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KENYATTA APRIL 15-30 2013

VOL 001 Nº33

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By Ukachukwu Okorie

REINCARNATE IN KENYA Uhuru sworn-in as 4th president

continued on page 3 Ukachukwu Okorie continued on page 3

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AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

EDIToR’s columN

The return of the native

EDITORIAL

PAN AFRICANISM AND AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

“I must identify myself with Africa.

Then I will have an identity.”

By Ukachukwu Okorie

FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI a great success in Lagos and Fela was able to open a club in the Empire Hotel, which he called the Afro Shrine.

At that time, he was playing trumpet, switching later to saxophones and keyboards. He later started singing in Pidgin English rather than Yoruba his native language, so as to be understood all over Nigeria and in neighbouring countries. Soon his brand of music spread far as he depicted everyday social situations with which a large part of the African population was able to identify.

“Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am and what I need is something I have to find out myself”, Dr Dlamini Nkosazana Zuma said, quoting from Chinua Achebe, the literary colossus who passed away recently. The AU Chairperson made a clarion call on African Union Member States and all stakeholders to join the celebrations of the organisation’s 50th birthday. “The current realities and futures of Africa can only, and must, be developed by Africans for Africans”, she further remarked in a landmark statement launching a year-long celebration across Africa marking the Golden Jubilee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) alongside Dr Teodros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.

According to the African Union, the celebrations will focus on twelve monthly thematic areas addressing the progress and challenges on the continent. The focus will be on female empowerment, health, education, peace and security, governance and democracy, and food security.

On this note, we are obliged to engage with the programmes of Africa’s apex body to establish a-can-do attitude for Africa. The Golden Jubilee is an occasion to reflect on the journey of Africa in the post-colonial era and apply a positive approach to the ‘next level’. As hoped by Dr. Zuma, Africa’s 50 years march since the collapse of colonisation should inspire African citizens, both at home and the diaspora, to promote “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa”. It is imperative that Africans rise wherever they are living. We must be driven by the desire to drive Africa prosperously forward. We must continue to fuel global growth in our unceremonious status.

However, like the body carries the head, we must put on the cloak of ‘Pan Africanism and African Renaissance’.

Come in.

Uka

In 1974, pursuing his dream of an alternative society which he sang of in defiance of the ills of government, Fela built a fence around his house and declared it to be an independent state: the Kalakuta Republic. This action stunned bourgeois Nigerian society, as this spirit of defiance soon spread throughout the region like wildfire.

Fela Kuti was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. His mother was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a feminist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Rev. Israel Oludotun RansomeKuti, a Protestant minister. Fela is brother to Beko Ransome-Kuti and first cousin to the Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, the first African to win a Nobel Prize for Literature. Until his death on 2 August 1997, Fela was a proponent of Afrobeat music, a human rights activist, and a political and socio-economic crusader.

direction. Afrobeat, as he termed it, became the soul of his rhyme. His Afrobeat is a fusion of jazz, funk, highlife, psychedelic rock, and traditional West African chants and rhythms.

Fela studied music in the Trinity College of Music in London, where he was sent in 1958. While in school, he formed the Koola Lobitos band, playing a fusion of highlife and jazz. He returned to Nigeria in 1963, re-formed Koola Lobitos and worked as a radio producer for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

During the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, Fela took Koola Lobitos to the United States where he was inspired by the Black Power movement through Sandra Smith (now Izsadore), a partisan of the Black Panther Party. She introduced Fela to the thoughts of Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver and other black activists, through which he became aware of the plight of black people all over the world. In the United S t a t e s, Fe l a g a i n e d a c l e a re r understanding of his mother’s fight for the rights of Africa under colonial rule in Nigeria, together with her support of the Pan Africanist doctrine expounded

by Kwame Nkrumah, the Ghanaian head of state who negotiated independence for his country with Britain

Back home, Fela continued his musical career, traveling to Ghana in 1967 where his style took a drastic change in

Towards the end of a ten month tour, he changed the name of the band to Fela Ransome Kuti & Nigeria 70. Afrobeat was

AFRICAWORLD & MILLENIUM DEvELOPMENT GOALS

The Editorial team at AfricaWorld would like to point out that it is aware of the Millennium Development Goals

Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly

Photography Darek Gutowski

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Sub-Editor Roisin Morris

In 1977, during the Festival for Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC) held in Lagos, Fela sang ‘Zombie’, a satire of the army, w h i c h b e co m e ve r y p o p u l a r throughout Africa, thus attracting the fury of the unpopular Nigerian military regime on his followers and abode. As he relates in another song, ‘Unknown Soldier’, shortly after the end of FESTAC in February 1977, a thousand soldiers attacked Kalakuta, burning down his house and beating and raping many of its occupants.

Unfortunately, during the attack, Fela’s mother, then aged 77, was thrown from a first floor window, causing a fracture to her leg and severe trauma.

She would later die the following year as a direct result of the outrage.

Until his death, on dozens of o cc a s i o n s, Fe l a s u f fe re d t h e consequences of his scathing denunciations of military misrule and brigandage in Africa with arrests, imprisonment and beatings at the hands of the authorities. By the time of his death, his philosophy had spread to all par ts of the world and performances have been staged in his honour and memory. We remember Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

and seeks to synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve

issues of Education, Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnerships.

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NEWs (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

“ Today, we celebrate the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of nationhood. Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level of political maturity that surpassed expectations”, 51 year old Uhuru Kenyatta said in his victory speech after eking out a win over his challenger, Raila Odinga, and becoming the youngest president of East Africa’s largest economy.

On 26 October 1961, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was born to Kenya’s founding father and first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (1964–1978). He was named Uhuru, meaning ‘Freedom’ in Swahili in anticipation of Kenya’s upcoming independence. A member of Kenya’s Kikuyu ethnic group, Uhuru attended St Mary’s School in Nairobi, then moved abroad to study political science at Amherst College in the United States.

Uhuru Kenyatta’s rise to power is as murky as the battle his father waged against British imperialism in Kenya - from the launch of his political career through his election as the chairman of his hometown branch of the ruling party, KANU, in 1997, to his spirited defence on 29 September 2011, seeking to exonerate himself from alleged links with the outlawed Mungiki sect, as he was cross-examined by ICC Chief prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo in the Hague.

to make a name for himself through a life of hard work and service to his people. Like most generational leaders, Uhuru Kenyatta has sterling qualities that have navigated him through the rough waters of local and international politics. “Uhuru showed an admirable character.

He thrilled me and I truly saw the cool man he is. To me, he is the man for leader; calm, a good speaker and presentable”, Aggie Asiyo, a Kenyan voter said after the debate. His challengers to the presidential seat sought to capitalise on the ICC charges instead of convincing Kenyan voters how they could lead East Africa’s largest economy.

However, after the first round of the presidential election took place on 4 March 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the president-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, having defeated Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavad, Peter Kenneth, Mohammed Abduba Dida, Martha Karua, James ole Kiyiap and Paul Muite. Although it was a tight race between Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Alliance/TNA and Raila Odinga’s Coalition for Reforms and Democracy/ODM, the former won with a popular vote of 6,173,433, representing 50.07% of votes cast against the latter’s 5,340,546 and 43.31%.

The legal challenge of Odinga in the Supreme Court of Kenya was subsequently dismissed on 30 March 2013

In view of Uhuru Kenyatta’s tribulations and eventual A fundamental observation emergence as the four th most political observers have President of the Republic of noted is that Uhuru has battled Kenya, what is the significance

for the whole of Africa? Many will try to dismiss it as an attempt to try the unthinkable or even term it ‘a rhetorical African nationalism’. On the contrary, this famous win by Uhuru Kenyatta represents an articulation of the rebirth of self-assertion in the continent of Africa. Some would argue that Uhuru’s victory at the polls divided Kenyans but like Charles Onyango-Obbo would opine, “Elections are meant to divide.

Even if Raila won, it would have been the same.”

Like a comic relief out of the blue, he said “Perhaps the only candidate who wouldn’t have divided Kenya would have been the earthly Mohammed Abduba Dida, who came in fifth. Dida was the surprise of the race, beating veteran Martha Karua, considered a far more substantial figure.” Not stopping at that, he dug facts from the elections in the United States to buttress his argument. “Things have been worse with President Barack Obama. The last campaigns in the US were nastier than the Kenyan one. After Obama won, citizens in 18 states, most of them staunch Republicans, petitioned to secede from the US rather than be ruled by him”, the writer concluded. It must be remembered that 50 years ago, t h e co nt i n e nt o f Af r i c a thundered with the sound of anti- colonial liberation. A journey that started well with the leadership of Kwame Nk rumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Nnamdi Azikiwe and other contemporaries, truncated by a politically naive militar y sponsored by western imperialists, is once more ready

President Uhuru Kenyatta and African Heads of State at his Inauguration in Nairobi

to continue. Having seen 10 years of dramatic and sustained economic growth and increasing political maturity in an era of economic meltdown in the West, the election and assumption of office in Nairobi, of Uhuru should energise Africa’s leaders. The emergence of the best in authority will definitely provide productivity, power and the means to once again challenge Western intervention on the continent of Africa, whether it comes in the form of foreign aid, foreign rights monitors, foreign diplomatic pressure and foreign correspondents from media houses that see Africa as a ‘hopeless continent’.

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column

X-RAY with Fr. Vin

SURMOUNTING THE CHALLENGES OF MOTHERHOOD

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu Thomas Pazhampallil summarised the key to a successful family life thus: “Human love between husband and wife and between parents and children, mutual understanding, forgiveness, reciprocal help and service, the education of children, work, joys and sufferings, all these within Christian marriage, are enveloped and, as it were, impregnated by grace and by the virtue of the sacrament, become a way of evangelical life, a search for the face of the Lord, a school of Christian charity” (Pazhayampallil, T., Words of Eternal Life, Vol.2, p.438).

Mothers, undoubtedly as managers of the home face lots of challenges which begin from adaptation and acceptance into their new homes after marriage to pregnancy, with all the fears and anxieties that can bring. Mothers face the challenges of proper training and upbringing of the children in a complete moral, academic, spiritual and psychological manner. They bear the worries of sickness, failures, conflict etc on behalf of their children. Yet some beget children who betray them and deny them of their deserved gratitude and appreciation. Mothers face the challenge of self-donation to their husbands and the constant expectation of satisfying them all through their married life. Yet some meet very difficult and incorrigible men who treat them like toys and deny them their deserved love and care. Mothers face challenges from larger society, which sees them as moral guards.

They face the challenge of setting dress codes, making peace, maintaining and restoring sanity in communities marred by crisis and conflict; they are looked upon

as sources of support to men in developmental projects in communities. They face marginalisation and discrimination from some communities and even denial in some cases, yet they march on. Mothers are a strong force to reckon with in the Church.

They play a pivotal role in guarding their families along spiritual lines.

They carry the burden of their children as well as that of their husbands in spiritual matters. They carry the greater responsibility of caring for pastors and the welfare of the Church. They sacrifice so much to make sure that the Church survives. It is a worthwhile task to present as special gifts to mothers the essential ingredients that could help them surmount the challenges that confront them in order to be able to live out their office as mothers in a happy and fulfilled manner. Those ingredients include: Responsibility: The wise Sirach says, “How blessed is the husband of a really good wife; the number of his days will be doubled. A perfect wife is the joy of her husband… A good wife is the best of portions…”

(Eccl. 26: 1-4). Goodness here implies responsibility. A responsible wife makes a good wife, a good mother, a good home. A responsible wife communicates with signs not with words (Cf. 1Pet. 3:1-2). A responsible wife knows the capacity of the husband and works within such. A responsible wife is the family’s safe. She knows her home and can predict her children.

