiscipline and wanton abuse of privileges. Discipline shall be restored and The Union will GO PLACES. Tell us more about your personal life - wife and kids My personal life is exciting and my home is fun. I am happily married to a woman like I would design; PENELOPE CHIEME ANIUZU. We are blessed my Mama Nnukwu ALEXIS (DJ Lexi, who took after me in musical entertainment) who studies Software Engineering and Computer Science in NUI MAYNOOTH. Then there’s DANIELLE, JORDAN, PRINCEWILL and DEAN. All the three boys are playing football for Corduff FC at the moment. Overall, we are very happy and at home, we are a very ageless, content and unassuming unit.

PAGE 8

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

INTERVIEW

PAGE 9

Be Good

“Be Ambassadors of the Igbo Nation”-

IUD Leader, Okagbakagba

Last August, members of the Igbo Union Dublin (IUD) elected a five member interim committee to steer the organisation for three months in line with their constitution. Chief Sunny Obasi Kalu (Okagbakagba) later emerged the Interim leader. Our editor-in-chief Uka, who witnessed the August occasion in Balbriggan, had a chat with the outgoing IUD leader on his experiences. Below are excerpt Tell our readers a little more about your background I am High Chief Sunny Obasi Kalu( Aka) Okagbakagba.

I am from a humble home, and one of the most prominent traditional family in Abiriba Ancient Kingdom. I grew up and schooled in Abiriba before I went to Cotonou in Republic of Benin to serve as an apprentice under my master Chief Barratt Eni Kalu. Both my beloved mother, late Mrs. Nwannediya O. Kalu nee Agboghocha and father, late Chief Obasi Kalu were so inspirational to my upbringing and uprightness. I hope they are happy with me. May their souls continue to rest in peace, Amen.

What have been your greatest challenges in your interim leadership?

You know that I took the helm of Igbo Union affairs at the time of crisis, mistrust and indiscipline. The greatest challenge I had was how to regain the trust of members of IUD and to be impartial in the application of our laws and decision making on any issue. Thank God, with the help of my Executives and the general members of Igbo Union, we were able to accomplish it.

How did you manage to organise IUD elections in this Covid-19 era?

I have to tell you the truth, the members of the Electoral Committee headed by Barrister Toms Ugwu did a fantastic job. We were able to work in synergy knowing fully well that it was for the good of Igbo Union and not about individual glory. I gave them all the support and independence they needed and challenged them to justify my trust in them by giving Igbo Union the best election in their history. That the election was peaceful and successful shows that there is nothing we can not achieve if we are united. The biggest lesson from the election is that if you as a leader gives assignments to a committee or individuals without undue interference, they will give you the best service and the glory and accolades that accompanied it, will be attributed to your leadership.

Would you say Igbo people in Dublin are contributing to the growth of Ireland?

There's a saying that says "if you come to a country and there's no Igbo person in it, you have to leave the country."

The Igbos are in all spheres of lives in Ireland. They are smart and industrious people who are never afraid of challenges and competition. I see them every day and I wish them the very best. I want to use this medium to advise them to be good Ambassadors of our illustrious race. God bless them.

What is the future of Igbos in Dublin?

The future of Igbo people are as bright as the STARS as far as they continue to work hard, be family oriented and remember our mantra - onye aghala nwanneya. With unity and forgiveness, there's nothing the Igbos cannot achieve here in Ireland. We must be law abiding citizens and the same time never forget our traditions and cultures, which are the bedrock of our race. I am appealing to my people not to forget Igbo land and make it a duty to take our children home once in a while. By so doing, our children will reconnect with our traditions and cultures.

What is your advise for the incoming executives?

My humble advise to the in coming Executives led by our Amiable Onye ndu Barrister Obi Odoemena and our elegant Mrs Ijeoma Igweze, Onye isi Umunwanyi Olaedo, to think of Igbo Union first in their decision making. Obey our constitution and apply our laws impartially, irrespective of who is involved . Carry your members of executive along on any issue and trust them first, and you will reap the fruit of your leadership. Every office should be active , no dormancy in any office. Another important advise is to always communicate with their executives and the general house to avoid rumours and gossips. The most important of them all, is to be ready to absorb every tantrums and provocations bearing in mind the popular saying " Uneasy lies the HEAD that wears the CROWN “ I am closing this interview with my greatest gratitude to the members of Igbo Union, Umunwanyi Olaedo Caretaker Committee members ably led by Mrs. Juliana Christian Nebechi, members of Umunwanyi Olaedo and Executive Committee members of IUD Caretaker Committee. Without your support, we couldn't have achieved anything. Onye aghala nwanneya.

God bless Igbo Union Dublin.

