AfricaWorld Newspaper 1 - 15 March 2013

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...created to serve and inform

march 1-15 2013

AFRICAN in pole position to become POPE

Vol 001 Nº30

By Ukachukwu Okorie

THE ELECTION OF A NEW POPE

He is the first pope in precisely 598 years (between 1415 to 2013) to have done so. The Pope said his resignation was due The world was shocked on Thursday, February 28 at exactly to age and ill health and believed it is for the good of the church.

19:00 GMT when Pope Benedict XVI formally resigned as head Thus the drawing of the curtain for the German born Catholic of the over 1.1 billion Roman Catholic Church.

Leader’s almost 8 year pontiff has spark the election ... continued on page 3

BInGu WA MutHARIkA

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AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

opinion

The return of the native

Editorial

POPE EMERITUS ANDTHE HYPOCRISY

“ I cannot devalue the kwacha because no one, including the IMF, is giving me convincing arguments on what will be done to deal with the rise of the cost of living that will follow the devaluation.”

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Bingu wa Mutharika

Across the world, one particular news story has dominated headlines, outshining all others. The resignation of Pope Benedict XVI came as a shock to everyone - especially the Catholic faithful.

“I have felt like St Peter with the Apostles in the boat on the Sea of Galilee: the Lord has given us many days of sunshine and gentle breeze, days in which the catch has been abundant; then there have been times when the seas were rough and the wind against us … and the Lord seemed to be sleeping,” he said, as he finally bade farewell at his last weekly audience in St Peter’s square.

Bingu wa Mutharika was born on 24 February 1934 in Thyolo to Ryson Thom Mutharika and Eleni Thom Mutharika, both members of the Church of Scotland Mission which later became the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian. His parents were both teachers, his dad teaching for 37 years and his mother teaching the women of the Mvano group.

Bingu attended primary school in

administrative officer. A brief job as deputy governor of the Bank of Malawi led him to the World Bank where he served as a Loans Officer and then as Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Bingu wa Mutharika researched for his doctorate at the Pacific Western University, Los Angeles.

Together with Bakili Muluzi who later became president in 1994, Mutharika

prompting Bingu wa Mutharika to leave the UDF that he co-formed. Bingu formed a new party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and took several UDF MPs with him. Bingu wa Mutharika’s political battle with the UDF resulted in an impeachment motion against him in the National Assembly. His disagreement with former president Bakili Muluzi proved a major distraction, causing him to be more

Ulongwe Mission and Chingoli, Mulanje, Ntambanyama, Malamulo, in Thyolo and the Henri Henderson Institute in Blantyre.

He also obtained a Grade A Cambridge Overseas School Leaving Certificate at Dedza Secondary School in 1956. In 1964, he was one of the 32 Malawians selected

by Hastings Kamuzu Banda (President of Malawi 1961–1994) to travel for further studies to India on an Indira Gandhi scholarship for ‘fast track’ diplomas. He studied for a bachelor’s degree in economics, and a master’s at the University of Delhi. Mutharika returned to Malawi and worked in the civil service as an

founded the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1992. He succeeded Muluzi on 24 May 2004 on the UDF platform. As president of Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika went on to tackle corruption, starting with prominent politicians in his own party, and improved the government’s handling of the economy. Bingu wa Mutharika’s government was uncompromising in his anti-corruption drive, renewing partnerships with the international community.

He performed well in his first term as president, despite a growing political battle with his predecessor, Bakili Muluzi,

controlling of state apparatus in checking opposition.

After beating John Tembo of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in a close election, Bingu wa Mutharika got into trouble as a result of the dwindling Malawi economy and international donors. He had more trouble with his vice president, Joyce Hilda Banda, who was later expelled from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), although she retained her post. He also battled the former colonial power, Britain, over aid terms and home affairs. Bingu wa Mutharika died of a heart attack, aged 78, on the 5th of April 2012.

However conflicting our thoughts may be on this historical development, which was last witnessed 598 years ago, the fact is that the Catholic Church is as strong as a rock. Like all institutions, there are issues that need to be addressed but the vitality the Church offers to billions around the world cannot be denied. In the words of Dunstan Ukaga, AfricaWorld columnist, ‘There may be crises in the Church, but the Church is not in crisis. It is growing.

God is leading the church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it’. Although religion is said to be the ‘opium of the masses’, on the contrary, it is necessary for the uplifting and survival of mankind.

History, which we often cite for the abrogation of religion, equally lends credence to its indispensability. The role of the Catholic Church in mobilising followers of Jesus Christ and people of goodwill during the near annihilation of Biafrans during the Nigerian civil war remains a focal point. Religion, particularly the Catholic Church, remains a rallying centre for Christianity and all who believe in God in this age of man’s wickedness and attempts to redefine creation.

As the 85-year-old pontiff emeritus settles into the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, having pledged loyalty to his future successor in front of over 150,000 people in St Peter’s Square, global leaders should take heed of his meekness and humility. All presidents, senators, governors, TDs and sports administrators who would love to hang on because of the paraphernalia of office, the Bishop Emeritus of Rome has taught a new homily: to retire is graceful.

Come inside.

Uka

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

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

march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD

3

NEWs (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) of the 266th Pope .

There are 117 Cardinals within the age bracket to elect the in-coming pope. Cardinal electors have to be 80 years or below when the papacy becomes vacant. As a matter of fact, this law denies some Cardinals the right to be involved in the process of electing in conclave, the new successor of St Peter, who was the first Catholic pope. Joining Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of Scotland Catholic Church, who will not be voting following his resignation over allegation of inappropriate conduct with priests, include: Cardinal Lubomyr Husar of Ukraine, who turns 80 on February 26, and Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja of Indonesia who though 78, will not be involved due to failing health.

Gelasius who reigned from 492 A.D to 496 A.D. Other Africans who were at the helm of the church are, Pope Victor I, 186 or 189 to 197 or 201; the 13th Pope and Pope Melchiades or Miltiades, July 2, 311 to January 10, 314; the 32nd Pope. Both were martyrs of the church.

Pope Gelesius was the last African pope and reigned for five years. His contributions are found in the worship of the church today.

Pope Gelasius was the organizer and writer of the Roman Sacramentary which hold the prayers and prefaces for the sacraments. He exulted the reception of Eucharist in the form

Turkson. He was born October 11, 1948 in Wassaw Nsuta, Western Ghana, studied at St. Teresa’s Seminary in the village of Amisano and Pedu before attending St. Anthony-onHudson Seminary in Rensselaer, New York, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in theology. He was ordained to the priesthood

by Archbishop John Amissah on 20 July 1975.

On October 1992, Cardinal Turkson was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast by Pope John Paul II and treated as Cardinal-Priest of S. Liborio in his last consistory of October 2003. Since moving to the Vatican, he has

It takes a two-third majority of the eligible Cardinal to become a Pope. Until 1378, the Canon Law which guides the church permits any baptized Catholic male to become a Pope.

Now the onus fell on the College of Cardinals who are often regarded as the Princes of the Church. Before Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger emerged Pope Benedict XVI, an African was expected to emerge, due to the belief that the continent remain the future hope of the church. Is there a possibility of another African, possibly a Black Pope now? “It is God who who choose a pope, it doesn’t matter Black or White, what comes from God is always great”, Sipho Mzu-mara said in a social network debate on the probability of a Black Pope.

Although, the College of Cardinals have become more diverse even though Europeans continue to dominate in overall numbers. Out of a possible 116 Cardinal electors, half are from Europe, with Italy counting 20, Latin America as a whole with 20 Cardinal electors while the US and Canada has a total of 16. Asia has 11 Cardinals while Africa boast of 9 only.

Despite how dim the number may look, church traditionalist predict the possibility of having another African Pope since St.

of bread and wine, which was the tradition until the 15th century, and was restored with Vatican II. Pope Gelasius was a writer of music, and his prolific works have been preserved.

