June 16 30 2013

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JUN 16-30 2013

Vol 001 Nยบ37

FrEE

mugabe or the west

By Humble Obinna

Who is right on Zimbabwe?

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AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

editor’s column

The return of the native

Editorial

NEW CITIZENS SHOULD REGISTER for elections

By Ukachukwu Okorie

MIRIAM MAKEBA

Now that you have got your passport, it is time to bring your expertise to play for yourselves and Ireland. I explicitly stated this in my speech at the Dublin City Convention Centre where new Irish citizens were formally adopted.

We commend Alan Shatter for his reforms of the process and further request that the policy of state-sponsored deportation of Africans cease. It is a policy of racism and Ireland is not a racist country. We will celebrate policies of integration and help in uprooting the roots of racial discrimination. We love Ireland and will always contribute to her progress and prosperity. However, progressive reforms should be extended towards providing a more enabling environment in areas like job recruitment.

There are still ‘zealots’ who would not recruit blacks no matter how qualified they are. We are aware of a vocal minority who have vowed to stop the initiative to accelerate the Irish citizenship process embarked on by the current Justice Minister.

Now that you have your passport, go and register to vote. It represents a duty to vote in the general elections, not just a vehicle for travelling or relocating to another country. We must contribute in all facets of Irish life, and most importantly voting to elect representatives. Your vote is your power to effect a change you desire or keep the status quo.

The next Irish general election will likely take place no later than 8 April 2016.

Conventionally, the election will be called following the dissolution of the 31st Dáil by the President, at the request of the Taoiseach. The electorate will elect the members of the 32nd Dáil who will assemble shortly afterwards to elect a new Taoiseach following agreement on the Government of the 32nd Dáil. Go and register, it is very important.

Come in.

Uka

Miriam Makeba was born Zensi Miriam Makeba on March 4, 1932, in Prospect Township, near Johannesburg, South Africa. Her father was Xhosa while mother was a Swazi Sangoma Eighteen days after her birth, Miriam’s mother was arrested for selling umqombothi (Home -made drink) during the apartheid era. Her mother was later sentenced to a six-month prison term, so Miriam spent her first six months of life in jail.

Makeba began singing in her school choir as a young girl, and by the mid-1950s, she was landing local gigs as a full-time professional singer. When apartheid was introduced to South Africa, Makeba was old enough to grasp the consequences, which i n f l u e n ce d h e r d i re c t i o n .

Makeba was diagnosed with breast cancer after the birth of her first daughter, however, it was treated unconventionally, but successfully, by her mother.

Her international stardom began with a small singing part in the movie ‘Come Back Africa’, a documentary on black life directed by Lionel Rogosin.

Miriam Makeba who played herself, singing two songs, became an instant hit . She was later invited to attend a screening at the 1959 Venice film festival. The calypsonian Harry Belafonte took her under his wing and guided her through her first solo recordings in the United States.

Shortly after the Sharpeville massacre, Miriam heard that her mother had died, but her own South African passport had been revoked and she was barred from returning home

for the funeral. That was the beginning of a 30 years of exile.

Her life in the US continued to be busy and unfolded like a showbiz dream. She recorded and toured many places, meeting stars of all shades. She appeared along with Marilyn Monroe at the famous birthday celebration for John F Kennedy.

Her first return to Africa came with a visit to Kenya in 1962.

In 1963, she gave the first of several addresses to the UN special committee on apartheid, and South Africa banned her records. She was the only per former to be i nv i te d by t h e Et h i o p i a n emperor Haile Selassie to perform in Addis Ababa at the

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

Published by Uyokanjo Media Services Ltd. 46 Parnel Square West

3rd Floor +353 87 637 3210 Dublin 1, Dublin City

Republic of Ireland Skype: africaworld1 E-mail: africaworldnews@gmail.com

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly Sub-Editor Roisin Morris

“I will probably die singing”

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin Leandro Tonetto Oliveira Welbert Silva de Andrade Photography Darek Gutowski Antoinette Keane

inauguration of the Organisation of African Unity.

Miriam Makeba returned to South Africa in December 1990 after the release of Mandela.

She per formed a concer t in South Africa in 30 years in April 1991.

After a three -decade -long exile, her return to South Africa was celebrated with pomp and pageantry. Makeba is the most impor tant female singer to emerge out of South Africa. She is hailed widely as ‘Mama Africa’ for helping to bring African music to a global audience in the ‘60s. She continues to inspire new generation of singers and play an important role in the growth of African music.

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.

www.africaworldnewspaper.com

jun 16-30 2013

AFRICAWORLD

3

NEWS

mugabe or the west:

ZIMBABWE’S BEGGING NARR ATIVES IN THE FACE OF ELEC TIONS

By Humble Obinna

Narratives are supposed to provide a measure of truthfulness and give significance to the actions of individuals. Moreover, they help preserve the memory of deeds through time. A narrative comprises of a setting, characters and a plot.

Where any of these are lacking or are presented in a false light, the narrative becomes false. Over the years, many narratives have been presented about Africa and Africans based on suppositions, and from these have arisen several false narratives about this growing continent. Most of these narratives have been given not by witnesses to an event, but by ‘consumers’ of information circulated to them. This had led to a lot of prejudice about this green continent.

The narratives on Africa have focused on starvation, poverty, disease, famine, total dependency and other negatives. Now the tide is moving far beyond these false narratives as people are now very much aware of Africa’s optimism and self-sufficiency.

This new narrative has been tagged ‘Africa Rising’ by many.

Africa rises much more beyond economic and social concerns but also more in political affairs. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of the umbrella organ of African countries, the Organization of African Unity, which was replaced by the African Union in July, 2002. Through this Union, Africa has become more representative, more vocal and more involved in world affairs, especially with issues concerning herself. The narratives surrounding Africa are being rewritten.

Among the several narratives on Africa is the one surrounding the ‘bread basket of Africa’. The bread basket of Africa has been in the spotlight of the world for quite a long time, owing to the multiple instigations, manipulations, and propaganda that circulated on the continent before and after her independence. What is even more unsettling is the demonization of an apparent dictator in our times, who has held on to the reins of power for more than three decades, which for many is more than forever. Robert Mugabe and ‘his’ Zimbabwe have been thronged with a lot of narratives that have brought a lot of confusion. The vast majority of these narratives bear Zimbabwe and her leader in a very false light and you begin to imagine what sort of people could tolerate such a person for so long. However, new narratives emerge that

project Mugabe as the liberator and true patriot of the Zimbabwe he had imagined.

The negatives are centred upon Mugabe who had hitherto enjoyed the support of many Western countries and has been given several honorary awards, few of which have now been revoked.

Among these negatives include; his reneging on the Lancaster house agreement; his onslaught on the people of Matabeleland and the Midlands under the code name, Gukurahundi; his unsuccessful economic policies; being a racist dictator who scorns Western interference in the country; his involvement in the Second Congo War; his holding on to power and using violence to intimidate and cow people into supporting him; and the most aggravating international problem is his illegitimate land reforms.

These negatives have earned him several sanctions from international communities and governments. The only positive thing about his administration is the promotion of education amongst the population, such that over 90% of the populace are literate.

Irrespective of these narratives, it remains a fact that the hyper-inflation in the country has reduced the living standards of the people to paltry peasants. It remains a fact that many Zimbabweans are living in fear of Mugabe as a lesser evil and as such are loyal to him because of what they had witnessed in the past. It remains a fact that the Western government and media have contributed to the hardships of the people by encouraging sanctions and discouraging international aid. It remains a fact that Mugabe himself is an unpredictable evil genius who is quite afraid of the aftermath of his tenure in office in allowing for progressive individuals to hold offices.