A responsible wife exudes internal beauty as St. Peter says, “Your adornment should be not an exterior one, consisting of braided hair or gold jewellery or fine clothing, but the interior disposition of the heart…” (1Pet. 3:3). A responsible wife is the family’s attraction. The Book of Proverbs says, “A capable wife, her husband’s crown, a shameless wife, cancer in his bones” (Prov. 12: 4).

Responsibility means being proactive, taking initiative.

Fidelity/Commitment: One major pillar in marriage is faithfulness.

The words of marriage consent say: “For better for worse, to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death

do us part”. This implies fidelity and commitment. And Christ says, “… the two become one flesh” (Matt.

19:5-6). Many families are torn apart today because their marriage fidelity has been compromised.

Some mothers are not committed to their marriage vows; they are not ready to undergo hardship.

Some flirt around not necessarily because of poverty but because it has become part of them.

Pazhayampallil explains that five rings are given to every woman in marriage namely; the Betrothal ring, the Marriage ring, Offering, Offspring (hopefully) and Suffering.

Once fidelity is tampered with in marriage, mistrust sets in and consequently marriage crisis begins. There is fear and unwarranted secrecy. But it’s important to realise that fidelity safeguards the marriage bond.

Obedience/Humility: St. Paul writes, “Wives should be subject to their husbands as to the Lord…”

(Eph. 5:22; Col. 3: 18)). No home survives without the mother showing respect to the father. That husband and wife are co-equals in marriage doesn’t negate obedience.

Equality here doesn’t mean rivalry or competition. Obedience in marriage is a show of love and care, for every couple says during wedding, “I will love you and honour you all the days of my life”.

It means to live in consultation, reference; it means tolerance and accommodation. It means playing the fool for the sake of Christ (Cf. 1 Cor. 4: 10) and for the sake of love.

Sincerity: Sincerity gives married life its flavour. I once met a very old couple (over 90 years of age) who invited me to hear their confessions.

Having finished with the man, he called the wife to come for her confession. What he said when he invited the woman is really interesting; “woman, come and go for confession. Even though I know you do not sin”. And he turned to me and said, “Fr., my wife does not tell me lies. She’s known for sincerity”. Christ says, “…you will come to know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Truth is a sure way to surmounting the challenges of motherhood.

Even when it pains, mothers should stand by the truth because it is the only guarantee of freedom. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8: 36). Truth attracts love and confidence.

Communication: In the bible, after God had created man He said, “It is not right that the man should be alone. I shall make him a helper”.

When He placed him at the centre of all animals, God still discovered that “… no helper suitable for the man was found for him”. But when God fashioned the woman from man’s rib, the man exclaimed, “This one is the bone of my bones and the flesh of my flesh! She is to be

called Woman…” (Cf. Gen.2: 18-25).

This gave rise to communication in marriage. Communication keeps married life fresh. Mothers, call your husbands from time to time; send them text messages to say, “How are you and how is work”, “Don’t forget that I love you”, “Hope you have eaten your lunch today”, etc. These minor contacts matter.

Be excited about the man’s successes and achievements; praise him when he does well. Tell him he’s your best man ever. Pamper him when he is in crisis. Encourage him not to fail again if he errs. Feed the man well and you will be telling him not to go outside for flimsy reasons because good food is an effective means of communication in marriage.

Prayer: While talking about communication with man, communication with God is of greater importance. Remember what Tobias did to save himself and his wife Sarah, “Get up, my sister!

You and I must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and protection” (Tob. 8:4-9). It is prayer that fuels the grace that sustains marriage at all times. It is prayer that saves the ugly situations of marriage (Cf. John 2:1-12). Invite Jesus once again even if you have stopped. “Stay awake and pray not to be put to the test” (Matt. 26:41).

Visit the Blessed Sacrament. Give Jesus a personal, unique touch (cf. the woman with haemorrhage, Mk. 5: 25-34; Matt. 9: 20-22). Believe in the Eucharist. Christ said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in that person” (John 6: 56). Remember what Peter told Christ, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe: we have come to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6: 68-69). Be a woman, a mother of faith (Canaanite woman, Matt. 15: 21-28). Pray for your husband, pray for your children, for those they meet, for the places they go, for their targets. Bless them and do not be cursing them, “…since a mother’s curse tears up the foundations of her children’s blessings” (Cf. Sirach 3: 9). Don’t be tired praying (Rom. 12: 13). God will answer you at His appointed time (Gal. 4:4). Remember such women like Sarah (Gen. 18: 9-15; Heb. 11: 11; 1Pet. 3: 6); Ruth (Ruth 1: 16, 3: 11); Esther (4: 17k-17z), Deborah (Judges 4: 4-5, 15-17), Hannah (1 Sam. 1: 20), Judith (Jud. 9), Elizabeth (Lk. 1: 3945), Lydia (Acts 16: 14-15, 40).

Remember Monica, etc. They remained faithful in prayer.

Remember our mother Mary and her role in sustaining the holy family in prayer.

Suffering (The example of Mary): Suffering is an aspect of life that all try to avoid. But it cannot be dismissed from human existence.

Saint Peter said we must suffer for a while (1Pet. 1:7), so that the worth

of our faith may be proved. Trials must come and from trials come perseverance (cf. James 1: 2-4; 12; Rom. 5: 4-6; 1Pet. 4: 12-14; Jn. 16:33).

Mothers must imitate the meekness of Mary to be able to surmount the trials that confront them in their homes. Mary was not discouraged at the annunciation of the strange news of the birth of Christ (Cf. Lk. 1:26-38); she was not discouraged when she couldn’t find a room in which to give birth to her Son (Lk. 2: 1-8); she was not discouraged when Simon announced that a sword would pierce her soul at the presentation of the child at the temple (cf. Lk 2: 33-35); she was not discouraged when she went back to look for the missing child Jesus after the Passover (Cf. Lk 2: 41-50). Mary was not discouraged by the poverty of her poor carpenter husband (Cf. Mk. 6: 4); she was not discouraged by the suffering and death of her innocent Son (John 19: 25-27).

Mothers should learn from the Blessed Virgin Mary’s steadfastness and ponder things in their heart (Lk. 2: 19), since “anyone who stands firm till the end will be saved” (Mk. 13: 13). According to St. Paul, “None of the trials which come upon you is more than a human being can stand. You can trust that God will not let you be put to the test beyond your strength, but with any trial will also provide a way out by enabling you to put up with it” (1Cor. 10: 13).

Love: Love itself is synonymous with marriage. It summarises the virtues that enable marriage and family life to succeed. “God is love, and anyone who lives in love lives in God and God in him” (1Jn. 4:16).

“Love is always patient and kind…”

(1Cor.13). No mother can be religious or pious without love (Cf. 1Jn 4:20). Love is faith in action (Cf. Jas. 2: 14-26). Love is not discriminatory. Love begins at home. It translates into action in society and in the Church. A mother must love herself, her husband and her children. She must love her maids. She must love her pastors and the church because it manifests in fulfilling one’s obligations in the Church. Every mother must recognise the words of Christ, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome, lacking clothes and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me…” (Matt. 25: 35-46). A mother should not be selfish and jealous of other women. She should not glory in other people’s sorrows and failures but rather appreciate the achievements, successes and blessings of others (Cf. Rom. 12:15).

A mother must love all to conquer all because love is the heartbeat of marriage, the heartbeat of motherhood.

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dd’s cubicle

IS THE SHENGEN ARRANGEMENT STILL WORKING?

By Dunstan Ukaga

Initially, the concept of free movement was to enable the European working population to freely travel and settle in any EU State, but it fell short of abolishing border controls within the Union.

The free movement of persons is a fundamental right guaranteed by the EU to its citizens. It entitles every EU citizen to travel, work and live in any EU country without special formalities. Schengen cooperation enhances this freedom by enabling citizens to cross internal borders without being subjected to border checks.

The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, as well as to many non-EU nationals, business people, tourists or other persons legally present on the EU territory.

Wikipedia defines the Schengen Area as: “a group of 26 European countries which have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders. It functions as a single country for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. The Area is named after the town of Schengen in Luxembourg where the Schengen agreement, which led to the Area’s creation, was signed.

Joining Schengen entails eliminating internal border controls with the other Schengen members, while simultaneously strengthening external border controls with non-Schengen states.

Twenty-two EU member states and four European Free Trade Association member states participate in the Schengen Area.

Of the five EU members which do not form part of the Schengen Area three: Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania, are legally obliged to join

the area, while the other two Ireland and the United Kingdom maintain opt-outs. Four non-EU members, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Nor way and Switzerland participate in the Schengen Area while three European microstates, Monaco, San Marion, and the Vatican, can be considered as de facto part of the Schengen Area as they do not have border controls with the Schengen countries which surround them. The area currently covers a population of over 400 million people and an area of 4,312,099 square kilometres

(1,664,911 sq. mi.).

The Schengen Area was established outside of the then European Community when consensus could not be reached among all of its member states on the abolition of border controls.

However as more EU member states signed up to join the Schengen Area, agreement was reached on absorbing it into the European Union, which was done by the Amsterdam Treaty in 1999.”

Measures adopted by the

Member States as part of cooperation under Schengen: These were the key rules adopted within the Schengen framework: • removal of checks on persons at the internal borders; • a common set of rules applying to people crossing the external borders of the EU Member States; • harmonisation of the conditions of entry and of the rules on visas for short stays; • enhanced police cooperation (including rights of cross-border surveillance and hot pursuit); • stronger judicial cooperation through a faster extradition system and transfer of enforcement of criminal judgments; • establishment and development of the Schengen Information System (SIS).

The Schengen Information System At the heart of the Schengen mechanism, an information system was set up. It allows national border control and judicial authorities to obtain information on persons or objects. Member States supply information to the system through national networks (N-SIS) connected to a central system (C-SIS). This IT system is supplemented by a network known as SIRENE (Supplementary Information Request at the National Entry), which is the human interface of the SIS. The participation of Ireland and the United Kingdom In accordance with the protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam, Ireland and the United Kingdom can take part in some or all of the Schengen arrangements, if the Schengen

Member States and the government representative of the country in question vote unanimously in favour within the Council.

In March 1999, the United Kingdom asked to cooperate in some aspects of Schengen, namely police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, the fight against drugs and the SIS. The Council Decision 2000/365/EC approving the request by the United Kingdom was adopted on 29 May 2000. In June 2000, Ireland too asked to take part in some aspects of Schengen, roughly corresponding to the aspects covered by the United Kingdom’s request. The Council adopted the Decision 2002/192/EC approving Ireland’s request on 28 February 2002. The Commission had issued opinions on the two applications, stressing that the partial participation of these two Member States should not reduce the consistency of the acquis as a whole.

With these tenets establishing the Shengen, it seems the Shengen arrangement works better in free movements of peoples and goods.

However economic indices in the Shengen economies have shown that European economies are in difficulty. With fears of recession in the big European four: Germany, Italy, France and Spain, there is nothing so much to appreciate economically in the Shengen arrangement. The Shengen economic ministers need to form a genuine blueprint that will take economies out of the current murky waters. In the light of these developments, people are wont to ask if the Shengen arrangement is really working or if it is a failed arrangement?