PAGE 10

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

“

The Quest For Biafra Is Neither An Idealist Thought Nor Design To Willingly Balkanize Nigeria, Rather It Germinated In The Field Of Injustice And Leadership Failure.

Ukachukwu Okorie, AfricaWorld Newspaper editor-in-chief

PAGE 11

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

Angola

Anti-govt protests characterize independence day

Zambia Local currency depreciation deepens as cost of living soars

Botswana Former President Ian Khama celebrates Trump's fall

Zimbabwe

Govt to help Mozambique stamp out insurgency

Seychelles Mauritius Govt to invest more in fishing industry Mass killing of bats sparks heated parliamentary debate

Namibia Killing of 3 fishermen

by Botswana Defense Forces branded as execution

Malawi

Tobacco Commission suspends, deputy CEO, Director over political recruitment

Nigeria

Senegal

Over 1,500 have been arrested in nationwide crackdown on protests

escalates

Dozens die at sea off Senegal's Coast on perilous rout to Europe

Rwanda

Schools told to raise money to cover a longer than expected term ahead

Lesotho

Schools to reopen in phases

Dr Congo Borders crossing with Rwanda to reopen

Eritea

Tension with Ethiopia escalate

Egypt

Govt prioritize military over the pandemic

Mali

Former President, Amadou Toure dies at 72, he is best remembered for steering Mali into democracy

Morocco

Govt signs 17 industrial agreements for $94 million

Libya Tunisia agree resumption of flights starting from November 14

Restrictions on liquor trade, international travel lifted

Swaziland E10 million fine Cyber Crime Bill shot down

Mozambique Sudan

Central Ethiopia African PM presses offence Republic on military as tension

50 people die following clashes involving two armed groups

South Africa

Coface urges Govt to engage IMF over debt burden

Kenya

Covid19 tenders dished out on phone

Somalia

Fresh locust storm invades various places across the country

Sierra Leone

Over 8, 000 Ethiopians flee into neighboring Sudan as conflict rages in Tigray area

Ghana

Armed robbers attack Sandema Pentecostal Church, escape with offering

Tanzania

Opposition leader flees the country after disputed elections

Gambia

Army warns foreign vessels over illegal fishing

Gabon

Pregnant schoolgirls no longer banned in schools

Gabon becomes 70th country to make gay sex illegal

President Quattara meets his political rival Bedie to end post election violi

Electoral Commission demands police action non compliant candidates

Ivory Coast Uganda

PAGE 12

Pictorial News AFRICAWORLD NEWS

Uganda :Museveni campaign Uganda :Gulu district meeting leaves Luwero prepares Shs 30 Billion NRM leaders divided budget

Kampala, Uganda: IGAD members finally endorse cross border pastoralism

Presidential candidate runs out of fuel, cuts campaign short

Uganda :Willy Mayambala USA:Several dozen USSS pledges to increase value of officers sidelined due to coronavirus exposure Uganda’s currency

Kenya's president saves century-old fig tree from highway

Japanese town deploys 'Monster Wolf' robots to deter wild bears

USA :Two top Homeland Security officials forced to resign by White House

Uganda :Busia locals rush for new found gold mine

Uganda :MPs query Shs330b radio deal

Uganda :John Katumba: Mysterious 24-year-old eying top office

PAGE 13

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

SP RT NEWS Argentina: Messi denied by VAR

Paraguay holds Argentina Egyptian FA confirm Mohamed asionel Messi had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee as Salah has tested positive for COVID-19

L

Argentina were held to 1-1 draw by Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier here on Thursday.Paraguay took an early lead at La Egyptian FA has confirmed Mohamed Salah has tested positive for COVIDBombonera through an Angel Romero penalty after Lucas Martinez 19 while on international duty. By prince Mathias brought down Newcastle United midfielder Miguel Almiron.The Albiceleste’s fortunes took another turn for the worse when Exequiel Palacios was forced off in the 29th minute with a lower back injury.The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was replaced by Giovani Lo Celso, who set up the equalizer just before halftime.

The Tottenham playmaker whipped a sumptuous corner to the edge of the six-yard box and Nicolas Gonzalez rose highest to power a header past Antony Silva.The hosts maintained their momentum after the interval and appeared to take the lead when Messi drilled a first-time effort beyond Silva after combining with Lo Celso.But Brazilian referee Raphael Claus consulted VAR before annulling the goal for a foul by Gonzalez in the buildup.Messi then saw his dipping free-kick tipped over the bar by Silva as Paraguay held on to claim a valuable point at a venue where they have never won a competitive fixture.

