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Are You Looking for an Opportunity to Make Extra Income ? Pope Francis Makes First Visit to Africa
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November 2015
MOAA Staff Meets Grammy Winner & Global Icon, Youssou N'Dour
From the Editor
O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e committted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s p or a . Yo u may als o vis it o u r webs ite a t www.af r ik an po s t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica . D is cla imer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s to r ies in th is N ews pa per ar e th os e o f th e a u th o r s a n d d o n o t n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ik an Po s t . All co mmen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s a r e welcome.
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George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor
To Advertise Your Business or contribute
On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, the staff of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) joined Grammy Award winning Senegalese singer and global icon, Youssou N'Dour, ahead of his concert at the George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. MOAA staff was granted backstage access to meet with the artist. MOAA Director Mamadou Samba and Deputy Director
Heran Sereke-Brhan exchanged thoughts with Youssou on a variety of topics, including ways of strengthening ties between the sister cities of Washington, DC and Dakar, Senegal; the need to work closely with the African diaspora; and the positive power of representation and engagement explored through the arts and humanities.
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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 7 Issue 11
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Stonebwoy, Wiyaala win at 2015 All Africa Music Awards Pg. 38
Nigerian Wins World Scrabble Game Pg. 6
Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates Women With Its First All-Female Operated Flight Pg. 17
MOAA welcomes five new dynamic Commissioners to the DC Commission on African Affairs. Pg. 30
Christ, the Constant Companion Pg. 20 SPORTS
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets Are World U17 Champions Pg. 39 UPDATE
Patrick Jackson sworn in as Honorary Consul Pg. 26
From left to right: Commissioners Nana Ama Afari-Dwamena, Kotheid Nicoue, Ikenna Udejiofor, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chibu Anyanwu, Willair Stivl and Director Mamadou Samba
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The 10 Greatest African Leaders & Their Notable Achievements
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Africa has been hailed as a contient of greatness and has been the home and origin of several great leaders. Today, we take a look at a culled list from AfricaRanking, that takes a look at 10 of the greatest African leaders.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Samora Machel
Samora Machel was the first President of Mozambique. He served the country as its president from the time it gained its independence in 1975 till he died in 1986. He was a military commander and a revolutionary socialist.He was a thoughtful leader and was respected by Many people have praised her for bring- the people of Mozambique. His actions ing stability back to Liberia after years of and ideology are helping many people civil war. She was awarded the 2011 of Mozambique even today. He died Nobel Peace Prize. Under her able leader- mysteriously in a plane crash. ship, people of Liberia can expect a glorious future for their country. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the 24th and current President of Liberia. She is Africa’s first elected female head of state. She won the 2005 presidential election and assumed the office on 18 January 2006.
Patrice Lumumba
Patrice Emery Lumumba founded the mainstream Mouvement national congolais (MNC) party. He played a major role in campaigning for independence from Belgium. He was the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Congo. This Congolese independence leader called for national unity and overall African independence. After the nation fell under the control of military leader Joseph Mobutu, this great leader was arrested and taken to Katanga, where he was killed on 17 January 1961. Unfortunately United Nations did not intervene to save him.
Julius Nyerere
Julius Kambarage Nyerere is one of Africa’s most respected figures. He was the first President of Tanzania and held the office from 29 October 1964 to 5 November 1985. He voluntarily stepped down in 1985. He was premier when Tanganyika was granted internal selfgovernment, and was made president on independence in 1961. In 1964 he successfully negotiated the union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika, resulting in today’s Tanzania. This great leader guarded himself against corruption. He was respected by many world leaders of his time.
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta was the first President of Kenya. Kenya gained independence in 1963. Jomo Kenyatta served as the leader of Kenya from the time it became independent till his death in 1978. He was the Prime Minister between 1963 and 1964, and President between 1964 and 1978. He brought stability and economic growth to Kenya. He pursued a proWestern, anti-communist economic philosophy and foreign policy. He also oversaw his country’s admission to the UN.
Thomas Sankara
Nelson Mandela
Alpha Oumar Konare
Kwame Nkrumah
Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara served as the President of Burkina Faso between 1983 and 1987. He seized power in 1983 at the age of 33 in an endeavor to eliminate corruption and the dominance of the former French colonial power. Many people call him “African Che Guevara.” He was a military captain, pan-African theorist, Marxist revolutionary and feminist. He was an icon for many young Africans in the 1980. Even today he is a hero for many people in Burkina Faso. They praise his integrity and selflessness. Sankara was assassinated by an armed group on October 15, 1987.