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AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

PEoPlE

PRIDE OF AFRICA

ie b m a Ru w n a y i s Net

A Zimbabwean and student of Phamacy Healthcare at the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), our PRIDE OF AFRICA is a qualified Pharmacy Technician and Model. The talented beauty has achieved lots in modeling since 2010. She modeled for Irish TV3 Xpose in 2011 and 2013.

In DIT, she was runner-up model 2013 in the student design competition and fashion show model (2010, 2011, 2013). Rumbie was the class representative for 2 years in DIT and sat in the Student Council in High School. She also modeled for FGM campaign in 2010 and 2011.

Our PRIDE OF AFRICA loves cooking, modeling, baking, fashion, keeping fit and evangelism as she teach in Sunday school. Pretty Rumbie Netsiyanwa also love music.

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news

JUJUTRAFFICKING: Sex slaves unceremoniously dumped back in Nigeria

part three of three Benin, Nigeria — After enduring five years of sexual servitude in Italy, Patience Ken was deported and unceremoniously dumped back in Nigeria. Penniless, she sold her cell phone to pay for the journey from Nigeria’s financial capital, Lagos, to her village in Edo State. She had been lured to Europe with the promise of a good job. It was a horrific ordeal. And when she arrived back home, her family was not happy to see her. “They felt bad,” she said. “A lot of them say, ‘Now you are here. To feed you is very hard.”

Patience, 8 months pregnant with her second child, gazed beyond the dusty parking lot near where she spoke to an AfricaWorld journalist, recalling those first days back in her village. Life was better now, she said.

Her current baby’s father is her partner, not a customer.

For victims of sex trafficking here in Edo State, sometimes returning is as difficult as the journey. But the dream of a job — any job — continues to lure women far from home and trick them into working as prostitutes. Most residents of Edo

State, like Patience, live in farming villages and travel for hours every few days to sell their goods. Wealth in Edo State can be found in the capital, Benin City, behind gated compounds — a different world from the raucous markets, crumbling homes and bumpy roads that make up most of the city.

Locals say that for most people, the only way to get ahead is to leave Nigeria.

Everyone in Benin City seems to know at least one woman who has financed a house through her work abroad. Locals say those women may be envied for their money, but they are also ostracised for what is assumed to be an illicit past.

Many trafficked women, however, come back broke and shamed, said Solomon Okoduwa, the president of the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Re-integration, an aid organisation set up to help returnees. “They repatriate such persons back to Nigeria without a dime,” he narrates in his one-room headquarters in a shabby commercial complex. “What do you expect to happen in this society?”

While a handful of organisations, including both the state and federal governments, are aware of the problems returnees face, there is little help to be had. Okoduwa’s organisation offers training in agriculture and entrepreneurial skills. Hundreds of returnees have trained this year, he said, but upon completion of the programs students often can’t find jobs or don’t have the resources to go into business. The state government claims to offer soft loans and grants to returnees who have completed similar government training, but Okoduwa said he has never seen any evidence of the funding. Likewise, none of the women had heard they could get help from the government.

For some, lack of resources is the least of their problems. Many believe they could be killed by a juju spell if they were deported before they paid the traffickers for their passage to Europe. To allay these fears, traditional priests, or herbalists, are recruited to cast new spells, according to Florence Igbinigie, a former commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Edo State. Other girls go

to churches to free themselves of the juju. “Some of them go back to the herbalist who did the previous oath to undo it,” she said. “Some of them go to Christian homes, to religious bodies to pray and cast out the demons and they are free.” Still others, she added, go back to Europe after being deported, because they believe they will be killed if they don’t pay up.

When 24-year-old Precious Uyinmwen was deported from Spain back to her clay house in Edo State, she had nothing but the clothes on her back. She had sworn to pay the traffickers $45,000 but was swiftly deported and never paid the bill.

Uyinmwen said she didn’t attempt to counter the spell because she was tricked. She wasn’t told she was vowing to be a prostitute. When asked if she believes she is in danger, she turned defensive: “They didn’t fulfill their part of the oath,” she said quietly, sitting on a wooden bench outside her home. She looked as if she hadn’t smiled in many years.

“So it’s not my fault.”

Okoduwa believes that as long as young people are desperate enough

to risk their lives and freedom for the hope of an income, women and girls will be vulnerable to traffickers.

In Abumwenre village, a few hours outside the state capital, Benin City, two young women demonstrated the point. Naomi Benjamin, a 23-year-old returnee, told a small crowd of her ordeal. “We spent 19 days in the desert,” she said. “There is no food, no water. We were hungry.

It was only God that was protecting us.”

When she finally got to Italy she found out that she had been tricked into sexual servitude. She tried to run away and spent more than two years in jail before she was deported.

While Benjamin spoke, 18-year-old Joy Eriamentor listened intently.

She empathised with Benjamin’s horrific ordeal, and could see that vowing to pay back facilitators upon arrival is not a safe way to travel. “It makes me afraid to travel. If you swear and then you refuse to pay, maybe something will happen.”

Officials say teaching young women about the dangers of trafficking is the only way to stop it. Benjamin’s story, however, didn’t alter Joy’s dreams of leaving Nigeria. She said she wants to study science, but that she’ll never get ahead if she stays in Abumwenre, where children almost never go to college. “We do not have any help here,” she said. “Nothing, no work. Because my family is too poor, that is why I want to go.”

60 seconds WITH THE DUCHESS Nena Duchez Huntaz

Sunny King is an award winning director of shorts and promos.

Founder of OAKMAN film. He was runner-up on Project Talent UK 2007 and had his first short film ‘Signs’ selected for the Woodgreen international film festival 2009. He won the GMA awards for best international music video 2011. His latest production is called Unspoken . It was shortlisted out of 526 shorts worldwide for the Afrinolly Short film Competition. An episode of the series screened exclusively at the premiere of Nollywood movie “Last flight to Abuja” to a resounding success. It has since been screened in Cinemas and due again for screen next week in New York. UNSPOKEN is being developed into a feature length movie. For more information visit: www.oakmanfilm.com

D. Describe yourself in one word.

S. Creative

That gave me the confidence to direct and produce more works.

D. Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?

S. No...I wanted to be an engineer like every other Nigerian in the beginning. I became a filmmaker by accident because i was bored and not challenged enough during my time as an illustrator in University.

D. What has been your major challenge?

S. Funding has always been a big challenge for independent filmmakers. My second short-film ‘Unspoken’ was self funded, including ‘Signs’ as well. To counteract this challenge, one has to be very resourceful and plan diligently for the shoot with the funds they have.

D.How did you start filming?

S. I started film-making having been inspired by Fernando Merrielles “City of God” .That changed everything. I made my first short film ‘Signs’ in 2009 and it was selected for the Woodgreen international film festival that year.

D. What are you currently working on at the moment?

S. We are developing my short film “Unspoken’ into a feature length movie.

8

AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

“To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom”

widows international

organization

Support for widows CONTACT @mail: ifeyinwanjoku@yahoo.com

APRIL15-30 2013

photo news Carol Igboanugo celebrated the life of her father & wake-keep at Havilah African Kitchen, 130 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Zimbabwe Heritage Trust celebrate 33rd independence anniversary of their country in Dublin.

PDP Ireland New Executives inaugurated on 13 April Chairman - Adeola Ogunsina Vice Chairman - Sunny Nwakaji Women Leader - Joyce Ibrahim Secretary - Ben Chike Aniekwena Organizing Secretary - Chibuike Uzoma Financial Secretary - Ayobami Ogunrinde Auditor - Richard Njoku Treasurer - Stanley Effiong Publicity Secretary - Peter AnnyNzekwue Legal Adviser - Larry Adinga Asst. Fin. Secretary - Godwin Utoware Asst. Pub Secretary - Joseph Agberotimi Asst. Organizing Secretary - Olafunke Awosope Youth Leader - Favour Nzeadi Welfare Officer - Nanyi Oni-Egbeton Asst. Secretary - Maeyen Asuquo Asst. Women Leader - Elisabeth Pratt Provost - Ejiro Ukoko

IGBO Union Dublin launch Igbo class in Ireland.

Ohaneze Ireland Pay Tribute to Chinua Achebe.

AFRICAWORLD

PICTURES

9

10 AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

BEAuTY & FAshIoN

BEAuTY & FAshIoN

R

Afro Coulture

eaders this week we continue with our HOT topic the F Word Fashion...

By Tina N Williams

...We speak it , We sing it, We read about it but do What do we know about it?

Can you tell the difference

COLOR is the word this year people get with it.

between day wear and night wear. Once you know you your own wardrobe you can be your own personal stylist.

In Fashion there is a color chart as i like to call it, and they go by order of the following

Base Colors....

These are the basic colors that are used all year round and in most Fashion collections you find that designers always try to combine base with bright colors in hence to gives the design or creation a unique look.

Cool Colors.........i call these my relaxed colors as the word cool. Ia m taking about your browns and etc. As a designer these are my favourite colors to work with .

Warm Colors.... .e.g Bright colors... As i have dark skin tone i love Warm Colors they show off natural beauty without the help of too many accessories.

Having said this it does not give any one any right to commit FASHION CRIMES! As the fashion police is around 24/7.

We are privileged to have dark skin as we do not need any tan or sun bed but we do need to use sun cream as it protects our skin during the summer season.

Fashion is seasonal, we are looking at the summer colors and best trends.

TIP OF WEEK Remember there is always someone who is watching and you will never know when and how your appearance can change your life. E.g i often get people talking to me on the train, bus and even on nights out. They always start with “Excuse me are you somebody? What do you do “. Because the way i present myself in public.

If you know your skin, body and your inner self it can take you a long way. It get easier when you stay true to yourself. Knowing ourselves as individuals is important as it helps as in the way we see life and perceive others.

FASHION it is one word but it covers a lot from beauty to accessories too. A lot of people always thinks if they have the best dress they do not

accessories. Well you are wrong you need to accessorize it completes the look...

STYLE TIPS If you do not know how to style yourself please get a personal stylist to show you how to dress your body shape . There is a lot involved with styling it is not just about the clothes the most important thing is knowing the following: What is your skin tone?

Well you are probably wondering the relevance of this question. I am going to break it down to you.

The number one reason why we fail to style ourselves is because we think clothes are just clothes. So hence we buy what everyone is wearing or buying. Again you are wrong. We all have different skin tones. When buying clothes lets go by our skin tones .There is Light Skin Tones...

Very light Medium and Dark ....

In between Darker which a lot of people know as (CHAKI meaning very very dark).

TIP: Pick you colors according to your skin tone , body Shape and style of garment.

IS IT TRUE? PEOPLE JUDGE YOUR FASHION ACCORDING TO WHAT YO U WEAR

If you are Cha ki please stay away from dark color

Yes first appearance matters... As this is how people will remember and see you hence it is important as a women to know how to look after yourself and always be on your guard.

bE INSPIRED bY bLACK OR ETHNIC WOMEN

This week i have chosen Rihanna. She is well known for her hair styles. She is a trendsetter with both fashion and style.

This year she launched her own clothing line with in River Island which is now available in all their outlets. If She can do it why cant you do the same .She has shown talent, creativity and style.

Rihanna is a Daughter. A Friend, Fashion Icon, Trend Setter, Hair Stylist/Icon. Designer, Singer, Creative, Entertainer, Public Figure, Performer and most importantly she has paved a way for black girls with her unique her trend and styles.

Are you creative? Are you a Trend Setter? Are you the next inspiration?

Be a Trend Setter not a Trend follower........