The result leaves Argentina top of the 10-team South American zone standings with seven points from three matches while Paraguay are fourth, two points further back.Earlier on Thursday, Ecuador came from behind to beat Bolivia 3-2 in La Paz.The top four teams at the end of the CONMEBOL qualifying tournament will earn an automatic berth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The fifth-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff over two legs. By prince Mathias

Okall upbeat Kenya will qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket after 27 year wait Kenya Morans star Ariel Okall is confident that Kenya will qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket.

The Algeria-based forward who joined his fellow teammates for national team training at Nyayo Stadium gymnasium last week said they are upbeat of ending Kenya’s 27-year absence at the men's basketball continental championship of Africa.

Serbia : Scotland ends 22 year wait

to qualify for major tournament

Scotland defeated Serbia on penalties in the play-off finals to qualify for the Kenya is set to battle former champions Angola, Senegal and Mozambique UEFA European Championship on Thursday in Belgrade.After a goalless in Group ‘B’ showdown at the Kigali Arena from November 24th in the first half, Ryan Christie shook the net for Scotland in the 52nd minute with a precise shot from 20 meters.The visitors managed to keep the 1-0 lead AfroBasket Qualifiers to be held in Rwanda. almost to the end, but Serbia’s Luka Jovic scored in the 90th minute with a Speaking to the Standard Sports, Okall said they will be ready to exploit header on a corner kick to pull the game into extra time.Neither of the their opponents’ weaknesses despite their quality.“The mood at the camp teams broke the deadlock in the extra time.In the penalty shootout, the hero of the match, Scottish goalkeeper David Marshall remained calm and is jovial and hyped as usual. defended a kick by Aleksandar Mitrovic for a 5-4 win.It will be the first time There is a sense of urgency in camp as the guys are prepared for the that Scotland has qualified for a major international tournament for 22 showdown in Kigali with our inspiration coming from last year’s AfroCan years.European football championship, due to take place in June 2020, was postponed to next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. performances,” he said.

PAGE 14

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

Safari Sport Worldwide

Beautiful Zebras

Small waterbucks

Rhino

Baby elephant

Cheetah

Cubs at play

Baby hyenas

Ostrich

Ostrich among impala

Herons

Special Zebra specie Impala family

Maudra bird

Baboon

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

EVANGELISM

PAGE 15

IN HOPE

MARRIAGE IS SAVED

By Fr. Vincent Arisukwu

www.familypriest.com

A

lmost every book I have read on hope makes reference to the Pauline statement, “In hope we are saved.” (Rom 8:24) How does this apply to marriage? We can rephrase St. Paul to say, “In hope marriage is saved.” But what exactly does hope mean for couples, for families, and for society in general? And, is the church doing enough to help marriages today? I propose that hope must be understood as more than merely conquering obstacles, as Everett Worthington states in his Hope-Focused Couples Approach: “Hope involves the certitude that God is with us through difficult circumstances, even when He has not made a way around those circumstances.”1 First, let’s consider the challenges facing marriage in today’s world. For instance, research shows a decline in the number of people getting married in the U.S. From a pastoral experience, at Christ the King parish where I work, it is sobering to see the low number of weddings celebrated in our church since January of 2020. Is lack of hope a factor in this? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states: “the marriage rate reached 12 per 1,000 in 1929 – the advent of the Great Depression – before falling to 7.9 in 1932. It then began a sporadic but upward climb, reaching an all-time high of 16.4 as the country emerged from World War II in 1946. The marriage rate fluctuated for the most part until the early 1980s, the data shows. From 1982 to 2009, marriage rates fell fairly steadily, and then hovered around 6.8 to 7 per 1,000 through 2017. In 2018, the rate fell to 6.5 – the lowest level in the 118-year period covered by the new report and the lowest recorded since 1867, the first year for which federal government data on national marriage is available.”2 There are numerous new challenges facing marriage. With the COVID-19 situation in 2020, domestic responsibilities have taken a different turn.

Many parents have been forced into the role of teaching their children, who spend more time at home now. With most school systems adopting online classes, parents have been challenged with handling technological issues in order to meet the educational requirements of their kids.

Economically, many are out of work. Then, on an ideological level, there exists the issue of gender equality and women’s independence which experts say, is a huge factor in the long-term decline in marriage. Fears for the future of marriage seem valid given that this generation has a certain discomfort handling challenges. Young couples seem easily scared by tough times and often become indignant at perceived attempts to hinder their notion of freedom. For that reason, analysts speculate that the post-COVID era might not bear good news for marriage. Philip Cohen is a sociology professor at the University of Maryland who researches family matters and maintains, “The coronavirus pandemic, which became a generation-defining moment in a matter of weeks, could have its own effect on the marriage rate in the U.S. in coming years – though it's too soon to know exactly how.”3 What will save marriage? There is the great need to include God in addressing the problem. God is the author of every hope, but today’s society seems to be driven by benefits, by technological and human achievements. Psychology seems to trump human agency (will-power) over divinepower, thereby leading humans to assume that answers to almost all problems are found in man. This mentality liberalizes freedom and autonomy in marriage in a dangerous way. When human agency underrates divine agency, hope is diminished. This largely accounts for most marriage crises.