In pole position among the African Cardinals is one of the youngest among the top contenders and Ghana’s first, Cardinal Peter

become influential, currently serving as president of the Vatican’s pontifical council for justice and peace. As Archbishop of Cape Coast, a key diocese in Ghana, Turkson was known for his humility. A multi linguist, Cardinal Turkson speaks Fante as well as other Ghanaian languages and English, French, Italian, German and Hebrew. He is grounded in Latin and Greek too.

Cardinal Turkson is popular through his television appearances, particularly a weekly broadcast on the state channel Ghana TV. He has also maintained strong ties with his native country while carrying out his duties in the Vatican. The young Cardinal came to international attention last year when he screened a YouTube film at an international meeting of bishops featuring predictions over a possible rise of Islam in Europe. Part of the issue was that “In just 39 years, France will be an Islamic republic.” As head of the Vatican justice and peace bureau, he is the spokesman for the church’s social conscience and backs world financial forum.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, who is 80, and of Igbo descent in Nigeria is again being mentioned as a possible pope as he was in 2005 when Pope Benedict XVI was elected. Arinze served as a priest for 27 years and became one of the world’s youngest bishops before Pope John Paul II elevated him to the red hats in 1985.

He was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and highly complimented for his ability to cooperate with people of other faiths. Francis Cardinal Arinze is also considered a conservative and therefore highly favoured by core Catholics in the light of happenings around the world today. However, critics doubt Arinze’s chances saying he is too old and perhaps frail to emerge after a ‘Habemus Papam’.

Although Pamela Ilonzo thinks the world is not ready for a Black Pope but ‘Why not’, Patrick Clowry argued. In an online discussion, Anselem Nebeife opined, “If the White House could contain a Black man, then surely the Vatican won’t be stained by a Negro.”

As Catholics like Michael Unegbu pray that “a good servant that will continue to spread the gospel and strengthen the faith of the church in this turbulent world”, to emerge, the possibility of the first Black Pope is here with us.

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AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

column

X-RAY

with Fr. Vin

POPE’S RESIGNATION:

looking beyond the media which the church occupies in the world and the challenges facing it at the moment. But one clear element in all the rumours is that they can be summarized as conspiracies and that we need to look beyond the media to see the spiritual import of the Pope’s resignation.

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu Prior to the election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XV1 on April 19, 2005, the idea of the resignation of Supreme Pontiff in the Catholic Church was not only inconceivable but scandalous. The reason is both remote and immediate. Remote because of its unusualness; something whose last occurrence was about 600 years ago surely surpassed the thinking of this era. History has it that the last pope to resign the seat was Gregory X11 in 1415. Immediate, because Pope John Paul 11, Benedict’s predecessor held vicariously to the papacy till death. So what Pope Benedict XV1 did was unimaginable and shocking to the whole world and has since Monday, February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, when the announcement of the resignation was made public generated much media hype. Since then, the Catholic Church has been under fire from the media world with more questions than answers, insinuations and rumours emerging on daily basis regarding the Pope’s resignation. Some of those media allegations and rumours held that the Pope resigned due to pressure arising from paedophile cases and other sex scandals including homosexuality committed by high ranking members of the church even in the Vatican. Some rumoured that the Holy Father resigned from controversy over the ordination of women in the church. Others alleged that the case of the Pope’s butler in 2012 aroused unbearable tension for the old man while others still maintained that power tussle inside the Vatican led the octogenarian Pope to throw in the towel. Some media held that the pope no longer had trust for those around him and resigned due to a sense of insecurity in the Vatican.`All these are not completely strange considering the gigantic posture

The first issue to be considered is whether the canonical legislation of the Catholic Church makes provision whatsoever for the resignation of the Pope from office.

Canon 332 paragraph 2 clears this doubt as follows: “If it should happen that the Roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that he makes the resignation freely and that it be duly manifested, but not that it be accepted by anyone”. That something is not common or that it has not happened for a long time does not rule out the possibility of its occurrence and does not even render its occurrence evil. This is the case with Pope Benedict XV1’s resignation whereby virtually the whole world is bewildered and kept asking, “Can a Pope resign?”. The canon law makes provision for the resignation of the pope especially in circumstances where the pope considers that his resignation will contribute to the good of the church.

In the case of Benedict XV1, let us equate him with an eighty year old man in the village with senile influences and dwindling effects of gerontology. Some of those above 80 rarely stand erect and suffer from one ailing health issue or the other.

But here is a man who has struggled to sustain his age with the restless pressures of the papacy saying he needs to retire to give way for a more active person to continue the work of shepherding God’s flock and we are quarrelling. A man who by divine grace and assistance does not have any particular disease at the age of 85 but guided by divine wisdom has surrendered to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the interest of the church. Let us recall here the response by Pope Benedict XV1 to Peter Seewald in the book, “Light of the World” when asked, “Can you imagine a situation in which you would think that a Pope could resign?” The Holy Father’s prophetic response then was, “When a Pope realizes clearly that he is no longer physically, mentally and spiritually

capable of carrying out his role, then there is legally the possibility, and also the obligation to resign”. The Pope has merely fulfilled this obligation as he stated in his resignation speech, “I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry”. Benedict XVI became Pope at an advanced age of 78, which made him the oldest person to assume the office in the past 300 years. We will recall that his predecessor, Pope John Paul II became Pope at the age of 57 and died at the age of 84. Meanwhile Pope Benedict XVI will turn 86 by 16 April 2013.

Regarding insinuations that the Pope was compelled by pressures ad intra and ad extra to resign, I wish we could here recall the very words of Pope Benedict XV1 addressed to the College of Cardinals concerning his intention to resign thus, “For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.” The entire decision to resign the office of the pope was completely Benedict’s. A decision he said he had prayed and reflected upon for some time before coming to the conclusion of making it public. Of course to resign from such a sensitive and exalted position would not have been a product of fortuity. When the Director of Vatican Press Office, Fr. Frederico Lombardi commented on this, he affirmed, “The two fundamental points are, therefore, freedom and due manifestation. Freedom and public manifestation, and the consistory in which the pope manifested his will is public”.

It is worthwhile therefore, to appreciate Pope Benedict XV1 as a rare gift to this generation. The Holy Father has simply brought in a new mentality to an age known not only for its megalomanianism but for profligacy in both sacred and profane places. The Holy Father has

taught the entire world humility by his resignation. He has demonstrated that leadership should be by example, that detachment is the key to salvation.

For someone who occupies such an exalted position to relinquish all the paraphernalia of office; for him not to imagine what would happen to his immunity, not to let all the pumps associated with the papacy to blur his sense of vision and love for the church is worth a humble act to emulate. In the pope’s resignation we see a humble acceptance of one’s situation not irrespective of but for the sake of Christ who is the Chief Shepherd of the church.

In Pope Benedict’s resignation, we see a deep manifestation of sincerity; sincerity to himself and to the entire world. Reading through his speech, I feel particularly touched by his acknowledgements of his incapacitations due to advancement in age. His sincerity plays itself out thus, “However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfil the ministry entrusted to me”. What a sincere way to submit to the divine will and to recognize the inability of human limitations. Also a committed declaration that the Church does not belong to him but ultimately to God with Christ as its head. I see the pope’s resignation here as rendering an appropriate account of his stewardship to the service of God and humanity here on earth which surely would be an eloquent witness to his reward hereafter.