MOST IMPORTANTLY BE INSPIRED

APRIL15-30 2013

IT / ADoRABlE mum

AFRICAWORLD 11

IT & ADoRABlE mum

TECH_PILOt >>>>>>>> with Uchenna Onyenagubo

Google acknowledge 3 Nigerian students Google is a s e a r c h e n g i n e website, designed to provide information on topics of interest or activities.

The company has developed how we reason, increased knowledge based studies, and enhanced educational institutions around the Globe. Google was created by two friends, Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University, USA at their very youthful age. The idea was just a search engine to populate information from individual WebPages, initially called “BackRub”.

Founded in 1998, it has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of Internet users and customers around the world. Many have asked “How do Google sustain its business”, the answer is “How many times do people visit the website”?

If you can draw traffic to your website then you attract business to it. Google is present in most countries with fast developing Technology industries and creating employments as they establish.

Google investment strategy is squarely based of online availability.

This company extended gesture to the West of Africa last year. Nov 2012 is a date to keep in records as three Nigerian students won Google App contest in Lagos. The 3 students from the University of Lagos made the history as they emerged winners from a competition for the subsaharan category.

Bolutife Ogunsola, Michael Adeyeri and Willie Aniebiet who contested in the Google Apps Developer Challenge created the Form+ application software. The

application is user friendly with an interface that creates application forms simply by drag and drop features. Designed to easy forms like curriculum vitae (CV)/Resume, application submission form for businesses, coursework etc.

The program Manager, Google, Emeka Afigbo expects that the achievement motivates more of young Nigerians to develop more apps and change our approach to Information Technology (IT). You will agree with me that, most users in Africa would rather be referred to as “End Users”, we should shift the status quo to something more productive.

These Nigeria wonders didn’t leave without an award, Google presented them with Chromebooks and $20,000 each and a grant worth $18,000 for their school’s department. In other words, it benefited the school at large.

Google has designated an official website for the application (http://www. formpl.us/) FORM+ and its functions Form+ is an amazing web application with an objective to build different type of forms conveniently. It provides interface to create forms by just dragging & dropping components.

The application will help filter your email, from email with assignment or resume submission. Files are collected upon submission of the form and saved in your Google Drive.

Alink to the file is also placed in a submission spreadsheet.

You will receive email alerts upon each new submission.

The Form+ can used to make:

Mailing Lists, Surveys, Online orders, Contact Forms, Wedding Planner, Address Book, Account Management, Customer Management, Contest Register, Job

Application Form, Home Finanaces, Personal Journal, Quizzes/Tests.

The Form+ has witnessed some upgrades since its creation. It is now available in different International

languages including English, English (UK), Deutsch, Francais, Espanol, Italiano, Portugues, русский, among others.

YOU ARE AN ADORAbLE MUM! Spending time with your adorable ones Spending time with your adorable ones can be fun and educational for you and your adorable ones. Give them the gift of your time today. Spend time with them and Do something fun together.

Here are 10 Fun Things You can do with Your adorable ones -

Leader of Adorable Mum ADM Gbeminiyi ‘Gee bee’ Shogunle

1. Go to the park/playground and play some football or hide and seek.

2. Play cards or board game 3. Spend some time baking together 4. Movie Time: Watch a film together

5. Have a picnic in the garden and tell them stories.

6. Draw and Color together 7. Go swimming 8. Play some music and dance! dance!! dance!!!

9. Learn about different cultures 10. Start a gratitude journal with your adorable one – they can draw what they are thankful for

12 AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

FAmIlY coRNER

FAmIlY coRNER

P

s m e o

But no man can run away from the sun Believe it or not God is on throne above And here I ascend and fly high like a dove Though I walk through the valley of death I still got my money, my health and my breath There’s really no pride in the ride to the tide I am tight, ‘am hot, and I’ve got the right vibe Let the haters freeze and disappear like breeze I paid my dues; I bet it, it wasn’t easy like cheese So enter the stage with me and let the dance flow Fuel the floor and fire till we defreeze all the snow

e

ma Amakez

By Ositadim

DANCE HALL

I fired up like as if they poured petrol Busy and easy prancing about my role Like 9ja solid soldiers on jungle patrol When a hater said, “boy no rigmarole” Guy don’t disparage, just encourage For it’s quite an age I got my courage I work hard, see it, I’ve paid my dues I know the game, I play by the rules No hatred, no rudeness, nor ingratitude You can’t stop it, I bet, ‘tis my attitude At dawn I jump out from my bed to pray Knowing the hater has a snare to spray I beat it, I heat it and they’re on the run

ASO EbI GIRL Shebi you bi one of the aso ebi?

And your name na aso ebi Dumebi Abi you no sabi say Miss Binta Dinta Na the angry hunter’s daughter This Dinta man na a great hunter And all his sons hunt even greater

Wisdom Bits One who woke up from sleep and still staggers around should be asked if he was forcefully woken by someone else?

Meaning - Do not be found wanting on your statutory obligation.

Widow is not a woman’s maiden name, but a result of her husband’s death.

Meaning - Nobody likes suffering, but it is always a bad circumstance that leads to it.

FOLKTALE

Be self and unique!

Salute the deaf, even if the heavens don’t hear, the earth will.

Meaning - Let us do the right thing even if no one is watching.

The vulture and the kite do not scramble for food: the vulture is a scavenger; the kite, a predator.

Meaning - Never demean yourself by competing below your level.

Connect with

AfricaWorld on

All lizard crawl with belle making us not to know which one.

Meaning - Everybody in this world have one or two problems; it’s only our dressing that covers it.

An indigent does not take the title of ‘one who completes whatever he puts his hand to’.

Meaning - Do not make false claims.

TALES FROM OWERE

THE LION AND THE ANTELOPE

And you carry heel like long antelope Without any money gift for envelope If person come sofia you and shoot As you waka about with your parachute This one kind bag wey dey very dubious As you make faces wey dey cantankerous They say na tube or tubeless you wear As you hike like moto wey tires don tear Doing like torotoro wey dey do inyanga Shebi na how you dey ginger your swagger Wedding end, people wey carry okada go So all person wey carry leg come and moto But Dumebi carry shoe for hand dey beg aboki For slippers and the balm dem call aboniki Aboki smile, say, “nyarinya me I love you” Dumebi come vex well, and salap am ka tuu!

Why vex so, Ashebi, shebi you no get flat shoes?

Now you dey walk as if person step on your toes Fashion & trend are most unreliable

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Once upon a time in the Animal kingdom, there were different species of mammals including reptiles and carnivorous animals that lived together. In this kingdom, the Elephant was the ruler and the SubSaharan Lion was the Opinion and Opposition organiser. The Elephant ruled as a dictator, much to the dismay of other animals who organised a mass rebellion against him and ordered a new leadership election, led by the Lion.

The election campaign for a new leader of the Animal Kingdom went underway and the Lion took advantage of his position and strength to become a bully. He terrorised other animals and made it clear that, as leader of the rebellion he was going to be the next leader of the kingdom. The rest of the animals disagreed with him and decided that this would be tested in an election through secret voting.

By this time, the Lion was overtly confident that he was going to win the election because of his “outstanding contributions”to the“sunset days”of the Elephant’s reign. He was very confident that instead of taking part in the campaigns like his fellow contestants, he spent time preparing his inaugural speech. He met the Antelope who was one of the contestants and discouraged him from running as the new Commander-in-Chief because of his meekness in nature and lack of charisma.

He went as far as threatening animals that were unlikely to vote for him.

The Antelope did not feel downcast or threatened by the strength or threats of the Lion; instead, he intensified his election campaign, went from door to door, organised events and delivered his manifesto, speeches and messages of good governance and an inclusive government. This paid off as his humility and manifesto attracted most of the smaller animals such as the Squirrel, Grass Cutter, and Fox to join forces to campaign to vote the Antelope as their new leader.

On Election Day, the Lion was convinced that he was the clear favourite and set up a committee to prepare

his victory party. During this time, the Wolf, who was a secret supporter of the Lion and a returning officer, was chosen to announce the results of the votes at the Election Headquarters. When the results were handed to him, he opened the paper and discovered that the Lion had lost the election. At that instance, he contemplated putting the ballot papers back into the box but the fear that this could spark a revolt caused him to do otherwise. He also realised for the first time since the elections that he had lost all his powers and was no longer in a position to bully or dictate to other animals. Finally, he read the results and declared the Antelope to be the winner and the new leader of the Animal Kingdom. The win was a strong victory for the Antelope and his campaign manager, the Grass Cutter.

Triumphant celebrations erupted in the camp of the Antelope while the Lion became aggressive and turned to the one buddy he thought he had – the Wolf. He ran after him and pounced and deepened his paws into the Wolf’s skin and the Wolf fought back. The fight that began because of betrayal turned to mayhem when other animals joined in the fight and the others took off from the kingdom. The Elephant intervened to stop the fight but the Lion charged towards him and the Elephant flung him off with his tusk, and dashed forward to kill the Lion but was restrained by other big and stronger animals who were watching this royal rumble. Some of the animals whisked the Antelope away to an undisclosed location for protection while the rest of the smaller animals took off to avoid being demolishe by the brutal Lion. The consequence of this pandemonium was lawlessness in the kingdom.

Over at the undisclosed location where the new leader of the Animal Kingdom was seeking refuge, they continued their victory celebrations. When the festivities were over, the new leader and his campaign manager were retreating for the night and stumbled upon the Lion who was nursing his dislocated calf from the Elephant’s pummelling. They mocked and jeered at him, taking the final result sheets that were in his hands and it dawned on him that he would never achieve the throne through greed and bullying.

The Lion was ashamed and unable to fight back because of his injuries but assured the Antelope that as long as he was alive, he will fight back in due time and make sure that the Antelope never ruled the Animal Kingdom again. In response, the Antelope and Grass Cutter told him this proverb,

APRIL15-30 2013

AFRICAWORLD 13

NEWS

“I am King of Igbo in Ireland” The death of Professor Chinua Achebe, author of Things Fall Apart and father of modern African literature has seen Africans gather to pay traditional respect around the world. Ohanaeze Ireland kicked it off in grand style, at the Best Western Plus, Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin with dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps led by the Nigerian Ambassador and his deputy, Amb. Felix Yusufu Pwol and Dr. Georges O Alabi.

AfricaWorld talked to Barrister Matthew Emeka Ezeani (Ezeigbo Ireland), leader of Ohanaeze and the Chief Host at the occasion: A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO CHINUA ACHEBE. Please explain for our readers what Ohanaeze is?

Ohanaeze Ndigbo is the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation. It is the umbrella body of all Igbo associations and the official mouthpiece of the Igbo nation. Igbos of Eastern Nigeria are about 45 million people. The governments of eastern Nigeria, namely Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi States are statutory members of Ohanaeze. Ohanaeze is another name for the Igbo. It also refers to the Igbo social and cultural community or institution.

We know Chinua Achebe as the father of modern African literature.

How do the Igbo see him?

Professor Chinua Achebe is regarded as one of the great sons of Ndigbo.

Ndigbo means the Igbo race or Igbo nation. Ndigbo have produced many world-renowned scholars and academics. Chinua Achebe is regarded by the Igbos as a true son of his father, the pride of his people and the epitome of integrity, excellence and industry - the three main values highly esteemed by the Igbo.

Your function is well attended by Africans and friends. How do you feel?

I am thrilled by the large number of people that turned out to pay their respects to Professor Chinua Achebe.

