AfricaWorld Newspaper 16 - 31 August

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AUGUST 16 - 31

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“WE SWORE THIS COULD NOT GO ON” Why Salome Mbugua Formed AkiDwA

By Paul Kelly

Salome Mbugua is a founding member of the European Network of Migrant Women and is CEO of AkiDwA, which stands for Akina Dada wa Africa, or the African Women’s Network. AkiDwA means ‘sisterhood’ in Swahili and the organisation exists to assist African women who have migrated into Ireland and to help them face the challenges that confront them.

Salome herself came to Ireland as a migrant from Kenya and in this interview she tells AfricaWorld what made her found the organisation and the work it is doing today.

Salome has led a rich and diverse career and has always sought to help the marginalised within society. In her home city of Nairobi, Kenya, she worked as a social worker for two years, helping to rehabilitate street children, some of which even went on to do Masters degrees in the University of Nairobi. Despite this, however, Salome’s passion remains in working against gender inequality and discrimination. “I’ve worked with women my whole life to build up their self-esteem and confidence,” she told AfricaWorld. “I worked for three years in Uganda as a gender specialist before I came to Ireland.” It was when Salome came to Ireland in 1998, however, that she first found herself amongst the marginalised. This wasn’t

Akidwa CEO - Salome Mbugua

always the situation. Salome first came to Ireland in 1994 on a scholarship to pursue a degree in Kimmage’s Development Studies Centre, a scholarship she gained through the help of an Irish priest, Father Pat O’Toole: “He became a friend of the family because

we didn’t have a church so people used to say Mass in our house.” she explained. “He helped me get a part-scholarship and my family paid for the rest.” Once in Ireland, she says she found everyone very welcoming and there was very little racism because there

was “the mentality that I would just be here for a few years to study and then I would go.”

And go she did, moving back to Kenya and then later to Uganda. However, Salome had also met her future husband in Ireland and when they married she moved back to Ireland with him. However, a lot had changed in the four years they’d been away. The amount of migrants living in Ireland had spiked and suddenly racism had crept into thefabric of Irish life.

“I felt very isolated.” she told AfricaWorld.

“I got to know other migrant women and they shared similar feelings. We agreed to form a group so we could start meeting together. We had all experienced racism: people threw stones, people shouted abuse.

I myself waspregnant when I was in Ireland, this was before I met these other women, and I was walking down O’Connell St near the Post Office. This time was very bad because the media had painted it that African women were coming here to give birth so that they could gain citizenship. This man came up to me and almost hit my face and shouted at me: ‘don’t bring another nigger into this country!’”

This racism did not deter Salome, however.

Together with that same group of friends Continued on Page 3

HOW NIGERIA CARNIVAL IRELAND TOPPED THE CHARTS

By Ukachukwu Okorie

The Nigerian Carnival Ireland 2012 has come and gone but the memories will linger until the next edition comes to town again.

All who were involved praised the efforts of the organizers to pull up a fantastic crowd and package a long list of fun - filled activities.

Despite the economic battle that Ireland still grapple with, it was entertainment galore

from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th. So thanks to D-Dymensions Communications Ltd, a communications and training company established by Oluwayemi Adenuga, best known as Yemi Adenuga and often referred to as “Energy in Motion”.

Talking to Yemi is a reporter’s delight as she is engaging as well as inspiring with ideas and motivation. A broadcaster for many years.

Yemi Adenuga had this knack for mass

communication as an undergraduate in her undergraduate days back in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, She became a household name in her native country when she started hosting a talk show, ‘Sharing with Yemi’ from 1996-2003 on Nigeria’s first private television station, Africa Independent Television (AIT).

AfricaWorld decided to track down Yemi and talk to her about the organisation of the Nigeria Carnival Ireland, which has broken

the ‘borders’ as the show has metamorphosed to a big summer fiesta for all irrespective of their background. In Yemi’s words, “NCI has grown beyond our imaginations.” Excerpts are highlights of my discussion with her: Congratulations on your successful host of Nigeria Carnival Ireland 2012, how did it start?

“The Nigeria Carnival Ireland took off in 2010”, Yemi said. The festival is organised by Continued on Page 4

CHINUA ACHEBE

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AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

opinion

The return of the native

Editorial THE STRUGGLE FOR AFRICAN RESOURCES RAGES ON

“Nigeria is what it is because its leaders are not what they should be.”

By Ukachukwu Okorie

The recent travel of US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton around some important African countries in an 11 days journey sends signals.

CHINUA ACHEBE

The visit triggered global debate about whether the United States and China, the world’s two biggest economies, are, at each others throat over resources in Africa. Inasmuch as scholars, analysts and interests can argue, the fact remain that there is a new scramble for the heart of this planet earth.

Hillary Clinton’s remarks during the trip especially in Senegal, although not calling any country by name, were interpreted by the media to be targeting China and softly persuading African leaders to cooperate with the United States. In a University in Dakar, She was quoted as saying that her country is committed to “a model of sustainable partnership that adds value, rather than extracts it” from Africa. She said unlike other countries, the United States “will stand up for democracy and universal human rights even when it might be easier to look the other way and keep the resources flowing.” This particular statement attracted reviews in some African news posts, one reminded her the history of US involvement in post colonial era, which was fraught by CIA inspired assassinations and overthrow of leaders that refused to sell their people and new independent countries for “a dish of Western porridge”.

China recently topped the United States as Africa’s biggest trading partner, and I tell you most solemnly, Washington is not sleeping about this development.

Besides, US hawkish leaders are worried about the strategy and foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China towards Africa.

Today China seeks to feed its voracious appetite for natural resources as their domestic growth booms. Although Africa’s path of development seem to be something of a ‘paradox of plenty’, due to the poverty among many of her children, notwithstanding the wealth of resources beneath. The fact is that the United States has not been fair to African people, whatever analysts may say. Until the United States drastically overhaul its policy and relationship with Africans, China will continue to rise in the continent. Africa and its people has seen the best US and Europe has to offer but China is a new suitor. I repeat, unless things change and the conspiracy revert, Africa will flirt with who cares for her.

Leave our material resources alone and consider us all, outside of the world’s resource source - we need to heal and not be your heel. Come inside.

Uka

Chinua Achebe, Nigeria and Africa’s foremost novelist and poet is not new to literary minds. Professor Achebe is better known as the author of ‘Things Fall Apart’ published in 1958, and which is regarded as the most widely read book in African literature.

Born on 16 November 1930 in the Igbo town of Ogidi near Onitsha in southeastern Nigeria to Isaiah Okafor and Janet Anaenechi I loegbunam Achebe, Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe saw the clash between African tradition and Christianity.

Thus, the significance of this inculturation became, to a great extent, his inspiration to write the continent’s most important literature and reaction to the whiteman’s new religion.

AfricaWorld & Millenium Development Goals Editor Ukachukwu Okorie Chief Reporter Paul Kelly Graphic Design Celine Fang Bruno Chaves

Photography Stephen Boyle Erika Moore

At 12, Chinua Achebe went to Nekede in Owerri where he enrolled in the school his elder brother taught.

In 1944, Achebe gained admission to Government College in Umuahia and later moved on to the University College of Ibadan, where he studied English, History and Theology. While in the University College, he contributed many stories and essays to the school magazine, University Herald.

According to the literary genius, the knack for writing developed due to his love for stories, “stories told in our home, first by my mother, then by my elder sister—such as the story of the tortoise— whatever scraps of stories I could gather from conversations, just from hanging

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

around, sitting around when my father had visitors”, he said.

After graduation, he taught in Merchant of Light in Oba near Onitsha for four months, before moving to Lagos in 1954 to work for the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBS) which was newly established. Asked how he ventured into the broadcasting career, Achebe said, “I got into it through the intervention of Professor Welch. He had tried to get me a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, and it didn’t work out. So the next thing was the broadcasting department, which was newly started in Nigeria, with a lot of BBC people. So that’s how I got into it.”