The narrative of “Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans” professed

by Mugabe himself is an inspiring one which has endeared him to many within his country and many in other African countries. His defiant stand against the manipulations and neocolonization by the West has been seen by many as a move in the right direction.

Proponents and supporters of this narrative are of the view that the foreign influences upon Africa have overstayed their welcome, and that it is high time Africa takes up her problems in the context of her indigenous cultures.

According to Mugabe, “The white man is not indigenous

to Africa, Africa is for Africans, Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.” The problems of Africa, even though they may be known everywhere by the same themes, have contextual solutions. There should be re l e v a n t contributions by Africans to their problems. This narrative has been seen by many as a wake-up call made to all peoples to solve their problems indigenously, because what might work for us in solving a problem might not work for you in solving the same problem in your country.

A popular slogan reads that, “the West has presented negatives about Africa in order to keep her for themselves”. Africa has been the reaping ground for many Western countries, yet so many negatives are flaunted about this productive continent. Rachael Akidi, a BBC Correspondent writes that: “Some of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa, and the continent has been described as the hottest frontier for investment.

But how much of this economic growth is trickling down to the people?” This issue is being taken up during the on-going BBC World Series with the focus on Africa. This series will run from the 17 – 28 June, 2013 and it is tagged “Africa Rising: Who Benefits?”

The spotlight is again focused on Zimbabwe in the coming months as they approach another crucial period in the nation’s existence, elections. In 2008, the country had elections which were widely disputed

Zimbabwe Prime Minister and leader of opposition Morgan Tsvangirai

and which saw the announcement of two elections results, the first against Mugabe, and the second in favour of Mugabe; a change which was brought about by much intimidation and violence, which later led to the formation of a powersharing government between the opposition parties. After this election, another election was to have been held in 2012, but because of the constitution-making process and the institution of necessary reforms, which were only finished and accepted in the early part of this year, the elections were postponed until 2013.

Following a Supreme Court injunction which demanded that the elections be held no later than the end of July 2013, Mugabe unilaterally bypassed constitutional requirements and declared that the elections will be held on the 31st of July this year.

Following this declaration, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which is Zimbabwe’s strongest opposition party and led by Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai, has voiced out their rejection of this impromptu date. According to Tsvangirai, this is not constitutional and legal as it was not made with his consent. For him, within the constitution, the elections can only be held from the 25th of August. This is to make sure that the rule of law and due process according to the constitutional requirements are followed to avoid a clash of political parties and

manipulations made by the incumbent President and his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union, Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). In his recent address to the Southern Af r i c a n D e ve l o p m e nt Community (SADC) in Mozambique, he said that “the last four years have been a painful transition characterized by the absence of a genuine partner to the cause, a period which saw unilateral decisions being made, agreements not being fulfilled, U-turns on agreed positions”. This does not deny the fact of malignant and vicious attacks on his person and party. He expressed that his decision to hang on was based on his service to the people and in respect of the directives and resolutions of the SADC. So once again, the world watches with keen interest as Zimbabwe writes her narrative, without the influence of Western or international interference or media. Most remarkable is that the narrative for elections in the country has changed from ‘free and fair’ elections to ‘credible’ elections. Can Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans write a meaningful and purposeful narrative? Unless the hunted gives an account of the hunt, the story of the hunt will always favour the hunter. It is time for Mugabe to rewrite the narratives about him and his country. It is time for the Zimbabweans to move forward politically and economically; it is time for them to give account of their narratives.

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AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

NEWS

“Our children are our heritage” Zimbabwe celebrated her 33rd year of independence and it was full of activities around the world. AfricaWorld talked to Tendai Mandingwa Madondo, a Zimbabwean leader in Ireland on the her beloved country.

W

h at is happening h e r e today?

Basically, we are celebrating Z i m b a b w e ’s 33rd i n d e p e n d e n c e celebration. Basically, what that means is that Zimbabwe is 33 years today. Zimbabwe was born on the 18 April, 1980.

The theme for this year is “Our Children, O ur Heritage”. We are creating a platform for our children to participate and also to recognise the fact that our language, our country is our heritage and we need to be proud of it, despite the political situation currently in our country.

With regards to the political situation, are things improving?

I suppose we have currently a global political agreement with the ZANU-PF and MDC, which was not there before. So as a result of this, we have been able to bring down the hyper-inflation significantly.

The constitution making process was itself marred with a lot of persecutions and threats for people who were perceived to be anti-government and people who are perceived to be opponents to the government. I suppose since 2008 where there were a lot of people killed or injured politically, I think we have moved on.

And there is a lot of hope.

But currently as you know our President is 89, and he is going to go for another term and he has been in power since 1980. That is an indicator of the fact that we still have a long way to go. A lot of people are also saying that if Mugabe dies, a lot of things will be better in Zimbabwe, but that is not true, because I don’t think that Mugabe himself controls what happens in Zimbabwe, he has lost

grip of the political situation in Zimbabwe. My strong belief is that it is his cronies, it is the people who are around him that is actually controlling Zimbabwe.

Things actually will change if we are going to have a democratization process of Zimbabwe.

To the function today, what are the core programmes and events today as there are many children and families here today?

Like I said before, the theme is “Our Children, Our Heritage”, so our children are singing in our languages, the two main

languages; the Shona and Ndebele. There is also soccer, since soccer is quite a big thing in Zimbabwe. It is also a way of bringing other nationalities to come and celebrate with us, our own country Zimbabwe and the contributions made within the African region.

So we have Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabweans and other nationalities that are playing soccer. We also have netball which is quite huge in the Southern African region, so we have women that are playing netball. We also have sackrace just for young people.

We also have quiz targeted

at young people for them to have really a grasp of their country.

Wh o we re t h o s e invited, especially the Speakers?

We had the Mayor of the local area, and one of the councillors was here as a Speaker. What we are also doing here is to honour the contributions of some Zimbabweans within the Irish community. One of those recognized is a young boy Harrison Dodo.

Basically, what happened was that he was playing outside with his Irish friends, and he is quite good in playing the guitar.

So they were miming

Rihanna’s song; “We Fall in Love in a Hopeless Place”.

So then the video was posted on Youtube, and it got more than 1 million hits. And then he was invited to The Late Late Show in the other media.

Even Ellen DeGeneres managed to talk about him in her own show, so that is how big he had become. The integration process is two-way and us as immigrants we are supposed to do that. And that is a typical example of how to do it. He now has a band called Fresh Re and that band is with Irish and Africans. If you go to Youtube and google two Irish boys singing “We found love in hopeless place”, you will see him perform. But then he has been on Youtube and other platforms. So that is an example of how Zimbabweans are contributing in Ireland.

Because we are about 2,500 Zimbabweans in Ireland, plus or minus, registered and d o c u m e n t e d Zimbabweans here in Ireland. I suppose each one of us have contributed in various areas. They have made significant contributions in various areas in construction. I am working in the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development Sector, I travel globally to advise programmes on Gender and Gender-Based Violence. I am living in Ireland, but nobody knows that that is what I am doing. What people see about Immigrants and Zimbabweans is suffering.

We are not necessarily that, we are making significant contributions in finance, economics, tourism and various other sectors. Like what Ferai is doing, he was the one who organized this event, The Zimbabwe Heritage Tr u s t , t h i s i s h i s contribution to this community as well.

JUN 16-30 2013

AFRICAWORLD

5

column/neWs

DD’s CuBICLe

HAs AssAD tHe RIGHts tO use CHeMICAL WeApOns?

By Dunstan Ukaga

“Following a deliberative review our intelligence community assesses that the assad regime has used chemical weapons, including the nerve agent sarin, on a small scale against the opposition multiple times in the last year.our intelligence community has high confidence in that assessment given multiple, independent streams of information. the intelligence community estimates that 100 to 150 people have died from detected chemical weapons attacks in Syria to date; however, casualty data is likely incomplete.”said a White House statement. the White House believes its assessment means Syria has crossed the so-called “red line” that President Barack obama established early in the conflict as a test for further western intervention to support the rebels.

