AfricaWorldNews 16 - 30

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NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

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tHe GReAt eXpeCtAtIOn! the significance of Obama’s second term to Africa and Humanity.

By Ukachukwu Okorie

continued on page 3

Issues In FOsteR HOMes

tHe “tuRn OFF tHe ReD LIGHt”

Circumcision is a sensitive topic. Almost every African or Asian family in this country ...

The “Turn off the Red Light” campaign aims to end prostitution in Ireland by criminalising...

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), ...

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We seize this opportunity to call on the different meeting groups within the Imo Umbrella to come and let us join hands in building up our Imo State meeting.

This is our state (ANYI ENWEGHI STATI OZO). Let us borrow a leaf from other state meetings in Ireland and make ours even more stronger.

We have our meeting venue at 5A First Avenue, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Off Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

You may call Chike on +353 862111629 or Chinedum on +353 879448717 for further inquiries. Pass the good news to all and sundry.

Together we will fly! Come one come all

CuLtuRAL CIRCuMCIsIOn

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AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

opinion

The return of the native

Editorial

ISSUES IN FOSTER HOMES

By Ukachukwu Okorie

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), “Fostering in Ireland means taking care of someone else’s child in your own home. All parents set out with the best intentions in the world.

Sometimes the realities of parenting are too much. Families are unable to manage for a variety of reasons – illness, alcoholism, drug abuse or learning disabilities. These difficulties can be made worse by unemployment, poor housing or lack of support. When it is no longer possible for children to remain at home with their parents, they may come into the care of the HSE, either with the agreement of their parents or through the intervention of the court.”

Robust as the explanation Is, however, recent happenings within the immigrant communities show that all is not well.

With the children’s rights referendum having been passed by a narrow margin - 58pc in favour versus 42pc against there is a need to look into the reasons for a high negative vote and perhaps, a poor turnout in the 43 constituencies which was a very low 33.49pc. Having said that, it is important to note that most members of the immigrant community were unaware of what the referendum stood for. Which channels are government agencies actually using to reach the immigrant communities, particularly Africans, or are the latter being ignored?

The issue of fostering children of African descent is one that has been gathering lots of dust. There is no doubt that many foster parents are wonderful and lovely but cases of negligence among workers in homes abound. There are cases of peer group influences which result in abuse of drugs and alcohol, teenage pregnancies and anti-social behaviour. There are cases of kids disappearing from foster homes under the watch of carers. An incident happened last year whereby a girl got lost from a foster home, prompting announcements in the radio and newspapers. African parents are worried about the manner in which they are arm-twisted at times by the authorities for the custody of their kids. Their nightmare is worsened by the total change in character of these wards.

The relevant authorities should look inwards and sort this raging menace of negligence and its attendant consequences on the child. There should be consultations with immigrant organisations with family orientations for the best knowledge on cultural inputs.

Many parents are worried about this.

Come in.

Uka

Léopold Sédar Senghor was born in Joal, Senegal on the 9th October 1906, to a Serer Father and Roman Catholic mother.

He wanted to become a priest, studying in a seminary, but left at 20 having decided that he would rather teach. Thus he moved to a college in Dakar. In 1928, Senghor travelled to Paris to continue his studies on a partial scholarship.

Léopold Senghor became the first black African to emerge an agrégé, the top qualification for a tutor in the French education system and became a professor of African languages and civilization at the École Nationale de la France d’OutreMer. During this academic period, he met Aimé Césaire and future French president George Pompidou.

Earning French citizenship, Léopold played different roles actively during his sojourn in Europe. He later joined the French army during World War II and spent 18 months in a German concentration camp.

During the French colonial era, Léopold served successive terms representing Senegal in the National Assembly in Paris.

In 1948, he married Ginette Eboué, the daughter of a prominent Guyanese colonial administrator, Félix Eboué. They had two kids; then the marriage ended in divorce. Léopold took a second wife, Colette Hubert, who had been his first wife’s secretary, having family roots in Normandy.

He later returned to his native home, where he led Senegal’s independence struggle. He eventually became Senegal’s first democratically elected president, ruling for twenty uninterrupted years.

black African experience. Historically, the concept has been seen as an ideological movement against French colonialism and a defence of African culture. Léopold helped deeply to influence the strengthening of African identity in the French-speaking black world.

Léopold Sédar Senghor was one of the founders of the concept of Négritude.

Négritude has been defined as the literary and artistic expression of the

Léopold’s writings and poems, written in French, have been translated into several languages. In his poetry, he lures the reader to feel the nearly mystical,

AfricaWorld & Millenium Development Goals

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

Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly

Photography Darek Gutowski Giorgia Pistoia

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

Sub-Editor Roisin Morris

“Naked woman, black woman, I sing your beauty that passes, the form that I fix in the Eternal”

supersensory world of Africa. The scope of his non-fiction includes linguistics, sociology and politics. His philosophy and the concept of Négritude has received wide attention and criticism. It ups the tempo on the revolt against colonialist values. It calls for the glorification of the African past, and raises nostalgic feelings for the beauty and harmony of traditional African society. He died on 20 December 2001 in Verson, France.

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

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD

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nEWS (CONtiNUEd FROM PaGE 1)

The re-election of President Barack Hussein Obama on November 6 has been described in many words across the dotted landscape of humanity. Despite the mudslinging jabs between Obama and Mitt Romney of the Republican Party, his second coming offers humanity a window of opportunity to tackle important issues. Whilst it is a direct American victory for millions of women, African Americans, Hispanics, Youths and MiddleClass families, it is also a triumph for global transformative progress.

Like the euphoria that greeted his emergence in 2008, President Obama’s second victory against Mitt Romney was celebrated beyond the territorial shores of the United States; however, unlike the former, there were criticism and concerted efforts by opponents to spoil his party.

To many Africans, it was disappointing that President Barack Obama made only one trip to sub-Saharan Africa from 2008 to 2012. He even made it clear that “Africa’s future is up to Africans,” and never hesitated in encouraging them to roll-up their sleeves and go to work. However, across the African continent the belief is strong that President Obama as a role model stands to impact a lot on their leadership, having roots in Africa and being one of their own. Excerpts of his victory speech resonated with them, especially on good governance and democracy, “These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never forget that as we speak, people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today”, he said.

Although there are mixed views over some of President Obama’s policies during his first term, most Africans think that he will perform better this period. One issue many Africans stand against him on is gay rights, which they consider contrary to their culture and religious beliefs. But they share his hope and fighting spirit in conquering the vicissitudes of life, as embodied in the following statement: “I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.”

The story of President Barack

Obama offers inspiring and courageous hope to the ordinary global citizen and to Africans in particular. And that hope, whatever the shortcomings of the land in which they were born, draws many Africans to the importance of the United States to the progress of humanity.

Leading by the example of the exemplary US system, President Obama advised in the Ghanaian parliament on his first and only presidential visit to Africa in July 2009: “Africa doesn’t need strongmen. It needs strong institutions.”

Now, with one term under his belt, perhaps Obama will have the time to help Africa’s institutions gain the strength they need to become true allies. Critics had feared that he would have lost out in the reelection had he ventured into an unusually sympathetic alliance with African countries.

In a nutshell, the issues that most Africans would love to see President Obama assist them in improving are as follows: trade, security, the promotion of good governance, denying support to unpopular regimes, technology transfer, respect for Africa’s culture, climate change, and dealing with the terrorism that is threatening to destabilise regional leaders.

AfricaWorld spoke with some opinion leaders from Africa in Ireland about the re-election of President Barack Obama. This is what they had to say: Dr Vincent Agyapong Chairman Association of Ghana Professionals in Ireland

We are encouraged now more than ever. I am personally inspired by the way he cleared the mess created by George W. Bush’s presidency. President Obama has raised the spectre of hope for Africa regardless of our disadvantages in colour and status.

What he’s done is robust and sheer good news for Africans. He has sent out a message thus - do not look at background but intellect and character.

Kelechi Onwumere Igbo Union Leader, Dublin

The re-election of President Barack Obama is really a turning point in American politics.

Although I am not too optimistic, the benefits will be in the long run especially for African Americans in the politics of the United States.

His emergence clearly convinced the majority of US citizens cutting across the racial and social strata that he is most competent for their country. His election is quite transformational and serves as a beacon of light for African leaders.

His victory is not a yardstick for economic growth but the opportunity opens a window to reach out to international partners. This energizes democratization; Africa must key in.

against our continent. With President Obama, African leaders will not be afraid to talk to him and he owes nobody during his second term. President Obama has a lot to contribute on human rights issues, as his voice matters.

In particular, when he calls on African leaders, they will listen.

With this last term victory, there is that authority and need to define a coherent policy on Africa.

Africa does not need Aid or the gift of money, it needs partnership.

His victory is equally a triumph for minorities in the US; the appointment of a Latino to sit on the Supreme Court is significant, as is the elevation of Susan Rice to the position of UN Ambassador, a position Obama upgraded to a cabinet position, making her the first African American female to hold either position in the history of the United States.

Mazi Uche Osakwe AfricaWorld Columnist Trinity College Doctor Scholar

There are many benefits for our people: let us start with the consolidation of democracy, the fact is that it has not taken root, and his victory will cement the rule of law. Economically, his reelection should help develop a trade link. The African Union should call a meeting to address an age-long trade imbalance

Damaris I am happy that he was elected again. He is a good leader. So far, he’s on the right track. Africa is proud of him.

Dr. Prosper Obioha Ireland Based Medical Practitioner

Ifrah Ahmed Female Genital Mutilation Campaigner

Dr. King Macaire I am pessimistic about the change in US policy. The second term will be no different from the current one. There will never be change.

It’s all for America. It will always be the usual American way. If the United States wants to oppress the African people, Obama will not hesitate.

man can lead as against stereotypical views. This signifies that hard work pays off as President Obama started as nobody. This is marvellous! As the leader of all nations, Obama would not be biased against African countries.

The election of President Obama to a second term shows that there can be change. Africans can do better if they are not hindered.