His involvement in the Nigeria - Biafra civil war was another highlight in his post 1970 writings as he has denounced time without number the frivolities and misdirection of Nigeria by its leaders.

In 18 February 1975, his lecture An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” became the focus of controversy among European Academics for its criticism of Joseph Conrad as “a bloody racist.” His expanded criticism when he presented a Chancellor’s Lecture at Amherst decried Conrad’s book as dehumanising to Africans. According to Chinua Achebe, it rendered Africa as “a metaphysical battlefield devoid of all recognisable humanity, into which the wandering European enters at his peril.”

Chinua Achebe legacy transcends the African literary firmament. He is regarded as the father of modern African writing and many scholarly works and essays have been published about him.

In 2004 and 2011, he rebuffed Nigeria’s attempt to honour him with one of their prestigious government awards, citing corruption and lawlessness in leadership.

The issue of conspiracy against the Republic of Biafra during the Nigerian civil war made him disillusioned against the direction of the country of his birth.

His works are too numerous to mention and they are translated into tens of languages. It is believed that his criticism of Conrad’s book denied him a Nobel Prize in Literature. Asked by a reporter if he regretted not winning the award, “My position is that the Nobel Prize is important. But it is a European prize. It’s not an African prize.... Literature is not a heavyweight championship”, he answered. Achebe is the recipient of over 30 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is acknowledged not only as one of the greatest literary genius to emerge on earth but a great inspiration to critical minds.

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

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3

NEWs (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

“WE SWORE THIS COULD NOT GO ON”

Akidwa CEO - Salome Mbugua Flanked by L-R - Eamon Gilmore TD, Ireland Deputy Prime Minister, Andrew Montague, former Dublin Mayor and Joe Costello TD, Minister for Trade and Development.

By Paul Kelly

she had gathered with, she formed AkiDwA. “We swore that this could not continue.” she explained, “Especially , for the sake of our children. And we knew we were the only ones who could change things.” Things did change, and AkiDwA was at the heart of it.Through a series of small steps, AkiDwA has grown rapidly to affect the lives of hundreds of migrant women in Ireland today.

Perhaps most importantly, it has given migrant women a voice in shaping thepolicy designed to assist them. “Before, different organisations would get together and talk about migrant issues without any migrants even being there.” Salome told AfricaWorld.

“The point of creating AkiDwA was to create a platform where women experiencing these issues would be able to talk about them, rather than just anyone presenting their views about what is going through our minds. We want to sort out our own issues and our own problems rather than leaving it to someone else who mightn’t even understand it.”

The issues facing migrants in Ireland are many, however, and Salome is quick to clarify that, despite its success,AkiDwA is not meant to face them all. Chief amongst AkiDwA’s current priorities remain issues of employment for migrant women, Gender Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation. Issues, in other words, that specifically target African women.

Female Genital Mutilationtoday affects over 3,000 women in Ireland and half a million in Europe. However, after years of campaigning, AkiDwA have finally managed to secure the passing of legislation aimed at curbing the horrific practice. On the 2nd of April, President Higgins signed a law criminalising the practice and imposing stiff fourteen year prison sentences on parents who try to inflict the practice on their children.“This has been our greatest achievement.” Salome told AfricaWorld. “It has been something we’ve been fighting for, for the last 11 years.” The bill, however, has not been greeted with the same enthusiasm in all communities. “There was some backlash from our own community,”

Salome told AfricaWorld. “Because some people felt that it would just marginalise people more because the law could imprison you.

Some of the women said the consequences could be very bad as 14 years is the lifetime of the child.”

It was not just local communities which voiced opposition to AkiDwA’s ground breaking work, however, even some politicians went against them. “We’ve also had diplomats who felt it was a community thing.”

Salome said with disgust. “They’d say ‘why are you questioning their practices?’ Also some would just deny it was happening. For example in Nigeria, they denied it happens at all because they are trying to make their country look good.”

Despite this stern opposition, however, Salome remained calm as she talked about it: “Whether you like it or not you are always going to have some people who disagree with what you’re doing.” she told AfricaWorld philosophically.

Another key area where AkiDwA has helped change the lives of hundreds of migrant women is in the area of Gender Based Violence. In 2009, AkiDwA ran a survey which found that while physical abuse was recognised as wrong by migrant women, verbal and psychological abuse was more or less tolerated. Since then, however, huge strides have been made, Salome told me. “Things have changed quite a lot.” she smiled. “You’ll find that the majority of African women have been here for over fifteen years and a lot of work has done in identifying verbal abuse and it is now recognised as a form of domestic violence.

We even now have one to one cases of people coming here who have identified it.

Things have progressed quite significantly.”

An area, however, where progress remains

slow is in employment.

Although AkiDwA runs a series of training seminars as well as work placements, often the cost of child care impedes migrant women’s access to these. “People are paying more for childcare than on mortgages.” she told AfricaWorld in outrage. “The most difficult situation for migrants is that they don’t have any extended family here to help them. It is also very difficult to get family reunification so their husband can’t come and help them. So what’s the point in working if child care costs you more? We actually had a woman here who asked that.

We had work placements for some of the women but at the end of the day they just couldn’t take them because they were just voluntary placements.”

A further problem, Salome also told me, was of the lack of meritocracy in most Irish companies. “It’s all about who you know.”

Salome said.

“Many migrant women are very well educated but they just don’t have the contacts.”

Financial problems are also taking their toll on AkiDwA: “We are hopeful, but the future is very dull because our funders are giving us far less than we want now.” she told AfricaWorld.“And we are not receiving money from the government anymore.”

Despite this, however, Salome still remains passionate about AkiDwA’s continuing ability to empower migrant women living in Ireland. “AkiDwa is still the only network for migrant women in this country and wealways bring a different perspective.” she explains.“Our perspective is based on our work with women of different experiences and backgrounds and different experiences accessing health and education.

This angle is very vital for a country like Ireland where migration is still very new.”

NEW PRESIDENT OF GHANA PLEDGE STABILITY

By Nonye Anuche

President John Dramani Mahama

The new president of Ghana has said his immediate challenge is to get the government to continue working smoothly with all political parties prepare especially during the forthcoming December elections. John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s former vice president, took power last month after the

unexpected death of his predecessor John Atta Mills.

Friday August 10th was the burial and concluding funeral rites of President J.E.A Mills, who died on July 24, this year at the 37 Military Hospital after a short illness.

Ghanains, including political opponents mourned the sad death of Mills. The late president was accordingly given all the necessary respects and honour as a defender of democracy and leader of all.

He was massively eulogized for being humble, peaceful and God-fearing. Ghana was in red and black, as streams of tears run down the cheeks of everyone. This is the first time in the nation’s history that a sitting president has passed on.There was abrupt halt of all political activities by the largest opposition party, NPP, upon hearing the sad news on that fateful Tuesday. Political parties, religious and traditional authorities, civil society organizations, diplomats and individuals also joined in all mourning ceremonies.

At the regional level, Volta Regional Minister commended the chiefs and people of the region for organizing various

activities to mourn the demise of the President. Mr. Kamel observed that the death of the President had united the country more than before, as there was total unity and demonstration of love towards one another in the country in general and the region in particular. He further noted that the late President would be mostly remembered for the introduction of the‘Better Ghana Agenda’ which had positively affected the people of the Volta Region.The NPP Regional Chairman, Mr. Kenwuud Nuworsu, stressed the need for all Ghanaian, particularly the youth, to emulate the good character of the late President, whose death came as a shock to the entire nation.The Paramount Chief of the Ziavi traditional area,Togbega Ayim, who spoke on behalf of chiefs in the region, said the establishment of a state university in the region was one of the greatest things the late President Atta Mills led government did for the region, and proposed on behalf of the chiefs and people of the region to rename the state university after the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

President Mahama told journalists in

an interview that the transfer of power was smooth thanks to Ghana’s solid constitution and mature democracy. He said after a long period of instability and coup d’états, the 1992 constitution enabled five successful elections in his country and made it impossible to roll back democracy.