Hope anchored only on human can be deceptive. For instance, when couples wish for an easy life devoid of challenges, for a perfect, uninterrupted, un-challenged relationship, hope gets diminished. Couples like that program their lives to function without any hindrance. Their wishes are anchored on limited realities. Unfortunately, today’s evidence-based generation is like that; they lack waiting-power which is what patience provides. The mentality is that every plan must have the desired outcome which defies the law of hope. Couples need to listen to Paul’s advice, “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Rom 8:25) Hope must have a “waiting-power,” the capacity to persevere even if things don’t happen the way we want them to. In the introduction to the book, Beautiful Hope, Pope Francis explains that hope can only be dependable, visible, and understandable if it is founded on God. The Holy Father writes that Christian hope is “the certainty of being on a journey with Christ toward the Father who awaits us.”4 Today’s couples need to keep journeying with Christ in their marriage. Of course, no one wants a marriage encumbered by challenges and obstacles. However, obstacles and challenges are guaranteed in life, but they do not derail marriages built on hope. Marriages are saved in hope when expectations, ambitions, and desires have their basis in Christ.

The COVID-induced struggles within families make journeying with Christ all the more essential. For instance, as a parent, rather than becoming overwhelmed because the schools are creating extra work to make online learning possible for your child, rejoice at the hope of a well-trained child. Rejoice at the opportunity to have a larger role in your child’s education. Rejoice at the joy of giving your child a moral, spiritual, and intellectual formation for the future that only a parent can give! Saved in hope means saved through Christ which is the key to a successful, happy marriage. Hope brings tranquility to parents, inspiring couples to work together. Hope sees the big picture, the complete view of life leading to eternity. Hope does not mourn the past. Hope does not deny the reality of problems in the present. Hope anticipates the future based on God’s indomitable presence. Marriages are saved in hope if they embrace the spirit of Christ amidst the unforeseen challenges of married life.

References:1. Worthington EL. Hope-Focused Marriage Counseling : A Guide to Brief Therapy. IVP Academic. 2005. p. 31.2. Vital and Health Statistics; Series 21, No. 24 (12/73). Retrieved October 05, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_21/sr21_024.pdf3. U.S. Marriage Rate Drops to a Record Low. (n.d.). Retrieved October 05, 2020, from https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2020-0429/us-marriage-rate-drops-to-record-low4. Pope Francis et al. Beautiful Hope: Finding Hope Every Day in a Broken World. FL: BEACON Publishing. 2017. p. 13.

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

PAGE 16

HEALTH

Does Vaginal infection Affect Fertility?

M

ost of women have had to deal with vaginal infections at some point or another. In fact, if you haven’t ever had a yeast infection, you’re in the minority (around 75% of all women will have at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives).

Vaginal infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are so common that women who are unfamiliar with observing their fertility signs may confuse the presence of healthy cervical fluid each month with a recurring infection!

That being said, there most likely will be times when you really do have a vaginal infection. But although unpleasant, the good news is that vaginal infections are usually easy to treat, and once treated, shouldn’t affect your fertility in the long run. However, if left untreated, vaginal infections can cause longer-term damage to your reproductive health. So if you have an infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

One of the many benefits of observing changes in your cervical fluid is that if something isn’t right down there, you’ll probably know pretty quickly - the most tell-tale sign of a vaginal infection is often abnormal cervical fluid. Unusual smells or consistencies that you haven’t noticed before, burning and/or itching sensations, or inflammation of the genital region are all common symptoms of an infection.

In some cases, vaginal infections will clear on their own. However, if you think you may have an infection, it’s not a good idea to wait and see if yours goes away. For one, while mild cases of bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections may go away on their own, more severe infections can last a long time, and other infections such as trichomoniasis are less likely to go away without treatment. When left untreated, vaginal infections can make you more susceptible to other sexually transmitted infections and can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Moreover, vaginal infections can often indicate an imbalance in your vaginal pH. If you’re trying to conceive, this means it will be more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Luckily, the treatment for vaginal infections is usually simple, painless, and effective, and may include a topical cream and/or antibiotics. And, while vaginal infections are simply unavoidable sometimes, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting an infection. For one, keep your vaginal area clean, but stay away from douches, sprays, and scented wipes. The feminine hygiene industry may want you to believe that your natural vaginal odor is gross, but DON’T believe them! Your vagina is not actually supposed to smell like a garden of roses, okay? Okay.