Nelson Mandela is best known for his involvement in South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, this leader of international repute directed a campaign of peaceful, nonviolent defiance against South African government and its racist policies. Later he served as the President of South Africa from 10 May 1994 to 14 June 1999. Today he is regarded as a symbol of global peace and he is considered the best leader in the history of Africa. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He passed on in 2013
Haile Selassie
Haile Selassie was a member of the Solomonic Dynasty. He served Ethiopia as its regent from 1916 to 1930 and as its emperor from 1930 to 1974. He fended off an invasion by Italy. In 1936, at the League of Nations, he condemned the use of chemical weapons by Italy against his people during the Second ItaloEthiopean War.
He played a significant role in starting the Organization of African Unity. His views resulted in Ethiopia becoming a charter member of the UN.
Kwame Nkrumah was the leader of Ghana and its predecessor state, the Gold Coast, from 1951 to 1966. He was the first Prime Minister of Ghana.He was one of the founding members of the Organization of African Unity, which later became He relentlessly worked for peace African Union. He was an outspoken advocate of Panand integration in the West African region. He served as the Africanism. president of ECOWAS in 1999 and UEMOA in 2000. Alpha Oumar Konare served as the President of Mali for two terms between 1992 and 2002. During his tenure as president, he boosted the country’s economy and fostered democracy. He was the chairperson of African Union between 2003 and 2008.
Nigerian Wins World Scrabble Game
36yr old Nigerian man, Wellington Jighere won the World Scrabble championship held in Perth, Australia. Wellington, from Delta state defeated Lewis Mackay of Cambridge, England, by 448 points to 426 to win the championship which was competed for by 450 players from around the world. Jighere is the first Black African to win the Championship. After the competition, president Muhammadu Buhari put a call across to him to congratulate him.
Buhari said "I called to rejoice with you over your performance. You have done the country proud, and we are very happy. Please, pass my congratulations to other members of Team Nigeria," President Buhari told Jighere.
Jighere was delighted by the phone call and pledged to bring more glory to Nigeria. http://www.bellanaija.com/
A Man In Africa Built His Own Car Out Of Scraps Laying Around
November 2015 Page 6
Swearing In of Robert P. Jackson as U.S. Ambassador to Ghana
Robert Porter Jackson was sworn in November 30, 2015, as President Obama’s new U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana. The oath of office was administered by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, attended the ceremony, as did Under Secretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, and former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Donald Teitelbaum.
since October 2013. From 2010 to 2013 he was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon.
Ambassador Jackson’s previous overseas assignments include: • Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Rabat, Morocco • Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Dakar, Senegal • Political/Economic Counselor, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire The U.S. Senate confirmed Ambassador Jackson's nomina- • Political-Military Officer, Lisbon, Portugal tion on October 22, 2015. He plans to arrive in Ghana and • Chief of the Political Section, Harare, Zimbabwe take up his duties in Accra in January 2016. • Political/Economic Officer in Bujumbura, Burundi Ambassador Jackson has a long history of service in • Consular/Economic Officer in Montreal, Canada Africa. He has served as the U.S. Department of State’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Source: US Embassy Ghana
Ambassador Robert P. Jackson with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield. and Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, Ambassador of Ghana to the United States,
50 Nigerians Graduate With First Class From Malaysian University
Dr. Olurotimi Badero November 2015
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The Worlds Only Combined Heart and Kidney Specialist
With his laid-back demeanor, most wouldn't guess that Dr. Olurotimi Badero, 43, is one of the most knowledgeable medical minds in Mississippi. As the only combined cardiologist and nephrologist in the United States, Badero is a coveted commodity in his field, yet despite numerous job offers, he has stayed in Jackson.
No fewer than 50 Nigerians have bagged first class honours He said, “Rather than being skeptical about the future and apprehensive about job opportunities back home at the Linton University College Malaysia. in Nigeria, you should be excited knowing that a new chapter has opened in Nigeria that provides the The number is part of the 253 students who graduated in enabling environment for those who genuinely wish various academic disciplines at the 2015 convocation cereto make it in Nigeria. mony of the university.
According to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, 35 PTDF scholars were among the Nigerians who graduated at the 2015 convocation ceremony, which was done in collaboration with University of East London and Coventry University, United Kingdom.
The Fund, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday said, “Altogether 50 Nigerian graduates distinguished themselves with first class honours degrees, among whom were 13 PTDF scholars who earned first class degrees in Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Business Management and Civil Engineering.”
The Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Malaysia, Mrs. Janet Odeka, according to the statement, said the unprecedented achievement of the Nigerian scholars in the university in Malaysia had contributed in creating a positive image for Nigerians living in the country.
She said, “I am really excited and grateful because this is the first time we are having such number of graduates who produced good results such as first class and second class upper. We have had students from Nigeria who were involved in criminal activities and other immoral acts, but for the first time we are celebrating something we should be proud of as Nigerians and I wish to appeal to Nigerians here that they should emulate what these graduands have done to attract a good name for Nigeria.”
The Executive Secretary, PTDF, Mr. Femi Ajayi, on his part called on the graduands to take advantage of the opportunities that were opening up in Nigeria under a new administration to deploy their new skills and knowledge.
“This is something to be very proud of and excited about, particularly when you know the areas they specialise. We have high hopes for them. If you have people who have excelled, the thing to do is to deploy their knowledge in the right direction. Some will proceed for their masters and PhD and for those who want to work, we will link them up with available job opportunities in Nigeria. “With the kind of knowledge and experience they have here, I am hopeful that their skills and knowledge will be readily utilised in Nigeria and I will encourage them to go back home.”
http://naijarchives.com/
By Ameh Comrade Godwin
#Even in high school, Badero valued education. He performed better than any other student in his native country, Nigeria, earning him an award for academic excellence. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife, he enrolled in the school's medical program and graduated in 1997.
#Soon after, he moved to the United States to attend the State University of New York, where he completed specialty training in internal medicine in 2004. In 2006, he earned his specialty degree in nephrology at Emory University in Atlanta. As he began treating patients, he realized that might not be enough. "When I was taking care of nephrology patients, I found out that patients were dying from cardiovascular disease and not from kidney disease," he says.
#In 2009, he returned to SUNY to earn his specialty degree in cardiology. After another three years in New York, Badero was accepted into Yale University, where he earned three more specialties: interventional cardiology, peripheral vascular medicine and peripheral vascular convention. His skill began drawing attention from medical organizations, including the Association of Black Cardiologists, which presented Badero with an award for excellence in cardiology in 2008.
#After training from 2001 to 2010, Badero was considering a job offer in Jackson, Tenn. His plans shifted dramatically while on a retreat in the Poconos Mountains. His church group visited the area to focus on God, and Badero hoped the experience would guide his decision. After five days with no answer, Badero was driving back to New York City when he read another car's license plate: Jackson.
#"When I saw 'Jackson,' I got excited," he says. "'This is God telling me to go to Jackson, Tennessee.' But then something in my mind said, 'Why don't you take another look?'"
#Badero took a position as an interventional cardiologist at Central Mississippi Medical Center in 2011. He performed the first radial coronary angioplasty in CMMC history and treated nephrology patients for two years without additional pay. He did a one-year fellowship in interventional nephrology and dialysis that year. In 2013, he formed Cardiac, Renal & Vascular Associates. He is a board-certified cardiologist, nephrologist, interventional nephrologist, internist and nuclear cardiologist.
#His skills aren't limited to medicine, though. Badero is also the assistant pastor of Vine Chapel Church and an avid painter. He believes spirituality and creativity are vital to the art of healing.
By Micah Smith
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Ahmed Mohamed Demands $15m Compensation And Written Apology Following Arrest
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Ahmed Mohamed
The family of Ahmed Mohamed, the Texan schoolboy who was arrested after taking a homemade clock to school, has demanded $15m in compensation and written apologies from the local mayor and police chief. In letters sent on Monday, the lawyers said if the City of Irving and Irving School District did not agree to the apologies and compensation, they would file a civil action.
“Ahmed never threatened anyone, never caused harm to anyone, and never intended to. The only one who was hurt that day was Ahmed, and the damages he suffered were not because of oversight or incompetence,” said the letter to the city authorities. “The school and city officials involved knew what they needed to do to protect Ahmed's rights. They just decided not to do it.”