Apart from being inspirational, President Obama is a peacemaker and people’s person - see the way he plays different games. It was nostalgic seeing him re-elected but Africa should fix its own countries, outsiders cannot do it.

Obama is intelligent and clever.

He made the world change its views about us. Some people think we don’t know anything. His victory again is amazing, it is true.

It is now clear that education and responsible leaders can make a difference for us. He should restructure the Aid mentality, assist in checking corruption and change a lot for peace and progress in Somalia and Gaza. Africa will be better by the next 4 years.

Aisha Saidu His great victory against Mitt Romney is symbolic for blacks. It is now proved clear that a black

President Obama’s victory gives him more time for Africa as he spent the first term steadying the economy. I am optimistic that he will treat Africa favourably this period. Economically, he will not do much due to the US battle against recession. However, he will advise on fiscal control, fight corruption, good governance, accountability, corruption, fair trade and irregularities. He will possibly curtail China’s expansionist motives. For sure, he will spur organised African countries to expand our exports.

Gbeminiyi Shogunle (Gee Bee) Founder - Adorable Mum

President Obama’s victory is a great inspiration for Africans.

Honestly, we are inspired by the family. Because of the work i do, Michele Obama who is nicknamed ‘Mum - in - Chief’ inspire me a lot.

Africans especially myself prays for President Obama to continue being a good leader.

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AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

NEWS

joe moore column the “turn off the red light” The “Turn off the Red Light” campaign aims to end prostitution in I reland by criminalising the purchase of sex.

It also aims to lobby the government to take effective action against people trafficking.

This campaign has the support of women’s organisations, immigrant support groups, trade unions and many high profile people. However one group conspicuous by their absence are the women who work in the industry themselves.

Many working prostitutes fear that criminalising clients will make their working lives more precarious, as prostitution is forced further underground. This will make it harder for sex workers to work in a safe environment. Also there is no evidence that criminalising men who buy sex will actually help women leave prostitution. In Britain both the Royal College of Nurses and

Women against Rape state that merely passing laws will not be enough to stop prostitution. The Royal College of Nurses, rather than calling for more legislation, voted by over nine to one to decriminalise prostitution.

The primary reason why women are forced into prostitution is poverty. The only way for prostitution to be ended is for the women to be given better life chances and economic recourses.

However rather than challenging the government on its policy of paying for bank bail outs at the expense of services to the most vulnerable members of society, the Turn off the Red Light campaign is calling for more draconian legislation to be enacted. The campaign in fact makes prostitution a moral issue rather than a political issue, thus letting the government off the hook.

The rise in prostitution worldwide that has taken place over the last century goes hand in hand with the global reach of

capitalism and its regular cycles of recession, causing extreme poverty amongst the poorest in society.

Women faced with providing enough food for their children to survive, often have little choice but to sell their bodies. Criminalising men will not stop this happening.

But will force women to take more and more risks in order to put food on the table. Poverty has always affected women more than men.

These are the issues that need to be tackled, but are issues that the turn off the red light says very little about.

Migrant women are increasingly turning to prostitution as a means of earning money. Many of the constituents of the campaign call for stricter immigration controls in order to prevent women being trafficked as sex workers. This needs to be examined in detail. Yes there are women trafficked into Ireland to work as prostitutes and that are held captive by criminal gangs. However not all immigrant women sex workers fit into this category.

Most immigrants who work in the sex industry are forced into that life style because of the racism

of the Irish state. This results in restrictions of the right to work by certain categories of immigrants.

For example I had written in this column on a number of occasions on how asylum seekers are denied the right to work and are given €19.10 per week to survive on. Is it any wonder that some women in that situation might consider selling themselves as a means of earning some money? Why is the Turn off the Red Light campaign silent on this issue? If these women are attacked by clients, how can they turn to the police, when there is a grave danger that they would be imprisoned under immigration legislation and deported on the next available flight? These are issues that need to be discussed.

So how should we deal with trafficking? The campaign calls for stricter immigration controls.

However it is because of immigration controls that many people are forced to use the services of traffickers in the first instance. If somebody from Africa, the Middle East or Asia wants to travel to Europe to earn a living to support a family back home or to flee persecution or war, it is almost impossible to enter the EU “legally”. To provide themselves with the best chance of entering “Fortress Europe” people are

forced to use the services of traffickers. Because of the money charged, they are forced to work for years in order to repay this debt. If these immigrants are denied the right to work, then prostitution may be the only option.

Rather than calling for stricter immigration controls, Turn off the Red Light should be demanding the abolition of all immigration controls. It should also demand that all immigrants be given the same rights as everybody else living here. That means the right to work, the right to choose their own accommodation, the right to all levels of education and the right to live their lives free of the threat of deportation.

Calling for an end to trafficking without challenging the racism of the state will only result in strengthening immigration controls. Calling for the criminalising of clients will not protect women but rather put them in greater danger. Women working in the sex industry need to be consulted on what they themselves need. What is needed is a campaign that sees prostitution as a political issue, caused by government policies, not as a moral issue caused by degenerate men.

dd’s cubicle

FROM ‘CHANGE’TO ‘FORWARD’ OBAMA SHOWS THE WINNING CHARM.

By Dunstan Ukaga

They came by the thousands, 21,000 by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels’ estimate, to see Senator Barack Obama at Key Arena on Friday February 8, 2008 and to hear the message of hope and change that has propelled him to the final rounds of the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Speaking then, Obama said ‘’There is no problem we cannot solve, no destiny we cannot hope for.” President Obama was 46 years old and locked in a close struggle with fellow Senator Hillary Clinton, who was 60 years old, for the Democratic nomination, and both candidates came to Seattle in advance of party caucuses.

The Illinois senator moved with casual ease across the stage during his 50-minute speech. Occasionally joking, he confessed his dismay at learning he was distantly related to Republican Vice President Dick Cheyney, and once interrupted his speech to request assistance for a woman who appeared to faint in the crowd.

“I cannot bring about change by myself”. “It is up to you, the American people, to stand up for change.” “Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!” the audience chanted in response.

At several points, Obama heightened his contrasts with Clinton. Where she voted to authorize military action in Iraq, he opposed it. Obama swiped at Clinton, the partisan warrior, saying, “I believe we spend so much time on our differences that we never seem to have time for what we have in common.” He rebuffed her criticism of his willingness to negotiate with America’s enemies, quoting President Kennedy

in his defence. And he rejected her claim that he peddles false hopes: “Nothing worthwhile in this country has ever happened except when somebody, somewhere was willing to hope.”

Indeed, Obama said, hope was part of the inheritance he received, along with love and education, from his single mother and grandmother, who raised him after his father left the family when Obama was 2.

Obama touched on other elements of his life story: his work as a community organizer in Chicago, his service in the Illinois Legislature and his election to the US Senate in 2006 – in answer to those who said he was not sufficiently “seasoned” or “stewed”.

“We are at a defining moment in our history,” he said. “Our nation is at war. Our planet is in peril.” Wow, these were the defining words and statements of President Barack Hussein Obama before he was elected in 2008 to the amazement of the white majority, black and Hispanic minorities, and the whole world.

The rise from ‘Grass to Grace’ has not been easy for Obama.

The four-year reign between 2008 until November 6, 2012 was his toughest. Within the four years Obama ruled the US, the economy was not much better than in Gorge Bush’s era. In spite of that, the majority of Americans saw hope in a man whose life they could lean on to be whatever destiny has shaped them to be.

When Governor Mitt Romney won the Republican nomination to contest the presidency, most Americans thought Obama was going to lose the election and thus be booted out of office like former French president Sarkozy.

Mr. Obama did not do well in his first presidential debate with Mitt Romney and the polls raised hopes of a RomneyRyan ascendancy to the White House. Within the Republican campaign vehicle, arguments and lies to kick Obama out ranged from the mundane to the spiritual. The Republicans have called him all kinds of names. Mr. Donald Trump and his birthers group have condemned Obama as non-American and sworn to shame him at the polls. Even in his foreign policy, Mitt Romney has labeled Obama as a weakling, always appeasing American enemies.

On the economy, Obama received all-out war from the Republicans, who didn’t believe the economy had improved at all. Whilst it is true that the world has not recovered from the economic meltdown, Obama has done well in the economy especially between May and October.

Two contentious issues that seem to position Obama against the majority of Republicans were Obama-Care and the legalization of same-sex marriage in many states. These sharply divided Americans and with the issue of medical marijuana coming up on the last days of the election campaign, many - even Mitt and Ann Romney - believed the White House was theirs and the Republicans’.

Before the election last Tuesday, U.S. President Barack Obama powerfully reaffirmed his re-election message of “Forward”. Whereas the message of 2008 was ‘Change’, 2012 was ‘Forward’ These messages resonated deeply with Americans. Obama was not just an orator; he was an active man and his charm and grace got him the second term on Tuesday 6th November. Americans have spoken again. They have put their faith and lives in Obama-Care.

Early on Wednesday 7th November, thousands of supporters in Chicago gathered to listen to the man who comes with a winning charm. The ‘First Family’ emerged on stage to the cheers of thousands of campaign volunteers and supporters in an indoor rally in McCormick Place, Chicago.

“The task of perfecting our union moves forward,” said Obama in his victory speech. “It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression.” Obama reminded the electorate of what was still on his agenda immigration reform, climate change and job creation.

“Tonight, you voted for action not politics as usual,” he told supporters in Chicago. “You elected us to focus on your job, not ours.” Obama told Romney supporters: “I have listened to you… you have made me a better president.” He added, “I return to the White House more determined, more inspired than ever.”