Second, avoid wearing damp or too-tight pants and underwear for long periods of time, and try to always wear cotton underwear (or at least underwear with a cotton crotch). When going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back, and use soft, undyed tissue.

SIMPLE VAGINAL INFECTION For simple vaginal infections, your doctor will usually prescribe a one-to-three–day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository.

These medications can be in either a prescription or and over-the-counter (OTC) form.

Common medications include: - butoconazole (Gynazole) - clotrimazole (Lotrimin) - miconazole (Monistat)- terconazole (Terazol) - fluconazole (Diflucan) Women with simple yeast infections should follow up with their doctors to make sure the medicine has worked. You’ll also need a follow-up visit if your symptoms return within two months.

Complicated infections: Your doctor will more than likely treat your vaginal infection as if it were a severe or complicated case, if you: - have severe redness, swelling, and itching that ---leads to sores or tears in your vaginal tissue - have had more than four yeast infections in a year - have an infection caused by Candidaother than Candida albicans have uncontrolled diabetes or a weak immune system from medication Possible treatments for severe or complicated yeast infections include: 1-4-days cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository vaginal treatment .two or three doses of fluconazole(Diflucan .long-term prescription of fluconazole (Diflucan) taken once a week for six weeks or long-term use of a topical antifungal medication

PLACE ADS HERE

If your infection is recurring, you may also want to see if your sexual partner has a yeast infection.

What natural and alternative treatments are available?

You can try to treat vaginal yeast infections with natural remedies if you’d like to avoid taking prescription medication, but these aren’t as effective or reliable as the indicated medications. Some popular natural remedies include: 1. coconut oil 2. tea tree oil cream 3. garlic 4. plain yogurt taken orally or inserted into the vagina 5. Always make sure your hands are clean before applying creams or oils to your vagina. Credit: Dr. Jerry Oyebade

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

RELATIONSHIPS

PAGE 17

Language of Love; Part Two W

e warmly welcome you to our second part of Language of Love. Last week we outsourced some interesting love insights from Garry Chapman's book, 'Things I Wish Knew Before I Got Married.' We established three points from which this edition builds on. This edition looks at acts of service and words of affirmation as love languages.

Acts of Service Your partner might have this language if their motto is "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS"..if acts of service is your partner's primary love language, nothing will speak more deeply to him/her emotionally than simple acts of service.

This love language expresses itself by doing things that you know your partner would like. Examples of acts of service include among others: cooking a meal, doing laundry, cleaning the house, and washing dishes. Performing these acts require some thought , time and effort.

All these should be done with positivity and with your partner's ultimate happiness in mind to be considered an expression of love. Actions out of obligation or with a negative tone are something else entirely.

Doing the acts of service doesn't necessarily mean submission. People interpret it differently. For some, it means I love you and this is how I choose to express it. If acts of service isn't your love language but you are with someone who speaks this language, one's going to feel unappreciated and unloved.

Words of Affirmation This love language expresses love through a more careful use of words that build up your partner. Chapman says, verbal complements don't have to be complicated, the shortest and simplest praises can be most effective.

"The dress looks incredible on you” "You always make me happy” "Thank you for always being there for me”"I love your food and it's so delicious" and many more. Words mean alot if your partner has this love language. Compliments and an "I love you" can go a long way, before long you will see new life sprouting in your relationship as your partner responds to your words of love.

On the other hand, negative or insulting comments can hurt your partner and it could take longer to forgive than others.

To dating couples, some things discussed in preceding paragraphs may not make sense right now (but write them down, a right time will come when these "Love languages will make sense to you).

To married couples that are able to relate with the message, you may show love in all these ways, but you should remember that majority gravitate toward one or two languages more than others. Remember, love language is how we show or express love.

However, there is room to grow, stretch and adapt. A successful relationship does not come by accident. it is a process and takes time and alot of efforts.

Love languages are just one more thing to explore and discover about someone. It is all about understanding people's needs as well as yours. Not about trying to change someone or make deals . THIS IS ABOUT FIT AND COMPATIBILITY. Also, remember that love languages are not an excuse to NOT STRETCH HOW YOU SHOW LOVE. Yes, you may have a primary love language, one or two that you gravitate toward the most, but that just means you should work on the other ones. SO YOU SPEAK FLUENT LOVE, NOT BROKEN. Summary: To feel loved, some people are more sensitive to gifts and actions, some to physical touch, others to time spent together while some respond to encouraging words. So, what's your language of love?