The teenager made international headlines in September after he was detained when he took a homemade clock to school. A teacher contacted police after claiming the clock looked like a bomb. The teenager and his father claimed he had been a victim of Islamophobia. Source: http:http://news2.onlinenigeria.com
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Ahmed Mohamed meets Obama at the White House
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Pope Francis in Africa Five-Day, Three-Nation Tour Of Africa November
Pope Francis Shakes hands With President Kenyatta After His Address in Kenya
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Pope Francis Arrives in Uganda
Pope Francis arrives in Bangui, Central African Republic, on the third leg of his trip to Africa on Nov. 29, 2015
Pope Francis made his first trip to Africa in November, for a five-day visit that took him to three countries being Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic from Nov. 25-30. Pope Francis has made poverty and the inequities of globalization major themes of his pontificate and addressed those topics during his African visit. The Central African Republic is one of the world’s poorest countries, according to the CIA World Factbook, with an estimated per capita GDP for 2014 of $600. Pope Francis’ visit to the CAR took place a month after scheduled general elections, the first since 2011. Since that time, the country has been wracked by civil war between government forces and several rebel groups. The government still lacks control of the entire country. Kenya and Uganda have per capita GDPs of $3,100 and $1,800, respectively. The pope’s itinerary allowed him to address the broader concerns of French-speaking Africa, represented by the CAR, and English-speaking countries, which include Kenya and Uganda. Pope Francis’ visit to Africa is his 11th trip out of Italy since his election as pope in March 2013. Vast crowds of Ugandans greeted Pope Francis as he honored Christians martyred for their faith on the second
leg of a landmark trip to Africa, which he dubbed 'the continent of hope'. The 78-year-old pontiff received a rapturous welcome as he arrived at a shrine to the martyrs at Namugongo, just outside the capital Kampala, where some 45 Christians were executed in 1886 for refusing to recant their faith Wild cheers and singing broke out as Francis arrived at the open air shrine. Over 100,000 people had waited from before dawn to attend the mass, a key highlight of his visit to Uganda. In his opening speech, Francis said his visit was 'meant to draw attention to Africa as a whole: its promise, its hopes, its struggles and its achievements,' saying: 'The world looks to Africa as the continent of hope.' In Kenya Scrapping a prepared script, the Latin American pope addressed a packed Kasarani Sports Stadium, Nairobi, with the down-to-earth and spontaneous style that has endeared him to Catholics and others around the world. After being welcomed into the stadium with rapturous singing and dancing, including by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the first lady and clergy, the pope was cheered throughout his speech. Visiting one of Nairobi's many shantytowns on
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Friday, Pope Francis denounced conditions slum-dwellers are forced to live in, saying access to safe water is a basic human right and that everyone should have dignified, adequate housing. The 78-year-old pontiff was given a rapturous welcome as he arrived in the Kenyan capital's Kangemi slum, which is home to more than 100,000 people who live in shacks without sewerage.'These are wounds inflicted by minorities who cling to power and wealth, who selfishly squander while a growing majority is forced to flee to abandoned, filthy and run-down peripheries,' he told crowds in the slum on the outskirts of Nairobi. Asked by journalists if he was nervous about the visit, the Pope joked: 'To tell you the truth, the only thing I'm concerned about is the mosquitoes. Did you bring your spray?' At State House, the pope called for responsible development in Africa and elsewhere. One of his first actions in Kenya was to plant a tree on the State House grounds. There was acute concern for the Pope’s safety in the Central African Republic capital, particularly in the light of recent terrorist attacks in Mali, Kenya, Tunisia, and other parts of the
continent. The Pope prefers not to use the highly fortified 'Popemobiles' used by his predecessors because he wants get closer to the people, security risks not withstanding. 'I cannot greet the people and tell them I love them inside a sardine can, even if it is made of glass. For me it is a wall… It is true something could happen to me but let’s be realistic, at my age I do not have much to lose,' he told La Vanguardia, a Spanish newspaper, in 2014. The African church is among the most conservative in the world, and African bishops have been at the forefront in insisting that traditional church teachings on marriage and sexuality, and its opposition to abortion, be strongly emphasized. Flanked by Vatican bodyguards in flak jackets and machine-gun-toting U.N. peacekeepers, Pope Francis plunged Sunday into conflict-wracked Central African Republic and urged the country's Christian and Muslim factions to lay down their weapons and instead arm themselves with peace and forgiveness. I come to the Central African Republic as a pilgrim of peace and as an apostle of hope http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Pictures: AFP/Getty
Meet Mansa Musa I Of Mali – The Richest Human Being In All History 10. Cornelius Vanderbilt (industrialist, 1794-1877) $185 billion
11. Alan Rufus (Fighting companion of William the Conqueror, 1040-1093) $178.65 billion
12. Bill Gates (Founder of Microsoft, 1955- ) $136 billion
When we think of the world’s all-time richest people, names like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and John D Rockefeller immediately come to mind.