The resignation of the Supreme Pontiff is also a clear indication of faith in God. If Pope Benedict had thought of himself as indispensable and imagined that without him the church would not survive, he would have possibly continued to struggle against all odds of age. But he has absolute faith in Christ who is the chief shepherd. This goes to debunk the insinuations that the pope has abandoned the church within this time she is swimming through rough waters of secularism and confronting neo atheistic tendencies. The Pope has not abandoned the church. He has rather handed the church over to its owner. He has secured divine insurance for the church. He has re-presented the church to Christ who said, “The gates of the underworld can never overpower it” (Cf. Matt. 16:18). By this singular act, Pope Benedict XV1 has provided great inspiration to both his successor and to the pastors of the

church encouraging them to always fall back to Christ who is the Founder of the Church, its sustenance and strength. Rather than abandon the church, the Holy Father can be said to have reinvigorated the church by allowing fresh breath to come in to carry on with the works of evangelizing the world. This, I believe, is what Cardinal Angelo Sodano meant when he captured the sentiments of the cardinals before the Pope after he announced his resignation, “Now allow me to tell you, in the name of this apostolic cenacle- the College of Cardinals- on behalf of these your dear colleagues, let me tell you that we are closer to you than ever, as we have been in these eight luminous years of your pontificate”.

Finally, I see the Pope’s resignation as an act of love which best expresses the heroism exhibited throughout his pontificate. The dean of Cardinals described Benedict’s service as “performed with so much love, with humility...”. The Pope has exemplified his love for the church by the way he held unto the teachings of the church right from his time as the Prefect for the Doctrine of the faith and throughout his reign as Pope. He was able to withstand the shocks of the contemporary world and to overcome the influence of secularism. He didn’t succumb to the threats of economic melt down which swept like hurricane wind across Europe and the entire world.

The Pope showed his love above all by resigning his exalted office when ovation was still loud. He has resigned to a more quiet and contemplative life to continue his fervent intercession for the church he so loves.

Pope Benedict XV1 has thus challenged the entire world and especially leaders in both the church and society to realize that all power belongs to God. He has demonstrated to the world that the vanities of the world cannot be prioritized at the expense of that which matterseternity. He has informed all not to let the lures of materialism and fame deny us of the promise of paradise. He has taught us that the principle of indispensability does not exist in the sphere of God. He has orchestrated that leadership must be by example and not only in words. He has particularly taught Africa and Nigeria especially that old and weak hands should not suppress young and vibrant ones who could help transform the society and take it to greater heights.

To our wonderful Holy Father, we say, may you enjoy your well deserved rest. May Christ the Chief Shepherd grant us the wisdom to look beyond ourselves and to discover our own weaknesses so as to rely on Him for the necessary strength to carry on.

march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD

5

coLUMn

HeARt OF tHe MAtteR:

It’s a Jungle Out there (part two) the Holy Grail by max Uspensky

Those swarthy, sweaty knights were seeking in the wrong place entirely, when they sought to splay their sweaty palms upon that venerated of all quest objects – the Holy Grail.

They only had but to make a trip to the Congo and its jungle.

One doesn’t have to endure 400 plus pages of Dan Brown’s adventure, Tom Hanks’ and Audrey’s Tatou’s exhortations a n d exclamations of wonder, set against an e q u a l l y reverberating score in The Da Vinci Code, in order to figure out the goal.

The reader need just read on a few minutes - in just a few hundred words before the glow o f enlightenment reveals all.

Venture forth no longer – for here among the fond fronds, vines and whines, between the leaves and beliefs of AfricaWorld’s own literary jungle, the root of all biodiversity itself presents itself for

the reader’s haruspication ... those entrails entail the end of the trail for sure to be sure ... and knowledge and source of the grail the reader’s very own at last.

Cue one Redmond O’Hanlon (send in the Irish!) author of No Mercy: A Journey to the Heart of the Congo.

Travelling along the Oubangui, tributary of Africa’s mightiest fluvial vein, in search of the cryptoid sauropod, Mokele-Mbembe. Intrepid explorer, Redmond, records the following of a revered elder deep in the jungle: “So where do we all come from?” I said, pleased with myself. “That’s what I want to know. What’s the origin of life?”

“That’s very simple,” he said, leaning forward, refilling our ex-mackerel cans, and relaxing back into his chair. “I can put your mind at rest.

The origin of life reposes in a symbol whose name is Bolo. Bolo incarnates all creative power. It is a unique symbol. This symbol embodies all the spirits, good or bad. The origin of sorcery comes from the symbol Bolo. This symbol endows certain people with a power, a power which is generally submitted through dreams. And concerning dreams, a dream is always given, because certain dreams are always messages.

This power of dreams is held by a few people who are very gifted,

people of the village like the Chiefs and certain of the sorcerers. In our tradition, there is no system of explanation for each dream as I have heard in the case of other tribes. But it is normal for the Chiefs to let everyone in the village know about their dreams – good or bad. In certain cases the other villagers come to tell their dreams to the Chief, who interprets them, and he spreads his knowledge by our form of newspaper. A man takes the Chief’s words into his head and cries out their message through the village, in every corner of the village.”

Bobe drained his second can of palm-wine, refilled it – and stopped with the can in his right hand, halfway to his lips, apparently mesmerised by the something or someone just behind the drum.

He pressed the palms of his looseskinned old hands into his eyes, as if to shut something from view, and then looked at us with his slow smile again, his voice its usual self.

“I am tired,” he said. “It takes courage to talk of such things. And now I am very tired. We will speak again. Perhaps you will visit me again.”

“What did you make of that?” I said, as we walked back to our hut.

“I think you ought to know,” said

Marcellin, “that in Lingala Bolo means vagina.”

The passage extract reveals the deep vein of spirit life in African life, which also clearly reveres womanhood on a spiritual plain and as such perhaps could be utilised to combat the awful state of affairs which surround women in the contemporary Congo. One only need be reminded of Togolese women’s use of a sex strike last August used to empower their own position in society against a dictatorial regime.

Togolese women’s collective, ‘Let’s Save Togo’ called for a week-long sex strike in order to press for President Gnassingbe’s resignation.

Togolese women rightly recognised that a specifically feminine action was necessary for the benefit of all.

Like women almost anywhere – it is they who bear the burden of poverty most – they have to keep the pot boiling, feed the family – both husband and children being heavily dependent upon them – forage for clothing, firewood and other staples.

Given the appalling position of Congolese women today they might well benefit from observing Togolese women’s and others’ experience, regain a sense of reverential esteem and similarly apply a ‘No Bolo Bolo’ policy until their virtues are properly recognised and respected.

umoja ninguvu! keep Her strong!

by Max uspensky

A U.K. asylum seeker, Odette Sefuka, faces deportation to Uganda following just a few weeks detention at Yarls Wood Detention Centre, Sheffield. In Uganda she faces imprisonment, rape and death.

The decision amounts to a huge injustice and travesty of asylum procedure, given that U.N. experts deem Odette to b e originally B a ny a m u l e n ge ( e t h n i c T u t s i Rwandans concentrated on The High Plateau of South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC).

Banyamulenge have been persecuted for decades in the DRC. U.S. sponsored Mobutu began his regime saving attempt by targeting this minority back in 1997 – the consequences which have produced the greatest loss of life of any conflict since WWII. In the DRC, Sefuko was president of a group called ‘Umoja Ninguvu’ (Together We Are Strong) to assist rape victims of this conflict. Allegedly

beaten, tortured and raped by police herself, she fled the DRC in 2004. If her Banyamulenge ethnicity can be confirmed she automatically stands a good chance of remaining in the U.K. Asylum Seekers are in grave danger when returned to either the DRC or Uganda. The Pambazuka News claimed on 7th May 2010, “ The personal accounts relayed to our office match a general pattern documented by experts and journalists: ‘A failed asylum seeker, with a deportation certificate, arrives at Entebbe airport and is handed over to one of the security organisations.

If suspected of political dissident activities, the person is taken to a safe house for questioning. Rape, for women, is inevitable. Children over the age of three are taken from their mother and put in an orphanage.

Detention can last weeks, or months; a number of people have ‘disappeared from custody.’”

6

AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

pEopLE

pRIDe OF AFRICA Djani djani popularly called the congo Boy tV was born in congo Brazaville. “i do a little talk show called congo Boy tV which started in 2011 in Blanchardstown”. congo Boy tV have helped in showing young talents in dublin suburbs by shooting mini videos and uploading them on the internet. his inspiration stems on the zeal to showcase the abundance of talents in the congo people. congo Boy who will be 18 by July and he is upbeat about his

teA WItH tHe DuCHess

nena Duchez Huntaz Chuka Royalty is a rapper, singersongwriter and instrumentalist.