So does assad have the rights to use chemical weapons in Syria? the United Nations office For disarmament affairs (UNoda) states: “the modern use of chemical weapons began with World War i, when both sides to the conflict used poisonous gas to inflict agonizing suffering and to cause significant battlefield casualties. Such weapons basically consisted of well known commercial chemicals put into standard munitions such as grenades and artillery shells. Chlorine, phosgene (a choking agent) and mustard gas

Fujispel is an inspired event by lara Shomoye, also known as lara royal, with full intent for people to relax and enjoy music, comedy, fashion, brief educative and informative talks and gastronomic ministration in a relaxed atmosphere.

Fuji music, being a known medium for people to relax and merry, makes it a good platform to synchronise the event with all the promised pleasures involved. Various artists will per form melodious songs that incorporate delicate flavours of african music, style and rhythm. lara royal, who has previously produced albums such as ‘Silver and Gold’, ‘You Matter’ and ‘i’m

(which inflicts painful burns on the skin) were among the chemicals used. the results were indiscriminate and often devastating. Nearly 100,000 deaths resulted. Since World War i, chemical weapons have caused more than one million casualties globally. as a result of public outrage, the Geneva Protocol, which prohibited the use of chemical weapons in warfare, was signed in 1925. While a welcome step, the Protocol had a number of significant shortcomings, including the fact that it did not prohibit the development, production or stockpiling of chemical weapons. also problematic was the fact that many States that ratified the Protocol reserved the right to use prohibited weapons against States that were not party to the Protocol or as retaliation in kind if chemical weapons were used against them. Poison gasses were used during World War ii in Nazi concentration camps and in asia, although chemical weapons were not used on European battlefields. the Cold War period saw significant development, manufacture and stockpiling of chemical weapons. By the 1970s and 80s, an estimated 25 States were developing chemical weapons capabilities. But since the end of World War ii, chemical weapons have reportedly been used in only a few cases, notably by iraq in the 1980s against the islamic republic of iran.’’

Convention on the Prohibition of the development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their destruction. after 12 years of negotiations, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was adopted by the Conference on disarmament in Geneva on 3 September 1992. the CWC allows for the stringent verification of compliance by State Parties. the CWC opened for signature in Paris on 13 January 1993 and entered into force on 29 april 1997. the CWC is the first disarmament agreement negotiated within a multilateral framework that

a Beacon’, sought for a deeper and better way of affecting the lives of people of diverse cultures and religious backgrounds, around and beyond her present domain. this quest for an improved method has brought about this one of a kind programme, called Fujispel. in a country like ireland, we need one another and more so, according to J K rowling’s words “we are only as strong as we are

provides for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction under universally applied international control. organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (oPCW) With the entry-into-force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on 29 april 1997, the organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (oPCW) was formally established. the oPCW technical Secretariat is located in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Currently, 189 nations, representing about 98% of the global population, have joined the CWC. the oPCW mission is to implement the provisions of the CWC and to ensure a credible, transparent regime to verify the destruction of chemical weapons; to prevent their re-emergence in any member State; to provide protection and assistance against chemical weapons; to encourage international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry; and to achieve universal membership of the oPCW. the cooperation between the United Nations and the organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is regulated by the relationship agreement between both organisations adopted by the General assembly in September 2001.’’

Emphatically, no nation, no peoples and no regime or president has the rights to use chemical weapons in warfare, against its own people or others.

Knowing this convention and prohibitions, why would a sane assad use chemical weapons in a rebellion against his own people? according to the Guardian, the US has said it will provide military support to the Syrian rebels after confirming it believes there is concrete evidence of nerve gas attacks by government forces against rebel groups. the assessment that limited attacks have taken place, based on Cia tests on blood, urine and hair samples from dead or wounded rebel fighters, is the first time Washington has supported claims made by British and French intelligence services in recent weeks. assad has repeatedly denied using any chemical weapons in the bitter civil war. late on thursday details began to emerge of the shape military

united, as weak as we are divided”. the event has been designed to provide its audience with a spectacular array of the music genre with appearances from lara royal and other guest artists, comedy, fashion display and inspirational speeches. it’s a guaranteed evening of enjoyment and flavoursome music. there will be colourful attire from different cultures. among attendees will be some of the most influential people around: notable men and women in proven walks of life. Since the academic year is completed, it’s a good time to give thanks to God for keeping us all safe and well and it promises to be an enjoyable time. the event will take place on Sunday, 30th June at NoBoring Junction, duleek industrial Park, Co. Meath 5:00pm.

Fujispel is one of a kind.

aid might take. Senator John McCain, one of the strongest proponents of US military action in Syria, said he was told on thursday that obama had decided to“provide arms to the rebels”, a decision confirmed by three US officials, according to the associated Press. the officials cautioned that decisions on the specific type of weaponry were still being finalised, aP said, but they might include small arms, ammunition, assault rifles and a variety of anti-tank weaponry such as shoulder-fired remote-propelled grenades and other missiles. the Cia was expected to be tasked with teaching the rebels how to use the arms the White House had agreed to supply, aP said. the New York times gave a similar outline of the arms involved, while adding that the antiaircraft munitions hotly sought by the rebels were not under consideration.

Syrian rebel groups have repeatedly called for both anti-aircraft and antitank missiles.

Suspicion of the fact of the use of chemical weapons have been echoed long ago and with these evidences provided by the intelligence community,McCain, a leading US hawk who has been pushing for intervention, said: “i applaud the president’s decision and i appreciate it.”

He states further“but the president of the United States had better understand that just supplying weapons is not going to change the equation on the ground [or] the balance of power. these people – the Free Syrian army – need weapons, heavy weapons to counter tanks and aircraft, they need a no-fly zone, and Bashar al-assad’s air assets have to be taken out and neutralised. We can do that without risking a single american airplane.” the Cia report said the US has acquired blood, urine and hair samples from two Syrian rebels – one dead, and one wounded – who were involved in a firefight with Syrian government forces in mid-March near the town of Utubya, north-east of damascus.

“While the lethality of these attacks make up only a small portion of the catastrophic loss of life in Syria, which now stands at more than 90,000

deaths, the use of chemical weapons violates international norms and crosses clear red lines that have existed within the international community for decades,” said rhodes. is the western intelligence community right on Syria? russia’s lavrov questions credibility of U.S. evidence Syria used chemical weapons russia’s foreign minister said last Saturday that the evidence put forth by the United States of chemical weapons use in Syria apparently does not meet stringent criteria for reliability. in Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergey lavrov said the material does not include guarantees that it meets the requirements of the organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

He said the organization specifies that samples taken from blood, urine and clothing can be considered reliable evidence only if supervised by organization experts from the time they are taken up to delivery to a laboratory. a senior russian lawmaker said on Friday that information on the use of chemical weapons by Syrian President Bashar al-assad’s forces was fabricated and suggested the United States would use it to justify intervention in the conflict. “information about the use by assad of chemical weapons has been fabricated in the same place as the lies about (Saddam) Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction,” alexei Pushkov, head of the foreign policy committee in the lower chamber of the russian parliament, said on twitter. “obama is taking the same path as George Bush.” the oPCW is the autonomous body for implementing the international Chemical Weapons Convention that went into effect in 1997. its website says Syria is one of six countries that have not signed or acceded to the convention. if Syria has not indeed acceded to the conventions against the use of chemical weapons, what rights has it on the humanitarian levels to use such weapons on her people? i do not ask the US and russians to judge, but let clear conscience and our readers decide.