The Chinua Achebe Memorial organised

by Ohanaeze Ireland is regarded by many who attended the event as simply fantastic and unique. Unique in the sense that it is the only single event that succeeded in bringing all Africans under one roof - all African countries and peoples were represented at the event, including members of the diplomatic corps led by His Excellency, Ambassador Felix Pwol, the Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland. The large turnout of people from all walks of life lends credence to the global stature and influence of the late Professor Achebe. It is also a credit to Ohanaeze Ireland and an indication of the respect and goodwill the organisation enjoys.

Igbos in Ireland are divided over your position as traditional ruler.

What do you have to say?

Igbos are known to be liberal. They respect the concept of freedom of expression and the rule of law. Those who have any reservations about my position as Eze Ndigbo (King of Igbos) in Ireland are entitled to their opinions.

I respect their views and I do not attempt

to impose my authority on them. There will always be people who see things differently.

That is life. I did not make myself king.

The people chose me and the authority to install me as King of Igbos in diaspora was given by Ohanaeze Ndigbo world headquarters in Nigeria following due process.

Ohanaeze leaders and Igbo kings from Nigeria came to Ireland to crown me king in December 2008.

I function as Eze Ndigbo in Ireland and a l s o participate in Ohanaeze affairs in Nigeria and across the globe. I have a cordial relationship with Igbo kings at home and abroad and also have the respect and goodwill of the governments of Eastern Nigeria. In April 2012, I w a s appointed as U N Millennium Development G o a l s Ambassador for Nigeria in recognition of my charitable work and my role as Eze N d i g b o Ireland.

What is your role as a traditional ru l e r in Ireland?

As Eze Ndigbo, I am the custodian of Igbo culture and tradition in Ireland. My role includes; ensuring the peaceful coexistence of Igbos with other peoples and the host

- Barr. Matthew Emeka Ezeani

community in Ireland; promoting Igbo culture and family values; bringing Igbos together for the peaceful and collective pursuit of community; self help projects; promoting responsible and active citizenship in Ireland, our country and primary place of residence, and Nigeria by extension; and defending Igbos in Ireland and ensuring that their individual and collective rights are not infringed. It is also part of my duties to encourage Igbos to obey the laws of Ireland and perform their civic duties. I also mediate in disputes that are referred to the Eze Ndigbo -inCouncil. I have highly respected chiefs and elders who are part of my cabinet and who advise and assist me in the discharge of my duties. I do not get any remuneration for my role as Eze Ndigbo.

It is not easy to occupy this position.

One must have the capability and resources to handle such a position. A lot of people who complain about my position are either jealous or vindictive because their candidate lost their bid to become king of Igbos in Ireland.

The plot of Achebe’s Things Fall Apart energised stories of Africa’s identity. Is that what Ohanaeze is doing in Ireland?

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ireland, like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, is primarily involved in telling our story, the African story and particularly the Igbo story. Our story is a story of people who value hard work, sincerity of character, truth, respect, pursuit of knowledge, industry and respect for others and the Supreme God. That is the purpose of Ohanaeze Ireland. That is the mission of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ireland.

Tell us what Ohanaeze Ireland has achieved since its inception.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ireland was inaugurated 5 years ago. Since its inception, Ohanaeze has actively pursued the purpose and mission outlined above through enlightenment campaigns, cultural events, including the Igbo New Yam Festival, Igbo Language classes, engaging Igbo children and youth in holiday activities aimed at developing their leadership skills and teaching them to be responsible young people. Ohanaeze Women have family-oriented programmes that support the institution of marriage and promote core family values.

Do you have any programs this year?

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ireland will hold its annual Igbo New Yam Festival in August 2013. Our summer programs will be announced shortly. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ireland’s Annual General Meeting is expected to held in Galway City later this year.

Your hat is quite unique especially in a foreign place like Ireland. Does the feather on it mean anything?

I wear the special cap and four feathers as a symbol of my position as an Igbo King.

Do you have any message for our readers?

Ndigbo also occupy parts of Niger Delta and Rivers States in Nigeria.

14 AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

news

love

AGONY CORNER

Can We Once Be Truthful & Peaceful?

By Abdul Yusuf uttered, the nation will be anesthetized into a false sense of security and normalcy, the culprits will never be ferreted out much less punished, and everybody will go to sleep—until the next upheaval recrudesces and jolts us all out of our pigheaded complacence.

A monstrous mass murder of innocent souls has occurred in Jos again and we are, as always, being insulted with unimaginative, flyblown, and soporific platitudes by our political, media, and clerical elites.

Almost every prominent Nigerian who has commented on this heartless, high-tech mass slaughter has mouthed one of three predictably ready-made bromides: oh, this is all about politics, not religion; it’s a failure of security and leadership; and it’s the consequence of poverty.

This is the safe, standard, prepackaged rhetorical frippery that our elites effortlessly regurgitate whenever violent communal convulsions erupt in any part of the country. But this is getting insufferably trite. If the hypocrisy or intellectual laziness that actuates these thoughtless, simplistic sound bites didn’t have far-reaching consequences for our continued existence as a nation and, in fact, our very survival as a people, one would simply yawn in silence and ignore them.

But it so often happens that after these hypocritical, clichéd phrases are

On the issue of scenes from the killings in Jos, the predictably mindnumbing, mealy-mouthed banalities will be invoked again by the elites to explain away what happened, and so on and so forth. This rhetorical formula is safe because it absolves people in political and cultural authority from the triple burdens of thinking, confronting uncomfortable truths, and taking action. That’s why politicians are often ironically the first to blame “politicians” for the episodic fits violence that now habitually punctuate our national life.

Well, “politician” is a floating signifier that encapsulates everybody in politics, and what refers to everybody, as they say, refers to nobody. Case closed.

To be sure, political manipulation, inept security and leadership, and poverty are all deeply implicated in the perpetual cycle of violence and recriminations that have become fixtures in our socio-political landscape.

But a murderous pervasion of religious doctrines and violent, unthinking ethnic particularism are even greater culprits.

People who are brainwashed into believing that those who don’t share their faith deserve to be murdered, or people who are so wedded to their ethnicity that they lack the capacity to tolerate others, are just as dangerous and as culpable—if not more so— as the politicians who“manipulate”them.

Poverty, in and of itself, does not predispose people to violence. There are much poorer countries in Africa than Nigeria that are remarkably peaceful.

Take, for an example, Benin Republic, our western neighbor. Or Senegal, an over-90-percent Muslim country that elected a Roman Catholic as its first president. And, of course, security lapses become an issue only in societies that have a predisposition to senseless, unprovoked violence, such as ours.

Now, a group which calls itself Jama’atu Ahlus Sunnah Lid Da’awati Wal Jihad hasclaimed responsibility for the deadly bombs in Jos. It also claims to have perpetrated its savage murder of innocents, some of whom may in fact be Muslims, on behalf of Muslims and Islam. But the preponderance of reactions to this unsettling revelation among our Muslim leaders and commentators, including security agencies, has been to impulsively dismiss the group’s claim even when they have no contrary evidence—much like Goodluck Jonathan and his minions unthinkingly exculpated the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) of responsibility for the October 1 terrorist attacks even when the group actually claimed responsibility for the attacks. Same attitude, different personalities. That is the Nigerian story.

One uncomfortable fact that our elites in Northern Nigeria have been shy to confront meaningfully and fearlessly is that we do have a worryingly enervating crisis of noxious religious literalism. By religious literalism I mean lazy, literal, and de-contextualized reading of religious texts, which current Central Bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi almost singlehandedly fought for several years in newspaper articles when he was an ordinary banker. I’ve heard so much thoroughgoing hate and blatant call to murder by local, often ignored, religious clerics in the name of sermonizing. These are unmentionable sermons that will curdle the blood of

any sane person and cause them to wonder if they share the same humanity as these ignorant, homicidal clerics.

Boko Haram’s leader’s video justifying and claiming responsibility for bombings is an eerie echo of these hateful sermons.

But I know these sermons to be atrociously grotesque perversions of Islam’s core teachings because I am a Muslim who knows as much about Islam as any educated Muslim should.

My late dad taught me all the basic tenets of Islam before progressing to read in the Roman alphabet. My dad always took care to remind us, like all broadminded Muslim do or should, that the references to “unbelievers” in the Qur’an are not to Christians or Jews; they are to seventh-century Arabian idolaters who launched unprovoked attacks against the emergent Islamic religion.

Christians and Jews are properly called “ahlul kitaab” (translated as “people of the book”) in the Qur’an.

Although the relationship between early Muslims in the 7th century and Christians was not without problems, it was, for the most part, marked by tolerance as evidenced in several Qur’anic verses.

Examples:“Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians -- whoever believes in God and the Last Day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor shall they grieve”(2:62, 5:69, and many other similar verses); “[A]nd nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say,‘We are Christians,’because amongst these are men devoted to learning and men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant” (5:82).

In the second verse, you can almost mentally picture the Nigerian Reverend Hassan Mathew Kukah and many (Catholic) priests. But ignorant, hatefilled, and hidebound religious literalists have stripped adherents of other Abrahamic faiths of their status as “people of the book”and have dressed them in the borrowed robes of

Advice For Single Ladies 1. Guys love to marry an Independent and Matured lady… So instead of sitting there and waiting to be bluffed by a guy, focus on getting a career that would take you out of the house wife category…

2. Never let the sweet talks of MOST guys deceive you, sometimes all they just want is to have easy access to the secret between your thighs and run off thereafter.

3. Remove the mentality from your mind that guys will keep springing up to approach you. The older you get by the day, the less toasters you will have.

4. Playing‘too’hard to get is the worst thing you should ever start, remember that nothing lasts forever. If you still doubt, check out the number of matured single ladies looking up to God For a Miracle (Husband).

5. Never extort things from a guy you don’t love, guys always have ways of paying a girl back, either through their Friends or total ‘Paid’ Strangers…BE CAREFUL!

6. Never be deceived you can trap a guy through s^x. A man will also return to his wife who s^x starves him for years once he loves and trust her. You can never win a man over with your body.

7. If all you take to the relationship is the mind set to extract money from him, don’t complain if all he ask from you is your body. He has seen you have nothing else to offer.

8. Don’t be fooled when Guys tell you they have never met a prettier girl, they will say that same thing to even 80 year old woman they want to get intimate with.

9. A guy always taking you to exotic places such as cinema, fast food restaurant, mall and other events etc is no sign that he loves you. If he does not care to ask and plan your future together then you are just his ‘Social Mate’ and nothing else.

10. If the only time he invites you over is when he needs you to cook, clean the house and do his laundry, then just know you are his “Executive House

Help”.

11. If he avoids meeting your family and close friends then it is an obvious sign he is just playing games with you.

12. Don’t always change the TV Station from Sports Channel etc to MTV or Fashion Channel. Take time to find out what is bothering him and how you can help out.

13. If the only places he does not frown when you enter are his bedroom and kitchen then know you are not welcome (only being used).

Have you noticed that most of the ladies that end up being emotionally abused are the ones at the receiving end? Always with open arms, requesting for something and ready to receive…

The more you widen your arms, the more he widens your legs.

A grown up guy who gives the excuse about his parents being wild when he brings female visitors to the house is a sign that he has a serious girl and has introduced her to his parents already.

Please advise yourself.

Finally, I always say this and will repeat it again - It’s better to be sitting in a taxi smiling happily than to be in your husband’s fresh air conditioned BMW X6 or Nissan Juke with bruised eyes wearing a fresh Gucci shades alongside a Burberry scarf.

REMEMBER that dating a rich man does not guarantee happiness in marriage. Money is not everything but making the right choice in life is what matters most.