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD

nEWS

5

AFRICAWORLD HeALtH

In Association With Manorfield Foundation

BY DR. jOsepH CHuKWu

CuLtuRAL CIRCuMCIsIOn

Circumcision is a sensitive topic. almost every african or asian family in this country knows a thing or two about this topic. i will discuss male circumcision in the cultural context. i believe female circumcision has now been outlawed in most civilized societies. it might not be too long before cultural circumcision in males will go the same direction, given recent developments in the s c i e nt i f i c and secular communities. i understand the religious and cultural sentiments attached to cultural circumcision in boys. However, while serviceproviders worry about the costs

and the pressure this ‘unnecessary’ procedure imposes on the healthcare system, children’s rights advocates are worried about the potential harm (eg. pain, risk of infection, bleeding and death) this practice might cause to innocent. the parents are caught in the middle of this. i am sure they want the best for their children. they would want them to undergo the cultural rites which other male members of the family have been through for several generations. Given that most african and asian families in this country are first generation immigrants who still have strong ties to their roots, the urge to carry out this rite is still very strong. in addition to peer pressures within the afro-asian community within the country, parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends back home mount an equally strong pressure on the new parents to abide by the long held tradition. the healthcare system also mounts additional pressure on the new parents. in this country, circumcision cannot be done

within the first or second week of life as is the practice in some afro-asian cultures. in these countries, circumcision could be done as early as the seventh day of life. Most circumcisions in these countries are carried out by health workers who are not usually medical doctors. anaesthesia is rarely used during these procedures. the operating theatres are rarely required.

However, as one might expect, many complications result from such procedures carried out in conditions that are not ideal. as i mentioned previously, infection especially with tetanus, bleeding and death might result. i do not have accurate figures about how often these incidents occur as it is difficult to gather information in some of these countries. in this country, where circumcision is usually carried out in the theatre as a day case, the cost to the system is quite high. it also means some of the theatre spaces and staff that would have been used to treat sicker children requiring more important life-saving procedures would be used for

circumcision. in some other countries, like the United Kingdom, circumcisions are carried out in the community. Some general practitioners circumcise children in their surgeries. Some afroasian parents, who were not willing to wait for about two years for the procedure to be carriedout in this country, have availed of this private GP service in the United Kingdom. it is expensive though; in addition to the service charges, one has to pay for overnight accommodation, flights and local transport. Child care costs add to the total cost, especially if one has other children that need looking after.

Furthermore, consideration should be given to the cost of time off work for one or both parents. to conclude, cultural circumcision is an important rite of passage in the afro-asian community. it is widely practiced among the members of this community. Peer and extended family pressures will maintain this practice for a long time in the

future despite the evidence in the medical community of the lack of benefit of this practice. the healthcare system in this country, which provides that this procedure must be carried out only in the hospital environment, adds to the stress families face as the procedures are not carried out at the ‘right’ time.

My sincere advice is that if you want your child to have this procedure done, do it the right way. do not cut corners. it is not as simple or innocent a procedure as people might think given the many potential consequences that might result if it is not done properly. it is better to wait for as long as it takes to get the procedure done than to have it done incorrectly and live to regret the consequences if things go pear-shaped. Better still to avail of the private GP service in the UK if you feel strongly about having it done within the first few days of life, as is the practice in some cultures.

Romney and Obama born in Kenya A Kenyan mother has named her new-born twins after US President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney, the BBC reports.

Millicent Owuor, 20, gave birth to the twins in south-west Kenya on the day Obama was re-elected.

“I named the first twin Barack and the second one Mitt,” Owuor was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Owuor posed for photographers on Wednesday at the Siaya District Hospital with her twin boys. She said she had named her twins after the winning and losing US presidential candidates in order to remember the day of the vote, Kenya’s Standard newspaper reports.

A short distance from the hospital, at the Obama family’s ancestral village, people were celebrating his victory. The US president’s father was born in Kenya and his step-grandmother, Sarah Obama, still lives in the village of Kogelo. The residents of Kogelo sang and danced after Obama was declared the winner: “The reason why he has won is because God has given it to him,” said Sarah Obama, who turns 90 this year. “Secondly, he has got the knowledge to love all people, he doesn’t have the knowledge of division, that is why he has won.”

Barack Obama senior died in a road accident in Kenya in 1982.

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AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

coLUMn/nEWS

HeARt OF tHe MAtteR: Invictus / A poem by W.e. Henley

by Max Uspensky

When Nelson Mandela – Madiba – was imprisoned on Robben Island, on occasion, he moved close to the abyss. Apparently, it was at these times that he would recall the lines of a poem by the nineteenth century poet William Ernest Henley (18491903). Henley had lost a limb and pulled these words from his soul, not only to sustain himself and others, but also to empower himself and others.

Empowerment is such a crucial issue when choice is taken away from any of us. Empowerment is about choice – one should remember how little many people have!

Education, health, gender equality are all empowering and need to be addressed as part of the effort to solve the DRC’s problems. Henley’s words transmit a vital essence of empowerment: Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the

scroll.

I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

The words, “Horror of the Shade”, aptly resonate with Kurtz’s predicament in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. And, of course, by extension, these words are key in Martin Scorcese’s film, Apocalypse Now. But the words of Henley’s poem also offer consolation and solace for any victims of tragedy and trauma. His words plunge into the abyss of adverse circumstance, of which he had personal experience. At the age of twelve, Henley contracted tuberculosis of the bone. His condition was such that by the age of seventeen, he was compelled to have his leg amputated just below the knee. Stoicism led Henley to scribe his four stanza poem, which when originally published in 1875 in the Book of Verses, had no title.

Sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo produces trauma of no less magnitude than that experienced by Henley – indeed if not significantly greater. Last issue’s Heart of the Matter dealt in part with the personal accounts of two survivors – Honorate and Tumaini.

Their testaments and consequent resolve to rebuild their lives resoundingly reflects the spirit and emotion of the poem, which can be

applied to any of the some 400,000 victims of this heinous crime which continues to be perpetrated in the DRC. Again, some of their experience is related here in order to further understand the formidable challenges encountered by individuals such as these in continuing their lives. Tumaini, just seventeen, relates: “Everyday I was raped, sometimes up to ten times a day. The day I was kidnapped, all five raped me. And then I was taken to the compound and the leader said, ‘I will be your husband.’”

Tumaini became pregnant as a consequence and her womb was cut open giving birth to a stillborn child.

She consequently developed fistulas – holes between her bladder, vagina and rectum. “My health was deteriorating more and more. I couldn’t hold my urine and faeces.

I lived in difficult conditions.”

Honorate explains, “When these people raped us, I remember I bled for more than two weeks. I had five different sexually transmitted diseases. I was in Panzi Hospital for over two months.” The war officially ceased in 2004 – but for these, and hundreds of thousands others, and those who continue to be abducted, the war will never end.

The NGO, Warchild, explains part of Panzi’s remit: “Panzi Hospital is a

COnGO:

Mali Women unveiled

by Max Uspensky

by Max Uspensky

Just nine countries from a total of 197 are listed as

On Saturday 6th October, Malian women protested against the imposition of strict Sharia Law in the northern town of Timbuktu. Apparently, hundreds marched in defiance of strict requirements forcing women to wear veils.

Food security Risk for 2013 being extremely susceptible to famine and social unrest stemming from food shortages and price fluctuations in 2013.

Food security risk is measured by an index developed by the risk analysis company, Maplecroft, for governments, NGOs and businesses.

The Congo is one of those judged at extreme risk; the other eight are Afghanistan, Haiti, and in Africa, Liberia, Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia.

Extremists have held control of Timbuktu since April, where in addition to dress code strictures, women in defiance of them have been brutally beaten and whipped. The protestors’ march was dispersed after extremists fired shots into the air.

Even under normal conditions, Malian women are often under tight constraints in what is a strongly patriarchal society.

sanctuary for victims of sexual violence. Only a handful of women are lucky enough to find their way here for treatment”. One should remember that most NGOs broaden horizons of hope – another choice creating aspiration - and should not in any way be underestimated.

Dr Denis Mukwege at Panzi Hospital has been treating women here for the past twenty-five years: “I could never imagine that sex could create such a disaster, you see entire villages being abandoned. They escape and the only reason is the rape. They flee, they leave everything behind, they abandon their fields and their cattle. If they work in the gold mines, cassiterite or coltan mines they leave because they say, ‘I can’t stay here because I’m afraid that my wife and children will be raped.’”

Panzi Hospital is an important component of the empowerment process. Hospitals of this nature are woefully lacking in number. Not only does Panzi need to be seriously supported and promoted, but others like it need to be established as soon as possible and should be foremost in the remit of the United Nations work in the area.

When Henley’s poem was included in The Oxford Book of English Verse by editor Arthur Quiller-Couch, he ascribed it the aptly profound and

moving title, Invictus (Latin for unconquerable or undefeated).

When Honarate and Tumaini among hundreds of thousands of others in the region decide to continue their lives – Invictus they truly are. And we can only hope that charged words such as those in Henley’s poem will assist them and society to empower themselves to every possible opportunity for a fruitful and prosperous future life, divested of traumatic memory.

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD

7

column/news

Scooping Spilt Fuel In Nigeria: Between Impossible Odds -By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu The issue of scooping fuel from collapsed tankers and carrying the products to their various destinations in Nigeria has become a recurring phenomenon. The several deaths that have been recorded in this process by those who attempted to scoop the petrol product have also been quite unfortunate. But the strange factor here is that while several persons have lost their lives in the bid to collect fuel from collapsed tankers/ lorries, their deaths seemed not to have provided enough deterrent for others. This raises serious questions as to the reason why some Nigerians prefer to stake their lives for possibly a few gallons of fuel, fully knowing the consequences. Is it poverty that drives people to go into such a dicey venture or lack of discipline? Is the risk of losing one’s life worth whatsoever benefits that might accrue from such exploits? Could it be that the product is so attractive that the urge to go after it with all the risks involved could not be resisted?