“Our 1992 constitution was written in a very consensual way by people from all walks of life in our country and they must have anticipated a lot of things. And so it’s a very good constitution, very well written. It is clear and where we have uncertainties about parts of it, the Supreme Court determines and we all abide by it. But I think it’s Ghana’s collective experience along its historical road for the last fifty four years that has brought us to this point where we have such a stable democratic process.”

The President said that in Ghana today, and in much of Africa, there are strong civil society organizations, religious and traditional groups and leaders, as well as pressure groups that have a vision of how they want to live. Mr. Mahama will run

for president in the December elections.

He says the competition will be strong not because Ghanaians have different visions for their future, but because they have different propositions on how to achieve the same goal.“I think it’s a shared vision because Ghanaians want a stable democratic country, constitutionally governed under the rule of law. But at the same time, we want to create a country where our people can live in decency and dignity, a country where our mothers are not dying in the process of giving birth, a country where our children are not dying prematurely from malaria, a country where young people can grow up in a morally sound environment and be proud that they are Ghanaian”, he said. In a message to other African nations, President Mahama saidelections are important even if they are not perfect because they get better with time. He warned that after a long time dictatorship, things get worse before they get better. But ultimately, he said, nations can only achieve stability through elections that reflect views of their people.

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AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

NEWS

HOW NIGERIA CARNIVAL IRELAND TOPPED THE CHARTS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

company. AfricaWorld learnt that NCI partnered with Legendary Gold, to enable Ireland access to the African fashion and textile market.

D - Dymensions CEO - Yemi Adenuga

D-Dymensions Communications Ltd. The company runs a range of strategically developed, highquality and effective consultancy services. According to Yemi, at D-Dymensions Communications Ltd, the goal is simple, “Know the needs of our clients and develop strategic interventions to meet them.”

Beside the yearly Nigeria Carnival in Ireland, the company is involved in: - Planning - Training - Development - Education - Public Relations - Production - Project & Event Management.

- AfricaWorld learnt that it was not easy to take off, bearing in mind the aspirations of the communications outfit. “It took us up to 4 years before we can get access to perform in Phoenix Park”, Yemi informed.

On the issue of clash with the Ramadan Fast which many of your fans complained about? Yemi Adenuga said, “We do sympathise with our Muslim fans on this occasion. Although we chose August due to its important timing, dates for Ramadan Fasting keep shifting every year.”

AfricaWorld learnt that the 2011 and this year’s celebrations deprived many Muslims who were fasting the opportunity to attend. “I appreciated

all effort in achieving this great event but am still skeptical on the modalities used in picking dates....9JA (Nigeria) Ireland communities comprises of both Muslim and Christians....I would have loved to be part of the event like any other Muslim but the days for the 2012 event fall in between the Holy month of Ramadhan.....I would advise that this should be considered when organising future congregational events like this”, Tunji Abdul Oladele, one of the numerous Muslims had commented.

The Ace broadcaster informed that the organisers are now wiser for the next festival. “By next year, we will programme it better” Yemi promised. She, however, wish all Muslims a fruitful fasting period this 2012. Not forgetting Nigerian Muslims, she appealed for prayers for the country especially in this era.

When asked how she achieved this feat of running this wonderful show daily in a week?

“It was not easy but we were up for it as an organising committee was raised for the carnival to enable effective organisation”, Yemi informed.

AfricaWorld witnessed a beehive of activities throughout the week that NCI hosted the festival. From Monday 6th to Sunday 12th August, people from all walks of life thronged venues of each event to capture great variety in cultural entertainment. Tourists from Nigeria

who have never seen any need to visit Ireland made most of the opportunity theCarnival provided.

AfricaWorld kept an exclusive diary of all events that made the festival ‘a show stopper’. See how the event went: On Monday, the Carnival was declared open by the Nigeria Ambassador to Ireland who was represented by Charge D’Affaires, Mr G O Alabi.

Exhibition followed up at the Heritage Kitchen, Lucan.

Tuesday witnessed a guarded tour for tourists around Ireland. The organisers wanted to put Ireland on the radar of Nigerian tourists who normally exclude the island in their schedule of itinerary. This day was set aside to whet the appetite of travelling Nigerians in view of the future. The day also served as a dress rehearsal for the fashion show.

On Wednesday, the Fashion Show took place in the Charlton Hotel in partnership with Legendary Gold Ltd, a top Nigerian designing outfit.

Legendary Gold has made its mark in the classy and rich business of global fashion through the Nigerian fashion and modelling industries.

Since its inception in 1996, Legendary Gold Limited has become a reference point in modelling and fashion in Nigeria.

Lexy Mojo, an African fashion icon who has toured the world promoting Nigeria’s eye catchy wears runs the Legendary Gold

Thursday hosted the Children Cultural Day in the Navan Cultural Centre from 11am - 3pm.

AfricaWorld exclusively gathered that the event was a multicultural activity as kids had great fun. There were Tales by Moonlight, a popular show in Nigeria that keep children strapped to their seats. Kids also learnt the Nigeria Anthem, Pledge and enjoyed games like the sack race etc. According to the CEO of D-Dymensions, parents of nonNigeria background have been calling to relay the experiences their kids shared with them. Between 8pm to 2am, another cultural night was witnessed as tens of different dance troupe entertained. “I never knew that there were 42 cultural groups from Nigeria in Ireland”Yemi informed. The night witnessed a posthumous honour of NCI Grand Patron, Ambassador Segun Olusola, who was one time Nigeria’s envoy to Ethiopia. The late Segun Olusola, was the creator of the popular Village Headmaster - a Nigerian soap.

Friday evening afforded fans the opportunity to mingle with rising Nigerian comedy star, Princess while Saturday saw an impressive crowd at the Phoenix park where families made the most of a wonderful day.

The day’s event which was supposed to end at 6pm saw guests demanding some more as dance, games like sack - race, catching train, kept kids as well as adults busy. There were Nigeria style BBQ (Suya) and snacks to keep the body strong and revving for more action.

Later in the day, Princess the Comedian entertained.

As the curtain drew for the show, NCI decided to reward some outstanding personalities. Topping the list of awardees is the immediate past Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Andrew Montague. The popular former Dublin 1st citizen was honoured as NCI Integration Ambassado 2012 for an outstanding tenure. The list of recipients include: 1. NCI Migrant’s Choice Integration Ambassador 2012 - Cllr.

Andrew Montague 2. NCI Diaspora Choice Entertainment Award - Princess Damilola Adekoya 3. NCI Diaspora Choice Outstanding Personality 2012 - Rev. Stephen Ojo 4. NCI Surprise recognition Award 2012 for Selfless and Charitable works in Africa - Tunji Olaleye 5. NCI Recognition Award 2012 For relentless support of Migrant Women in Ireland - AkiDwa 6. NCI Recognition Award 2012 For commitment to supporting the integration and inclusion of

migrants in Ireland - The Integration Centre.

The NCI leader showered encomiums on members of the planning committee especially team leaders who made it possible for an eventful 2012 edition. She informed AfricaWorld that robust ideas are welcomed for next year’s event which is expected to be bigger. Below are the names of the NCI team leaders: 1. Publicity - Tunji Olaleye 2. Cultural Night of Honour Aderire Ademokun 3. Cultural Night of Honour Kunle Animashaun 4. Marketing - Loretta Adenuga 5. Stage Management - Juwon Olaniran 6. Graphics/Web design - Anthony Akinwande 7. Children’s Cultural day - Stella Oladapo 8. Logistics - Seyi Allen-Taylor 9. Welcome Ceremony - Theresa Martin 10. Sales - Toun Reilly 11. Information - Joe Reilly 12. Security - Segun Oguntayo 13. Hospitality - Vicky Robert 14. Fashion Show -Tony Macauley 15. Road Show -Godfrey Chimb 16. Flyers distribution - Pastor Ayodele Sanusi Yemi Adenuga concluded by enjoining Nigerians to eschew bitterness and rancour either at home or in Ireland.She spoke more about the talents abundant in Nigerians especially those in Ireland. “If we can come together to harness our gifts, encourage one another, there will be benefits for all, particularly Ireland”, she concluded.