The multi-talented star has collaborated with a number of high profile artists including including award-winning musician and Minister Sonnie Badu, Faith Child and more. For more on Chuka, visit www.chukaroyalty.com

D.How long have you been doing music?

C.I have been doing music for as long as I can remember. Most great musicians started from the church so I guess that makes me great too lol. Seriously I can’t say but music has been a part of me from a young age D.What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?

C.The list is endless because I go through different huddles music wise. I would probably say getting my music out there independently, nonetheless I’m hopeful for change.

D.If you weren’t doing music, what else would you be doing?

C.It would have been football but that’s out of the window now maybe 8years ago that would have been a strong option. However I do have a degree in media culture and communication so something in the media sector will most definitely be an option.

D.What do you think of the Uk

music scene and its reception of afrobeats?

C.The UK music scene has come so far and with this new wave of afrobeats I am positive that things will get even bigger. I love the fact

that the UK are accepting afrobeats music as a genre of its own, its still growing but I don’t think it will ever become obsolete.

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

C. A lot of things I can’t talk about at the moment but please keep checking my website www.chukaroyalty.com for updates. I have a few goodies there for you too.

march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD

7

HEALTH

africaworld health In Association With Manorfield Foundation

MALARIA

This article seeks to create awareness about the possible existence of malaria in a country like Ireland, where it hardly ever manifests. It also intends to inform pregnant women, who may originate from or have travelled to the tropics, of the importance of ensuring preventive measures prior to and post travel. It has been reported that besides Africa, rates of malaria infection in pregnant women are a lot lower but with a greater chance of complications pre and post delivery (Desai, 2007).

Malaria is a very uncommon occurrence in Ireland but when cases manifest, it must be taken seriously and treated as soon as detected. Malaria is an infectious disease that is transmitted from one infected person to another through the bite of an anopheles mosquito.

The infection can be life-threatening and if left untreated, can lead to death. 91% of deaths relating to malaria take place in Africa (www. malarianomore.org).

Malaria is more likely to affect individuals who have lower immunity or who are prone to infection - especially younger children (under the age of 5), sickle cell patients and pregnant women.

Malaria in pregnancy has devastating effects on the mother and her unborn child.

Findings for this research have been derived mainly from secondary sources of data.

Due to the nature of the report in question, primary data could not be utilised as it will only give a myopic picture of a disease that is highly recognised for its devastating effects worldwide. Besides, the report would require recognising various demographic areas in explaining situations that cause the manifestation of malaria from an endemic area to a temperate region.

Other sources of data have been obtained from the most recent information obtained from the HSE (Health Service Executive), HPSC (Health Protection Surveillance Centre) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

CAUSES OF THE OCCURRENCE OF MALARIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN The malaria parasite transmitted by an anopheles mosquito is called a plasmodium. The common ones that affect humans are: •Plasmodium falciparum: This is the major cause of malaria related deaths especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

•Plasmodium vivax: Mostly found in the tropics especially in Asia.

•Plasmodium malariae: This has been wiped out from the temperate climates.

•Plasmodium ovale: This is rare and causes relapse. It occurs mainly in West Africa. (www.niaid.nih.gov).

For the purpose of this report, more attention will be paid to the causes, effects and implications of malaria on pregnant women in Ireland, giving its likely implications.

Pregnancy is a state of reduced immunity and carries with it a higher chance of contracting infectious diseases such as malaria.

In other words, pregnancy gives the malaria parasite a favourable environment in which to thrive.

G.M. Stirrat’s piece on Pregnancy and Immunity explains that “other aspects of the immune system in pregnancy are modulated as part of a series of maternal adaptations needed for successful foetal development”. He views the thought of a paralysis in the mother’s immune system required to protect the foetus against immune attack as archaic.

Based on the HSE and HPSC surveillance report (Sept., 2010), factors such as country of infection, place of birth, reason for travel and the use of chemoprophylaxis were used to understand reported malaria cases. Using these variables therefore makes it easier to understand how a pregnant woman may have contracted the disease. It was reported by the HPSC that an average of 77 notifications of malaria had been made, 2 of which resulted in death. This has been compared to previous notifications in the past which stood at about an average of 20 between 2001 and 2004. Hence, it has been deduced that the resultant increase in notification after 2004 reflects an increase in malaria incidents recently in Ireland. The HSE and HPSC have attributed the notification increases to the changing demography and pattern of travel among Irish residents. Currently, no known statistics have been presented regarding notifications by pregnant women.

Based on reported cases, malaria infection in Ireland has been observed to be prominent amongst non-Irish born residents, especially Nigerians (the majority of these reach rural areas where stagnant water, which breeds mosquitoes, is predominant). Most of them report

visiting ‘family in country of origin’ as their reason for travel (www. hpsc.ie). From the facts presented, we can therefore deduce that the majority of pregnant women who contract the malaria parasite have actually travelled and imported the disease into Ireland. The HSE and HPSC report suggests also that malaria cases occur mainly amongst travellers who refuse to take preventive measures in the form of prophylaxis (as prescribed). with only 6% of cases taking the correct dosage of prophylaxis.

EFFECTS When Malaria parasites are injected into the blood stream by the anopheles mosquitoes, they infect and destroy red blood cells. This leads to fever and other symptoms similar to the flu such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, cold and general malaise (Wells, 2009). Besides the clinical effect of malaria on an individual, it also carries with it a multiplied effect within the socioeconomic sector of a country. In Africa, it is estimated that 40% of health resources are used to treat malaria (www.nomoremalaria.org).

In Nigeria alone, the direct loss to the country caused by the malaria epidemic stands at about £530 million, where only 15% of the national budget goes to health expenditure (www.rbm.who.int). It is obviously imperative that attention be paid towards ensuring not just curative measures but that preventive measures are put in place. This would apply to persons who wish to travel to the tropics for leisure or a family visit, especially pregnant women.

TREATMENT Malaria in pregnancy has a

detrimental effect on a mother and her unborn baby. Collective findings show that there is a higher risk of a negative effect from untreated malaria in pregnancy which outweighs the treatment (www. rcog.org.uk).

Pregnant women with malaria should be admitted to hospital and several tests carried out to ascertain the malaria parasite responsible, while carrying out constant monitoring. Artesunate IV or Oral quinine can be administered as prescribed. Follow-up plans should be made for pregnant women advising them of a possible recurrence.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a regimen of 7 days of Artesunate at 100mg daily for 7 days, clindamycin could also be given (RCOG 2010; 10). In addition, the use of mosquito treated nets while away on travel in endemic areas is an effective way of preventing the bite that transmits the disease. Anti-mosquito body sprays are also sold in the local pharmacies to help repel the insect, evading the bite that causes the transmission of the parasite.

IMPLICATIONS One of the symptoms of malaria is pyrexia arising from the occurrence of fever.

This situation has been known to cause premature labour and foetal distress (Uneke, 2007). Pregnant women with malaria also develop severe anaemia as a result of the destruction of the red blood cells by the parasite. In severe cases, the patients become hypoglycaemic and this can be associated with foetal bradycardia. During delivery, congenital malaria can occur via the

placenta through the means of vertical transmission (www.rcog.org.uk) CONCLUSION The research highlights the harmful effects of the parasite carried by the anopheles mosquito. It also sheds more light on the dangers that this disease can pose to a mother and her developing foetus, especially when it is not discovered in time and treated immediately with clear adherence to prescription. Also, in view of the increase in notifications received by the HPSC in the last couple of years, it is imperative that stricter measures be put in place to ensure that medical assessments and certifications for Irish and nonIrish residents are carried out pre and post visit to tropical areas.