PAGE 18

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

AFRICAWORLD

AFR BEAT SARKODIE Sarkodie is Ghanaian rapper and entrepreneur. He is often named as one of Africa's greatest hip hop artists.

His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades. Sarkodie is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance. · Real name Michael Owusu Addo · Was born on 10th July 1987 in Tema · He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School · Studied in IPMC, where he earned a degree in graphic design · Sarkodie began his music career as an underground rapper, participating in Adom FM's popular rap competition Kasahare Level. · His debut album 'Makye' was released in 2009 · Sarkodie often raps in his native language Twi · He is considered a "multifaceted rapper" due to the various musical styles he possesses. · On July 13, 2013, Sarkodie launched The Sarkodie Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. · In October 2020,He voiced out his concerns over the police brutality in Nigeria during the #EndSARS protest · Sarkodie owns the Sark by Yas clothing line, which was launched on April 27, 2013. The clothing line has accessories for men, women and children. · Sarkodie married Tracy in a private wedding ceremony held in Tema, Ghana on 17 July 2018. · They have a daughter, Adalyn Owusu Addo and a son Micheal Nana Yaw Owusu Addo Jnr. who is named after the famous rapper.

Discography: · Studio albums Makye (2009) Rapperholic (2012) Sarkology (2014) Highest (2017) Black Love (2019) · Live albums and EPs Mary (2015) Alpha (2019) · Collaborative albums T.M.G (with Jayso) (2013)

Top 10 his most popular songs: · · · · · · · · · ·

Adonai ft. Castro Can't let you go Pain Killer ft. Runtown Do you ft. Mr. Eazi Anadwo ft. King Promise Lucky ft. Rudeboy Saara ft. Efya Happy Day ft. Kuami Eugene Feelings ft. Maleek Berry CEO flow ft. E40

By Inga Klimaste

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

PAGE 19

Africa World Woman MELINDAH SHAMBOKO

T

his week's special edition of Africaworld Woman features a phenomenal youth leader, Melindah Shamboko from Zambia. Melindah is an

emerging leading light on the tapestry of woman leadership with a wide cycle of association both at home in Zambia and across Southern Africa.

She is actively involved in addressing social issues as her well decorated leadership profile proves.

In Luanshya town, under the Copperblt province, which is Zambia's largest economic and political block, Melindah has gone into record books as one among the longest serving Junior Mayors. She has served from the year 2015 till date.

As if it is not enough, she is a reputable Child Welfare philanthropist and activist, Global Child Welfare Ambassador of Global Pan Africanism Network (GPAN), Co-initiator of AFRI TALK ( a platform addressing issues affecting youths) and founder and director of Siku Hope Foundation.

Sharing the warmth of human love and support, she is reaching out to many vulnerable children more especially in rural Zambia using the Siku Hope Foundation.

Incepted on 3rd February 2018, Siku Hope Foundation has had several life changing projects across Zambia. These projects in wide publicity have always centred on supporting school going children, raising awareness about child marriages and pregnancy, mental health and promoting children's rights. Amazed by her passion and participation in social issues affecting the welfare of children, AfricaWorld Newspaper remotely interviewed Melidah on Friday to gain an in-depth understanding of how she gathers such courage to stand out among and do what she does.

Asked how she has managed to be a ray of youth female leadership in a society seemingly dominated by men, Melindah answered: "I believe that men and women have to complement each other's effort; this also means ladies have a role to play in leadership.

I believe it should not be a struggle, there is room for both men and women to take up leadership roles and sit on big boards as long as the sole purpose is to Glorify God and for service to humanity. am a female leader but I must say I also do need the input of men as well."

From her response, Melindah believes in power balance between men and women for a successful and just society. This comes as a challenge especially to many communities focusing only on empowering the girl child. The truth is, the boy child like a girl child needs nurturing and moral and social support because left alone, he will continue being a headache to members of the opposite sex.

Melindah also took the interview as a window of opportunity to highlight why world governments, NGOs, the corperate world and individuals should place premium on addressing issues affecting children.

"Every child is entitled to an environment free from abuse, neglect, violence and poor sanitary or living conditions.

"I call on eveyone, the youths and the experienced to join hand and coordinate sustainable projects that will create a supportive, healthy and abuse free environment.

"An environment that will allow the child to be mentally healthy, environment that enhances the capacity of children to be innovative and creative idea breeders.

"An environment that doesn't marginalize any child because of socal status, an environment that protects children and Supports initiatives, which allow children to experience the fullness of their childhood."

The call to support children as emphatically stated in her message of appeal goes beyond geographical boundaries. This aligns with Siku Hope Foundation's sphere of influence which extends to countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Cyprus, Ghana, Angola and Zimbabwe, to mention but a few. Reporting by: Ollus Ndomu

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

PAGE 20

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AFRICAWORLD NEWS

AfricaWorld News is saddened by your demise, but we appreciate your love, loyalty and service to Africa.