“unbelievers.” And they are straining hard to make gullible people believe that all the scriptural verses about retaliatory aggression against “unbelievers” in the Qur’an refer to Christians and Jews.

Unfortunately, these hitherto fringe perverts of the message of the Qur’an are beginning to enjoy a position of dominance in Northern Nigeria’s religious discourse, and many sane, thinking people are afraid to contradict them, lest they be tagged as“hypocrites” or “sympathizers of unbelievers” and then murdered.

I know I speak for millions of silent Nigerian Muslims when I say that these blood-thirsty, homicidal beasts who murdered innocent men, women, and children in the name of Islam don’t represent us. But until enough Muslim leaders and commentators come out to openly denounce these people and the ideology of hate that animates them, they will continue to hijack and appropriate the mainstream, and we will all pay dearly for this--literally and symbolically.

But, first, the perpetrators must be made to face the consequences of their murders. Unfortunately, Goodluck Jonathan has robbed himself of the moral capital to bring these murderers to justice because he also publicly shielded his own MEND kinsmen from the consequences of their own savage terrorism against Nigeria.

The question is: can we afford to go on like this, especially now that we are entering a really dangerous phase of mutual annihilation through bombs?

Certainly, our elites’habitual, knee-jerk, platitudinous reactions to communal violence will hasten our collective ruination. But we need to always remember that the consequences of a violent break-up of Nigeria won’t be pretty for everybody.

Tolerance, understanding, and the acceptance of our diversity are the only values that can sustain us a nation.

APRIL15-30 2013

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NEWs

“FINE GAEL PARTY DESERvE OUR SUPPORT “ Imo Indigene Chairman Imo is one of the states in Nigeria’s south east. The state, which was created in 1976, is rich in natural resources, among which are crude oil, natural gas, lead and zinc.

Economically exploitable flora like iroko, mahogany, obeche, bamboo, the rubber tree and oil palm flourish.

AfricaWorld was at a meeting of Imo thought leaders under the aegis of Imo Indigenes Ireland where the mandate of it’s interim Chairman, Chinedum Ohaekelehem, was extended for completion of strategic duties. Our reporter cornered the Imo leader for a frank talk on the organisation, immigration and other issues affecting his people.

When was Imo Indigene Ireland (III) founded?

Imo Indigenes Ireland was founded in March 2012.

What are the aims & objectives of the organisation?

We would like to achieve a lot but we have specific aims and objectives which can be summarised into three key things: We want to know ourselves, put heads together to look into issues that concern us, and to find a way to inculcate our rich culture into our children.

You just acquired Irish citizenship recently. What does it mean to you?

Acquisition of Irish Citizenship is a big step in the right direction, though not an end in itself. Permit me to mention that on political grounds I can vote and be voted for. So, it is vital for progress here.

How much did the process of acquiring your passport cost?

There are several requirements but a fee of nine hundred and fifty euro (€950.00) is paid to acquire the certificate.

Don’t you think the Fine Gael party is building votes for their party with the rise in the number of new citizens?

In my opinion, I would say that one must give honour to whom honour is due. They have paid the price and they deserve the benefits. Tell me, is it right to bite the finger that fed you?

The answer is simple.

Opinion is divided with the Fine Gael/Labour controlled Irish Government over immigration policies especially the reformed Citizenship process and Asylum Seeker situation. Do you agree?

That’s politics for you, but hopefully

someday Asylum Seekers will find joy like those of us that have citizenship.

What are your plans for your organisation and Ireland?

I want to make a great impact on integration in Ireland while remembering where we came from.

I intend to pursue our core aim to the satisfaction of Imo Indigenes in the Republic of Ireland.

How is the economic situation affecting members of your organisation?

On employment, it has been tough.

We advocate for a non-discrimination attitude. However, with focus, hard work, and most of all, God helping, we will grow to greater heights.

How are you encouraging your members to integrate well?

I implore my members to be law abiding, and reach out for ways to assist in building the Irish economy.

There are many children of immigrants. What is your advice on how the government can engage them?

To reach out to the needs of every child as much as they can, whether from immigrants or not. There’s huge potential in every individual; this should not be undermined.

Empowerment of the youths should be of paramount importance. Being the leaders of tomorrow, they should not be relegated to the background. boko Haram is on Nigeria’s throat. What is your opinion on the amnesty planned by President Jonathan?

I simply do not understand the Amnesty. What are they fighting for?

How much bloodshed can be recovered? Can they give life back to the many that were lost? Can they bring joy back to the many families in agony, and whose hearts bled and are still bleeding? What are we talking about here? It pains so much that those who have decided to be above the law now take more. Who are the masters of these hoodlums? Elders of the North made us aware of what is happening now. God truly says; we should forgive one another, but it hurts that we equally seem to forget one of God’s commandments to us, ‘thou shalt not kill’.

When do your members meet and where?

We meet the second Sunday of every month.

16 AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

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The structure of IGBO Union in Ireland What is the state of The Igbo Union in Ireland and Dublin in particular?

Igbo Union Ireland is in a healthy and vibrant state in 2013. There is a better understanding and working relationship between the leaders of the different chapters (counties) and the different associations that exist within the chapters, especially in Dublin. At the moment Igbo Union Ireland consists of Cork, Dublin and environs, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford/Kilkenny and its environs.

There is motley of Igbo associations that exist in the other counties that are part of the union though they are not necessarily known as Igbo Union.

Igbo Union Ireland represents over 98 percent of Ndigbo in Ireland and there are about six thousand Igbos in Ireland. Since last year, the leaders of the different chapters have been closing ranks through a carefully thought out model of interaction built on mutual respect, trust and the philosophy of Igwebuike and Onye aghala nwanneya. This means strength in unity and brotherhood. It is important to note that Igbo Union Ireland is part of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Nigeria.

When was Igbo Union started & its main objective?

The original concept and inauguration of the name and structure known as Igbo Union Ireland started in 1998 led by Thomas Harrison Chukwu who championed the formation of the first Igbo association in Ireland known as “Association of Igbos in Ireland (AII)”.

The AII was suspended in 2003, and later metamorphosed into other Igbo groups such as Nwannedinamba – Dundulk, Ezinwanne –Drogheda, Ohanaeze –Limerick and ICI –Dublin.

In 2005 a number of distinguished Igbo compatriots led by George Enyoazu dreamed up the idea of bringing all the various associations together to form a union that would enable them work in concert to progress the affairs of Ndigbo in Ireland as a Diasporan movement.

Later on, Igbo Union Cork, Waterford, Galway and Tralee started.

However, the modern renaissance of Igbo Union Ireland, started in 2008 during the ambassadorial tenure of

Dr Kema Chikwe. This period witnessed a landmark peace agreement advocated by Rev. Fr. Sylvester Onyeachonam (who was the first African Chaplain of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin), which resulted in the formation of a revamped IGBO UNION IRELAND. In Dublin, the same effort led to the amalgamation of various Igbo associations in Dublin to form the present IGBO UNION DUBLIN (IUD) under the leadership of Glen Adimorah Eneh.

The main objective of Igbo Union is to unite all Ndigbo in Ireland under one unmbrella and to enable us organise and participate in mutual community activities that would foster peace and understanding. One such event was the New Yam Festival organised in Dublin in 2009 with huge fanfare. Igbo Union leaders are keen on bringing those days back again.

Other elements of the objectives of Igbo Union include promoting the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of Ndigbo; fostering educational, technological, socio-economic development of Ndigbo in Ireland and at home; as well as other lofty ideals that should make every Igbo person proud of their union. Igbo Union leaders are committed to actualizing these objectives.

other people to rate my tenure.

However, since it is not possible for present purposes, and without sounding immodest, I believe that we (the executive) have achieved so much within such a short time in office. We were elected in May 2012 and the first meeting which we convened in June was a joint Executive/Leaders Forum. It was an opportunity for us to listen to Igbo leaders in Dublin and to share our plans with them. It was at that meeting that the first ever leaders forum was born. The forum was adopted and enshrined as one of the core structures in the current revised constitution. The idea behind the forum is to bring about a better way

of working with the various Igbo associations and ensure administrative expediency in reaching out to Ndigbo. In view of this, we have paid courtesy visits to twelve Igbo associations in Dublin alone to explain the new direction of the union. These visits are geared towards showing solidarity with the various Igbo associations and groups.

We have also closed ranks with all of the chapters.

As a responsible union, we now have registration forms that ensure that we know our members better.

So we have improved our admin system. Besides minutes of monthly meetings, we also send out periodic communiqués to Ndigbo to keep them abreast of plans and developments. As you know yourself information through communication is power and that is what we are doing.

We were barely two months in office when we successfully organised the much talked about New Yam Festival in August 2012. It was attended by all the chapters. In January 2013, the constitution was adopted with far reaching benefits for Ndigbo. We now have a powerful women’s group which was inaugurated at our recent mini convention on St Patricks Day. The

How does the Igbo Union operate (Structures in Ireland)?

The Igbo Union Ireland operates a loose federal system which suits Ndigbo. The chapters are autonomous. The union operates with an administrative executive headed by a National President and his team who are elected every two years. This element of the structure is being revamped at the moment.

However the fluid system operated

by Igbo Union ensures that there is regular interaction between the leaders of the various chapters to plan mutual programmes and projects on behalf of Ndigbo in Ireland.

How will you rate your tenure so far?

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe said that he would not write his own epitaph, and that, “epitaphs are better written by other people.” Similarly, I would have loved it if this question was put to

Onye Ndu - Kelechi Onwumereh

group promises to complement the efforts of the central body and to be a rich resource of ideas and development. We are starting our Igbo language programme this April.

We have constituted a medical committee to support our people in Nigeria with information and basic medical assistance. The Igbos in Ireland will be supporting this project one hundred percent. We are currently planning the first ever Igbo Congress or convention in Ireland as part of The Gathering Ireland 2013 initiated by the Irish Government. We feel privileged that the government is supporting us with this very important event.

We are rebranding the union with series of actions including a new central logo plus unique ones that will show what the county (chapter) is known for. In the case of Dublin it is the Dublin Castle motif. We are also planning a website for the union with portals for each county/chapter.

We have some solid plans but we are taking each day as it comes and applying ourselves to the task in hand.

Every member of my executive is dedicated to the vision of a vibrant and progressive union in Dublin and Ireland. I am grateful to them and Ndigbo for the current success story that is our union.

APRIL 15-30 2013 AFRICAWORLD 17

news How will you be celebrating this year’s New Yam Festival?

We have decided that this year’s New Yam Festival will be celebrated as part our inaugural annual convention. I intend to propose that the event rotate among the partner Igbo Union chapters. We will work out a suitable modality to ensure that everyone gets a sense of participation and ownership. The convention is going to be organised under the platform of The Gathering Ireland 2013. This means that the Irish Government is directly behind our event. The event itself will have a business forum, gala night and cultural day.

What are your efforts on Integration in Ireland?

We are currently creating awareness within the Igbo community in Ireland of the need to integrate further and become nation builders.

That is what the country needs at this moment – people who can help rebuild the nation – especially economically. In Nigeria and all over the world, Igbos are famed to be wealth creators.

Ndigbo are the second largest single African migrant ethnic nationality in Ireland. This makes us an extremely vital critical capital in economic growth and national development. We want more Ndigbo to dust up their rich entrepreneurial skills to become job creators and not merely employees. At the moment, we are doing just that with minimal help through the numerous high profile medical doctors, lawyers, business men and women, educators, publishers and what have you? The government should be proactive and meet us half way by floating Small and Medium Entreprise (SME) enabling schemes which members of our community and other migrants could avail of. The government should also grant GP and Surgery consultancy licenses to Igbo doctors majority of whom are qualified.