Before taking on these questions, it is important to know that not less than one hundred and fifty Nigerians have lost their lives in the process of scooping fuel from collapsed fuel tankers between July and November, 2012. For instance, on July 12, about 95 people died while scooping fuel after a tanker collapsed and caught fire in Portharcourt, Rivers State, in the Southern part of Nigeria. At least 30 people were burnt to death on July 20 at Abuloma, Waterside and Rumuokehi, Portharcourt, Rivers State after five oil tankers caught fire following an explosion. On Friday, November 2, at Umuokpo in

Amairinabuo community of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State in the Eastern part of Nigeria, 20 persons were charred to death in their rush to scoop fuel after a trailer carrying fuel went up in flames. Ten other people were said to be on the danger list with varying degrees of burns. On Saturday November 3, a fuel tanker exploded along the Kano Bridge, in Kano State and burst into flames.

The tanker was said to have collided with a Toyota Carina and was about to skid into the river when the driver diverted towards the Motorcycle park, using the motorcycles to serve as wedge. The motorcyclists and those around the place were said to have escaped death by a whisker.

These statistics actually show the level of risks which Nigerians are subjected to in their bid to survive.

These have also sparked off arguments on the level of indiscipline among Nigerians in the survival struggle. But the truth remains that so many Nigerians today do not see meaning in life any more as a result of their poverty and may prefer to die looking for sustenance instead of living a completely ridiculed life.

The first irony here is that Nigeria is a major oil exporter but millions of her citizens live in abject poverty.

Imagine, for instance, that there has been fuel scarcity in Nigeria for the past two months now for unaccountable reasons. Cars queue up at filling stations for hours on end waiting for the product. The few filling stations that sell fuel consciously jack up the price. This is despite the long battle Nigerians had with the Federal Government when President Goodluck Jonathan apparently lost the support of the majority of Nigerians when, on January 1, he increased the pump price of petrol from N67 to N141.

Between January and February 2012, there was a stalemate on the pump price of petroleum products. Since then, fuel has been compulsorily pegged at N97.00 per litre, which Nigerians grudgingly accepted after a long debacle and weeks of

nationwide striking. But fuel remains a major issue as the few filling stations that have it sell it at either N130.00 or N140.00 per litre.

The “Black Marketers” sell a litre for N200.00. Let us recall that the Obasanjo regime increased the pump price of petroleum products about three times in as many years between 2000 and 2003 - aside from the increase imposed on October 1, 1978. This in a country that exports oil. President Obasanjo increased the pump price of petroleum products on June 1, 2000; on January 1, 2002; and again on June 20, 2003, he increased the pump price of petrol from N26 to N40 per litre, while kerosene and diesel were raised to N38 per litre. As at the moment, while petrol sells at between N97- N130 per litre, kerosene and diesel sell at about N150 - N152 per litre. And here we are condemning those who stake their lives to scoop fuel products that spill from collapsed petrol tankers.

Again, if we look into the moral implications of scooping spilt fuel, it becomes very clear that such action carries no culpability. It is no theft and cannot even be described as corruption. I say this because the fuel product in question had already poured away and was on the verge of being wasted. They did not waylay the carriers of the product and did not snatch the product forcefully.

The only crime they committed is that they allowed the pangs of poverty to drive them to a suicide mission, blindfolding them against realizing the implications of scooping such a highly inflammable product. In fact, it is the government that should answer serious moral questions of why they subject the citizens to untold hardship. It is the government that should answer questions on the constant scarcity of petroleum products in a country blessed with oil and natural resources. It is the government that should explain why the citizens panic at the sight of a material that should have been rather common and available. It is the government

that should give explanations on why money from oil should not be used to maintain roads and so avoid the unnecessary collapse of tankers and other big vehicles on bad roads.

It is the government that should explain why fuel remains scarce even at the unaffordable price of N97.00 per litre. It is the government that should explain why it has remained defiant to the groaning of her citizens. It is the government that should explain to the entire world why Nigeria has continued to live with the paradox of lack in the midst of plenty. It is in fact the government that should tell Nigerians why the careless death of its citizens does not call for a sincere and objective assessment of the meaning of governance in the nation. These are more serious and urgent questions begging for answers than the issue of discipline.

Our submission here, however, is not that discipline should be thrown overboard, not that Nigerians should not have self-control especially in matters that could cost them their lives, but just as I submitted in one of my articles, “Deaths in Nigeria, Timely or Timed”, “Any poor person would undoubtedly do anything to feed, including going to scoop fuel…”.

That is very important. The implication of scooping fuel and losing one’s life in the process is that the instinct to overcome poverty is so strong that it beclouds human thinking. Ironically, one still notices that the idea of scooping fuel falls within the survival instincts in man. When a man is in dire need of feeding his family, paying rent, paying electricity and water bills, paying children’s school fees, paying for hospital bills, paying transport fares etc, still lacks electricity where he lives and the fuel is scarce and unaffordable, and coincidentally a fuel tanker collapses in front of his house, I think this man would need Jupiter to convince him otherwise that such is no miracle. He would need only the message from death to drive him out from collecting as much fuel as he could to see him out of the plethora of problems

besieging him. This is what poverty does and this is one reason why many Nigerians die like fowls. They are driven to a situation of no alternatives. They are left to take some hard, compromising decisions.

They are made to wish away death.

They are made to imagine that poverty is part of human existence.

They are made to live in constant lack and man-made scarcity. They are driven to impossible positions of choosing between impossible odds. The impossible odds here are poverty and death. Since death may be wished away and poverty could not, those who scooped fuel and died were keen in solving the immediate need of poverty. Since poverty confronts only the living and not the dead, they never thought of the implications of dying in the process of scooping fuel. Since the pressures of family worries, the cries of hungry children, the harassments of Landlords, the torments of illiteracy, the embarrassment of neighbours, were stronger than the thoughts of dying, they wished they would have successful trips to the land of the dead. But wishes remained man’s disposition towards actualizing his dreams.

Therefore, with the antecedents of fuel scooping in Nigeria and the consequent deaths recorded in such ventures, Nigerians must have strong lessons to learn against letting their immediate needs drive them to taking unreasonable risks.

It takes courage to be disciplined. It also takes courage to overcome poverty. While the dead are gone, the strong lessons of the manner of their death remain pedagogy for the living. While we mourn our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the remediable act of scooping fuel, we plead with Nigerians to know that the act of scooping fuel from collapsed tankers is not worth the risk. Meanwhile, the onus remains on the Nigerian government to undertake the greater task of preventing careless deaths in Nigeria because once bitten, twice shy.

PLANE CRASH IN COUNTY OFFALY Two men who were on board a small aircraft died when it crashed some 3km from Birr in the village of Crinkle, Co. Offaly last Sunday. The two men who died in the crash are understood to be a flying instructor and a trainee pilot. It is understood both men were members of the

Ormond Flying Club, based in Birr.

Gardaí were notified at about 4.50pm last Sunday that all contact had been lost between Air Traffic Control and the aircraft. A search began at 6.30pm with the assistance of the Garda air support and other emergency service. The wreckage

of a Cessna Light Training aircraft was discovered at Clonkelly Upper, Birr, Co Offaly.

The Irish Aviation Authority confirmed the plane lost contact with Air Traffic Control in Shannon at around 4.50pm last Sunday. “The aircraft dropped off screen and the

controllers alerted the emergency services and Gardai,” said a spokesman.

It is understood the site of the wreckage is near an airfield used by light aircraft. “The plane may have been trying to land in the nearby airfield,” the spokesman added. An

investigation into the circumstances behind the fatal incident is underway by The Air Accident Investigation Unit (Dept of Transport).

8

AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

pRiDE oF AFRicA

pRIDe OF AFRICA jennifer ebere Okafor Jennifer Ebere okafor hails from nigeria. A student of national open University of nigeria, Ebere intend to own a lucrative tourist centre.

AfricaWorld pride of Africa, this edition loves reading and cooking. “i can cook very well”, she informs AfricaWorld.

Ebby, as fondly called by friends loves touching people’s lives and adding values to them.

15/16 Samson Lane Off Moore Street Dublin 1 Phone: 01 8044 100 0r 0873518882 3sixty5ireland@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD

column

9

Owerri stands still for Centenary Celebrations Grand Finale

By Fr. Vincent Arisukwu

…HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHILDREN, BE GIFTS TO OTHERS - Cardinal Filoni

It would not be an overstatement to say that the Vatican Church in Rome virtually relocated to Owerri in South Eastern Nigeria for the grand finale of the celebration of one hundred years of the Church in that part of Igboland, which was mostly evangelized by Irish Missionaries. A ceremony that started in 2010 came to an end in style with football matches, a symposium, the feeding of the poor, visitation of the sick and special interaction with the youth by a Church delegation from Rome. On Wednesday November 7th, the ceremony began with a Pontifical Mass presided over by Fernando Cardinal Filoni, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Concelebrants included senior church figures from the United States of America, Europe, Africa and all over the world, including: Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria who hails from Uganda; Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA; Bishops Lucius Ugorji (Umuahia), A.T. Ukwuoma (Orlu), and Gregory Ochiagha (Emeritus, Orlu); Msgr.

Theo Nwalo (Ahiara); Fr. Bede Ukwuije, CSSp., Professor at Spiritan International School of Theology at Attakwu; the Assistant Superior General of the Holy Ghost Congregation who came from Rome; Fr. Prof. Paulinus Odozor, CSSp. of the Theology Department, Notre Dame University, Indiana USA; Fr. Dr. Ralph Madu, Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; and many priests from across the world, with Most Rev. AJV Obinna, the Metropolitan of Owerri Province, as the chief host.

faithful to make themselves gifts to others in the spirit of Christ. Expressing his joy at meeting the young people, whom he described as the hope of the church, the ultimate heirs of the evangelization of those who one hundred years ago gave their lives for the sake of the gospel in this “blessed land”, the Italian Cardinal enjoined them to reflect on the meaning of being children today in the face of God. According to him, “Whenever we feel full admiration for all the good things that God has created, we are the little ones of which Jesus speaks. Every time we recognize that we need God and that our life is empty without his presence, then we are the little ones.” He called on Christians to accept Jesus as their constant companion in the journey of life; at school, at home, on the road and in all spheres of endeavour, insisting that only through the emulation of the early missionaries can we follow Christ and so be gifts to those around us.