John Jerry Rawlings, former president of Ghana 1947 - 2020

PAGE 22

AFRICAWORLD NEWS

OSU-OHU-UME: Where does this Igbo generation

stand? - Part 1 continues

result of the fact that they were the earliest Igbo to be educated, and the imperialist capitalized on that for its benefits. The Osu went to school early as most of the freeborn were suspicious of Europeans, thus experimenting with those of the lower caste. Christianity having known to preach equality found favour early in the hearts of victims of the Osu caste system. Among the early Clergy and recruitments was the Osu. Those that oiled the wheel of the Osu caste system sponsored misconceptions against them; ranging from the fact that socializing with them would contaminate, pollute, and transform the Diala into an Osu, that since the Osu has been dedicated to the gods, it is a taboo to socialize with them. Some cock and bull stories have it that they are dirty or have a repulsive body odour on a particular market day, and are lazy. If you read the part one of this thesis, you will remember what I was told by a mass server at St. Paul’s Umunoha. These are all fallacious and inhuman presumptions and categorization calculated to poison the minds of people, especially during the slave age of ignorance. With respect to the above assertion and considering the circumstances and exigencies of our present time and society, one would conclude that it is baseless and unjustified, bearing in mind the industrious nature of the Osu. Statistically, they are the most prosperous, be it in the economic, academic or industrial spheres and even in the known religious sectors of human endeavour.

One of the great ills of the Osu caste system is ostracism, and it is terrible when one does not have a contagious disease. Until recently, many communities forbid them from speaking during meetings. They are not allowed to share the stage with freeborn on many fronts. There are cases of those tagged Osu not being patronized in rural markets and more. I remember during the 1980s when I was in primary school. My dad usually comes back with a daily continues newspaper, and I read about a village called Amafor Ifakala in Mbaitoli, where a community President Donald J Trump and over seventy millions of his voters water project was sited, but the freeborn refused to drink it because it was erected on Osu have decried the irregularities that characterized the United States land. Ubaka, K. C. & Ugwuja A. A. argued on the issue of isolation in kolanut breaking and presidential polls in key battleground States. President Trump performing libations, which is a very important aspect of Igbo religious and socio-cultural campaign lawyers led by former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani had ritual. gone to court challenging irregularities in some places.

In the house of an Osu upon a visit by the Diala, the latter neither eats a kolanut broken by the earlier nor drink palm wine used by him in performing libation. They argued that a Diala can Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced that his accept kolanuts provided that the sacred function has not been performed by the host. State will be conducting a hand recount and full audit of every single Unfortunately, this has made many Osu to be wary of presenting kolanuts to a Diala visitor in ballot that was submitted. He announced the measure last week after some Igbo clans. This made Osu, in some clans, to either present garden eggs or drinks to ballots turned up in the dead of night and ensured a win for Joe Diala when the latter visit. Some argued that this Osu act became the origin of presenting Biden. This is the first time a full vote audit has ever been conducted different things instead of kola as a hospitable gesture to a visitor in Igboland. in the state.

Marriage is one dark spot in which the Osu caste system thrives, and it has affected Igbo “With the margin being so close, it will require a full, by-hand recount cohesion and unity. The ripple effect of this monster cannot be over emphasized as it rears its in each county,” Raffensperger said during a news conference last ugly head each time Igbos plan to unite in matrimony. As custom demands, marriage rituals Wednesday morning. “This will help build confidence. It will be an are essential for societal acceptance, hence the survival of this age-long practice. As a matter audit, a recount and a recanvas all at once. It will be a heavy lift, but of fact, before a marriage takes place in Igboland, families embark on iju ajuju nwanyi , during we will work with the counties to get this done in time for our state which emissaries are sent to investigate whether the intending couples are related, or has a certification.” Biden currently leads the state by about 14,000 votes. history of mental illness. In parts of Igboland which Osu caste system are practiced, prospective in-laws investigate to avoid the lineage societal standing being stained.