You do get the idea! This would empower the people and stem the current brain drain and migration of individuals outside the country.

Most importantly it will help reverse in some ways the current recession through job creation.

Igbo Union is committed to integration in a strategic way. We are contactable should the government wish to explore this idea further.

It is widely believed that the Igbo language will be lost in 50 years and what are your organization’s efforts to nip that in the bud?

At the heart of what Igbo Union Ireland is about is the need to project our culture. Our language is our identity and an integral part of our culture. There is an attitudinal issue around the sustainability or survival of the Igbo language. I believe that we require a proactive measure to ensure that the language is spoken at home as well as at social events. As such the various chapters of the Igbo Union are working assiduously to encourage parents to speak the language to their children. A number of chapters have also rolled out language classes to support the community. The programme in Dublin will start in the month of April and will be sustained as long as we have the demand and resources to make it happen. We will be employing official curriculum and best practice in the teaching of the language so that it is consistent with an outcome oriented module. We hope to evaluate the programme on a regular basis especially during festive events to showcase the impact a little effort can make. We must do everything to bring about a revival in our language.

What is the position of the Igbo Union on the Eze Igbo issue?

I believe that I speak the minds of 98 percent of Ndigbo in Ireland when I say that Ndigbo do not recognize the so called Ezeship in the Diaspora. We believe that it is delusional and an aberration. As a migrant community in Ireland as well as in other foreign lands, Ndigbo do not have the combinations of territorial sovereignty, historical authority, traditional antecedent and cultural homogeneity as it relates to language, people, and way of life to claim the mandate to constitute a traditional institution in some one else’s country. I think that this is plainly arrogant and provocative.

Many Igbos may be Irish but our Irish citizenship is earned. We are first and still remain “Igbos” before the circumstances of migration conferred on us“Irish citizenship”. So what would happen if another set of circumstances compelled Ndigbo to seek to migrate back to Nigeria or to another country, what would happen to the Ezeship we claim to have built here? Will we abdicate, suspend it or with a wave of the hand make it disappear until we are ready to conjure it back again when it suits us?

Another point is to note that there are other migrant communities in Ireland such as the Yorubas, Ashantes, Benins, etc. who have practiced traditional institutions for centuries long before the British constituted the administrative ‘warrant chiefdom’ for Ndigbo from 1891 to 1929.

However, these people do not see the need to replicate their traditional institutes in the Diaspora. They understand that this would amount to proliferation and a bastardization of the sacrosanct traditional institutions of their people. It would reduce the effectiveness of their culture and ridicule their people among the comity of migrant nations. Bear in mind that every Igbo person has a traditional ruler from where they come from, so to subject yourself to another person whose track record, true background, character and intention are not known amounts to signing your life away. It also amounts to having two similar but parallel authorities over the same person.

The Igbos are egalitarians and republicans in their socio-political dispositions and as such do not easily submit to the concept of a monarchical supreme authority. In addition, the notion of a paramount rulership as is suggested by the so called Ezeigbo institution is to say that Igbos require royal dictators to keep them in check wherever they are in the world. That would be absurd to say the least.

Having dispensed with the philosophy of whether or not Ezeigbo Institution should exist, I would like to point out that the Ohanaeze

Ndigbo Nigeria which is the Socio-Cultural umbrella of all Igbos does not subscribe to Ezeship in the Diaspora. The Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria has also proscribed the practice. As a result many states in Nigeria have banned the Ezeigbo practice, branding it as regressive and a distraction. It is unfortunate that a self serving ex secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo travelled to Ireland in 2008 to attempt to set up the sham Ezeigbo institution against the will of Ndigbo in Nigeria and Ireland. It has been made clear time without number, by both the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Nigeria, Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers Nigeria, and the Igbo people in general, that the attempt to institutionalise the so called Ezeigbo in the Disapora died at conception. The institution is null and void wherever it is purported to exist.

Do you have a rough estimate of Igbos in Ireland?

It is believed that there are about six thousand Igbos in Ireland which makes the cultural group the second largest African cultural group in Ireland behind the Yorubas who also hail from Nigeria. This figure is based on anecdotal e v i d e n ce monitored

by Igbo U n i o n Ireland over the years. It would be helpful if we could verify ac tual figures as the CSO does not have a tool to measure specific national ethnicity that would enable us determine t h e numbers of Igbos in Ireland. That would be an interesting task for the future.

You had a mini convention on St. Patricks Day, what was it all about?

The Igwebuike Solidarity mini convention on St Patrick’s Day was one of the efforts my administration put in place to bring Ndigbo together to celebrate oneness, peace, unity and progress as a people. At the heart of that initiative was the signing of a memorandum of understanding that the Igbo Union wishes to partner with the numerous associations to achieve our common goals and vision. At the moment there are six vibrant chapters (Counties) plus over twenty associations in Dublin who have tacitly committed to this partnership. The mini convention was also a lead on to the main inaugural convention planned for September this year. Information about this event will be communicated very shortly.

How do you assist your people to grow in Ireland and integrate well?

One of the first things we did when we came into office in May last year was to initiate the leaders forum which consists of all the leaders of the various Igbo associations, clubs, students and professional groups that exist in Ireland.

Through this forum we communicate to every Igbo person and encourage them to work hard for self, community and country. We encourage them to be law abiding and to be innovative in these austere economic times. Ndigbo are predominantly known for their business acumen and prowess. However, in Ireland their vast industry and entrepreneurial skills and talent have remained underutilized. The Igbo Union wants to help to revitalise this latent skill and ability. We are planning to organise an Igbo Union Ireland Convention in September which would have a business forum, gala night, cultural day with different parades, language competition and award event. It would also involve extensive display by Irish cultural troupes to demonstrate our belief in integration.

I mentioned earlier that we are also planning to set up a website with portals for all the Igbo Union chapters. Through this we can exchange ideas and support our people to integrate more.

Are you aware of the security situation in Nigeria, are Igbos in Dublin worried?

The security situation in Nigeria is worrying and every Igbo person should be concerned about it wherever they may be in the world. We have families back home. It is also unacceptable that Igbos seem to be systematically targeted for these killings and their properties vandalised or destroyed. Igbos are the biggest and clearest advocates of a one Nigeria through our actions and deeds yet we suffer the most prejudice, discrimination, violence and marginalization in Nigeria. It is simply wrong and condemnable.

But I am aware that the Nigerian government is working hard to combat the spate of bombings in the North by terrorist elements and kidnapping in the East. We need good leadership and the political will to tackle the security threat to Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Any Kids program?

We have several children’s programmes. The Igbo Language programme ‘Igbodindu’ is one of them. We will have language competitions for children as part of our major activities. There is an annual Summer Youth Festival being planned in the summer. We are also planning to start a Youth Programme for older teenagers and this would focus on Igbo culture, History, team building skills, personal development skills, leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills, social skills, relationship and sexuality awareness, spirituality and other programmes that would enable our young people to develop wholesomely into positive citizens of Ireland and Igboland. To do this we might affiliate with one or more Youth Organisations in Ireland.

What more do you have to tell our readers about Igbo Union Dublin and Igbos in Ireland?

Igbos are peace loving and a very dynamic group of people. They are also progressively minded and will be found to be the biggest ally to the Irish when it comes to rebuilding the nation. History of the Irish missionaries in Igboland during the colonial era would attest to this synergy.

Kelechi JK Onwumereh

18 AFRICAWORLD APRIL15-30 2013

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AKIDWA SPECIAL REPORT

AKIDWA SPECIAL REPORT Home”- safety and security Issues of Women Seeking Asylum in Ireland.

Stakeholders from DRCC, RCI, AkiDwA, COSC & Ruhama Recently, AkiDwA met with the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration Department of Justice and Equality. At this meeting we gave an update of AkiDwA work and continued to build our working relationship.

Training Training was delivered to 150 medical students in February, primarily on FGM. As a follow-up to the recommendations in AkiDwA GP survey, and for sustainable progress, the CEO will be meeting with the Director of Women’s Health Programme at the Irish College of General Practitioners to discuss on the possibility of putting FGM in the curriculum.

In the next three editions, we shall be bringing you closer to the onerous task Akidwa has set for itself in 2013.

Akina Dada wa (AkiDwA), Swahili for sisterhood is the most important organisation championing the course of immigrant women in Ireland. A national network of migrant woman, Akidwa was founded in 2001 by a group of African women to address isolation, racism and Gender Based Violence that they were experiencing at that time. Akidwa has been at the forefront of the battle of female genital mutilation (FGM) since 2001 through various campaigns and its organs.

From January to March 2013, Akidwa has raced to it’s usual ladder of achievements despite key challenges of the loss of staff and reduced funding. However, AkiDwA has completed and launched three publication couple with its program of awareness. In this edition, we will bring to you two key components of Akidwa’s achievements in the first quarter of 2013.

1) Capacity Building AkiDwA Community Health Ambassadors have received training on FGM. The six women from different counties will commence with outreach work and work towards the

objective of raising awareness throughout Ireland in various issues, particular on FGM. 2) Awareness Raising AkiDwA in partnership with the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, in Cyprus, the Italian Association for Women in Development and the Family Planning Association of Portugal developed an E-Learning toolkit; “United to END FGM” (UEFGM). This toolki is primarily designed for EU health and asylum service staff and provides essential information about F.G.M. This course aims to improve the treatment of, and support to, FGM patients and strengthen the skills needed to maintain a high standard of decision-making in protecting FGM affected and/or at-risk women and girls. (http://www.uefgm.org/index. aspx).

AkiDwA alongside a group of stakeholders have been working with RIA (the Reception and Integration Agency) to develop a policy and training package for Management, Staff and residents of asylum accommodation centres on gender based violence and sexual harassment.

This development stems from the recommendations of AkiDwA survey “ No Place To call

3)Influencing Policy AkiDwA held a meeting with IRC in February to discuss the possibility of holding a briefing session with policy makers on the issue of direct provision. The briefing is intended to take place at the end of March or early April.

Photo: AkiDwA A.G.M Integration Survey The research commissioned by AkiDwA last year on the‘Integration challenges of young migrant women has been completed. This study reveals that migrant women often face double discrimination based on their gender and their nationality, both within the Irish community and in their communities. This discrimination can be exacerbated in the case of young migrants who have dependent children.

Ameera, one of the Young Migrant Girls– painting at our IWD Event.

Recommendations from Integration Survey: F.G.M In November 2012 AkiDwA undertook a survey with General

Practitioners with the aim to ascertain their knowledge on FGM. The survey outcome was launched at our event on 6 th Feb to mark‘International day of Zero Tolerance to FGM’.

AkiDwA is currently updating the healthcare Professionals handbook.

This 2nd edition will provide updates on our FGM work since 2008. New statistics show that there are 3780 women, living in Ireland, have under gone FGM. This represents an increase of 600 women since 2010. The new statistics were based on data provided

by CSO office for the 2011 census.

• Improved legal rights and entitlements for young migrant people.

• The issues of Third Level fees must be addressed as a matter of great urgency.

• Promotion of support services, good employment practice, and recognising over seas qualifications.

• These recommendations will be shared with the Irish government, policy makers and other NGOs. • Next Step: Religion & Migrant Women Undertake research to investigate the different roles religion plays in supporting inter-culturalism and integration strategies.