Furthermore, Cardinal Filoni advised the Christian faithful to develop the heart of thanksgiving in their prayer. He urged them

to shun selfishness when they pray but like Jesus, to always thank God and to pray for others, not simply for themselves and their own needs. By so doing, the Cardinal called on Christians to always become gifts to others, to have the spirit of little children.

Cultural dances by the youth from all the dioceses of Owerri Province coloured the ceremony, with the Cardinal and other visitors joining in the various dance steps that featured at the end of the Mass.

Children rallied to take photographs with Cardinal Filoni. Some rushed to touch him, while others fraternized with the various bishops that were interspersed all over the Centenary venue.

Another remarkable feature of the day was the sharing of missionary experiences by indigenous and foreign missionaries from across the globe. Those who shared their missionary experiences included the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Kasujja, who shared his unique experience in the Moslem North African country of Algeria, while Cardinal Filoni explained to the audience the

functions of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Others who narrated their missionary experiences included, Bro. Michael Oruche (Kenya and Ghana); Rev. Fr. Jude Ike (Germany); Rev. Fr. Jasper Onugha (Chad); Bishop Edward James Slattery (Tulsa Oklahoma); Sr. Irene Russo (America/Nigeria); Rev. Fr. Francis Ekwugha (America); Rev. Fr. Justin Dike, CSSp. (Zimbabwe); Rev. Fr. Damian Eze, MSP (Sweden); Rev. Fr. Nicholas Mbogu, CMF, (Cameroun); Rev. Fr. Matthew Cherian, MSSCC (Owerri); and Rev. Fr. James Okpalaonwuka, SMMM (Awarra in Owerri archdiocese). The session witnessed the presence of Bishops Peter Adaji of Idah diocese and Ayo Maria Atoyebi of Ilorin diocese and also the unique presence of Nigeria’s Cardinal elect, John Onaiyekan.

Most Rev. AJV Obinna could not hold his joy at the presence of all and at the growth of the Church in Owerri province these past hundred years. He urged Christians to let the light of faith burn brightly in their lives as they have been privileged to join in the unique celebrations of the Centenary.

Delivering a homily at the Mass celebrated specially for the children and youth of the province, Cardinal Filoni admonished the

Tanzania

By Nonye Anuche

The government of Tanzania has launched the construction of Mnazi Bay and Songosongo Natural Gas processing plant and a transportation pipeline. The project is jointly undertaken by a unit of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and the state-run Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

President Jakaya Kikwete, in his speech during the foundation laying at Kinyerezi construction site last Thursday, said that “Construction of the power plants should go parallel with laying of the gas pipelines because waiting until the project is completed will delay production of electricity.” Once the project starts electricity production, the country will have a surplus that could be sold to

neighbouring countries. He explained that 2,750 megawatts will be produced at the station once the project is in operation. He added that currently the country has capacity to produce 1,438 megawatts of electricity, while daily consumption levels stand at 900 megawatts.

The President noted that by 2015, the country’s demand for electricity will be 2,780 megawatts.”This project will have a capacity of producing nearly 3,000 megawatts of electricity, making power rationing history in the country. The project will also give us a surplus that we can sell to neighbouring countries,” he stated.

President Kikwete explained that the country is endowed with many other natural resources that can be used to generate power including coal and

uranium, and renewable energy such as wind, geothermal, and solar. President Kikwete joked that his regime has no interest in manufacturing bombs using the uranium but only to generate electricity.

“Once we have local capacity in future, we will use the expertise to generate electricity using uranium. He noted that the natural gas will also be used to manufacture fertilizers, such as phosphate, ammonia, urea and potash. “I have also directed TPDC to look for an investor to run Kilwa Amonia Plant project,” he added.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Lu Youging, said that the 532 kilometre pipeline is among the biggest projects his government is running in African countries.

Mr Youging noted that China, which is the second largest economy after the United States of America (USA), has US 50 billion

dollars invested in Africa and for Tanzania, a total of 300 Chinese companies are investing to the tune of one billion US dollars. The CNPC Vice-President, Li Xinhua, assured the government that the project will adhere to quality standards and environmental requirements.

The Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof.

Sospeter Muhongo, noted that the construction of the project is being funded by a soft loan from Exim-Bank in China.

He assured Tanzanians that power rationing will soon be a thing of the past.

Prof. Muhongo noted that once the project is completed, it will place Tanzanians among people living in the 21st century, where there are no problems with power supply.

10 AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

coRpoRATE TREnDS WiTh nonYE AnUchE

ecowas to launch Crown ventures assault on Mali Rebels Restaurant Management.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations have agreed to send 3,300 troops to help Mali wrest back control of its northern half, which was seized by al-Qaeda-linked fighters over 6 months ago. The decision came late last Sunday at the end of an emergency ECOWAS summit in Nigeria’s capital. They were joined by military experts from the United Nations, Europe as well as ministers from Algeria, Mali’s neighbour to the north, which has previously been against the military intervention. The plan needs final approval from the UN Security Council before it can be carried out.

According to official reports, West Africa is unanimous in its decision to go forward with the military operation. An official said that they will attempt one more round of negotiations with representatives of the Islamists controlling northern Mali, before moving ahead with the intervention.

“We have agreed that 3,300 troops will be sent from West Africa. In addition, around 5,000 Malian troops will also be involved.

If there is no agreement in the talks, we will move in,” said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

It is expected that the largest number of troops will come from Nigeria, which has agreed to send 600 to 700 soldiers. Niger is expected to contribute around 500, and the remaining troops will come from the other 13 nations in the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc.

Air power, the official said, will be provided

by either France or the United States.

Both France and the US have said that they will provide logistical support to the intervention, provided that it is first approved by the United Nations. Mutinous soldiers overthrew Mali’s democratically elected president in March, creating a power vacuum that paved the way for Islamists to grab the north, an area the size of France.

In the more than six months since then, the Islamic extremists have imposed a strict form of Sharia law; all types of music have been banned and women who fail to cover their faces are flogged. In all three of the major towns in the north, residents have been forced to watch thieves having their hands cut off.

The United Nations is expected to meet later this month to review the plan. Security analysts and diplomats say that even if the deployment of troops to north Mali is approved by the UN, it could take months to implement. Recently, representatives of Ansar Dine, one of the Islamic factions operating in the north, have sent delegations to Burkina Faso and to Algeria in an effort to negotiate a solution in order to avoid a military intervention. Ansar Dine is believed to be made up mostly of Malian fighters, whereas the two other groups are said to be primarily composed of foreign fighters, some alleged to originally come from as far as Pakistan.

I am an Entrepreneur. I registered a business by the name Crown Ventures. It is an eventorganizing and entertainment promotion enterprise which was set up in 2005. From then till now, I have organised and promoted over a hundred shows - both in Nigeria as well in Ireland. The event hall has been in existence for about five years.

By Nonye Anuche People of African origin are in the minority when it comes to the entrepreneurial sector in the Republic of Ireland. Considering the current economic climate in Europe, there is no doubt that there are challenges facing anyone who dares to enter the competitive world of business in Ireland. A recent survey by the British qualifications body, the Association of Business Executives, of its 12,000 African business students on their attitudes to entrepreneurship revealed that 32 per cent of them believe the EU has the most profit potential for new African business, followed by East Asia (24 per cent), while Africa (18 per cent) came in third place despite the recent growth in the continent’s economies.

AfricaWorld Newspaper recently spoke with the Managing Director of Crown Ventures, an event-organising and entertainment promotion company based in Ireland.

Can you tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Aderire Ademokun - AKA Adeeyo (Mr No-boring), I am originally from Lagos state in Nigeria and I was born in 1971. I am married to a beautiful, lovely, God-fearing, understanding woman named Shola. She is a caterer by profession and we are blessed with four wonderful children.

What attracted you to venture into event management in Ireland?

I have a passion for event management and felt Ireland was a bit boring when I initially started the business as there were very few African shows and events to keep people entertained.

Where do you hope to see European-based African entertainers in 5 years time?

I hope there will be better days ahead as the industry is still growing. I am developing an event studio in Lagos Island local government in Nigeria which will be used to bring entertainers and musicians from all over the world to perform in Nigeria. I have also pencilled in a list of musicians that I will be bringing into Ireland over the next few months. I have organised special festivals like, Ogun Day, Eko Day, Isoko day etc.

What is your advice for budding talents?

They should be focused and consistent to be able to make it in the entertainment industry.

I am a graduate of Computer Science from the University of Ibadan in Oyo State in Nigeria. I moved to Ireland in 2005 and studied Travel and Tourism and Management at the Drogheda Institute of Further Education. I also have a Diploma in Event Management and Higher Diploma in

YOu ARe An ADORABLe MuM! Raising polite, Well-Mannered Children

We use daily manners constantly without even thinking. From greeting and introducing others to making requests and expressing thanks, these simple exchanges are the foundation of all interactions.

Since our choices impact others, it is important to make our choices thoughtfully, so as to communicate a considerate awareness of oneself and others.

Good manners, or behaving in a way that’s socially acceptable and respectful, shows respect, care, and consideration for others and it is important for parents to instill these values in their children.

When you teach children to be respectful, you instill good values, like kindness and consideration and these are the building blocks of good

manners. Excellent manners will help children have better relationships with people they know and those they meet.

Here is an article by Alice Langholt on Building Good Manners for Children at Home.

How do you teach good manners for children so they are polite and thankful? The answers are simpler than one might imagine.

First, and most important, the parents should model the desired behavior at home. This may sound like common sense, but it cannot be emphasized enough how much children take on the behavior they see from their parents. Start with the basics. Say “please” and “thank you” throughout the day. Say it to the

children. Say it to your spouse. Make sure the children hear you use these words several times all throughout the day. Encourage them to use the words, too. Everyone feels good when they are thanked, even for small things like passing the salt.

It may take a while. These changes don’t happen overnight, particularly if they are new to a family’s norms.