Various treatments for the cure of malaria have also been proffered. In consideration of the economic cost a disease like malaria can accrue, and in cognisance of the current economic times, the need to enlighten travellers to and from Ireland of the need to be responsible for their health cannot be overemphasised.

RECOMMENDATION As the saying goes “Prevention is Better than Cure”. Based on the outcome of this research, and in recognition of other research carried out regarding this topic, it will be recommended that all necessary preventive measures be put in place to ensure that travellers to tropical areas do not contract the malaria parasite. This may involve ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation especially while away as the mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasites thrive in areas where there is dirt and stagnant water. This is a common sight within the rural areas in Africa. Also, ensuring the use of mosquito treated bed nets can curb the possibility of becoming infected.

8

AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

picTURES

Chief Patrick Maphoso showing off his CertiďŹ cate of service from AfricaWorld

Mayor of Quelimane, Manuel de Araujo being hosted by Ezelgbo Ireland, Emeka Ezeani and his wife, Lolo Nobuhle at the Decency restaurant, Dublin

Francis Cardinal Arinze could be the next Pope Members of the ARN get set to chase racism out of Ireland Abdul Abdi of Ruqiya Institute shows his award in his ofďŹ ce

Vanessa Stout of the Anti Racism Network looks on at the ARN meeting

march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD

9

nEWS

europe’s Grecian wall of shame is completed

By Glyko symoritis Europe’s wall of shame has been completed in Greece’s northeast ground border with turkey. the wall is four-metre-high and is blocking a 10.365 meterslong strip of land from army guarding post of Kastanies down south to river Evros. the name of the company constructed the wall on behalf of the Greek state is daGrES a.t.E ( ΔΑΓΡΕΣ Α.Τ.Ε). the construction of the wall has been partially funded by the EU. the rest of the border between the two countries is formed by the Evros river that is impassible during the winter/ spr ing months.additional ‘protection’ to Europe’s Grecian

borders is provided by a few good unstable* mine fields spread alongside the borderline.

Every year dozens of people try to cross into Europe via Greece loose their lives, drowned in the river or tore apart into pieces by mines.

130,000 immigrants entered Greece via the land crossing in 2011 according to the Greek government. * the flooding of the land by the seasonal burst of the banks of river Evros, moves the mines out of their original position, sometimes even outside the designated lines of the bar wired minefields.

JuJu tRAFFICkInG: nigerian shamans, traffickers use ‘magic’ to force women into prostitution

part one of three Benin, Nigeria — Having grown up in this hardscrabble corner of Nigeria, Naomi Benjamin seized the opportunity when a man offered her a lucrative job as a nanny in Europe. She thought the job would finally make her rich, or at least not desperately poor.

Years later, seated amid bleating goats outside a row of clay homes, she smiles meekly as she recounts how her optimism drove her to agree to undergo a juju spell, guaranteeing that she would repay the debt she would incur traveling there. As part of the spell, she offered pieces of fingernail and hair (sometimes hair from the pubic part). “I swore that if I refused to pay, the oath will kill me,” said Benjamin, now 23. She would soon break the oath.

It took 19 days to get to Europe, crossing the Sahara in the back of a truck with very little food or water.

On her first night in Italy, she was placed under the control of a madam and ordered to sleep with a man.

When she refused, the madam beat her. Benjamin ran out of the house.

She was soon lost in a strange city where she knew no one and didn’t speak the language. Eventually, the police found her. She spent two years in jail before being deported.

In fleeing her madam, Benjamin is the exception. Magic spells have great power over Nigerians — compelling them to do things they would never otherwise consider.

According to Nigerian authorities, across Europe tens of thousands of Nigerian women are bonded to sexual servitude — not with chains, but via juju, an ancient form of West African magic. The women typically travel to Europe willingly, after being promised lucrative jobs. But as a precondition to their sponsor, each woman swears an oath administered by a traditional priest, vowing to repay a large sum for their passage, or face death.

In an interview under the searing equatorial sun, in a neat dirt yard where goats bleat in the shade, Benjamin seemed self-assured despite having only a few years’ education. But her poise faltered as she thought about the juju spell. “It wasn’t my fault,” she repeated several times. Her eyes shifted around the yard, as if afraid the spell would jump out at her. “She said that when I get there I will take care of a baby,” Benjamin continued. “I didn’t know when I get to Italy I was supposed to do prostitution.”

Most Nigerian women bonded to prostitution in Europe are, like Benjamin, from poverty-stricken Edo State, home to only 4 million of Nigeria’s 160 million plus population.

According to Grace Osakue, the head of the aid organization Girls Power Initiative, sex trafficking in Edo was openly big business in the 1990s before current anti-trafficking laws were passed in 2000.

The business still operates but in secret, entrenched in the local economy, according to Beatrice Jedy-

Agba, the executive secretary for Nigeria’s national anti-trafficking agency, known as NAPTIP. “It is big enough to be a source of concern to both the Nigerian government and the international community. We have also interacted with the Edo State government and they are also concerned and indeed alarmed at the sheer magnitude of citizens involved in this trade.”

Anti-trafficking laws are currently being revised, she added, to stiffen penalties and criminalize the juju oaths that prevent victims from

running away. Aid organizations and the government said they are also conducting awareness programs, trying to teach young people about the dangers of illegal immigration.

Osakue considers that awareness campaigns do work, but often traffickers just move on to rural areas that have not been reached by aid organizations. Like Benjamin, the victims tend to be desperately poor and uneducated. Local traffickers, often acquainted with their families, convince them they will be safe and will easily pay down

their debts.

“Most of the children you find in Europe who are victims of trafficking did not go to school beyond five or six years,” Osakue says. The women who make it back are typically angry and embarrassed about being tricked into leaving their homes.

They almost never retaliate. Several women said they were told they would have a good job in Europe and were forced into prostitution. When asked if they knew the person who recruited them, a few nodded shyly.

None would say anything else on the matter, fearing reprisals or unwanted attention to the ordeal.

Despite being duped, the women are often treated as criminals, as Benjamin was. Even after managing to escape horrific ordeals, they are often considered a financial hardship back in Nigeria, which lacks the services needed to help them. Most, it seems, have little choice but to try to forget the trauma they have suffered.

10 AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

DD’s CuBICLe

GOODBYe DeAR pOpe

By Dunstan Ukaga

this week rome has been turned upside down, but on the other side of the tiber from the Vatican, delivery vans unloaded hams and politicians tried to stitch up deals as if nothing had happened. the thousands in St Peter’s Square were from the world not the city, from Bavaria and congo, France and america. those who had applied and queued for a ticket sat corralled on old plastic stacking-chairs bleached by the elements. From the roof of St Peter’s the rows could be counted: 64 rows of 80, and the same on the other side of the central obelisk, then another block, then another. From a distance, the skullcaps of a knot of cardinals looked like fuchsias. the people spill out of the Vatican state, with concentrations like iron filings round screens in the Via della conciliazione that runs towards the kaolin-grey tiber. the silence that fell during readings from Scripture was like walking from a noisy pub into an empty street. in the long wait of the chill morning, the crowd had welcomed the sun that warmed their backs (the front of St Peter’s, anomalously, being to the east) --christopher howse the surprise retirement by Pope Benedict XVi on 28 February 2013 has raised many questions about the laws surrounding the resignation of a Pope. canon 332 of the code of canon law states: “if it happens that the roman Pontiff resigns his office, it is required for validity that the resignation is made freely and properly manifested but not that it is accepted by anyone.”

But as Pope Benedict XVi is carrying out his final engagements as head of the roman catholic church, christopher howse, in rome, compares his resignation to a funeral. ‘’For a man surrounded by so many thousands of well-wishers in St Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict looked small and very lonely in the shade of a utilitarian metal canopy on the steps before the vast baroque facade. the morning sun caught the lower part of his white cassock as mothers with little children waved flags.” “ ‘the Pope is not the only steersman in the barque of Peter’, he said. But the very setting suggested that he was the unmistakable captain. Bang in the centre of that stone outdoor theatre he sat, a few paces from the prelates who flanked him.