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AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

PeoPle

pRIDe OF AFRICA

a i h t a n y k a C m a i Ch

Cynthia Chiamaka Okafor is a student at the national university of Ireland in Maynooth. pretty Chiamaka is talented and achieved lots too. she achieved a silver Gaisce Award from Mary Mc’Aleese , Ireland former president. she hopes for another this year..”and at the end of the year i hope to receive the Gold Award from president D. Higgins”, she said.

Our pride of Africa won a travel Award last year which took her to India to work with children as a volunteer. “After studying General science in my university, I aspire to be a Medical Doctor as this has always been my passion from childhood”, Chiamaka told AfricaWorld.

Chiamaka loves volunteering in her community and reading. she likes writing, drawing, dancing and listening to music.

jun 16-30 2013

AFRICAWORLD

7

news

Nigeria Veteran Musician Dies

By Nonye Anuche

The Nigerian veteran highlife musician and o c t o g e n a r i a n , Fa t a i Olagunju, popular ly called Rolling Dollar, has passed away. He died at a Lagos hospital at the age of 86. Rolling Dollar was reportedly hospitalised about two weeks ago at the Ahmadiya Hospital in Ijaye, Lagos. A report said he eventually breathed his last at another medical centre in Surulere, Lagos.

He was said to have been suffering from cancer.

However, hospital sources said he complained of respiratory complications last Wednesday morning.

One of his associates, M r. Kunle Tejuosho, recalled that Rolling Dollar did not really go through any protracted illness, as it was only a few weeks ago that he returned from the United States where he had per formed. A great composer, singer, guitarist and dancer, Rolling Dollar was one of the few voices that kept highlife going after the death of many of his contemporaries, including Adeolu

Akinsanya, Bobby Benson, Oliver de Coque and Osita Osadebe.

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described the death as a huge loss to the

country’s entertainment industry. Aregbesola, in a statement by the state Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy, M r S emiu Okanlawon, described the

octogenarian highlife maestro as a “testimony in perseverance and hope”. The governor said Rolling Dollar ’s life sojourn demonstrated that “no time is too late

for man to have a breakthrough in life”. He stressed that the artiste shone in his old age when nobody ever thought of a musical success for him again.

LIBYA DEMANDS ASSETS FROZEN IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

By Nonye Anuche

The Libyan government recently sent a delegation to meet with the Finance Minister of South Africa, Pravin Gordhan, in a move to recover funds stashed away by the late Col. Gaddafi and his aides in South Africa.

The agreement they reached is thought to be the first by the Libyans with one of the numerous foreign countries where Col. Gaddafi and his family built up an estimated total $80 billion (£51 billion) in assets. He was captured and killed in October

2011 while he was trying to flee his home town of Sirte.

South Africa is also facing a request to arrest “Gaddafi’s banker”, Bashir Saleh, who is on Interpol’s wanted list. According to a recent report in South Africa’s Times newspaper, Mr Saleh was seen “hobnobbing” with ANC officials at the party’s centenary dinner in January 2012.

“The repatriation from South Africa of Libyan funds and assets will be handled in terms of United Nations protocols,” Mr Gordhan

said in a statement. He said that the Libyans were working with a panel of UN-mandated experts to “coordinate t h e o rd e r l y a n d transparent repatriation to Libya of assets frozen in various countries”.

Meanwhile the crisis in Libya is still ongoing. An ambush that occurred during an anti-militia protest in Kira town earlier last week left over 30 people dead. The violence highlights the instability that has rocked Libya nearly a year after the capture and death of long-time

dic tator Moammar Gadhafi, particularly as the country’s police and military struggle to build up their forces.

A military officer, Col. Omar was killed last week, while three soldiers were seriously injured in a separate attack. The brigade spokesman, Ali el-Abed, said his unit had been delivering army vehicles from the capital Tripoli to the southern city of Sabha when they came under attack by gunmen around 100 kilometers (62 miles) from their destination.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch said on Friday that the violence that has killed mostly civilians, “underscores the need for the government to rein in armed groups”.

“The government also needs to end the impunity for militia abuses that prompted this demonstration in the first place. Its incoherent policy toward militias endangers any prospects for the rule of law,” said Eric Goldstein, Middle East and North Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch.

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AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

photo news

Legalise Cannabis Protest held in Dublin City on Saturday, 15th of June.

Fathers Day Church servide by The African Catholic Chaplainey at St. Brigiols Blanchanrdstown, Dublin

IGBO Union gears up for ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ with an annual convention.

Humble Obinna is the new Deputy Editor of AfricaWorld Newspaper. Detail soon.

Carol Azams launch new book ‘Nigeria: Beyond The Perception’

Service of songs held for Namhla Wendy Ketwa by friends and family.

The Obama alight Air Force in Ireland for the G8.

jun 16-30 2013

photo news Hippolitus Okey Iwuala (Reggae Messiah) wedded his beautiful wife, Chinyere Cynthia Iwuala on 9/June/2013 in Dublin - Ireland.

AFRICAWORLD

PICTURES

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10 AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

beauty & fashion

AGONY CORNER

love

My Mother-In-Law Is A Terror. What Should I Do?

My marriage is just three months old. My father-in-law is a very good man, the kind of father I prayed for. I lost my father last year and he has become a fine replacement for him.

Since marrying his son, he has been there for me, telling me things he knows will help me live a wonderful life with my husband. Through him, I got to know what kind of things to avoid and what to hold tightly to.

He even went as far to teach me how to make his son’s f avo r i te fo o d w h i c h incidentally is also his. He said his mother used to cook it for

him and that my husband fell in love with the food too when he went to live with her.

His wife, my stepmother-inlaw is also an angel. Unless one is told she isn’t the biological mother of my husband, you won’t know from the way she dots on my husband and his elder brother. Her daughters and son accord their elder brothers every respect they deserve.

On the other hand, my mother-in-law is a terror. She is divorced from my father-inlaw. I learnt she didn’t also last long in her second marriage.

She is in her third marriage.

For some strange reasons, she and I didn’t get off on a good start. But being the younger woman, I have tried my best to be civil and to avoid getting into her wrong side.

But with her latest decision and desire, there is no way I can avoid it. About three weeks ago, she packed into my house without notifying me or her son.

I came back from work to meet her fully installed in my guest room. She even had my sister staying with us made a different kind of meal for her, different from the one I instructed them to make.

As if that wasn’t enough, she brought some clothes including her underwears she wanted my sister to wash.

Out of respect, she did but left out the pants.

When I came back home,

The 16th June 2013 was Fathers‘ Day. For some families, it was a day to give hardworking fathers a treat. For some others, it was a day that was as ordinary as any other day; a day that may even remind them of a sad fatherhood experience.

Like individuals, nations also have wayward fathers. Idi Amin of Uganda was a wayward father. Gen. Sani Abacha of Nigeria was a difficult father.

Even Emperor Bokassa of the Central African Republic was also a stupid father.

But not all fathers are foolish.

For instance, some of the founding fathers of Nigeria fought for Nigeria‘s

independence and bequeathed many legacies worthy of emulation. They included Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello. In October this year, Nigerians will remember them as they mark their 53 years anniversary as an independent nation. Since they are late, the natural question is: who would they call daddy now?

For anyone to qualify to be called the father of any nation, I believe that the person must have made a positive impact on the lives of the people of that nation. You can call Abraham Lincoln the father of the United States of America

in his time because the legacy he left behind is still there for all to see. If not for his abolition of slavery, an African American, Barack Obama, might not have emerged as the president of the US today.

Another hero worth mentioning here is Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. This first prime minister of the SouthEast Asian nation supervised his country‘s transformation from a poor third world nation to a wealthy one. Among his numerous reforms are the emancipation of women and industrialisation of Singapore.