But gentle and repeated correcting and asking them to restate their requests will reap worthwhile results.

Second, teach kids the difference between asking and telling. For instance, “Please pass the salt” versus “Give me the salt” is obvious. But, encourage the kids to use the phrases “May I have” and “Could you please” in place of “I want…”, “I’ll take…”, and “Give me…” and you’ve really changed the way they relate to each other, and you. The habit will stick when they are out of the house, too.

If your kid says “Give me some milk,” reply, “May I have some milk please?”

Wait for the child to repeat your words, and then respond appropriately. Your reply could also be, “How do you ask?” and allow the child to rephrase his request. Do not yell, and be sure to be calm.

Remember, they are watching, and they will copy your every response.

Practice rephrasing a request, first saying it the non-mannerly way, and

then restating it using good manners.

The kids will have fun, your point will be made, and they’ll get the message.

Finally, be mindful of the way you talk to your kids. Sure, you are the parent and you are the one in charge.

But kids will be happier to follow directions if they are spoken to using the same manners you wish to hear from them. Remember the magic words, including not only “please” and “thank you,” but also “may I” and “would it be okay if…” At the very least, teach them that everything sounds better with “please” attached.

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD 11

FAMiLY coRnER

Poems

stReet BOY

By Ukachukwu Okorie

I AIM WItH tHe InK

tHe MOtHeRLess MAn

Bored of the status quo where the anthem breeds sleep singing is for a side and the chorus is for every throat.

Heralding the poor cantata in the spirit of the living things breathing at all cost matters for the living and dead living things.

Oh my spirit repels you my finger pulls the trigger of the mightier paint inching provocations for my people

Here comes the eyes that saw once a gazelle in the tears of her world deprived of the cuddles that inspire and the voice that protects. lost in the limbo of confusion demands made came splattering like blood sprayed on earth he came, he saw and wept.

Oh my adoring mother faded fast like icicles on the sun rise though congealed but evergreen lies in you.

Wisdom Bits

On the roll-call i hit the plains where they gather good, ugly, bad i took in a few casuals and cool a spot to stay time to gather all in the city When the streets boozed lazily liquid filter off boys pine on post where ever it is your gaffe is final

tHe BIG WILLIe Engine of the family you differentiate men from boys friendly to the rise of humanity awh! you love the beaded meat ruthless at the wrong pelvic they admire your swagga and hunger for your actions even at a probation period you wreak havok as you love the family you also tear ‘em apart a rare gift to mankind to who it concerns you are a bargaining chip and the real power that decides who rules

Who is afraid of a woman with big bottom, is she not meant for a man?

Meaning - Do not be afraid of tribulation, it is part of the path to conquest

When you encounter what is bigger than the farm, you are bound to sell the barn.

Meaning - If a problem is beyond one’s ability, he will seek external measure.

A cripple is not caught unawares in an arranged war.

Meaning - Planning breeds better fruits

A mature eagle feather will ever remain pure.

Meaning - A well groomed child will be useful to the community.

When the buttocks is stung by an ant, it will learn its lesson Meaning - Tribulations make one stronger

Logs of firewood fetched during the rainy season will be used in the dry season.

Meaning - Ones actions today will determine his position in the future

The pepper tree is not climbed but circled Meaning - When faced with difficult situation, handle it with caution.

FOLKtALe TALES FROM UMUGUMA

uYOKAnjO tHe GReAt tuRtLe Once upon a time, in the village of turtles, they believed in brotherhood and lived with rules and regulations.

One of the rules was to vote for a new Head of the Clan when the former passed onto the great beyond. in this same village lived a turtle that was loved by most of her generation and neighbours. She was named Uyokanjo meaning “Home” 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. after her birth, she realised that although animals lived as one big family, the unit was not a happy one for the weaker, calmer and smaller size animals, especially the turtles, were being discriminated and continued to suffer intimidation, bullying, violence and sometimes death at the hands of bigger animals. this non-stop coercion made the turtles to vow to reward anyone 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 they were unable to capture the criminal. the king then made an appeal through his town Crier that there would be a great reward to anyone who captured the Bull. the town Crier went round the kingdom and announced the appeal of the king.

“Hear this, all animals; the King has promised to grant any request to any animal that catches the Bull.” animals that heard the news passed it on from one animal to the other but none of them were courageous enough to plan a capture. they feared that the strength of the bull would have devastating consequences if they confronted him and this allowed the Bull to continue to run amok. Uyokanjo though, thought of a plan to lure and capture the Bull, without the involvement of other animals.

While other bigger animals contemplated and mapped out ways to capture the Bull, Uyokanjo made her own plans. She went to the forest and dug a 7ft trench in the ground and disguised it with shrubs. after finalising her forest plan, she went to the Bull and convinced him to flee the kingdom by using a safer road that she had discovered.

Unaware of her clever plan, the Bull followed Uyokanjo to the forest and into her 7ft trench trap. She hurried back to the kingdom to tell the king of the news.

When Uyokanjo was brought to the presence of the king, she told him that she had captured the Bull. after hearing the news, the king hailed Uyokanjo and without hesitation, he allocated more land for all turtles as a reward for Uyokanjo’s bravery. after rewarding Uyokanjo and the rest of the turtles, he said to everyone gathered around, “What men can do, a woman can do better.”

Uyokanjo went on to become a great female turtle. She also became the new head of the clan in her community and throughout the kingdom.

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ReCIpe COLuMn

ABenKWAn (pALM nut sOup) FROM GHAnA.

by Nkiru Edokobi

Ingredient 2cups of palm oil 1 cup of chopped onion 1 chili pepper crushed pepper 2 cups of tomatoes chopped 2 cups of okra 1 medium eggplant (cut into chunks) 1 lb fresh or crab meat salt to taste

COOKING in a large heavy stew pot, boil the palm oil for 10 minutes and add onions. add pepper and continue cooking on a high heat for another 5 minutes .

Reduce heat, add the crushed pepper and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes then add the remaining ingredients.

Simmer for an hour or more until soup is thickened, stir regularly if there is too much palm oil on the surface.

You can scoop off some oil with a large spoon then serve.

12 AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

EnTERTAinMEnT/ coLUMn

DeRIvAn & C.O. Chartered accountants & Registered auditors 34 north frederick street, dublin 1, ireland tel: 353-1-8732845/8730669/8726871 Fax: 353-1-8726984/8456253 Email:cderivan@eircom.net

By Sara Sinclair

Portrait of Will Smith

Portrait of Chris Rock

DepRessIOn Is A sILent KILLeR

By Folashade Abifarin

From the beginning, the lord made i never really understood depression and how it impacted on people’s lives. the chances are that we may know someone who is affected by depression but they are feeling too scared or ashamed to tell. last week, i attended a seminar organized by my church, ‘living Hope’, which gave me an insight into what depression really is. a guest speaker, psychiatrist dr Steve Critchlow, spoke and gave advice on coping with depression. i felt i should share that information in this article to help the many people who may be suffering in silence. this article will discuss the symptoms and causes of depression, and how to overcome it. depression is a very serious and

widespread illness that is rapidly on the rise among young people. life is more difficult today than in the past and can devastate people, particularly individuals with very high goals and expectations. Many individuals who appear happy suffer depression without knowing because it is not visible. it is common in ireland; 1 in 5 are likely to develop depression in their lifetime. it’s argued that about 500 people each year commit suicide, some of which are as a result of depression. depression is more serious than just feeling low. it’s natural for every individual to feel moody, unhappy or hopeless at any given time. However, for some, this can lead to depression as the ability to deal with situations differs from person to person. depression also affects people differently so not everybody has the same symptoms, tHE SYMPtOMS OF dEPRESSiON the signs and symptoms of depression are not uniform. dr Steve advised that there are also variaitions in the severity of symptoms and how long they last. Below is a list of the most common symptoms he described: • a constant feeling of sadness and

anxiety; • feeling hopeless and restless; • complaining of pains, headache and cramps; • experiencing irritability and feeling low in energy; • losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed; • reduced sex drive; • loss of concentration; becoming forgetful and indecisive; • feeling guilty and exercising negative thoughts; • sleeping patterns are disturbed and appetite is poor; and • the feeling that life is unbearable; suicidal thoughts and action may follow.

CaUSES OF dEPRESSiON depression is said to be related to changes in the levels of three major chemicals in the brain and if these chemical levels are upset, it may lead to depression.

• Serotonin – which controls disposition, desire for food and going to sleep; • Norepinephrine – which controls mood, waking, and attention/ concentration; • Dopamine – which controls

movement, motivation, and the experience of pleasure.

Specialists claim that there are no single events in a person’s life that will cause depression on its own.

However, there are many contributing factors that trigger depression, such as: • events and experiences early in life; • the person’s genes and genetic factors; • bereavement, divorce, trauma; • health issues; physical, emotional and sexual abuse; • poverty, financial stress, extended joblessness; and • loneliness and lack of intimacy. immigrants, refugees, and others who have had to move away from their familiar surroundings may also be at greater risk of developing depression. it is difficult to visually see when someone is suffereing because depression is an internal condition. individuals suffering from depression don’t wear bandages or a sign on their head saying‘i’m depressed’, regardless of how bad their situation is. Bottling up feelings inside without sharing with friends, family etc. can be

dangerous to one’s health. Whenever the above-listed symptoms are persistent, it is vital to talk to someone or, better still, seek professional help!

What i have come to understand from the seminar i attended is never to withhold what a depressed person confides in you, particularly when it involves suicidal thoughts. Never think you alone can help because you could make matters worse if it fails.

Seek professional help.

Recently Professor Patricia Casey produced a paper dealing with the benefits of religious practice. Her review shows that rates of depression and suicide are reduced amongst practicing Christians. Christians still get depressed but their faith in God gives them hope and results in lower rates of: • suicide; • depression and other mental illnesses; • alcohol and drug abuse; • crime and drug abuse; and • marital breakdown.

For anyone experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thoughts, help can be sought from the following resources: the aware helpline (tel.