The Adenugas - Yemi and Hubby, Deji.

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

5

news

LABOUR PARTY’S INTERCULTURAL GROUP CALLS FOR SENSITIVITY TRAINING FOR ALL PUBLIC ROLES The Labour P a r t y ’s Intercultural Group today called for sensitivity training for all in public roles including the judiciary.

“In the light of the recent comments made by Judge Devlin in Castlebar District Court, Labour Intercultural group calls for the introduction of sensitivity training for all those working in public roles including the judiciary.

“Labour Intercultural has already made similar calls regarding public representatives.

Insensitive comments about Polish nationals are the latest example of a lack of sensitivity

shown by people in public roles.

“The comments may have been said flippantly and it may be difficult to access if any harm has been intended, but anyone in a public position should show restraint and a degree of sensitivity so as not to fuel any unnecessary negative connotations which may be completely inaccurate.

“Real issues should be raised, but with proper evidence and purpose.

Even then sensitivity needs to be shown to ensure that issues and ethnic minorities can be kept separate rather than labelling an entire group.”

Morocco send water bombing planes to rescue Spain

By Nonye Anuche

On Tuesday August 14th two water bombing planes was sent to Spain by Morocco sent two water-bombing planes Tuesday to help Spain extinguish a stubborn 10-day-old wildfire that has scorched nearly 10 per cent of the land and ancient woodland on the Canary Island of La Gomera.

The wildfires are the latest blazes of summer forest fire season that has been one of the worst in recent times for Spain and Portugal.

Drought-like conditions and very high temperatures have made it extremely difficult for authorities to fight the fires. But Canar y Island regional government spokeswoman Candelaria Ceballos said “the extra planes and a drop in temperatures were raising hopes that firefighters might finally control the blazes that have burned 30 square kilometres (12 square miles) inside and outside the Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site”.

This summer, the wild fires in Spain has led to evacuation of several hundred people getting

evacuated, most recently from La Gomera, where nearly 1,000 island residents and tourists were taken to safety Monday by ferry.

At the worst point of the La Gomera fires, about 5,000 people had been evacuated, a quarter of the island’s population. Two fire fighters were killed battling blazes over the weekend in Spain’s Alicante region. The worst hit areas in Spain have been the Canary Islands, which are popular among tourists, and forested areas in southern Spain near the Mediterranean. In Portugal, the fires included a raging blaze that burned homes late last month on the edge of the largest city on Madeira Island. The country’s most devastating fire deaths this year happened in late July in the Catalonia region near the border with France. As the fires raged for days, a key cross-border highway was closed because of smoke, forcing French motorists heading home from vacations in Spain to take an alternate route.

A fire caused by a tossed cigarette from the line of slowmoving cars on the smaller road

started another blaze -- forcing more than 100 people to abandon their vehicles and scramble down steep hills toward the Mediterranean. A French family of father and daughter that found themselves at the edge of a seaside cliff ended up plunging to their untimely deaths.

The addition of the Moroccan planes has increased the number of fire fighting planes working at La Gomera up to7, including a few water bombing helicopters.

Each plane on Tuesday was landing about every 30 minutes intervals on the ocean to pick up water, taking off to dump it on burning areas and then returning for more water. Forest fires in Spain burned 1,300 square kilometres (500 square miles) from January through Aug. 5, officials said, more than triple for the same period last year. In Portugal, there were nearly 3,000 wildfires reported through July, double the average over the last decade. The amount of scorched Portuguese forests almost tripled this year to 200 square kilometres.

EMBASSY CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN’S DAY

By Ukachukwu Okorie

The National Women’s Day is a celebrated August. It highlights the national march of women on this day in 1956 to voice out their

buy sex every 2 weeks.

grievance against legislation that required black African persons to carry a “pass”, special identification documents which hindered an African’s freedom of movement during the apartheid era.

In Ireland, the Embassy of South Africa commemorated it through a talk - show and networking function at the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre on 27-31 Amb. Ndou thanks NWCI Boss, Orla O’ Connor

Upper O’Connell Street in Dublin 1. The occasion which was directed by the embassy Counsellor Political, Ms Thobeka Dlamini had guests from different spectrum of life.

Highlights of the day include an opening

The National Women’s Council of Ireland for women.

Boss, Orla O’Connor, shared with guests the

Ms Sipho Mlambo of ANC Ireland went aims of the her feminist organisation which memory lane, remembering the 9th of August include: empowerment and participation of 1956. On this fateful day, 20,000 women women in all, fighting discrimination, staged a march on the Union Buildings in integration of migrants whether Muslim or Pretoria to voice out against the proposed Asylum seeker. She informed that the NWCI amendments to the Urban Areas Act ( pass board operates a quota system for even laws) of 1950. At the Union Building, they left representation. According to the NWCI leader, bundles of petitions containing more than “Our organization is central to women’s ideals 100 000 signatures at J.G. Strijdom (Then in Ireland.”The Council has equally introduced Prime Minister) office door. At the building, a couple of legislations and continue to fight the women sang a protest song that was for women living on the margins. According composed in honour of the occasion: to Orla O’Connor, the problem of women in Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!(Now you

E Mr. Azwindini Jeremiah Ndou. Sarah Benson, CEO of Ruhama and Orla O’Connor, Acting

woman in Ireland is under - represented and

CEO and Head of Policy, National Women’s Council of Ireland. Salome Mbugua of Akidwa and Ms Sipho Mlambo, ANC Ireland, made presented papers too.

Amb. A J Ndou spoke about the struggles and emancipation of women especially in South Africa. He talked about the tribulation in the past and hailed their success so far.

Amb. Ndou presents a gift to ANC Ireland Sipho Mlambo

restated her organisation’s desire to work more

Ireland started with the Constitution with have touched the women, you have struck a saw women as ‘Tenders of Home’. “The rock.).

speech by the South African Ambassador, H

Amb. Ndou and Salome Mbugua

Breaking down statistics of Ruhama’s work, Akidwa serve purposely as a platform for Sarah informed on their commitments to women in Ireland especially on gender issues workers of the red light district from 31 like distribution of power and influence. communities in Ireland and how 16% men While calling for support, the Akidwa leader

public holiday annually in South Africa on 9

Amb. Ndou presenting souvenir to Sarah Benson of Ruhama

Sarah Benson discussed about women and outlawed in Ireland. “There are 3120 women commercial sex which Ruhama deals on. who are victims of FGM in Ireland”, She said.

“ANC has done more for women under their the core dream of NWCI is to empower her”, rule especially on appointments which is 50% She said. of the ratio”, the ANC leader said. This particular Salome Mbugua marshaled statistics of struggle entrenched a lasting legacy, making the underprivileged woman especially in sub the South African government policies gender - saharan Africa. The Akina Dada Wa - Africa friendly.

CEO highlighted some of the achievements The South African Ambassador, H.E Mr. and focus of her organisation since inception Ndou presented gifts to the speakers and the over a decade ago. Among them is the female occasion called for networking among the genital mutilation (FGM), which was recently guests.

6

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

news

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

7

news/column

Heart of the Matter: Raoul Peck - Significant Other confirm categorically for the whole of Africa.”

Let it not be forgotten that the ‘task’ caused untold suffering and caused the loss of an estimated eleven million lives – the same number as in WWI and should put students’ of European Studies concept of ‘poor little Belgium’s’ vulnerability at the outset of WWI in new perspective.

That delegates there did not stand up and at least remove him, let alone pour concrete down his vocal chords in order to cease his consequent diatribe of offal, astounds. The legacy referred to, was nothing short of the rape and plundering of an entire region of Africa – second largest territory in Africa – its borders demarcated thousands of miles away at the Berlin Conference of 1885.

by Max Uspensky Raoul Peck is significant. He is significant as a film maker. He is significant as a humanitarian. He is significant for the Congo.