But few would have thought, or even heard of, Mansa Musa I of Mali – the obscure 14th century African king who was today named the richest person in all history.
With an inflation adjusted fortune of $400 billion, Mansa Musa I would have been considerably richer than the world’s current richest man, Carlos Slim, who ranks in 22nd place with a relatively paltry $68 billion.
The list, compiled by the Celebrity Net Worth website, ranks the world’s 24 richest people of all time. The list advertises itself as the top 25, but 26 names appear in the list.
Although the list spans 1000 years, some aspects of wealth appear consistent throughout history; there are no women on the list, only three members are alive today, and 14 of the top 25 are American.
The list uses the annual 2199.6 per cent rate of inflation to adjust historic fortunes – a formula that means $100 million in 1913 would be equal to £2.299.63 billion today.
Mansa Musa I ruled West Africa’s Malian Empire in the early 1300s, making his fortune by exploiting his country’s salt and gold production. Many mosques he built as a young man still stand today.
After Mansa Musa I death in 1331, however, his heirs were unable to hang on to the fortune, and it was substantially depleted by civil wars and invading armies.
Second on the list are the Rothschild family, whose descendants are still among the richest people on the planet. Starting out in banking in the late 18th Century, Mayer Amschel Rothschild’s finance
house accumulated a total wealth of $350 billion. The money has since been divided between hundreds of descendants, many of whom are business leaders today.
Meanwhile John D. Rockefeller, third on the list, is the richest American to have ever lived, worth $340billion in today's USD at the time of his death in 1937.
In comparison, the poorest man on the list is 82-year-old Warren Buffett, who at his peak net worth, before he started giving his fortune to charity, was $64billion.
Here’s the full list of the ‘26 richest people of all time’:
1. Mansa Musa I, (Ruler of Malian Empire, 1280-1331) $400 billion
2. Rothschild Family (banking dynasty, 1740) $350 billion
3. John D Rockefeller (industrialist, 18391937) $340 billion
4. Andrew Carnegie (industrialist, 1835-1919) $310 billion
5. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (last Emperor of Russia, 1868-1918) $300 billion
6. Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII (last ruler of Hyderabad, 1886-1967) $236 billion
7. William the Conqueror (King of England, 1028-1087) $229.5 billion
8. Muammar Gaddafi (former Libyan leader, 1942-2011) $200 billion
9. Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company founder, 1863-1947) $199 billion
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Ten Amazing Things Many Don’t Know About Africa!
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There are too many negative facts about the African continent floating around the Internet, so here’s an attempt to increase the number of positive writings on the continent. Let your perceptions be changed!
13. William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey (Norman nobleman, ??-1088) $146.13 bil- (1) Over 1 million Chinese citizens live in lion Africa, with Angola hosting a population of over 350,000 Chinese. 14. John Jacob Astor (businessman, 18641912) $121 billion (2) 25% of all languages are spoken in Africa, and more than 2,000 recognized languages are 15. Richard Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel spoken throughout the continent. (English nobleman, 1306-1376) £118.6 billion (3) Witwatersrand, South Africa is home to almost half of the gold ever mined on Earth. 16. John of Gaunt (son of Edward III, 1330-1399) £110 billion (4) Equatorial Guinea’s GDP per capita in 2014 was about $33,000, comparable to Spain. 17. Stephen Girard (shipping and banking mogul, 1750-1831) $105 billion (5) Arabic is the most widely spoken language on the African continent; 170 million people 18. Alexander Turney Stewart (entreprespeak it. neur, 1803-1876) $90 billion (6) Kantanka Automobile Company (Ghana), 19. Henry, 1st Duke of Lancaster (English Kiira Motor Corporation (Uganda), and Innoson noble, 1310-1361) $85.1 billion Vehicle Manufacturing Company (Nigeria) are three African automobile manufacturing compa20. Friedrich Weyerhaeuser (timber mogul, nies developing “made in Africa” vehicles. 1834-1914) $80 billion (7) By 2040 half of the world’s youth will be African. 21. Jay Gould (railroad tycoon, 18361892) $71 billion (8) 200 pyramids are found in Sudan, double the amount in Egypt. 22. Carlos Slim (business magnate, 1940- ) $68 billion (9) Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the world’s first elected black female president 23. Stephen Van Rensselaer (land owner, and Africa’s first elected female head of state. 1764- 1839) $68 billion (10) In case you forgot, Africa is the world’s 24. Marshall Field (Marshall Field & most natural-resources rich continent. Company founder, 1834-1906) $66 billion Colonialism and neo-colonialism are the only reasons the African continent isn’t ruling the 25. Sam Walton (Walmart founder, 1918world, although it technically is because the rest 1992) $65billion of the world would plummet into eternal doom if Africa closed its borders. 26. Warren Buffett (investor, 1930- ) $64billion http://www.independent.co.uk/
http://www.sundayadelajablog.com/
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Identical Twins Married To Identical Twins By Identical Twins
Guests could be forgiven for thinking they were seeing things at one very special wedding in Kerala, India, this week.