G.P Survey on F.G.M: As first point of contact in accessing healthcare services in Ireland, GPs must have a good understanding of issues related

to the health of the immigrant population as suggested by the HSE National Intercultural Health Strategy (2007-2012). The report have been disseminated widely and have reached wider audience in Ireland, Europe and America. A meeting was held with HSE to discuss recommendations, an advisory group to monitor and advise on FGM work has been set up by HSE. Key findings from the FGM Survey: • 80% of respondent GPs do not have the knowledge of FGM or associated issues.

• 12 out of 64 G.P’s have met 25 FGM patients in their clinics.

• 65% of GPs were not able to identify symptoms of FGMpatients.

• All participating GPs indicated that they don’t have means of providing support/ information to FGM clients.

• Irish law prohibits FGM and provides safeguarding procedures in cases where young girls are at risk of FGM. • 80% of participating GPs, have expressed great interest in being up skilled on FGM. • 80% were interested in receiving a referral list.

• A lack of GP knowledge on FGM is prevalent in Ireland.

APRIL 15-30 2013 AFRICAWORLD 19

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The First Traditional South African Gay Wedding Ceremony

By Abdul Yusuf

The gay couple who tied the knot in a traditional Zulu and Tswana wedding while dressed in traditional attire say they will not be fazed by the criticism being aimed at them by social network users and Zulu culture experts.

Thoba Sithole, a Zulu from KwaDukuza, and Tshepo Modisane, a Tswana from Johannesburg, tied the knot on Saturday in KwaDukuza with about 200 people, including family, friends, onlookers and the media in attendance.

Sithole and Modisane, both 27, defended their wedding and said there was nothing evil or untraditional about it.

Professor Velaphi Mkhize, a Zulu traditional culture analyst and writer, said Zulu culture did not recognise homosexuality, therefore, traditionally, Modisane and Sithole’s marriage was void.

“In the olden days there were homosexuals, but when a gay child was born the family used to slaughter an animal to plead with the ancestors to intervene and take the evil spirit away from the child.”

“However, now the constitution recognises homosexuality and gay marriages and the biggest challenge we are facing is how do we continue to call something a taboo if it is

recognised by the constitution.”

He said the marriage was an insult to Zulu forefathers because marriage was traditionally a way to expand the family. Wives were expected to give birth to children who would carry their families’ names forward.

Homosexuality made this impossible, said Mkhize.

However, Sithole, an IT specialist based in Johannesburg, said: “If being gay is evil, why did God create gay people? Gays are born gay and according to a Bible scripture we were all created

by God, so I d o n’ t see anything evil about being born gay b ecause it means that God wanted you to be gay.”

Modisane said they did not need to justify their wedding to the public

How To Cope With Long Distance Relationship Inbox

By Abdul Yusuf

Issues surrounding trust, commitment, communication, household management, children and finances are exacerbated and complicated in long-distance relationships.

Here are eight strategies that can help you thrive in a long-distance relationship.

1. Define the parameters — together.

Sit down together and map out this new long-distance arrangement. For each of you, what are your concerns?

How often will you visit? What about the kids? Are there domestic issues (household upkeep, car, finances, etc.) that may require a new plan?

What about relationship worries, such as intimacy, jealousy and trust?

Get everything out into the open from the get-go so you can both

begin this new adventure on the same footing.

2. See its benefits and look at the upside.

One or both of you may feel distressed about this unwelcome separation. One way to transform your negative outlook is to “reframe” the situation. That is, try to view the long-distance relationship in a positive light. How might living apart for a finite amount of time be beneficial? For example, you’ll have more time to do your own thing.

You won’t take each other for granted. Your reunions will be sexy and exciting. It’s a vertical career move. And so on. See if you can each come up with at least three benefits.

3. Make a future plan.

Ask your partner: Where do you see

because it was only between them, and to make them happy.

“We decided to have a traditional wedding because we firstly wanted to show people that being homosexual can be part of an African culture.

“Secondly, we wanted to celebrate the love we have for each other and show people that we don’t feel ashamed for the choices we have made in our lives,” said Modisane, who works as a chartered accountant in Johannesburg.

The couple said the support they had received from their families made it easier for them to tie the knot.

“My family has always been there for me and had always been there for me even in my previous homosexual relationships,” said

Modisane.

Sithole said his mother had always told him how she was looking forward to seeing him getting married to his partner.

They started dating in 2011 after they had been friends for some time.

Modisane said he was attracted to Sithole because he was a wellgrounded man who loved God and was someone who could bring stability in his life.

Sithole said their next step after the wedding was buying a home and starting their own family. “We are fully committed to each other and we believe children form an important foundation in bringing stability in one’s life,” he said. “We will be adopting two kids – a boy and a girl – to be part of our family.”

each other. Share your little triumphs and tragedies, or just something funny that happened during the day. Ask about each other’s day. Get to know what a “day in the life” of your partner looks like.

keep your partner from worrying that you will — by disclosing your feelings and giving lots of details about your life.

us in one year? How about five years?

Talk about what each of you can do, in the context of living apart, that will make this future vision come true. Having shared goals is one of the keys to a happy relationship, and doing this activity subtly reminds each of you that you’re working as a team. Living in separate homes does not mean you have to lead separate lives and have separate futures.

5. Schedule face time.

Talking, video chatting and writing are all great. But to maintain a romantic relationship, you need to make the time to see each other face-to-face. Together, go over your work, family and other obligations and then schedule times when you’ll visit. It’s also important for the stayat-home partner to visit the relocated one so that he or she has more than a verbal description of the partner’s other home, city and favorite haunts.

7. Be there for each other.

It’s so very important for each of you to feel that the other one is there in the event of a family tragedy, a family celebration, or a personal crisis. Show her you care by flying home for her oral surgery, even though she says it’s no big deal. Turn his cousin’s wedding into an opportunity to relax together, even though he wasn’t thinking he’d attend. Supporting each other through all those high and low points in life is reassuring to partners and strengthening for the relationship.

4. Establish frequent and regular contact.

Set up regular phone or Skype dates.

Communicate every day, more than once, if possible. It’s critically important, when two people are unable to have physical intimacy, to maintain an emotional bond.

Even if your partner isn’t really a “talker,” find ways to stay in touch.

If she hates being on the phone, then email, text or instant message

6. Don’t keep secrets.

Transparency and inclusion are the two most important defenses against jealously, suspicion, and paranoia. Tell your partner about the people in your life. Don’t omit events or interactions simply because they might inspire a twinge of jealousy. It’s natural that each of you will experience loneliness from time to time. But you can keep yourself from acting on it — and

8. Keep reinventing the romance.

This is my favorite strategy, because it’s the one that’s the most fun and rewarding. Surprise your partner with a love letter or a gift. Send him a spontaneous email letting him know he’s the sexiest man alive, or telling her you love her more now than the day you met her. Find creative — and frequent — ways to keep things spicy between you. Keep each other smiling

20 AFRICAWORLD APRIL 15-30 2013

news

Alpha Gassama is a Hero in Clondalkin

Congrats on your recognition by Councillors in the South Dublin Council. How do you feel about your community recognition?

A I feel proud as immigrant, African and Asylum seeker. Despite all the problems, the community never miss your value.

Where were you born?

A I am from the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, it was a former colony.

AfricaWorld learnt that there was a campaign ‘Let Alpha stay’ for you, how true?

Yes i will send you a link from the newspaper, Irish times You must have impressed locals with your knack for volunteering.

After our transfer from Mosney 3 years ago, we formed the residents committee in Towers Hotel in Clondalkin to improve the conditions of living of asylum seekers in the centre. We initiated ClondalClean:a volunteering group with Asylum seekers to improve the environment in my neighborhood, that action inspired the local people to form Clondalkin Tidy Towns and I was elected Committee member of Tidy town till today.

ClondalClean from asylum seekers in collaboration with Clondalkin Tidy Town won the price of the Best Community of the Year 2012 in

South Dublin County Council, an award for Pride of place for all Ireland and the Environment Award from Chamber of Commerce.

Tell us where you have assisted in Ireland.

Ireland has helped me and I keep volunteering in the community i live in.

How necessary is volunteering?

Volunteering is the practical integration for migrants. Without integration, it will be economic, social and cultural failure for immigrants.

Now that you have become a local hero, what will you do next in service to your community?

After I started ClondalClean,with asylum seekers in Towers Hostel, I was shortlisted for the volunteer of the year which is the highest recognition in Ireland ( see Volunteer Ireland website).

I have been developing with my multicultural team a project called iVosta (Immigrant Volunteering

Skill and Trading Agency). It comprises all immigrants of different background in collaboration with Irish to serve their community for better Integration and reduce the impact of the budget cut for the councils.

“You don’t need to speak English to pick up a litter!”

From Alpha Gassama

Is it true that many Africans in Ireland are not friendly to volunteering?

I think we are very Volunteer friendly in Africa but when we arrived in Europe for different struggle, the structure of European society tend to affect us. Often we lose that very important African attribute to become selfish against our usual inbuilt communities values.

What do you understand by volunteering and do volunteers benefit enough?

Volunteering make me feel proud, I feel accommodated thus contributing to the community i live in for mutual respect, friendship and integration.

Ex Super Eagles Goalkeeper Facing Jail Time For Diverting €200,000 In Belgium

Peter Rufa’i, former Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 African Nations Cup gold medalist, worked very hard to

be in form and maintained good name. He was in goal for Nigeria’s senior national team for over a decade, and kept goal for

European clubs such as K.S.C Lokeren, K.S.K Beveren (both of Belgium) and Deportivo de La Coruna of Spain.

However, one error of judgment on his part has caused the reputation he built over the years to stain, particularly in B e l g i u m where he allegedly diverted the sum of 200,000 euro that was put in his hand by the Nigerian Community and ran to Nigeria last year.

Sources claim that the Belgian government has an arrangement in place for ethnic groups and

that of nationals of other countries in Belgium whereby financial supports are given to them every quarter. A subvention, it takes several different forms. At times, it is 5000 euro in a quarter, and at other times it is well above it.

Organizations like the Egbe Omo Odua, Igbo Group, Nigerian Community, Sierra Leon Community, and Ghanaian Community among others get theirs and spend it with shrieks of delight. Most of the African communities also have football clubs that also benefit from the largess.

Impeccable sources told orijoreporter that last year the Nigerian Community Football Club, an outfit managed by the ex-international and in division four of the Belgian League, received 200,000 euro (about N44 million) from the Belgian authority to prosecute the club’s programmes. Others like Ghana, Sierra Leon were also beneficiaries.

But while others used the money as specified that of Nigeria was

diverted by the manager, Rufai who left with it to Nigeria since last year and has not returned.

It was said that before the incident Egbon as Rufai is called in Belgium by the Nigerian Community was living in Antwerp having been brought from Spain where he had a small school where goalkeepers were trained by a lady.

Things were so difficult for him following his failure to make the right investments during his impressive career as a footballer.

And under the condition he was in, any straw was worth holding on to.

Orijoreporter gathered that Dodo Mayana as he is fondly called in Nigeria risked being jailed for three or six months if he returned to Belgium. It was also said that Rufai’s reported illness last year in Nigeria when he was admitted to Toki Hospital at Surulere for slumping in his office, after his 78 years old mother’s death was feigned so as to distract attention from his wrongdoing.

APRIL 15-30 2013 AFRICAWORLD 21

Celebration of Life IGBO UNION IRELAND

Chinua Achebe 1930-2013

“One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised” Tributes and funeral date will be announced in due course

Signed Kelechi Onwumereh Onye Ndu Igbo Union Ireland