1960 was significant for the Congo.

Specifically June 30th of that year. King Baudouin’s speech at the independence ceremonies was nothing short of gut wrenching and vomit inducing.

“The independence of the Congo is the result of the task conceived by the genius of Leopold II. A task undertaken by him with courage and tenacity, and furthered

by Belgium’s own perserverence. This marks a decisive hour in the destiny, of not only for the Congo itself, but I can

Sahel Food Crisis – Arboreal Initiative

Raoul Peck through two of his films produces honest paradigms through which to understand the position at the time of independence. He properly accounts Patrice Lumumba’s response verbatim in both the documentary and fictionalised accounts of Patrice Lumumba.

The response starts out tamely enough, “Today we have won our fight for independence. I salute you in the name of the Congolese government. To you all, my friends, who have fought without respite at our sides, I ask you to make of today, this 30th June 1960, an illustrious day that will be etched forever on your hearts. A date, whose significance you will pass on with pride to your children, who, in their turn, will pass on to their sons, and grandsons, the glorious story of the struggle for our liberty.”

crisis, Africa World is able to report on an important ally and resource to combat hunger and malnutrition – trees.

The belief that trees hold valuable spirits stretches across the Sahel. In practice and reality some trees do in fact provide almost magical qualities.

Consider the moringa tree – its leaves are abundant in vitamins A,B and C and are laden with calcium, iron and protein. The leaves even assuage the effects of malaria.

They grow rapidly and fare well in drought regions. Breast feeding mothers and young children benefit immensely from the trees’ life giving properties in a region where one meal a day is the norm.

Similarly, leaves from the baobab tree are rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The leaves hold six times as much vitamin C compared to oranges and twice as much calcium as milk.

by Max Uspensky

While aid relief agencies remain heavily challenged in response to the Sahel food

Trees are underestimated in much of the region and initiatives are under way to encourage replanting and preservation of current stock. Tree Aid is an NGO well informed and active in the area.

The continuance of his speech lays out bare, Belgium’s true heritage, “We have known beatings, morning, noon and night because we were negroes. A black was always addressed in the familiar form, certainly not as a friend, but because the respectful form of address was reserved for the whites.”

And this blatant but honest riposte sealed Lumumba’s fate of being murdered and his remains dissolved in a barrel of acid

by Belgian agents in connivance with CIA operatives some seven months later. He was too significant an ‘Other’ himself.

The response also allows us to understand that Congolese had been and significantly continued to be treated as something ‘Other’ than their overlords and in that respect let us at once move to another field of study – that of Simone de Beauvoir’s treatise on Woman.

But for the grace of the somniferous virtue of poppy we might not understand the Congo’s predicament, past and present any better. Simone’s treatise, The Second Sex, (Paris, 1949), considers the category of the ‘Other’. She reveals, “The category of the ‘Other’ is as primordial as consciousness itself. In the most primitive societies, in the most ancient mythologies, one finds the expression of a duality – that of the Self and the Other.”

The observer of the Congo situation might consider the Self (ish) as the Belgians and the ‘Other’ as the indigenous peoples. Just a paragraph on, Simone contextualises this premise for us, “Thus it is that no group ever sets itself up as the One without at once setting up the Other over against itself . .. Jews are ‘different’ for the

Mali Rebels Step Down – Situation Escalates

anti-Semite, Negroes are ‘inferior’ for American racists, aborigines are ‘natives’ for colonists, proletarians are the ‘lower class’ for the privileged.”

She further serves our understanding, “No subject will readily volunteer to become the object, the inessential; it is not the Other who, in defining himself as the Other, establishes the One. The Other is posed as such by the One in defining himself as the One. But if the Other is not to regain the status of being the One, he must be submissive enough to accept this alien point of view.”

Interestingly, “A condition brought about at a certain time can be abolished at some other time, as the Negroes of Haiti and others have proved ...” Raoul Peck’s father migrated from Haiti to assist the Congo, when the Belgians in all their generosity left a country with just 136 Congolese schoolchildren who had completed primary education and only 30 university graduates.

Raoul Peck’s two magisterial works of filmatography, “Lumumba: La Mort Du Prophete (1992) and his feature film, “Lumumba” (2000) at once both create Raoul Peck as the bold significant other in order to understand the Congolese paradigm and to help us further understand the concept of the ‘Other’. The films should help us understand not just part of the African situation but the concept of the ‘Other’ in the broader humanitarian sense applied to among others, studies in sexuality, feminism, race, economics and elitism and ethics in general.

by Max Uspensky

Tuareg led rebels have stepped down their claim for an independent state following the hijacking of their rebellion by Islamist extremists, Anser Dine. Instead they seek a special status within Mali, perhaps in a similar way that Quebec fits into Canada.

Whilst the caretaker civilian prime minister, Dioncoudra Traore, remains in Paris, injured following attacks by protests in May, Islamist extremists seek to take over all of Mali. They intend to impose Sharia law over the whole country in a way that bears resemblance to the Taliban.

Anser Dine and other extremists are responsible for doing irrepairable damage to key heritage sites in Timbuktu, including destroying centuries old academic scripts in the city’s library.

Response by surrounding African states and ECOWAS remains tame and muted as social strife and insecurity continues to escalate in a country which as part of the Sahel is also under assault by hunger and malnutrition.

8

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

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OHANEZE NDIGBO ANNOUNCE NEW YAM DATE

CHIT CHAT WHY I SLEPT WITH MY PASTOR

Chief Romanus Nwanguma

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Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Ireland will be celebrating their annual IRIJI Cultural Festival 2012 on the 1st of September at the Unit 4 ,Noring Junction Duleek Park CO.Meath . According to Onowu Romanus Nwanguma, the traditional prime minister, “being the socio - cultural platform uniting all Igbo speaking states, it behoves on Ohaneze to keep the culture alive wherever our people dwell.”

Chief Nwanguma enjoin all Igbos and their friends to join in celebrating the cultural festival.He advised that interested groups should come with their cultural dance and masquerades . “We are using this opportunity to call on all Ndi Igbo in Ireland to come out and participate in activities to mark this 2012 event with pomp and pagentry”, the high Chief said. “Some of our children do not understand what we mean by IRIJI festival in Igboland, this will be an opportunity for everyone to come with their families to witness our culture. Every Igbo man is Ohaneze , identify with ohaneze irrespective of your town union or club”, he concluded. The IRI JI will witness some distinguished sons of Africa honoured with a chieftaincy titles for the good works they have been doing in our community .

AfricaWorld can exclusively reveal an emerging crises that could explode in a family if all entreaties fail. A South African woman decided to go to bed with her Pastor to pay back her husband who was caught frolicking with a close friend.

It happened that she heard the rumour about her husband’s infidelity but kept cool. The painful thing was that her close friend was the woman in the picture. Her single mom friend often visited her family at home with her 2 year old son.

AfricaWorld learnt that the single mum even spent two days with them last Christmas.

Although she was informed about the randy habits of her man but seeing him with a close friend sent shock to her

nerves.

The bubble got bursted one day when. deciding to feign ignorance of his escapades, she trailed him on a certain night. With the usual flimsy excuse of going to see their family pastor, one evening for counseling and discussion, bordering on a family issue, the man went to his usual love nest. He, instead of the agreed destination, went to see the single mum. The wife decided to leave the kids in a friends place and drove to the north side of Dublin where her friend resided. Against all expectations, she saw her man on the cor r idor canoodling her friend.

CONTINUE - next edition.

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

CULTURE/FOOD/LOVE

9

10

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

COLUMN/NEWS

joe moore column

By Joe Moore

Chikainaefe.

What a beautiful name. Roughly translated from Igbo it means “its G od that we worship.”

Chikainaefe or Kaina as she is called, is the two-year-old daughter of a friend. Should African parents, living in Ireland call their children by traditional names or by European ones? I would like to add my views to this debate.