1890 303302); the Samaritans (tel.

1850 609090).

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD 13

ENTERTAINMENT

AGONY CORNER

him before you’re hooked: find out exactly how many times he’s been married. If he’ll soon outpace Liz Taylor – and his brides are getting younger, that should stop you or at least make you pause: if he’s been married two, three or four times, there’s a good chance that he could be married two or three or four more times. Another indicator: if you suggest slowing things down, he gets impatient because you’re getting in the way of his next acquisition; you.

This is someone who’s used to getting what he wants,You become the thing he wants. If you decide to take the plunge, at least make sure get a fair pre-nup (i.e. Pre-nuptial agreement).

3. Mr. No-Money Bags He has champagne tastes on a beer budget and a walk-in closet full of financial skeletons. But that does not bother him because he also has a preternatural ability to get into women’s wallets as well as their beds.

He’s counting on you to keep him in the style to which he hopes to become accustomed. He looks for the financially well-off woman so he can mooch off her. How he’ll lure you in: he’ll play on your natural affinity for nurturing and care-taking. It’s like stumbling onto a beautiful, crumbling Victorian house: you see past the sagging floors and peeling paint and envision how magnificent it could be.You figure a little“investment”will pay off big for both of you. Besides, what’s a little money when he’s the man of your dreams?

4. Mr. Mama’s Boy He’s sweet, affectionate and understanding. Unfortunately, he’s still hung up on another woman – his mother. Not exactly the threesome you might have had in mind. Mum still influences his professional decisions, his investment portfolio, where he lives, who he votes for.

Project into the future and you can count on her influencing everything from where you buy a home to how

you raise your children. And if you push him to choose sides, guess who loses? Yep, that would be you. How he’ll lure you in: Any man who loves his mother will know how to treat a woman, right? If you have been involved with guys who’ve been great in romancing you, but haven’t had an emotional connection and then you meet someone who cares about how women feel, that can be really attractive. Spot him before you’re hooked: He compares you to his mother and you come up short every time. The real test may come around Valentine’s Day: if you’re alone with a box of chocolates because he’s taken Mum out for a candlelit dinner, cut him loose because at the most intimate level of his heart, he still loves Mum as much or more than you.

5. Mr. Peter Pan Syndrome Though he is in his 30s or 40s, at heart Mr. Peter Pan Syndrome is still a frat boy. Life’s a non-stop, movable kegger and he’s the affable host. He’s on a first-name basis with all the bartenders in town, thinks 401k refers to computer stuff and is always ready for a trip to Las Vegas. But if you run into hard times, say you’re in a serious car accident or you lose your job, he’ll be way, way out of his depth. Difficult situations are not in his repertoire, and when the going gets tough, you’ll be going it alone. How he’ll lure you in: his spontaneity and sense of adventure bring out the kid in you.

He’s the one who convinces you to go para-sailing in Cancun or ditch work for an afternoon at the ballpark.

Spot him before you’re hooked: he’s managed to dodge major responsibilities. By now, his buddies are entrenched with mortgages, marriages, even babies, but he’s still footloose. When it comes to dating, “let’s keep things light” is this guy’s mantra. Peter Pans eventually do grow up into perennial bachelors.

6. Mr. Egomaniac He’s brilliant, accomplished and has an unflagging belief in his own infallibility.You never see him waffling or agonizing about a decision. He’s extremely decisive because the world revolves around him. On the rare occasion when he’s not 100% right, he won’t take it well if you point it out.

He may want an accomplished woman, but not one so successful that you eclipse his glory. He may

even undercut your success. He might embarrass you at an office party or run you down in front of colleagues in the guise of “being funny.” When you complain, he’ll accuse you of being too sensitive.

How he’ll lure you in: his confidence is irresistible. He’s got that Clint Eastwood/John Wayne macho inner strength that’s really appealing, Spot him before you’re hooked: he never tires of talking about himself or the things he’s interested in. There’s no give and take, just his lecturing. He does not care what you have to say, He may listen, but only long enough to prepare for his next persuasive statement. Another give-away: He surrounds himself with sycophants, but has few real friends. If you’re not a good listener or you only want to talk about yourself, the only people who are going to be around you are submissive people.

7. Mr. Control Freak Going out with this man is like dating a boa constrictor. At first, his embrace may seem warm and secure. But before long, you’ll be suffocating. It’ll start with going to the restaurants he chooses, seeing the movies he picks, hanging out with his friends. But eventually he tries to dictate everything, from what you wear to how you spend your free time. He’s trying to get you to be who you’re not. One day you wake up, and you’re like, ‘Where did I go? I don’t even know what I like to eat any more’! How he’ll lure you in: all this attention is certainly flattering. After all, he must really love you if he’s so concerned about you, takes such care of you and wants to be with you all the time, right? Spot him before you’re hooked: he insists on orchestrating all your dates and tells you how to dress or act around his friends. Even if you have only been on a few dates, he phones frequently and has memorized your schedule.

He’s suspicious of any relationship you have with any other guy. He expects you to agree with him, and if you don’t, he tries to persuade you you’re wrong. Run – don’t walk – away. With a control freak, you have to give up more and more of your separate experiences, separate activities, separate friends, and then it goes deeper to separate thoughts and feelings until you’re emotionally micromanaged. And that will kill you.

many others of her age for that position. Along with her free admission, she received campus accommodation.

In the near future, Taye’s genuine knowledge was beginning to open successful doors for her while Kehinde’s fake knowledge was covered up by her father’s wealth.

Years passed and when both Taye and Kehinde were aged thirty-four, the unexpected happened. Both of them were running for President of Nigeria.

Taye did as much as she could to find a sponsor that would help her. She received none but one ‘Beloveth Memorial Hospital’. The owner, a widow, saw great potential inTaye and was ready to help her fulfil her dreams.

Unfortunately, all of Taye’s hard work was no match for Kehinde’s wealth and power in society.

Taye now lived in Lagos City in a house of her own.They were in a stable home and had left the cruel village life behind them. With all of Taye’s

achievements, she was still seen as a lower class citizen than Kehinde.

Suddenly one day, while researching about Kehinde, Taye’s eyes became open to who Kehinde really was.

Kehinde was Taye’s own blood sister.

They were twins that had been separated at birth. “Your father’s mother chased me out of your father’s house when you and Kehinde were born. She accused me of being a witch because you and your sister were born before me and your father even got married. I always dream about her hatred for Kehinde. I am so sorry that I never revealed the truth to you”,Taye’s mother told her along with all her reasons.

Taye felt that Kehinde should know about it but Kehinde had already known about it. Taye’s mother had contacted Chief Balogun and he had told Kehinde the whole story. Kehinde, filled with pride, didn’t care though; all she cared was that she was rich.

To everyone’s surprise, Kehinde won the elections and became Nigeria’s first female president. She had achieved her goal to be rich but didn’t realise what she was getting herself into until she got there. Before she knew it, she needed her sister’s help. She had spent millions investing in unnecessary things and now the people were revolting against her. Her life was ruined.Then she came to see who she really was.

Chief Balogun was still in love with Taye’s mother and accomplished his mission to get her back. Kehinde stepped down and handed her twin sister,Taye, the post she really deserved.

However, weeks later when things were just getting into place, Taye’s mother passed away, unknown to anyone that her death was planned

by Kehinde’s grandmother who still had a strong hatred for her. Now she was out for the twins.

Types Of Men Ladies Should Avoid

By Abdul Yusuf

At first glance, he seems like Mr. Absolutely Right. He sweeps you off your cynical feet with nice dinners, roses, thoughtful gestures and/or gifts. The sex is incredible. You want to introduce him to your mum. But before you fall hook, line and sinker, stop! He could be one of these 7 dating mistakes. Plus, for added insurance, find out if you’re dating a loser because some men are Master Anglers. Once you’re hooked, you’ll invest your love, soul, money and, possibly, valuable childbearing years before realizing – too late – they don’t do happily ever after. In the end, they’ll break your heart, shatter your ego and frustrate the heck out of you.

Though these bad boys may be hard to spot, they send out subtle clues that they’re relationship kryptonite.

Read on for the 7 types of men to avoid… and how to spot them before they reel you in.

1. Mr. Perennial Bachelor This guy’s well-mannered, smart, attractive, witty, successful, and his kisses melt you like ice cream in July.

You can’t believe that some woman has not walked him down the aisle long ago. Even if you approach him with caution, his charm and persistence will probably win you over. Then, just when you start considering whether to take his name or hyphenate, he’ll peel out of the

relationship faster than a space shuttle driver, leaving skid marks on your heart. How he’ll lure you in: ask about his perpetual bachelorhood, and he’ll tell you he just has not found Mrs. Right yet. The unspoken suggestion? You could be her. But dating Mr. Perennial Bachelor is a fool’s journey because there is no right woman and never will be.

Women always think,‘I’ll be the one,’” but if no one has been right, you probably won’t be either. Spot him before you’re hooked: he does not introduce you to his friends or family, which means he’s in no hurry to fully integrate you into his life. But the biggest give-away is that his last significant relationship was back in college and every relationship since has lasted only a few months at most.

Around the time you’re expecting your relationship to shift into serious, he’s putting it in reverse. If a man has not gotten married by the time he’s 50, he’s probably not going to.

2. Mr. Marry-Go-Round Unlike Mr. Perennial Bachelor, this guy’s all about getting married.

Unfortunately, he treats marriage like a luxury car lease – and you can be sure that in a few years he’ll be ready to trade you in for a newer model.