You can also call Nelson Mandela the father of modern South Africa and there won‘t

be any contest about that. At the risk of his personal liberty and comfort, he fought apartheid in his country to a standstill. He emerged from years of imprisonment to become the first black president of his country. He handed over power when the ovation was loudest and has remained a hero and a legend respected worldwide.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also emerged from incarceration to become the President of Nigeria in 1999.

That was his second coming as president. He had served as a military head of state between 1976 and 1979. He handed over peacefully to a civilian

government of Shehu Shagari to the admiration of many.

Thus, it was with great expectations that Nigerians welcomed him in 1999 to right the wrongs perpetrated by the successive military regimes. He did his best to keep the country, which had tottered after the annulment of June 12 elections, together.

Somehow, Africa is seriously infected with poor leadership virus. Let‘s hope that Africa will one day find leaders suitable enough to be father of modern Africa. Then, Africans can clink glasses for the discovery of the father of modern Africa.

Until then, let‘s keep searching.

I’d like to shed some light on something that women have been puzzled about for centuries, and that is the type of women men fall in love with. There have been so many books written on this subject, yet most have not delivered the common sense answers I am going to share with you in this issue of Africaworldnews Love Corner…

Without wasting much time, I will get right to the point. I am going to give you 10 personality attributes that men love to see in the women they fall head over heels in love with. Men are attracted to women that have: 1. Intelligent – This attribute ranks very high, after men have gotten past your looks. Men love women that are smart, opinionated, and articulate. Most enjoy speaking to women who have their own point of view on subjects and are passionate in discussing affairs of the day. Men love to debate, and if you can make them believe, or at least respect, your point of view, then you have a man that will see you as an equal, and not as an ornament to be displayed to the

rest of the world until the next best ornament comes his way.

2. Good Humored – If you can laugh at your man’s crude jokes or take his wisecracks, you become someone he wants to get to know better. But if you’re the type that easily gets upset when he jokes about your raggedy hair or sloppy dressing, men will not find your personality as attractive as one who possesses this quality.

3. Confident – When you have your own opinion and can defend it, are comfortable in your own skin, regardless of your body size or whatever else Mother Nature has thrown your way, then you have what it takes to attract men that will fall head over heels in love with you.

4. Supportive – Men find it easy to fall in love with women that encourage and support positive undertakings they embark on. Men love women that have the ability to see what they see in the goals they pursue. Men believe that when you support their dreams and goals, you believe in their ability to accomplish those things that are dear to their hearts. And when you support that

which is dear to a man’s heart, you essentially have the key to unlock his passionate love for you.

5. Accommodating – When you understand that men are not perfect, and you are able to easily forgive them for their imperfections, then you possess one of the most admirable qualities men seek in their love interest. However, if you are the type that will nitpick every single thing they do or nag them at the drop of a hat, then you will not have a man hanging around you for very long.

6. Patient – This attribute is quite similar to that in #5. When I speak of patience here, I am referring to a woman’s ability to be in a relationship with a man without pressuring him into making a serious commitment he may not be ready to make. Now understand that there is a way to let a man know that you are interested in settling down, without coming across as desperate or overbearing. Women that show men that they are willing to wait for them to propose a committed relationship are apt to be more attractive to men than

those that come across as impatient.

7. Sensual – A woman that is not sensual is not attractive to any man.

To be attractive to a man you must be perceived as someone who is very comfortable with her sexuality and knows how to initiate sex spontaneously. If you believe that men should always be the first to make the move when it comes to bedroom and lovemaking matters, you may be doing yourself more harm than good when it comes to your ability to attract men. Improve your ability to initiate intimacy, and you will see how much more attractive you will appear to your guy. You can improve in this area tremendously if you are open to what Michael Webb, a bestselling author, reveals in his exciting e-book, “500 Lovemaking Tips & Secrets”.

8. Honest – Men find authentic and honest women quite attractive.

If you are the type that tells it like you see it, men will find this aspect of your personality very attractive.

“Say what you will do and do what you say” ought to be your motto.

Just as you respect and love men

that tell you the truth no matter what, men feel the same way when they meet a woman that does not waste their time with fibs. In a nutshell, men are attracted to women that are honest and down to earth, women that do not pretend to be who they are not.

9. Open-minded – The willingness to explore other possibilities, new ideas, etc. is an attribute that men seek in the women they want to love. Being open-minded does not mean that one has to compromise one’s personal convictions, but rather is able to see another point of view and respect it, even if it is not one that you share.

10. Health conscious – Women that take care of themselves are generally more attractive than those that do not. After all a good physique is the first thing that attracts men, even before they get to know how wonderful and exciting you are. Men are attracted to women that exercise, eat right, take care of their hair, nails, and dress well. To attract the best you must look your best – it is that simple.

With Abdul Yusuf

my sister was very angry and indicated her interest to go if she was staying. I waited for my husband to come back home before saying anything. He too didn’t like the idea of his mother coming and tried to persuade her to go back to her husband’s house.

Rather than face her son, she started raining curses on me and members of my family. There was nothing she didn’t say, including manipulating her son to favor his father instead of her; my husband and I bought a car for the father during his birthday.

She told everyone who cared to listen that I will not enjoy peace in her son’s home. Its been hell for me.

My husband has been begging me but every day she spends in our home is

hell. My father-in-law and his wife are currently in Ghana; I don’t know if I should call him to report the development in my home.

Every night, I hear her cursing any woman who will not allow her enjoy her son. What do I do? I am not cut out for her kind of person. Please help me because I am getting fed up and won’t mind leaving her son for my peace of mind.

I haven’t told my mother because she is yet to recover from my father’s death which affected her badly due to their closeness.

Telling her what I am going through might kill her.

Please help me, my motherin-law is just terrible. (reply via africaworldnewsagonycorner@ gmail.com)

Th e H u n t for t h e Fat h e r of mod e r n A frica

Attributes In Women That Men Fall In Love With

jun 16-30 2013

talent

AFRICAWORLD 11

it & adorable mum

60 SECONDS WITH THE DUCHESS

With Nena Duchez Huntaz

Oluwasheyi Esther Ariyo is an artiste, actress, composer and fashion designer. She has a BSC degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Olabisi Onabanjo University.

She has a distinctive sound that is credible and commercially acceptable.

‘She Baby’s’ style also embraces the use of live instruments against the backdrop of cutting edge sounds and traditional grooves. She delivers her lyrics in English and Yoruba (A Popular Nigerian Language). This reflects her multicultural background.

Movie Credits Ikoko Meta Odaju Omoge Taiwo and Kehinde Abuja Lowo Wa Apanimayoda - Directed by Bayo Alawiye Albums 2005- ARANIMODA 2008- TELL ME WHY 2010- LET THEM SAY 2012- BAMIJO Collaborations: King Sunny Ade, Olu Maintain, Pasuma, Late Da’Grin, Oritshe Femi, Samba Unit All Stars, AY dot Com, Famous, DJ Kelvin, Kristy, Don Drim, DeeBee, Jenny Ray, and Alapo Mefa.

Music Producers & Video Directors She has worked with some influential music producers and video directors in Nigeria, such as Puffy Tee, JJC, Ksolo, O’black, Emma Shyne, Irish, T-Blade, Chaplyne, 02, MD Flow, Dave Harmony and Ayo. Awards Best Female Upcoming artist of the Year 2005 - City People Awards.

Best Supporting Act Of The Year 2010 (movie) - Toran.

Best Student Friendly Actress Of The Year 2012.

12 AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

family corner

TECH_PILOt >>>>>>>>

it/ celebrity

with Uchenna Onyenagubo

Broadband plan…to enhance Internet usage in nigeria

Nigeria as one of the most populous country in africa has displayed its acceptance of technology in different ways. First explosion was in 2001 when the GSM system was rolled out, introducing network providers from abroad and within. in the last few years, the trend has increased considering the introduction of data/internet services which attracted many target consumers. the corporate establishment has contributed immensely to actualise this development.