Firstly, let me recount two incidents. Last year I was invited to the First Communion celebration of a friend’s daughter. In the course of the party that followed, I spoke with two young children, a brother and sister. The boy was about 10 years old, his sister maybe 6 years. I asked both their names. The boy answered first and gave a Christian/

European name. His sister told me her traditional/ African one.

Immediately her brother reproached her, saying that she should never tell Irish people her African name because they would mock her. I was shocked.

I never realised that people had to warn children, not to reveal their traditional names for fear of being bullied or worse.

Last November, I was present in Maynooth University, for the formal presentation by Sr. Majella McCarron, of her personal correspondence from Ken Saro Wiwa. The event was held in the old library. This contained thousands of works written in various African languages. (Why is so much of the culture and heritage of African, held in Western museums and libraries. Neo colonialism is still alive and well, even in Ireland, itself a victim

Elevation Photo Book Magazine Launched

on British colonialism.) Before the formalities began, I wandered about, looking at various exhibits. I struck up a conversation with a Yoruba woman, a student of the university. She pointed out to me, a book written in her native language. The conversation moved onto the use of African names. She informed me that a number of Yoruba pastors were trying to persuade parents not to use traditional names, if those names referred to local gods.

So African parents are under pressure on two fronts. From ignorant Irish people and Christian pastors who see some traditional names as a threat.

Ireland can never again become the country it was twenty years ago. It is now a country that is home to people from all corners of the world.

These people will enrich Irish life. But in order to do so, they must not deny their culture.

Afr ican parents should continue to call their children

by African names. Irish people will need to accept that fact.

Equally any pastor that attempts to dissuade people from using traditional names should be informed of the potential damage of such a course. Names are much more than mechanisms for marking us out from others. They are part of our culture, they are an integral part of who we are.

This issue is the subject of a song by the late Lucky Dube, Africa’s greatest reggae star. His song “The Other Side” tells of two characters. One a Jamaican called Jackson, the other is Themba , from South Africa. Jackson wants to return to his roots in Africa. He knows his ancestors were brought to the Caribbean as slaves and like all others in his situation, he does not know his real name.

Themba on the other hand lives in Soweto but wants to leave Africa. I will quote Lucky’s description of him.

“He has changed his African name to a western one, cause he

doesn’t know how it hurts to have a name you can’t be proud of. He hopes that one day, one of these birds of the sky can take him away to a very very far land, running away from the very roots that so many black people in the world are wanting to come back. A place they call home”

Once people begin to discard elements of their culture, it’s only a matter of time before they loose their identities. After a few short generations they will become like Jackson. All immigrant communities face the pressure to conform, to integrate. That pressure should be resisted. Traditional names, food, language, music and dress are all-important elements of who we are. If we loose any of them, we loose our souls.

I wish Kaina a long and happy life and with her beautiful Igbo name, she will never forget who she is. A proud African woman.

Kenya to investigate helicopter crashes

By Nonye Anuche

The government of Kenya has on August 14th said it would cooperate with Ugandan authorities to investigate the cause of multiple helicopter crashes in Mount Kenya, which killed at least two soldiers, left 4 still missing and 15 others wounded.” President Kibaki assured his counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni and the government and people of Uganda, that all rescue efforts will continue in search of survivors,” a spokes person from State House said.

Four soldiers were still missing after the bodies of two of their colleagues were found in helicopter wreckage deep inside Mount

Kenya.8 other soldiers were found an estimated eight kilometres from their crashed helicopter which did not disintegrate on impact. 7 other soldiers were rescued earlier on Monday near their helicopter which also crashed in the mountain, and were rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

Emergency rescue officer said the 15 surviving soldiers were not in life threatening condition, other than slight injuries sustained by most of them. Emergency crews said others, including the pilot of one of the helicopters is seriously injured,even as they raced against time to trace four others whose whereabouts is still a puzzle.

“President Mwai Kibaki, on behalf of the government and people of Kenya sent a message of condolences to the families of the members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force who perished when their helicopters crashed in Kenya on their way to the Republic of Somalia. The president also wished the injured quick recovery,” Kibaki’s press team, PPS said.

Four Ugandan army helicopters were headed to Somalia to reinforce AMISOM forces to attack Kismayu in Somalia when 3 of them crashed in the mountainous terrain late on Sunday.

NWANNEDIUTO CELEBRATE AUGUST MEETING

By Nonye Anuche Elevation Publisher - Lolo Lauretta Igbosonu

On the 10th August, at the Chinese Full House Restaurant, Abbey St, Dublin, a new celebrity magazine was launched for people of substance. The 34 page glossy Elevation Photo Book Magazine launch attracted the cream of African women in Ireland. Speaking at the event which was exclusively covered

by AfricaWorld, the Publisher of Elevation, Lolo Laureta Igbosonu thanked God for making the launch a success. “I owe gratitude to God for making my dreams come through together with my beloved husband, family and friends”, She remarked in her opening speech.

According to Lolo Lauretta Igbosonu, “Elevation will continue to reflect the positive attributes in our communities.”

AfricaWorld reliably learnt that the Photo Magazine will be celebrating a delightful and honourable raise of Africans globally.

The maiden edition featured the Prestigious Nwannediuto Igbo Women and its ebulient President, Mrs Ifeoma Onwubiko, former Nigeria Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Kemafor Chikwe and Pre s i d e n t E s a n Wo m e n’s Association, Queenette Oligie Esezobor. Fashion, beauty and important people’s columns are all in the attractive magazine.

Guests showered praises on the publisher for a good job and enjoined all to grab their copies.

To pick a copy, call +353879510780 or +2348023210911 for interested buyers in Nigeria.

Ireland top women cultural group, Nwannediuto had their yearly August event on the 11th day of the month. The function held with pomp and pageantry at St Patrick’s GAA club in Stamullen, Co. Meath. Stamullen, which lie off the M motorway, some 35 km north of Dublin City, just beside the River Delvin. The annual August event is an offshoot of the much celebrated sisterhood meeting and activities that is part of the tradition of Igbo women in Nigeria. Nwanne di uto was first formed as Nwanne di na Mba in 2004 before it metamorphosed to Nwanne di Uto in 2005. AfricaWorld reliably learnt that the idea of its founders was to form a women’s support group that will work on ways to facilitate awareness, promote social and economic integration within the Irish

society. According to the president Ifeoma Onwubiko, “our aims include promoting positive integration, developing and to facilitate training on cultural differences and similarities. The organisation also organise workshops to showcase Igbo people’s African food and taste as well as cultural dress styles of the Igbos.” “There is current plan for Igbo language class for our members’ children who are not conversant with the language”, she added. Membership of the organisation is open to women of Igbo extraction either by birth or marriage. The colourful event was well attended by different socio - cultural groups and individuals from various parts of Ireland. Among the groups that graced in their elegant African attire were Anambra State Association(ASA) Women, Ikhuosan Women, Ada Ide, Akwa Cross Women, Ohanaeze, Urhobo

CHANGE OF NAME

Group. Guests from the Irish and African community also turned up in lovely outfits. The keynote address was delivered by Councillor Ken Farrell of the Labour Party. In his address he noted that “Integration is an important part of empowerment for women.” He further encouraged women to get involved in elections and decision making. Lolo Nobhule Ezeani among others also spoke on women empowerment, financial motivation and spirituality.

Highlights of the occasion include, breaking of kola nut, launch of Nwannediuto song, display of African cultural dance and music. The event started early in the evening and went on till midnight as people enjoyed the activities of the day.

CHANGE OF NAME Presently known as Folake Farida Olatunde > will like toFarida change her name to Folake Stephanie Olatunde > Presently known as Folake Olatunde

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

family CORNER

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Are we ready for it?