“Benedict had read his obituaries in the past few days, hurriedly converted into

s m e Po

analyses of his papacy. Now he was presiding at his own funeral, or something like it: the last public ceremonial of his papacy. But the atmosphere was more like a royal jubilee. When he paused in speaking, the continuous sound of applause in the column-hugged square was like heavy rain on a roof. No other pope has gone through anything like yesterday farewell. celestine V ran away into the hills in 1296; Gregory Xii in 1415 left his throne empty for a successor to be elected after his death. instead, the Emeritus Bishop of rome, as he becomes today, hands in his ring and changes out of his red shoes. he even keeps a white cassock.”

Yet the papal resignation sounds to me like part funeral and part jubilee. “the Vatican had never witnessed an event like this before. People flocked from all over the globe to acknowledge the retiring Pope Benedict.”

Growing up as a catholic seminarian, i loved the late Pope John Paul ii very much. i saw him as a holy man. i prayed for him. i wished him well. Even though the latter part of his papacy was clouded by allegations of abuse and scandals rocking the church, i had always loved the popes,

past or future. the world should not underestimate the hard-bitten ability of catholics to distinguish between the holiness of the church and the sinfulness of its members. Jesus christ, we were taught from childhood, is the head of the church, not the Pope. there may be crises in the church, but the church is not in crisis. it is growing. God is leading the church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it. Pope Benedict XVi clearly feels the weight of the sexual abuse scandals. it has not proved easy to lean things up. he found it dispiriting to try to marshal the officials of the curia. and now he can do no more as a retired pope.

We had only just begun to know him, though his reign was not abnormally short. it lasted 174 days more than that of Benedict XV, who died in 1922, exhausted by his fruitless efforts to bring peace to Europe. as the Bishop of rome steps down today, it is believed he wrote three encyclicals on spiritual, social and economic issues during his papacy and was working on a fourth when he decided to retire due to weakness in health and strength.

Goodbye dearest Pope Benedict XVi.

sOuReD sOup COnQueRInG FeAR

kwu Okorie

By Ukachu

A JOuRneY seen

tHe peRsIAn GuLF

Expecting the expectation oozing like the words as whispered as usual beauty in the flame of words that soothe full like a cup of tea for him and her. twinkling bigger star its all going to be.

Flight to tehran across the whistle and carols of the sea laying among the scent of rose as red as it is set on the sharock greening and inviting the eyes that blink set lashes wet and dripping with it.

Wisdom Bits

it’s all in the heart a desire to dare to ignore the fright of men which the eyes bring overlooking the faint hearted like the presence of a lion arise! my spirit the mover and shaker of all things i do you pull my strings for a battle that is tough but i am in it to win a conquest of fear.

carelessness oozes abnormality unlike tingling of the ant head razing up the mud without a strong ground a- journey to the galaxy without a ladder awake in the land of dreams pharaohing the flock to the white sea a King’s pot seen in the tropical left in the scorching sun without a shade taste of the budding lies in the eating but tasteless in the lips i saw many firewood kissing the bottom a heating of decades comes to town for a good lick and tasteless it is so it is always.

Connect with

- She who sights 9 evil women have made the number them 10.

Meaning - Do not bear false witness.

Let the hair growing in the nose be allowed, we know its bounds.

Meaning - Humans have limitations.

A good product sell itself.

Meaning - Good attitude is important.

When the lion fell sick, the grasscutter comes for his debt.

Meaning - Change is inevitable in life.

A child on her mother’s back does not know that the distance is far.

Meaning - To be dependent is to be patient.

Who is unblemished, let him indicate?

Meaning - Death await all.

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family CORNER

FOLKTALE tortoise and the heavenly feast Tales from Owere

Once upon a time in the land of the forests where every creature except humans lived, the Creator was the ruler. He organised a big feast in the heavens and invited all birds of the forest. He left out other animals because they had no wings that could enable them to fly or travel far in the sky like the birds. Also, the Creator considered that other animals were bullies and that they continued to intimidate the birds, which was wrong. When the birds received the invitation, they were overjoyed by the privilege and hoped that they would have great fun and merriment with their Chief Host, the Creator.

In addition to the animals in this kingdom, was the Tortoise.

He was one of the smallest animals and was loved and respected by all others. He was considered to be realistic and diplomatic in approach and in managing crises. The birds also loved him because they felt that his judgement on matters that affected them was always sensible.

Therefore, they invited him to the feast in order to reciprocate his kindness towards them. The Tortoise, however, had no wings and hence could not fly to the venue. This created a problem among the birds who did not want to let the Tortoise down.

By Ukachukwu Okorie

for himself. The birds watched and waited in horror but stayed composed. The main dish was then served and the Tortoise again asked who owned the food. The Creator again answered, “All of you.” The Tortoise took the entire dish and began eating.

Further horrified by what was happening and fearful that the Tortoise would finish the meal before they had the chance to have their share, the birds asked the Tortoise to pass the food round the table to everyone. Then the Tortoise asked them, “Who owns the food?” “All of us!” they replied.

“Well, my name is ‘All of You’ and so I own all the food presented here,” he said. After saying this, he ate all the delicacies that were given to them by their host.

Meanwhile, the rest of the birds were left without any food. They made a decision that they would not take up a fight with the Tortoise because it might embarrass their host. The feast continued after the meal until the Creator announced that the feast was over. He thanked his guests for attending the party and wished them a safe return to earth and went back to his palace. When the birds arrived at the Port of Flight to return to earth, they took back their wings from the Tortoise to punish him for eating all the food that was served for everyone.

The Tortoise pleaded with the birds to pardon his selfish act but none of them accepted his apologies. They flew back to earth and he was left stranded at the Port of Flight.

The birds held an emergency meeting and agreed that they would each lend the Tortoise wings so that he could be able to fly with them. In one of the preparatory meetings before taking to the sky, the Tortoise proposed that each of the invitees should choose a special name, which will serve as their reference in Heaven. Unaware of his trickery, the birds all chose the names they would like to be called and the Tortoise chose the name, “All of You”.

On the day of the feast and the day of the Tortoise’s special flight, they gathered and donated wings to the Tortoise.

They all took to the skies, together with their august guest, the Tortoise, who kept his plan close to his chest. When they arrived in Heaven, they were welcomed by servants and court jesters. Before their host introduced them to the reception area, the Tortoise convened a short emergency meeting with the birds and reminded them that their heavenly names were very important and they should memorise them.

The feast started with an opening speech by the Creator and he welcomed his guests a second time. He introduced them to a variety of food delicacies that was eye popping and an onceina-lifetime chance, much to the ecstasy of the Tortoise who was revelling in his devilish scheme.

Then the Creator said, “Kindly enjoy your first meal in my kingdom.”“My Lord, who owns these starters?” the Tortoise asked.

“All of you.” Delighted with the Creator’s answer, the Tortoise took all of the starters and ate them

Trapped in the sky with no wings, he sent an SOS to his family on earth. He wrote that he was stuck in the heavens and needed them to gather soft material and clothing and place them outside so that he could land safely.

The SOS was intercepted by his enemies who made alternative preparations, including placing hard surfaces, knives and dangerous weapons on the open field where the Tortoise would land. When they were ready, they informed the Tortoise that everything was set for him to jump safe and sound to earth. The Tortoise was so happy and landed onto what he thought was a safe and secured area.

He crashed into the dangerous surfaces and sustained severe injuries; his whole scale was broken in several places and he was left unconscious. When his family heard what had happened, they rushed him to a Native Doctor who resuscitated him and patched his broken scales but was unable to return it to its original shape and form.

This is why the tortoise has rough scales or looks patched. Also, I advise you all to learn from this story and never be greedy or betray the trust entrusted on you by others.

recipe column

UNRIPE PLANTAIN WITH SPINACh

Cooking Peel and dice the plantain into square shapes then cut the spinach, and wash them. As you set them aside, cut the fish, wash and set aside too. Pour the peeled plantain in the pot and add chopped onions, salt to taste and water.