Google Nigeria is operating at full measure in Nigeria and not relenting in bringing Nigeria Communication & technology to an admirable and acknowledgeable standard. in their recent report, it was gathered that Nigeria possesses the greatest potential of internet usage in africa but is yet to fully harness these potentials for its socioeconomic and political development.

Now, they are entering into partnership with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Communications and technology to launch a new “impact of internet” study in Nigeria, which examines the internet’ impact on, and potential contribution to socio-economic development of the country. the Nigeria Ministry of Communication and technology is working tirelessly to meet Global prevailing technology needs as well as reviewing current infrastructure to improve the information, Communication technology, iCt industry. the “impact of internet” Nigeria is one of such described advancement. as usual, there is always a challenge to execute project of this magnitude, expressing concerns, the Minister of Communication & technology, Mrs. omobola Johnson noted lack of data as a huge hold up to fulfil the project. also adding that Federal government is making progress in the area of implementing the iCt vision for Nigeria and well-articulated policies and strategies would propel Nigeria into a digital economy in the coming years, and disclosed the commencement of the process of being a first adopter

of how the internet should be used.

Nigeria recorded a massive benefit for Multinational Corporation like MtN in the area of telecom in late 2001 and 2004, breaking even on their financial metrics, earlier than expected. the success has attracted more foreign and private corporation investing in iCt. Speaking at the “impact of internet” launch in abuja, the Minister expressed delight, adding that the study report is a welcome development. in addition to the Google and FG partnership, she promised to partner with private sector to bring the iCt vision of government to a reality. this is because the collaboration between government and the private sector is crucial and necessary tool for actualising the digital transformation agenda of Mr. President for Nigeria.

“Most of the new Policies from this sector were developed with major input from the private sector and this new Broadband Plan was also developed with collaboration of public and private sector”, she said. From her statement, it was gathered that the plan sets out a strategy for the next five years, focused on the primary objective of seeing a five-

fold increase in broadband penetration by the year 20172018. She explained that the Plan seeks to enable Nigerians access the most demanding content in real time at a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbs. interested participants can download the Broadband Plan from the corporation’s website HYPErliNK “http://www. commtech.gov.ng” www. commtech.gov.ng.

Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs. Juliet EhimuanChiazor, revealed that as a followup to the study, Google Nigeria would be commencing with its inaugural Share Your Nigerian Content (SYNC) 2013 conference aimed at enabling content creators to embrace the power of the web to grow locally relevant content online and drive monetization.

Knowing that internet is the major tool in today’s business, it will create a huge opportunity for Nigerian business and developmental growth, EhimuanChiazor said. She however emphasised that the study has shown that continuing investment in the core infrastructure and the rapid implementation of the broadband plan would positively impact on economic growth and employment. She promised to

collaborate and hold sessions with Nigeria content creators, social media advocates and other media related experts to understand the advantage internet usage. Google has displayed reasonable effort to assist Nigeria technological growth and would not stop until achieved. She emphasised that Google will through its Universities access Programme impact over 100,000 students in six universities.

Google has also given $500,000 to Nigeria iCt Forum to support efforts in improving access to internet infrastructure in tertiary education institution in Nigeria.

WHISPERS FROM THE REEDS

YOunGBROss “neveR stOp DReAMInG”

Nigeria born (delta State) musician and record label owner, Young Bross (Chukwukah raphael) has been dreaming of stardom ever since he can remember. Perseverance, hard work and humility has brought him a step closer to his ultimate dream “ to represent africa on the world stage”. Check out his new single african lady on youtube, the award winning artiste (iaMa- 2012 Best afro Beat artist) says the sky is an understatement to where aFriCa is heading to. the future looks bright.

Why music? i am into music because i have great love and passion for music and i also do music because i find happiness in it.

Do you write your own songs? i write and compose all my own songs and i also direct every producer i work with on how i want my songs to sound and rhythms.

Have you broken into the mainstream market yet, if not what are the obstacles? i have not broken into the mainstream in ireland because there is none when it comes to black music or afrobeat but i am currently promoting around africa and other continents,

hopefully things get better soon.

What would you classify your music as? i do afrobeat music which is considered as african pop/dance, originating from Nigerian music.

Are you the ladies man?

Yes i am because i sing for ladies, girls and women. i guess i am a ladies man.

Having lived in nigeria, south Africa and Ireland, one would call you a citizen of the world, tell us about some of your challenges on your journey? i have been through so many challenges especially living in South african during the time of violence and street violence. living on the street of Sunny Side Pretoria wasn’t that easy as a young Nigerian boy staying in South africa alone because there were so many dangers.

Your most influential person and reason...

Jay-Z and that’s because he is smart and successful at what he does which is music. i listen to Jay-Z back in 1999 and felt every one of his songs, and i also knew then that he was going to be successful and a legend.

Life in nigeria.....

My childhood wasn’t easy because my parents were separated and being the youngest

in the family, i found it hard to adjust but we got through it.

Life in nigeria and south Africa.... life in Nigeria was more challenging compared to my life in South africa.

If you had your way where would you be right now...? i would be on top of the world, i really don’t mind being anywhere right now as long as i get response to my music and fulfill my desire and dreams.

Any Romance on the horizon...*wink* i am currently not married, still single and working hard towards music.

You mentioned that life in nigeria was hard on so many level. Over the years, is there any improvement, if not, what would be your recommendations towards a beter nIGeRIA? Answer: Yes, there is so many improvement so far because things are not the same as it use to be, i now own my own record label called duffle Bag Money Productions. Being able to spend on a record label and shooting the hottest afrobeat music video in ireland is a sign of greatness plus progress.

Keep yoUr Head Up aFrICa wIll HaIl yoU..............

JUN 16-30 2013

AFRICAWORLD 13

family corner

P

s m e o eze inma Amak

By Ositad

FRee WORLD

in thinking however one acts, is right We are not unwrong, we are not free and be wise and beware of all in spree ‘Something’ was being marched, For the clamour of a free freedom a collapsed rioter, no one cared is the opium of human kingdom!

She was shouting but no one heard one who saw her jumped and passed Author: Ositadimma Amakeze others did ‘one two’ follow your leader Mail: jokaamakking@yahoo.com

those who clamor for freedom Must clad in the amour of doom against their unrelenting persecutor @ositaamakeze. like of a damsel wooed by her suitor Would you too not need that head? of the prophet who sends us word that freedom unstaked, is at stake lest ones profits is lost in the state We cast brimstones into the agora For we are in so much confused era Marching untowardly toward plight

ABOve tHe CLOuDs

Some were with bottles of wine another was choking at one end a stick of cigarette smoldering by Placards swung in the air like birds “We no go agree o, we no go gree”

RIOt MAntRA they herded like soldier ants and headed to the headquarters Carrying clubs, leaves and reeds Chanting and dancing riot songs Echoing, “We no go agree!”

Huts were shut and some even burnt and as a shop was being bulldozered a voice rose, “no, that’s my father’s” No one heard it in their disagreement No one agreed not to stop the ruin When one was seized by the police He was surprised to be the scapegoat His sister was the one, he didn’t know Nor did he know why the riot was on Now he can’t disagree to face the law!

Wisdom Bits It is the hand that a baby lift the mother’s breast that will grow stronger.

Meaning - Addiction start slowly.

Do you leave a coronation place for a gathering of paupers?

Meaning - The part of progress in life is different.

The man that marked his chest with clay-chalk has shown his strength to the spirit.

Meaning - Bad attitude attract penalty.

then i beheld your beautiful beauty Shinning scintillatingly from the sun White hanging fleecy woolly-heaps Sliding motionlessly over earth’s face

and i learnt from these diminishes that ‘am nil, and nothing matters But my footprints are being watched all accounts of my handiworks noted From above the clouds!