You know we also yearn for it It is there in the heart when souls perished for it throats thirst for it it’s running through the veins but when is it where are men born into it women that bore it it is today tomorrow isn’t it if we are for it it is now

Poems

I stooped but never conquered

What an old man can sight while sitting, a child will climb Meaning: Experience counts If money is grown like trees, men will date monkeys Meaning: Wealth breed confidence He who dwells in a glass house does not throw stones Meaning: Caution is a watchword for the wise

FOLKTALE

TALES FROM UMUGUMA Why do monkeys inspire bonding. Their young ones play around live in trees?

together, go to the stream and pick fruits for the community.

One of the most important festivals during this era was the famous beauty contest. The contest was among the young maidens and the first criteria was that contestants must be a virgin. It happened that the matriarch of monkeys was on the judges panel and her last daughter was involved.

Despite the fierce nature of the competition and evidence that the monkey

The Dusty Gunpowder

Hallucination it seem or fantasy we thought we conquered the mighty we devoured babies we sneaked the beauty a land once revered now turned into debrise the mighty in battle is let into our midst in the company of him the man that i worshipped one that pray at noon

It raged like a hurricane bare it caught me it was like air filtered into ears like fluffy feather it massaged my ear seem sweet but bitter breezy wind turned sour vulnerable it became biting lobes like winter its a fight to finish but it must be conquered

Folly thee said is evil when they seem so even i lived the faith neither snarled nor hissed in you we believed no one else but you land i toiled that you may shine through the lens of

Wisdom Bits

Once upon a time, animals lived together in the forest and things were shared together among them. There was absolute peace as each one acted as its brother’s keeper, both in eating and gathering food. All animals were vegetarians so there was no threat to life as both the dangerous animals today, never had bad instincts.

While sharing a communal life, they engaged in activities that keep them happy and

In the midst of it

While i spit on your chest, you concentrated on blinding my eyes Meaning: Respect is reciprocal Mutual agreement needs only a nod Meaning: Understanding is key to friendship When you bend to look at peoples ass, yours is also being seen Meaning: When you gossip about someone, you are equally exposing yourself

was not coming up atop, the mother gave her daughter all the scores at her disposal. Conniving with one of her fellow judges, the marks made the young monkey the most beautiful maiden in the jungle. At the announcement panel, all hell was let loose and there was revolt in the forest. The riot was so violent that the matriarch ordered all monkeys to climb on trees and escape. Although some tree climbing animals chased them but they outsmarted the violent mob. From that day, they became king of trees.

11

I Cannot Marry

My smile is for me life worth living you hiss at me when is love true? how true is it? that you care for me my heart is my pulse i know my bag contents are just mine you pester with pebbles wounding instead of caring i just cannot marry

Connect with

AfricaWorld on

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AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

entertainment/ column

cderivan@eircom.net

Cartoon by Sara Sinclair

Adorable mum

Potty Training Requires Preparation, Patience and Praise

Founder of Adorable Mum - ADM Gbeminiyi ‘Gee Bee’ Shogunle When it’s time to potty train, it’s all about the three “P” words: Preparation, Praise and Patience.

Introduce children to the potty slowly. Let them sit on the potty at times when they are likely to go -early in the morning, after a meal or about 45 minutes after they’ve had a drink.

“It’s best to do some figuring out of the child’s patterns in advance of the situation,” says Linda Sonna, a psychologist and author of “EarlyStart Potty Training.”

Praise children for sitting on the potty -- regardless of whether they go, adds Susan Lipkins, a psychologist in Port Washington, N.Y. “Reinforce any attempt to go and sit on the potty,” she says.

It’s also OK to use stickers, small

candies or reward charts to encourage kids to use the bathroom, experts say.

If your child is having difficulty making bowel movements on the potty, try placing a stool under his feet to help him push.

Expect accidents and let your child know they are not a big deal, says Maryann Bourque, a nurse and community education coordinator for the Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del. Finally, it’s crucial to be patient with your child, Bourque says: “It just takes time.”

Bourque, Sonna and Lipkins offer the following dos and don’ts to make the process easier: Don’t punish a child for accidents.

Do put books by the potty to make it fun.

Don’t dress children in clothes that are difficult to take off.

Do establish a routine or set times for going to the potty.

Don’t be afraid to make using the potty fun.

Do let a child watch you use the toilet.

Don’t force a child to sit on the potty.

Culled from Parent Dish

CHIMNONSO NURIA ZIORANMA OHAEKELEHEM

CHUKWUJIEBERE CHIBUZO was born on the 28th day of March, 2012 at 27 weeks and 1 day gestation, as against her EDD (expected date of delivery) for the 26th of June.

Her weight at delivery was 760grams. There was something striking about this miracle baby, she was very sound in health, was never ventilated, a great fighter she is. Her team of Doctors were amazed at God’s goodness to our little Angel.

Aint our Holy God awesome? As at the 14th of August, she weighed 4.32kg...Oh what a glorious God! On the 12th of August, a Zimbabwean Event Planner ( Ms Zak), organised a Baby Welcome

Party for our miracle baby. We duff our cap for Zak! For all those who made out time from their busy schedule to rejoice with us, and for all your precious gifts and services rendered, we say a big thank you, and pray that may our Excellent Jehovah, who has visited us so kindly, bless your various homes with joy untold...

Amen!

Rejoice, Rejoice, Rejoice with us, again we say Rejoice!!!

Signed; Mr & Mrs Ohaekelehem

Chinedum

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

13

column

PRIDE OF AFRICA Abou.k.Soumare was born in Congo but naturalised in South Africa. He s t u d i e d Criminology and Food technology.

He works as a sales and marketing representative.

“Adventure is my thing and I love travelling”, Abou s a i d.

He is passionate about Africa.

Why Men Indulge in Extramarital Sex Lack or poor communication with the spouse.

Their spouses might not be interested in oral sex.

Signs of a Cheating Man:

Folashade Santos Abifarin

By Nkiru Edokobi

Method First of all, boil your meat (depends on choice) to be tender. Boil for 20 - 25 mins and keep.

To make ogbono soup you need these ingredients I kg of assorted beef Grinded ogbono Crayfish Pepper Red oil Dry fish Ogili okpe {opitional) Knorr or maggi cube Salt.

Start with another pot and boil some red oil for a minute. Add the ogbono and stir for 2 minutes to break all lumps, then pour in your meat stock and the tasty sauce. Add crayfish, pepper, knorr and allow it to boil for 10 mins. Keep stirring and do not cover the pot completely. Stir after 10 minute and add salt. Stir and taste for salt content. Then add vegetable depending on your choice. Bitter Leaf is the ideal choice. Serve with fufu or pounded yam and you will definitely enjoy..

Previous article discussed why women cheat on their husbands and this week my column will shed some light on the reasons why men indulge in extramarital sex. The question why men cheat on their wives has been around forever and have always given the media something to talk about. However, it is a question that overwhelming number of wives would love to know the answer. This is an issue with no definite answer.

However, knowing the reason why husbands cheat on their wives can help women to deal with the situation of their husband’s infidelity. Some of these tips that will be mentioned here will not end the question of some women that seek for definite answer.

Men that are cheating on their wives know that it is wrong, otherwise they won’t need to be hiding it.

Reasons Why Men Cheat: Some men are just not ready for commitments.

They don’t spend quality time together with their wife.

Many learnt from parents Lack of quality time with wife Boring partner Selfishness When his partner is not interested in sex They crave the initial excitement and illicit fun of a “secret” affair.

Men cheat because many of them increasingly feel powerless in a society that is giving women more rights and powers in domestic & public spheres.

The woman’s sex drive isn’t what it was when they got married.

Having sex with more than one woman is an ego boost for those with low selfesteem.

The man perceives that their partner is no longer interested in sex.

He is an excellent liar.

His stories aren’t making sense anymore and He has no sense of guilt.

Hairs of a different color on clothing.

He is spending less time with you and being less affectionate.

Hanging and staying out late.

Clothes smell of perfume, massage oil residue and/or sex or havemake-up stains and/or lipstick smudges.

Turns off phone when he’s with you.

Goes outside or to another room when making calls.

Secretion stains on underwear.

His computer habit have changed and sudden interest on internet at late night.