The relationship is over when the romance is gone. Mr. Marry-GoRound has not figured out that all passion cools naturally, and when his does, he’ll blame you. He’ll say: “You were not the right one because when I find the right one, I’ll stay in this infatuated euphoria forever.” How he’ll lure you in: he’s a virtuoso romancer, so dating him is like being on a permanent honeymoon. Plus, the fact that he’s been married before suggests that he’s not afraid of commitment. If you have been dating men who cannot even whisper the “M”word, someone who’s practically sprinting down the aisle and introducing you as the future Mrs. So-and-So is certainly seductive. Spot

DREAMLAND

By Elizabeth Aleshinloye

Taye was a young Nigerian girl. She was twelve, very bright and full of potential. She could achieve anything she wanted, but her main goal was to be Nigeria’s first female president.Taye lived in Okara vilage with her mother and grandmother. She had lived there for as long as she could remember. She never knew anything about her father or even who he was. Without him, she always felt that there was something missing from her life. She always dreamt of him as a wealthy man that would come one day to free them from their bondage in the village.

Kehinde was also a young twelve year old Nigerian girl. She was the opposite ofTaye though. She lived with her father, her stepmother and her grandmother who secretly hated her.

Kehinde was always bottom in her class but her father, Chief Balogun, was so well off that he was able to buy his

daughter’s way to the top of the class.

Her main aim in life was to be rich; she didn’t care how she would become rich, just as long as she was.

At the age of fifteen, Taye’s grandmother passed away. Taye was touched by her grandmother’s death; she felt as if a part of her had been ripped out. Now it was just her mother and herself. She decided that she would be the one to turn both her and her mother’s lives around. She was determined to go to Lagos city to study in hope of achieving her dream and be able to support her family. She witnessed the hardship that her mother went through so she could survive. For Taye, now it was time for her to take risks for her mother to survive.

Kehinde’s father enrolled her into Lautec University. Taye on the other hand had luckily been granted free admission into Lautec as a result of an exam she had taken, competing with

14 AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

photonews

Participants at the Akidwa AGM in Dublin on 10/11/2012. More on Akidwa AGM news and photos log on www.africaworldnewspaper.com

Akidwa Team L - R - Akidwa CEO – Salome Mbugua, Development & Event Officer – Amaka Okonkwo, Migrant Women’s Health Coordinator – Alwiye Xuseyn and Research & Policy Development Coordinator – Kerry O’Leary.

Kids at the African Catholic Chaplaincy Harvest & Thanksgiving Bazaar held in Sword, Dublin The Clergy procession at the African Catholic Chaplaincy Harvest & Thanksgiving.

Mouners at the Service of Songs for departed Victor Chibuzor Okafor.

Onyido Ifeoma Doreen & Onukwu Chukwunweike Victor tied the nuptial knot at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Asaba, Niger Delta on 3rd November 2012.

Sympathizers at the Service of Songs for departed Victor Chibuzor Okafor, standing in the middle with eye glass is widow Sonia Spring.

NOVEMBER 16-30 2012 AFRICAWORLD 15

SpoRT

LeGenDs OF AFRICAn spORt:

jOsepH n’DO

With this year’s installment of the Airtricity League drawing to a close, we see the league title heading west to the trophy cabinet of Sligo Rovers Football Club for just the third time in the club’s 84 year history. Although joint favorites to lift the title at the start of the season, few can doubt the impressive way in which ‘The Bit-O-Red’ managed to secure their position as champions. Many would have expected the league to be close between Sligo and the 2011 champions, Shamrock Rovers; however, following the departure of Michael O’Neill last December, the Hoops’ fortunes seemed to have dwindled since their heady heights of last season’s Europa League adventure.

Ian Baraclough’s men will now head into the initial stages of next season’s Champions League and will be looking to their experienced veterans in order to try to emulate the European success of Shamrock Rovers two seasons ago. One such player will be former Cameroonian international Joseph Cyrille N’Do. In this month’s edition of ‘Legends of African Sport’, we take a look at the life and career of a much-travelled player whose contribution to Irish football has helped improve the status and quality of the Airtricity League during the past nine years.

N’do was born on the 28th of April 1976 in Yaoundé, Cameroon and made his senior debut in 1995 with hometown club Canon Yaoundé at the age of nineteen. In his first full season, he made seventeen appearances scoring eight goals before being snapped up by Cotonsport Garoua the following year. Joseph represented his side twentyfive times at the Stade Omnisport de Garoua, scoring three goals during the course of the season, which got him noticed by both European and Fédération Camerounaise de Football scouts.

He received his first international cap during the qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in France, having been discovered by then Cameroon coach, Claude LeRoy, and would go on to make three appearances for ‘Les Lions Indomptables’ during the tournament finals. He made a further three appearances for the national team during their qualifying games for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. However, he remained as an unused substitute during the tournament itself, bringing his total appearances to 21 and also chipping in with two goals.

1998 also saw N’do move to the Swiss Neuchâtel Xamax Football Club where he made 28 appearances, scoring four goals for ‘Xamax’ and helping his side finish sixth in the league that season. It wasn’t long before his talents were recognised by teams in France, where Cameroonian players such as Roger Milla to name but one, had enjoyed success during the 1990’s.

By 1999, Joseph had been snapped up by Racing Club de Strasbourg where represented the club on twenty-five occasions and scoring five goals in the process. The following year saw ‘Le Racing’ lift the Coupe de France; however it also saw the Alsace club relegated.

The following season Joe moved to the Middle East with Saudi Arabian team AlKhaleej Club, where he would spend one season playing for the Saihat based team, making nineteen appearances and scoring four goals. He then moved to the Sichuan area of China to play for Chengdu Blades, representing the team a total of twenty-five times while clocking up eight goals and assisting his side to finish sixth in a fouteen team league.

In 2003, the Cameroon international arrived on Irish shores when he signed with Inchicore-based St. Patrick’s Athletic.

Following his debut season, where he made seventeen appearances for ‘The Super Saints’ and contributed three goals, he made the short trip to Drumcondra to join up with the 2003 League C h a m p i o n s , Shelbourne. The move undoubtedly became one of the most successful periods of N’dos career up until that time.

‘The Real Reds’ were enjoying their best period of league football in the club’s 111 year history and with the help of N’dos forty-seven appearances and thirteen goals, lifted the league title in both 2004 and 2006.

W h i l s t playing for ‘Shels’, he was also voted by his fellow professionals as the ‘PFAI Player of the Year’ in 2006 for his outstanding contribution towards helping Pat Fenlon’s men to the League. A game of note would be his performance against Croatian outfit HNK Hajduk Split where ‘The Reds’ were trailing 3-2 from the away leg. However N’do and his teammates managed to reverse the deficit with a 2-0 home win to become the first Irish team to ever reach the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Due to financial difficulties, Joseph’s contract was not renewed with ‘The Real Reds’ at the end of the 2006 season and he returned to Saint Patrick’s Athletic for a brief spell before moving to Shamrock Rovers on loan midway through the 2008 season. He made a combined total of fifteen appearances in two years for both clubs, scoring one goal apiece for each club over the course of the season.

He then re-united with Pat Fenlon in 2009 who was then in charge of Phibsboroughbased Bohemians FC. N’do marked his debut with ‘The Gypsies’ with the only goal of the game against Dundalk at Oriel Park. His first season at Dalymount Park would be an unforgettable experience as first picked-up the prize for ‘Player of the Month’ for March, following it up on July 15th as he scored a crucial goal against Red Bull Salzburg to draw the scores 1-1 during a Champions League qualifying game, although ‘Bohs’ would later lose the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

Despite the European set-back N’do helped his team to firstly defeat Waterford United in the final of the League of Ireland Cup in September. He then assisted his team with vital goals against both Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers to help ‘The Gypsies’ lift the title for a second consecutive season, four points clear of bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers. The honours for that season were not finished yet though as Joseph, along with several of his Bohemians teammates, were named in the ‘PFAI Team of the Year’. He played his last game for ‘Bohs’ on November 6th

2009 against Bray Wanderers to help Bohemians clinch the title.

Following a short hiatus from football, Joseph joined up with Paul Cook on the west coast of Ireland with Sligo Rovers, where he remains today with a total of fifty-eight appearances for ‘The Bit-O-Red’, scoring six goals along the way. His performance during the 2010 FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers earned him a man of the match award at the Aviva Stadium. He also had an uncanny ability to upset Saint Patrick’s Athletic during the course of the season as he put in several man of the match performances against his former employers.

As well as domestic cups and trophies, N’do also holds a rather unique record for, as with only a handful of other players, including his former Shelbourne and Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon, he has played for all ‘Big 4’ Dublin teams. Although his trophy cabinet may not be lined with Premiership, La Liga or even Champions League medals, the shear number of accolades that Joseph N’do has acquired during his during his 17 year long career is more than a match for even the most celebrated players around Europe. At 36, with another FAI league title medal in the bag, there is little sign of the Cameroonian player slowing down.

16 AFRICAWORLD NOVEMBER 16-30 2012

EAST AFRICANS CONTINUE DUBLIN MARATHON DOMINANCE It was another triumphant year for east African athletes at the 2012 Dublin Marathon.

A total of 14,535 athletes took to Dublin’s roads at 9am on a bright but cold 31 October bank holiday for what was the 33rd Dublin Marathon.

At the 20-mile stage, it was clear that the race had become a battle between two Keynans and an Ethiopian. Defending champion and course record-holder, Geoffrey Ndungu, prerace favourite Robert Kipchumba, and Ethiopian, Abdisa Bedada, were all in close contention with around 10km to go.

Ndungu then took the initiative, injecting a burst of pace to which neither Kipchumba nor Bedada could respond. Ndungu

successfully reclaimed his Dublin Marathon title in a time of 2:11:09. When asked if he kept his eye on the clock, the Keynan said “I just run to win. Anytime I come to Dublin I want to win this race.” Kipchumba and Bedada took second and third place, finishing in 2:11:27 and 2:11:31 respectively, ensuring an east African 1-2-3 in the men’s race for the third successive year.

Kenya’s female athletes extended their country’s dominance with Magadalene Mukunza taking control of the women’s race at an early stage. She ran an impressive race, winning the women’s competition in a time of 2:30:46, twenty-four seconds ahead of fellow Kenyan, Faith Chernaoi. Russia’s Natalia Punchkova finished third in 2:31:43.

Geffory Ndungu has won the 2012 Dublin Marathon.

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