Although, many clans have abolished it, others quietly resist it in a ferocious manner. The Osu In one of his tweets, President Trump wrote,"Now it is learned that stigma has pushed out many Igbos of great talent and sound economic background to marry the horrendous Dominion Voting System was used in Arizona (and non-Igbos. The loss of great Igbos has benefited others, including their enemies who big in Nevada). No wonder the result was a very close loss!" capitalise on it. It is totally outrageous how many Christians react to it. If you have read Chinua President Trump talked about same tech issues in another Achebe’s work, you can begin to understand. The response of Obi’s father when he planned tweet,"Sean Hannity takedown of the horrible, inaccurate and to marry Clara who is Osu in -No Longer at Ease-, informs the intensity it generates, -we are anything but secure Dominion Voting System, which is used in the Christians, but it is no reason to marry an osu-. The Igbo is among the most zealous Christians States where tens of thousands of votes were stolen from us and found anywhere on earth, yet neither Christianity nor education had done anything decisive given to Biden. Likewise, the Great Lou Dobbs has a confirming and to eradicate the Osu system. Until this day, parents and families wage battle against family powerful piece!" members who wants to marry an Osu. In many homes, it is a matter of life and death.

An enabling environment for a law against it came in 1956, and the government of Eastern The Pennsylvania Court ruled in favour of President Donald J Trump campaign demands. The Judge in Pennsylvania ruled in favor of Nigeria passed a law abolishing the Osu caste system.

The law says: -Notwithstanding any custom or usage, each and every person who on the date President Donald Trump’s campaign on Thursday, saying of the commencement of this Law is Osu shall from and after such date cease to be Osu and Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar, overstepped her shall be free and discharged from any consequences thereof, and the children thereafter to be authority to change an election deadline two days before Election born to any such person and the offspring of such person shall not be Osu. Osu System is Day.“The Court concluded that Kathy Boockvar, in her capacity as hereby utterly and forever abolished and declared unlawful-. Although the legislation Secretary of the Commonwealth, lacked statutory authority to issue prescribes punishment for whoever practices the Osu system, however, it drove it the November 1, 2020, guidance to Respondents County Boards of underground.

Elections as that guidance purported to change the deadline … for As this new age of Biafra sweep across Igboland, I thought it wise to raise the Osu caste issue certain electors to verify proof of identification.” again, bearing in mind the graveyard silence associated with it, and the individual efforts to sweep it in the dustbin of history. Amidst the raging battles for freedom, which are not fought In the wake of major US media houses declaring Joe Biden as the on the public glare, a strong school of thought has refused to let it be eradicated. Many projected winner, President Trump has ignored them, instead, on communities have missed harnessing full potential due to the caste system. In the Nsukka route to ending an age-long issue in the voting system. Analysis of communities, the ability of community leaders to mobilize the entire community for election night data from all states shows millions of votes either development purposes has more often been marred by the switched from President Trump to Biden or were lost using practice of the caste systems, that in Okpuje and Opi communities, the villages tagged as Ohu Dominion voting and other systems. And to cap up another have started campaigning for an autonomous community to solve issues of discriminations accusation of dead people voting for Joe Biden, an American joked against them. Many Igbo clans have taken it upon themselves to abolish the Osu caste system on twitter, "The Vatican began a canonization process for Joe Biden, while others are breaking barriers that will lead to the end after indications that he has raised millions of people from the dead As a matter of fact, abuse of human and civil rights, inequality and the absence of freedom are on election day!"The global audience is watching how the process among the causes of conflicts in our society today. The Osu caste system has caused lots of will end and confidence restored in the US electoral system as economic, socio-cultural, psychological and physiological problems among the Igbo. Many evidence of voter fraud as raised by the Trump team abound. have died over heart attacks, stroke, depression, high blood pressure and more. And I can confidently say that the osu caste system is one of the underlying pins influencing Igbo dichotomy. Over the centuries, one can see so much harm this illogical principle and its attendant problems cause in Igboland, so much disunity. This is what our kith and kin, men and women of prominence and high proficiency in their areas of enterprise suffer on the Editor-in-chief - Ukachukwu Okorie bases of an incoherent and evil principle. Osu has detrimentally affected communities Managing Editor - Ollus Ndomu. inhabitation, and good endowments. As a result of this socio-cultural malaise, talents would Reporter - Prince Martin no longer be a benefit to the community in question, and our neighbours, enemies and foreign lands benefit. Many demands for the restoration of the Republic of Biafra while an important, Managing Director, but quiet minority ponder how they are going to fare under this much awaited nation.

Uyokanjo Group - Uche Muonwe.

Obviously, we cannot allow those who hide under the ambit of culture to fan this division, thereby distorting the essence of Igbo culture, which is brotherhood. Hence this multi-trillion All correspondence to question, where does this generation stand on Osu, Ohu and Ume?

PRESIDENT TRUMP SURE OF VICTORY IF ONLY

LEGAL VOTES ARE COUNTED

Editorial Board

Ukachukwu Okorie is the grandson of Uyokanjo Editor-in-chief at AfricaWorld Newspaper www.africaworldnewspaper.com

africaworldnews@gmail.com Ollus +260 97 3231454 Uche +234 816 763 3587