Cook for 5 minutes or till the content boils. Add palm oil, grounded crayfish, pepper and the titus fish.

Cover to boil until the plantain is tender and the fish cooked. Add maggi or knorr cube, vegetable and stir.

by Nkiru Edokobi

Ingredient Unripe Plantain - 3 pieces Spinach leaves - 1 whole bunch or (frozen spinach) 1 titus fish Crayfish grounded onions red oil or (olive oil) Pepper and salt to taste Seasoning (maggi or knorr)

Reduce heat and cover the pot to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stir and serve. Rich in iron.

12 AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

nEWS

CItIes AGAInst pOveRtY Meet In DuBLIn

Mayor of Quelimane calls for visit to his city

About 400 people from the world gathered in Dublin to thinker and agree on how to tackle poverty through technology. Ireland was chosen to host the 8th Forum of the World Alliance of Cities Against Poverty, perhaps due to its stand as a nation that has been through cross roads of boom to bust. The venue was at the RDS, the home of the Royal Dublin Society. AfricaWorld cornered the vibrant Mayor of Quelimane, who was at the gathering. Manuel de Araujo, Phd spoke to AfricaWorld on key issues of global efforts against poverty, his achievements since assumption of office, Mozambique and investments opportunities in his Quelimane City.

Quelimane, a seaport city inhabited by 250,000 people, is the administrative capital of the Zambezia Province and the province’s largest city, and stands 25 km from the mouth of the Rio dos Bons Sinais. Although, Portuguese is the official language

of Mozambique, many residents of the areas surrounding Quelimane speak C h u a b o .

Quelimane, along with much of Z a m b e z i a Province, is prone to floods during Mozambique’s rainy season.

Mayor Manuel i n f o r m e d AfricaWorld of his efforts. Below are part of his interview: Congrats for participating, how did you become a mayor?

I have been mayor since 30 December 2011 after a by-election in which i won with a 64% of the vote. After working as a lecturer in the university, i decided to serve as a mayor.

What is the highlight of the conference for you?

I came to represent my city and Mozambique. It was a unique opportunity to meet different people. I shared experience with the mayor of Edmonton in Canada, Dares salaam, Malaga, deputy mayor of Rotterdam and others from developed and developing countries.

We had companies of all kinds who have been involved in solutions to poverty alleviating infrastructures

around the world. Sometimes, you since the last 16 years. We are one controlled city has provided for may have a problem in your city but of the best countries to invest in visitors. that issue have been tackled by Africa. Our country is moving in the What has been your achievement others. This conference provided the right direction socially and as the mayor of Quelimane? opportunity to share ideas and infrastructurally. We have a thriving experiences like that. It was a forum mining sector and there are lots of I have improved on the that brought all including opportunities for investments infrastructure in Quelimane and administrators and the united especially in coal and Aluminium. built roads for easy transportation. nations.

The education system has improved I met roads in utter decay as potholes hinged the movement of What did you achieve in this tremendously after the reign of our people. I have prepared the city of ‘mother of the nation’, Graca Machel. conference?

Quelimane for investments. There The forum provided the chance and Why should people visit are people from all over the world access to tools for further Quelimane? moving to the city to make the most development in my council. It gave Because it is the pearl of Africa. A of opportunities available for us the opportunity to dialogue. I was huge base in tourism help investors and visitors. We are ready quite reluctant to come due to the Quelimane thrive. A tourist is bound for business. flood in my city but i am happy now. to enjoy the massage my Movement I interacted with different people for Democratic Mozambique party toward the solution to this flood. I was privy to technology based flood managers who h a v e experience in managing it.

They even advised me.

What is the state of Mozambique in the post S a m o r a Machel era?

We have an a v e r a g e growth of 7% and stable Mayor Araujo flanked by his friends, Barr. Emeka Ezeani and wife Nobuhle

ANTI RACIST CORNER

(ARN) AntI RACIsM netWORk tO MARk euRO Week OF AntIRACIsM plan to publish a Journal of Asylum condition When is the Anti racism week starting and what are you planning?

It starts from 16 to 24 March. It is significant especially now that the economic situation is dim. It is a continuation of our existence in austerity. We are planning three events which will start with a major exhibition to commemorate the European week of Anti-racism. The Exhibition will open on 19 March at the Dublin City Council. It will involve the show of paintings, different video interviews, photographs, publications that have been written about racism and asylum seekers especially those living in the direct provision systems

Members of ARN thinker ahead of their exhibition in Ireland. In summary, it is centred on the conditions of asylum seekers.

How are you attracting attention to the victims from the authorities?

By staging the exhibition in a strategic place and spreading the word through the press and the social media. We hope to show paintings and drawing of asylum kids and those made about their conditions.

You were at the Dail (Irish Parliament) recently to campaign?

We were there to remind them of the conditions children are facing in the direct provision system. It was an avenue for us to inform a wider Ireland that this is an urgent matter.

We cannot continue to let the system that violate human

rights continue. It was also an opportunity to inform the Irish press on the plight of asylum seekers in Ireland.

We are also publishing ‘ARN Public Journal’ in April and another before the year ends. Anti racism network intend to publish 3 journals next year and it will continue. The Journal will compile articles, poems, recitations, drawings and other materials in racism. It will be a journal of ordinary people.

What is the essence of the journal?

It will be a complete thought of the people. We intend to make it a pure personal experience. What can of Ireland do you want? We want to connect ourselves with it. What someone may have experienced when the Garda (Irish Police) come at 3am for deportation. It will be an expressive journal.

march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD 13

iT

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

How technology transformed Money transfer

Many immigrants left home country for greener pastures; a more secured living, well organised system of governance and standard education as the case may be. Residing away from home comes with massive disadvantages irrespective of the benefits realised in receiving countries. The financial capabilities become increasingly overwhelming compared to country of birth. The currency exchange rate is the major responsible factor for this exodus; migration will continue to exist as long as the financial or exchange rates remains at huge margins.

There is a high tendency to work for longer hours or even putting in overtime in order to accumulate as much savings as possible. Many would engage in more than one employment to fulfill the domestic

needs required to run the family.

The bills in this part of the world are real and dependent on services supplied. One could end up having to offset bills with most of the income earned, thereby left with very little as savings. This is responsible for this extra effort to work more and accumulate much required to satisfy the continued requests coming from home country. Everyone in Diaspora, then regard it necessary to send this extra fund & savings home by any means possible.

Tech_Pilot examined the different form of engaging in money transfer to home countries and would advise that you choose anyone most appropriate for you and avoiding the risk of diversion of money into the wrong hands.

The means of sending money home is essentially through financial institutions with regulatory license to operate. The banks are inclusive but in most cases stands as a lesser option considering many factors such as time and low rates. The banking institutions are complex as regards foreign exchange, for instance, if you are required to transfer funds to Nigeria from any of the Irish banks, information of the receiving bank must be provided.

The recipient bank must also have

receiving capabilities stipulated by regulations in Nigeria. Some banks in Nigeria will not qualify to engage in foreign transactions at this level.

Bank Transfers (wired fund): The new generation banks introduced Diaspora banking that allows individual to send money through our local banks in Ireland. Although, there are still delays in transfers therefore, in other to avail of this opportunity of sending money home without involving third party, many of the MTOs (Money Transfer agents or operators) including the local African Shops with agency approvals, can send your funds to any preferred bank in Nigeria for instance. And the receiving banks in Nigeria also in turn provide online services which helps to manage your own accounts. These online services will include transfer operations within the residing bank or third party bank. Basically, you could send money home and execute your projects without the risk of diversion of funds for personal/selfish use experienced in the past. Why not try them today.