As a matter of fact, no one deserves to be cheated on because this malaise can wreck havoc on a victim. It can easily destroy a happy family. If a husband feels that he has fallen out of love with his wife, he should talk about it. Strategies should be devised to fix things and if all efforts fail, there should be mutual understanding to separate but not to cheat.

Cheating is wrong, ridiculous and should not be justified. Although some claim it is natural for men to do so, I totally disagree with this notion. Men do have a choice; to be married and be faithful or to be single and fling. In society, we are supposed to be committed and faithful. I urge men to be loyal to their wives.

Relationships must be built on trust and respect and to cheat on your wife is betrayal. It is not an honorable way to live.

However, from the above reasons, it is obvious the blame are not only for men, wives play a part too. Some advice for women: treat your men right at all times, they are not just your life contract. Your man need to be checked on from time to time and he deserve to feel the spark.

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AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

photos

Tina Tinuke Akinola-Jinad and Elevation Publisher - Lolo lauretta Igbosonu

Family Friends - Barr & Mrs. Ojechukwu and Chief & Lolo Igbosonu at the Elevation Launch

Women of Anambra State Association (ASA) Ireland

Nwannediuto Women

Beautifull Girls at the Nigeria Carnival Ireland

Lolo Uche Abulume & Lolo Sarah Nwanguma at the Elevation Launch

South African Olympic Sprinter - Oscar Pictorius

Ireland Olympic Gold Medalist - Katie Taylor

AUGUST 16 - 31 2012

15

news

News in Brief

By Paul Kelly

Algerian Taoufik Makhloufi has won an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 1,500 m race after only being allowed to run on the day of the race itself. He had been previously expelled for “not trying” in an earlier race.

Angolan boxer Ntumba Silva has been disqualified from the Olympic games, having failed to attend the compulsory weigh in before his first fight.

On August 1st, Benin celebrated its 52nd anniversary since independence from France.

Botswana’s government has declined to buy an additional 10% stake in the De Beers diamond company which operates within the country, due to budget constraints.

Burkina Faso has been commended in the USA’s 2011 terrorist report as being“vigilant and responsive to the threats and dangers posed by terrorist organisations”.

Burundian refugees in Tanzania are being threatened with forced deportation after the Tanzanian president announced his intention to close down every refugee camp sheltering Burundian nationals within Tanzania.

Seven Cameroonian athletes have disappeared from the Olympic village in London. They are suspected to have left for economic reasons.

The Central African Republic has begun a UN initiative with ten other Central African countries aimed at preserving the country’s forests.

Chad’s murderous former dictator, Hissène Habré, is to be tried in a special court in Senegal after the Senegalese government agreed to establish the court in order to do so.

Congo-Brazzaville’s Labour Party

has won a majority in Legislative elections,

winning 89 out of 136 seats.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering accepting an International neutral force composed of different African armies in order to assist in uprooting armed groups in its eastern region.

Churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo have released a “cry of distress” following increased fighting in the country which have left 30,000 displaced and hundreds killed.

In Cote d’Ivoire, a military base was attacked by an unidentified armed group who killed seven soldiers and injured twelve more.

Egyptian security forces have begun air attacks on the Sinai region bordering Israel in the hopes of bringing the volatile area under tighter control.

A hotel owned by the son of Equatorial New Guinea’s notorious President has been seized by French authorities. The son, Teodorin Obiang, is being investigated for money laundering.

Ethiopia’s government have dispatched an investigative team to the south of the country to investigate deadly tribal fighting which has seen 18 people killed and dozens injured.

Gabon’s state-run media regulator has suspended two weekly newspapers for criticising top officials.

The suspension will last six months.

A Gambian court has sentenced former Information minister Amadou Scatred Janneh as guilty of treason for plotting to overthrow the current government.

The Ghanaian government has declared August 10th a public holiday. The day will see the burial of the late President Atta Mills.

Ghana: Accra is to host the fifth West & Central Africa Mining Summit. The summit will see industry leaders and authorities discuss the rapidly expanding sector and will last between the 11 and 12 of September.

The UN Security Council have called on Guinea Bissau’s political actors “to engage in a consensual, inclusive and nationally-owned process to restore constitutional order in the country.”

Kenya: Survivors of the 1998 US Embassy Attacks in Nairobi have called on both the Kenyan and US governments to compensate them for injuries and the loss of family members who were killed in the blast.

Sally Kipyego and Vivian Cheruiyot have won Kenya’s first 2012 Olympic medals after coming second and third respectively in the 10,000m women’s final.

Liberia has announced the first public hearings for its 2012 National Budget. Ministries, corporations and agencies of government will defend their respective budgetary allotments at the hearings.

Former Malagasy president Marc Ravalomanana has denied allegations of crimes against humanity.

He is currently being investigated by the South African National Prosecuting Authority.

Tensions continue to simmer between Malawi and Tanzania over the current border conflict.

Tanzania’s committee Chairman, Edward Lowassa has announced that, if need be, it is prepared “to defend our sovereignty at any costs”.

Mauritius has been held up by the Zimbabwean National Chamber of Commerce as a key location with which to export locally made goods to, especially cotton and beef.

Morocco has recently hosted the new Libyan Prime Minister, Abderrahim El Kib, on a working and friendship visit aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mozambique’s main opposition party, Renamo, has threatened to boycott upcoming elections unless its demands regarding controversial electoral legislation are met. It claims the current legislation will politicise the electoral regulator.

Namibia’s Ministry of Education have announced the introduction of free and compulsory primary school education nationwide.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathon has met with US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton as a part of the secretary’s ten day trip across the continent.

Nigeria’s health ministry has announced it will release the bodies of a further 132 people who died in the tragic Dana air crash. The bodies have only recently been identified.

The Rwanda Clothing Home has hosted a fashion show aimed at showcasing Rwandan fashion.

The event was praised for its creativity by chief guest, the Minister of Trade and Industry, François Kanimba, Food production is expected to be boosted in Senegal through the use of satellite technology which will allow for“accurate agriculture, crop control, output valuation and meteorological forecasting”.

Mali is to be investigated by the International Criminal Court over possible human rights abuses that are alleged to have occurred during the coup there last year.

Sierra Leone: seven ex-soldiers have been arrested for allegedly assaulting the Minister of Defence, Alfred Paolo Conteh, and four other senior officers.

Mauritania: mining workers are clashing with police after going on strike. Police brutality has resulted in the murder of union leader Mohamed Wals El-Mashozafy

The Somali government has announced a key victory against Al Shabaab after taking the stronghold of Km-50 airstrip in South Somalia.

South Africa’s first 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Cameron van der Burgh, has been accused of allegedly using illegal dolphin kicks during his winning 100m breaststroke.

Sudan and South Sudan have reached a crucial agreement over the use of oil resources within the two countries. The agreement will allow the resumption of South Sudanese oil exports through Sudanese pipelines.

Sudan: citizens of Rehaid Albirdi, South Darfur, have engaged in huge protests against rising living costs which have left seven injured.

Swaziland: nurses have begun industrial action in protest against low wages and “life threatening conditions” in hospitals.

A Tanzanian woman has been jailed for fifteen years for attempting to smuggle $207,000 worth of heroin from Zimbabwee to Ghana.

Togo’s media regulatory authority has banned the newspaper La Nouvelle due to alleged registration irregularities and for allegedly publishing “false information, calls for ethnic and religious hatred, invasion of privacy, slander and insults.”

Tunisia’s Finance Minister Houcine Dimassi has resigned citing conflicts over monetary policy as the chief motivation behind his decision.

Uganda has, for the first time, deployed its air force to assist in the African Union peacekeeping mission in war torn Somalia.

Zambia: a third woman has been killed in what is becoming an increasingly grisly series of murders in the country’s capital. The woman’s body was found underneath a row of bushes outside a nightclub.

Zimbabwe: the final 150 page draft of the country’s new constitution has been rejected by President Robert Mugabe, despite being three years in the making.