Sliding swimmingly still and slowly Flightseries Calmly looming across the flight Nothing but clouds was in the scenes and the nothing that suspends them Every other thing else was nothing Mountains and hills hid their heads Streams streak like sticks; rivers and oceans lay like mere slates tall trees dwarfed like weeds Cars crawling like crippled crabs Not a human is seen but hummus and traces of hand and footprints time was fast as flight alighting Clouds now dispersing like smokes

Connect with

The only duty we owe the tapper is to drink his wine, we will not be part of his fall.

Meaning - It is important to listen but let your heart decide.

AfricaWorld on

Those that circumcised did not perform it because the knife was sharp.

Meaning - There is a reason for every act.

The kindred that climb with their teeth know trees that taste bitter Meaning - Family raise look-alike.

FOLKtALe UYOKANJO THE GREAT TURTLE

By Ukachukwu Okorie

once Upon a time! in the village of turtles in the land of animals, they lived with rules and regulations and one of the rules included voting for the Head of the Clan in the case where the Head passed on to the Great Beyond. in this same village there also lived a turtle that was loved by most of her generation and neighbours. She was given the name Uyokanjo[l1] meaning “Home” in my dialect because of her rare qualities. She was brave, caring, strong and daring.

Before Uyokanjo was born, all animals lived together in the jungle as one big family. However, it was not a happy family for the weaker, calm and small size ones especially the turtles who continually suffered intimidation, bullying, violence and sometimes death in the hands of bigger animals. this coercion against them made them vow to reward any one that came to their rescue. at this time, the Bull was on a rampage and terrorising animal farms, barns and the entire animal Kingdom. the animal King sent out his hunters to capture the Bull but all attempts eluded them. the king then made an appeal through his town Crier in which he announced a great reward to anyone who captured the Bull. the town Crier went around the kingdom and announcing the appeal of the King: “Hear this, all animals; the King has promised to grant any request if to any animal that catches the criminal, Bull.” this news was passed on from one animal to another. But no animal was courageous enough to capture the Bull because they feared the consequences of the strength of the Bull. Uyokanjo, however, decided to take up the task of capturing the Bull without the involvement of other animals. as other bigger animals contemplated ways of capturing the Bull, Uyokanjo made her own plans. She went to the forest and dug a 7ft trench and disguised it with shrubs. after finalising her forest plan, she went to the Bull and convinced him to flee the Kingdom using a safer road that she had discovered. Unaware of the plan, the Bull followed Uyokanjo to the forest and into her trap. She hurried back to the Kingdom to tell the King of the news.

Hearing the great news, the King hailed Uyokanjo and without hesitation, allocated a separate village for all the turtles as a reward for Uyokanjo’s bravery. after rewarding Uyokanjo and the rest of the turtles greatly, he said: “What men can do, a woman can do better.”

Uyokanjo went on to become a great female turtle in her community and throughout the kingdom.

ReCIpe COLuMn GOAt HeAD sALAD - IsI eWu

by Nkiru Edokobi

Ingredient 1 Goat head 1 cup palm oil 1/2 table spoon gounded potash tsp grounded efuru seed dried pepper two leaf of utazi two cubs of maggi of knor Salt to taste

COOKING

Cut the goat head into pieces, season with salt and a cube of maggi or knorr.

Cook until the goat head is tender then set aside. Pour the red oil in the pot and reduce your heat. add potash, using a wooden spoon to stir, then add the onions, pepper and seasoning cube.

Stir and allow to cook for 3 minutes. While stirring, pour in the seasoned goat head with the stock. then add efuru seeds and the chopped utazi leaf, stir and allow to simmer for 2 minutes.

Finally, add salt to taste then serve with local palm wine.

14 AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

news

news

AKIDWA SPECIAL REPORT Continuing from last edition on the activities of Akidwa, one of the coordinators who experienced female genital mutilation as a teenage girl in Sudan bared all to AfricaWorld Mehret Yemane who was born in Asmara, Eritrea now lives in Portarlington, Co. Laois.

How long have you been here?

I have been living in ireland for nine years.

Where did you do it?

I passed through it (FGM) three times in Sudan, and the last one was when i was nine.

Do you undergo FGM three times?

The woman who performed it kept coming back, saying she left a little bit. I never knew anything about this as everyone passed through it until I came to Ireland and joined Akidwa.

years, I have find a way to cope with the whole situation and satisfy myself.

This is wrong.

As a mother of two, did you have them for the sake of being a mum?

I got married in 2002 to an Irishman in my country and came to Ireland in 2004. Because I never knew it was wrong, I cared less until I came here.

Remember, my mother and sister and all I knew back home went through it. It was cultural so to say but things changed when I arrived here. Frankly since 2006 when I met Akidwa and had my second child, I have been outspoken about it. I equally married and had a child to a man I love who helped me speak more. There is really the psychological part depending on the type of FGM you undergo. I passed through it three times, from cutting, sowing and total cut of remnant of the clitoris.

What was yo u r What does it take you to experience, was it painful? get satisfied?

It was very painful as she It takes a lot of efforts and used a razor blade. It was I need to use stimulants to also not hygienic. help it. I even fake orgasm at times, it is difficult.

How has it affect your sexual desire?

Have you discovered a So much as the sensation route to enjoying your is gone, leaving you very sexual life? unhappy and unfulfilled as a woman. If you pass Yes, I have. I am dealing through this, you are bound with it. not to enjoy sex.

What is your message for people who will read this?

Does it affect your They should take it relationship? serious especially children It does immensely as you who are growing. That is are not bound to enjoy the why I have joined Akidwa desire and excitement in to spread the message and sex. Even if you do, it will campaign vigorously. We take you a very long time have toured many places to reach, and the partner and as a health Ambassador does not know the situation. for Akidwa, I will not rest It takes maturity to know until all are conscious of the how to cope with it. implications especially in However, in the last three Ireland.

Mehret Yemane - Experienced FGM in Sudan

AkiDwa BRAIN GAIN IRELAND AkiDwa invites you to BRAIN GAIN IRELAND - The annual networking meeting of migrant entrepreneurs and professionals.

Date: Friday 5 July 2013.

Venue: Gresham Hotel, O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 Time: 6pm – 11.00pm Admission: Free Established in 2009, Brain Gain Ireland is a network of entrepreneurs,professional and business people who have migrated to Ireland.The number of Irish residents who were born

outside Ireland continues to increase and stood at 766,770 in 2011 an increase of 25 per cent on 2006, and accounting for 17 per cent of the population.

During the Celtic Tiger period private business and the Irish Government travelled the world to interest professionals to relocate to meet the labour market demands in all areas.

With the recession, property crisis and unemployment at an all-time high today, we see the impact on both indigenous and migrants inAfrica Centre Dublin Ireland

Objectives: I. To share, explore and highlight the ‘gains’, contributions of migrant professionals and entrepreneurs in Ireland II. To create a strong networking opportunity for migrant professionals and entrepreneurs in Ireland irrespective of their background Refreshments will be provided.

To RSVP, contact Katelyn Lengeman atAkiDwa 01 8349851 or 0874150906

jun 16-30 2013

Entertainment

By Linie

AFRICAWORLD 15

DID YOU KNOW?

OUR AFRICA

Did you know that Tigers never lived in the WILD in Africa?

Did you know that SWAZILAND is the last Absolute MONARCH STATE in Africa?

Did you know that The River Nile (Originating from Burundi) is the longest river in Africa and the World?

Did you know that Zimbabwe has an impressive adult literacy rate of 90% – one of the highest ratings in Africa?

Did you know that the FRANC currency is used by several states in Africa: Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea?

Did you know that Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island?