Western Union The better option over the years has been the Western Union or MoneyGram. This transfer system has been very successful because, it’s faster and easier. The

conventional method will be to approach any Western Union agents to complete a transaction either receiving or sending. Due to increasing customer base, the company designed an online transfer option that offer a much easier way of sending money. Once you have a valid Credit or Debit card, make an online registration and complete all necessary security checks and be ready to send money at the comfort of your home or anywhere the Internet is available.

It allows individual to create a personal account making it easier to send money repeatedly to a particular recipient without having to provide same information at all time.

World Remit Recently, I discovered this company with online transfer to Africa and many part of the wo r l d ( w w w . wo r l d re m i t . com). At first, I questioned it, due to fraudulent websites on the spaces.

I completed a

research to inquire the authenticity of their operations. They are based in the UK with a global customer base, Ireland inclusive. I tried their services and be hold, it worked, money transferred from my VISA Debit card directly into my chosen bank account in Nigeria, in minutes.

Other services include mobile topup regardless of network provider and location. It was possible to top up an MTN phone in Nigeria for instance. Unfortunately, on my third attempt to complete a money transfer, Nigeria was no longer on the list of countries to send money to. I am still investigating the reason for the sudden decision but top-up is still available till date to many countries around the globe.

Make the best of technology while it’s here.

YOu ARe An ADORABLe MuM!

BUILDING YOUR CHILD’S SELF CONFIDENCE 4. Praise your children’s efforts as well their successes

Leader of Adorable Mum ADM Gbeminiyi ‘Gee Bee’ shogunle

Healthy self-esteem is like a child’s armor against the challenges of the world. Praise your children and they will blossom. A parent’s sincere, spontaneous praise encourages and motivates a child to blossom in the warmth of their approval.

Here are a few tips from WebMD for giving practical praise Praising your kids is an important part of building their self-esteem and confidence. But before you break out in applause, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind that will help your child find value in your words of encouragement Be specific. Instead of saying, “You’re such a good baseball player,” say, “You hit the ball really hard and you are an excellent first baseman.” Being specific is much better and helps kids identify with their special skill, Berman says.

Be genuine. Praise should always be genuine. Kids have a way of knowing when your praise is insincere, and when it is, you lose trust.

Worse yet, they become insecure because they don’t believe your positive words, and they find difficulty in telling the difference between when you really mean it and when you don’t, Berman says.

Encourage new activities. “Praise kids for trying new

things, like learning to ride a bike or tie their shoelaces, and for not being afraid to make mistakes,” Donahue says.

Don’t praise the obvious. “Try not to overdo praise about a child’s attributes: ‘You’re so smart, handsome, pretty, bright, talented, gifted,’” Donahue says. “Parents and grandparents are, of course, going to indulge in some of this, and that is OK. But if your kids hear a constant litany of praise, it will begin to sound empty to them and have little meaning.”

Say it when you mean it. Saying, “Good job,” when you mean it or, “Boy, you really worked hard on that paper,” tells children that, as parents, you recognize the value of their hard work and efforts, Donahue says. It also tells them that you know the difference between when they work hard at something and when it comes easy.

Focus on the process. Praise children for their effort and hard work, not for their inherent talents. Donahue says, “Remember, it’s the process not the product that matters. Not all kids will be fantastic athletes or brilliant students or accomplished musicians. But children who learn to work hard and persevere have a special talent.

As I like to say, pluggers go far in life.”

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march 1-15 2013 AFRICAWORLD 15

nEWS

vICtOR essIet AnDtHe MAnDAtORs set FORWORLDtOuR WORLDWIDe tOuR set tO stARt In MAY At tHe DuB CLuB In LOs AnGeLes the award winning platinum selling international reggae and World music band, Victor Essiet and the mandators from Nigeria, are now working at the diamond mine studio in los angeles with superproducer carl mcGregor (whose producing credits include Jill Scott, Prince, christina millian, aretha Fanklin, George clinton, and Jada Grace Gordy [granddaughterof motown founder Barry Gordy]) recording the new single “Freedom train” set for release in march internationally through independent distribution collective. “Freedom train” marks a strong return for Victor Essiet (known as the Godfather of african reggae”) and the mandators and features up and coming hip-hop artist Stylis on the new single. more singles and the full album will be released later this year following up the successful one love one World album produced by Jamaican legends, Sly and robbie.

“Freedom train” is a unified sound of consciousness reminding us of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going as a people. the real freedom is that which a people can think for themselves, and do for themselves that which is necessary for their survival, existence, and preservation of human dignity and integrity, but not the opposite in which you are told that which is not true and shown that which does not exist and yet still you accept such without questioning

or standing up for that which you should know to be your inborn right, it is simply captivity of the mind. We are the new. We are the change. So get on board the F r e e d o m t r a i n .

Victor Essiet and the mandators return to touring in 2013 after a hiatus for a worldwide tour starring in los angeles at the dub club on may 1st. many more concert dates will be announced later. Victor Essiet is known to be dynamic on stage and he brings excitement to concerts and festival venues around the globe. Victor has continued to be a deeply dedicated ‘voice of the people” in his home State, Nigeria, and the world. the ‘mystic music man’ in Victor Essiet brings a message of social consciousness and love to the world continually along his phenomenal journey traveled and to come.

Victor Essiet and the mandators started the african reggae revolution opening the flood gates to all other african home-grown reggae artists some of whom are known internationally. he is the winner of the best new entertainer at the annual iraWmas (international reggae and World music awards).

Victor Essiet especially thanks roger Steffens for helping to establish him and his musical career in North america. he also thanks the international media, print and electronic, for all their support through the twenty years of his international struggles, and he asks for more support in the coming years.

contacts: www.VictorEssietBlog.com www.facebook.com/victor.essiet https://twitter.com/VictorEssiet http://victoressiet.tumblr.com/ http://soundcloud.com/victoressietmandators http://www.reverbnation.com/victoressietandthemandators laBEl: mYStic rEcordS diStriBUtioN: idc / www.independentdistro.com/ maNaGEmENt & BooKiNG: FoUNdatioN artiStS mEdia: FoUNdatioN mEdia Phone: (562) 948-3008 E-mail: foundationartists@gmail.com

JustIne nAtALe

Launch Album ‘My African Dream’ Justine is an experienced facilitator and musical artist and teacher based in dublin. She has been involved in community work since becoming exposed to it in transition year 10 years ago, and is currently studying for her B.a. in development Studies.

She describes herself as being passionate about traditional african music, integration, development aid and trying to make a real difference in our world using music as a tool.

Justine is a founding member and was musical director for discovery Gospel choir in 2007, and the choir is based in St. Georges and St. thomas’ church in dublin. in 2007 and 2008, she taught music and

drama classes for children 4-12 years for a St Vincent de Paul summer camp at mountjoy Square. in 2009 Justine worked part-time as a music and dance teacher for Ballyfermot community centre, dublin. in 2011 and 2012 Justine has run drumming workshops in tallaght hospital, nearby schools and a community centre. She has also run gospel, african music and dance workshops in henrietta Street School, dublin, a special school for children with emotional and psychological problems who are at risk of marginalisation as part of the discovery community workshops.

Below are excerpts of our chat with

her after the launch.

Is this your first album?

Yes this is my first album and it is amazing to see the reaction from friends and friends of friends etc...

When did you start to sing? i have been singing for a long time, done backing vocals for alot of artists forexample mary Byrne at the QUEEN’s ViSit, Sinead occonor with the discovery Gospel choir, Foy Vaunce and many others i cant remeber!

What will you call your kind of music? my music is about a lot of things.

But i will only talk about new Single’ my african dream’. the song pretty much says ‘ i feel the same pain that africa is feeling, i am an african who is hopeful for the future!

How is the response so far? i love the way friends and people are excited for me and were amazed

to hear me sing in the GraNd Social and are offering me lots of opportunities; thank you all for

being thoughtful, i will appreciate more if my music and the message behind it, is promoted.

16 AFRICAWORLD march 1-15 2013

Where Africa meets the World.

Where business promote itself.