Did you know that Mali was once the Cradle of Civilization?

Did you know that One quarter of the World’s Languages are spoken in Africa?

CARTOONS

By Max Chijioke Okafor

16 AFRICAWORLD JUN 16-30 2013

news

news

X-RAY

with Fr. Vin

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu

POVERTY AND THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ELASTICITY In 2008 I wrote an article which was titled, “Beyond the limits of elasticity” based on my experience of the frustrating situations in the Nigerian society then. Since that period till now, those frustrations still exist. Rather than abate, they seem to get worse pushing many citizens of Nigeria to the brink of regrets and nightmare. The condition of poverty seems to worsen and unfortunately too, resides among a particularly less privileged group. The rich get richer and recycle within the corridors of wealth while the poor get poorer and are condemned only to opportunities of sinking into greater poverty. To continue to theorize on the statistics or percentage of poverty in Nigeria at the moment seems to me esoteric and abstract. It doesn’t actually provide the solution required in a devastating practical situation.

I’m compelled once more to revisit the article but this time not merely talking about limits of elasticity but the limits which poverty can stretch human elasticity, patience, and limits of resistance which the human being can put up in the face of poverty. When Christ said “Blessed are the poor in spirit”, he did not say, “Blessed are those who cannot find what to eat” because he knew that physical hunger can be a serious threat and inhibition towards genuine worship.

Christ knew that the poor in spirit could be rich by the fruit of their labour but realize that their richness should be used in serving God and enhancing human dignity. Christ knew that the hungry-angry man could be perpetually bitter and could think evil which would limit his chances of making heaven. He never decreed wretchedness as a way of life.

The law of elasticity states that a body tends to keep in its motion until it reaches a breaking point. That breaking point is called the elastic limit.

Viewed strictly, the question becomes whether the human person can be drawn to an elastic limit or to a breaking point. Just as balloons, tires, footballs, etc, and other objects explode at the consumption of excess air pressure or rubbers sag and

consequently explode, so also human beings can explode.

And these elastic limits consist in the various pains and disappointments which stretch a person or group of persons beyond the limits of their capabilities especially in the face of poverty. At such point, the individual has simply exerted himself to the fullest, has given his maximum perhaps without getting the desired results.

I met two different persons recently in very pathetic conditions. The first is Ugonma, a lady of about 27 who entered the business of prostitution for reasons of poverty. She graduated from the University at the mercy of men who exploited her beauty. After her graduation and subsequent National Youth Service Corps as is customary in Nigeria, she hoped to secure a good job and to begin a more dignified and decent lifestyle to ameliorate the suffering in her family. The mother was a mere petty trader while the dad was sick and bedridden. Ugonma was the first child of the seven children. About four years after her service, she couldn’t secure any job still. The family was simply lacerating and Ugonma was constantly under pressure.

Her frustrations came more from her mom who cajoled her.

She told her to marry, secure a job or begin to pay house rent in her home. The mom described her as good for nothing, made her miserable each time she remembered she was still under the roof of her parents. At some point she decided to move into the town to do “any business” within her reach. When she contacted her friend in school who was apparently doing well, her friend invited her over and opted to accommodate her as well as introduce her to her kind of business. Ironically too, having commenced the business, things changed for Ugonma. Back home she began to feign for her family and became the toast of the mother who wouldn’t even bother to know what she was doing in so far as she would get them out of their precarious condition. Ugonma said she had been stretched beyond her limits and for that reason became a prostitute.

The other is the story of Mama Lucy, a widow in her late forties. She is a very pious woman whose husband died when he fell off from a palm tree leaving her with three girls. Mama Lucy’s condition can best be described as wretched. She lives in a thatched house whose four wings had all fallen off. The much she could do was to use nylon to cover the openings in the house. The same house served as her kitchen, bedroom, parlour, and store altogether. The first two daughters had managed to finish secondary school and began asking their mother crucial questions on the reason why they should be brought up under such excruciating poverty. The mom tried to explain that nature made it so but the children were blunt to tell her that they could not stomach such flimsy excuse any longer.

They told her that they were getting ashamed of such background and that they had to liberate themselves by all means. Mama Lucy narrated how the two daughters picked up their rickety belongings and absconded from the house in broad daylight despite her pleading. The irony of the entire saga is that the last child who is in her JSS 3 has also started threatening to go the way of her sisters if nothing was done urgently.

Mama Lucy herrself had even contemplated suicide at some point but couldn’t do such because of her faith and for the sake of her children. She wondered how the same children for whom she eked out her blood to raise up should abandon her for reasons of their wretchedness.

But the truth is that Mama Lucy sometimes did not even have food in the house to eat.

All she did was to go inside the bush to pick up palm kernel fruits which she cracked for sale to support the family.

The kids were left at the mercy of their uncles who only managed to pay their school fees under near frustrating circumstances.

It’s good sometimes to realize that some human beings are living under the conditions described above.

They struggle to get out of

such situations but sink deeper into the abyss of poverty. They groan and moan but are overlooked by those who in the strict sense could help them wriggle out of their crisis. The persons used above demonstrate the truism that a person can go beyond his elastic limit as a result of the socio economic conditions of the Nigerian environment.

Meanwhile, it must be recognized that proper understanding of the being of God and an unwavering reliance on Him is the best solution to overcoming the dangers of being stretched beyond human limits.

Ugonma succumbed to the whims of the flesh when stretched to the point of her elastic limit. But she told me clearly that she wished there was an alternative. She stated that her life is full of regrets.

In Mama Lucy’s case on the contrary, the church in her village has spotted her out because of her religious commitment and has decided to salvage her situation. The members of the congregation have commenced a project of “Operation Rescue Mama Lucy”. They have begun to build a three bedroom flat for her and to take responsibility for the training of her last child through to the University education. She is reaping the fruits of her faithfulness to God. In the first place, as the Unmoved Mover of creation, God cannot be limited to time and space. In Him there is no such thing as elastic limit. God is beyond elasticity and the one in whom the individual can survive being stretched beyond his limits of elasticity.

Just as the football, balloon, tyre, etc, receive appropriate leakage from the owner to avoid imminent explosion, so also God provides the necessary leakage for all persons at the threshold of the his elastic limit. Just as the owner knows exactly the volume of air that could be added to the object after deflation to avoid explosion, so also God knows the necessar y points of perforation and deflation that will enable the individual to withstand the storms of human existence. Christ’s

invitation is, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28-30). This is an invitation to all human beings to understand that there are moments of trial in life which more or less drag the person to his elastic limits. Christ himself predicted such times when he said, “In the world you will find hardship” (Jn.16:33).

These are apparently moments of frustration. They cannot always be averted in life since they constitute essential instruments for human growth and liberation. St. Paul puts the question rhetorically thus, “Can anything cut us off from the love of Christ – can hardships or distress, or persecution, or lack of food and clothing, or threats or violence” (Rom. 8: 35-36).

Aligning oneself to Christ in such moments makes such yoke bearable and such loads reasonably light. And since Christ himself cannot be subjected to the law of elasticity, in him also the individual is able to defy being stretched beyond the limits of elasticity.

Meanwhile, the rich persons in the society should not be pretending not to be aware of the presence of the poor and wretched ones around them. They should eschew the mentality of exploiting the poor as a condition for assisting them.

To help the poor is an act of love and justice whereas to deny him is hatred and injustice (Cf. Lazarus and the rich man in Luke’s gospel chapter 16: 19-31). Finally, the Nigerian government should create long term structures to help fight and eradicate poverty. These structures must focus primarily on youth empowerment. They must focus on creation of jobs so as to avoid plunging the youth into poverty at old age. If the youth are empowered, they build a future that is formidable. If the youth are empowered, they have life security. If the youth are empowered, they will surely not be stretched beyond the limits of human elasticity.