Identical twins Dinker and Dilraj Varikkassery married identical twins Reena and Reema, in a ceremony officiated by identical twins, after a five year search.Afterwards, both men decided they wished to get married and set about finding identical twins – but it wasn’t easy and it took them five years to meet their now-wives, who had had a similar upbringing.
“When we met Reena and Reema, we knew it was them we were looking for all this while. Fortunately, they also had the similar feeling after meeting us,” Dilraj told the Mail Online.Reena said: “We had to keep searching the suitable boys for three years in a row. When we saw Dilraj and Dinker we nodded yes to each other. It was a wonderful experience.”
Dinker, 32, said he had just one regret about the wedding, in which both couples had identical twin bride maids and pageboys, in Thrissur, Kerala State on India's west coast – there weren’t enough twins present!In total seven sets of identical twins attended, but Dilraj said he had hoped to have at least 12 there.
Even the priests, Rezi and Roy Manaparambil, were identical twins who travelled from Chennai to Thrissur for the wedding.
Source: http://www.myjoyonline.com/news
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Ghana’s Ambassador, His Excellency Lieutenant General Smith, Puts His Support Behind The West African Community Collaborative United States. “The consulate is willing to lend it’s voice to your cause, because empowering the youth and community here, to achieve greatness, also benefits Ghana’s future,” His Excellency commented.
A study done by IPUMS for Fairfax county revealed West African immigrants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria as, “top communities of color leading the county’s growth”. The study showed black immigrants making up 88% of the growth rate of major racial/ethnic groups from 2000-2012. Among these black immigrant groups, Ghanians are third place with 70% of the total black immigrant population, after Somalia and Ethiopia, respectively.
As a fast-growing economic asset to the county, Vivian Boakye, WACC’s, board president said, “It’s important for West Africans to know about county resources that are available to them as members of the Northern Virginia community. Our work is to give citizens correct and timely information to access resources while also letting the county know of our community’s presence. Our goal is to engage the West African community enough so that they can take an active part in community affairs that will continue to help county grow economically.”
By Clarissa Bannor, November 2, 2015
The West African Community Collaborative (WACC) had the honor of meeting with His Excellency Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, Ghana’s ambassador to the United States, in Washington D.C. on Friday, October 30th.
WACC is a grassroots organization that has championed getting resources in housing, education, and social services for members of the African community in Fairfax County Virginia. As an organization, committed to helping West Africans in the Washington, D.C. region, members of WACC’s board were invited to meet with the ambassador to outline it’s agenda and voice some needs and chal-
His Excellency Lieutenant Smith praised WACC’s efforts in being on the ground and helping the imperceptible community of West lenges the Ghanaian community face in the D.C. metropolitan Africans access resources that they would otherwise not know about. The ambassador stressed youth engagement especially, since youth area. development is central to his personal agenda, “What you are doing, Recently, WACC organized members of the African communi- empowering and engaging the youth, is a mighty thing, others will ty together to petition Fairfax County executives to consider follow your lead.” allocating it’s vacant ISA building to the West African com“Obtaining the support of the Ghana embassy is a move in the right munity for use as an African Resource Center. This effort to empower and organize members of the community together is direction,” said Clarissa Bannor, a WACC board member. “The West African Community collaborative plans to garner the support of all what prompted WACC to reach out to the Ghanian embassy for support, shared Mr. George Bright -Abu, a member of the embassies whose constituents they serve.” WACC delegation who met with the Ambassador on Friday.
Ghana’s chief diplomat to the United States, agreed that there is a huge benefit in partnering with WACC to engage the Ghanaian and greater West African community here in the
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Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates Women With Its First AllFemale Operated Flight
Airline company Ethiopian highly values the role women play in our society. The organization stands by the “Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Growth” core value. The airline company will do something it has never done before. On November 19th, 2015 an all-women crew will operate the Addis Ababa – Bangkok route.
Celebrating women’s achievements This historical flight will be operated by females only. And by females only, we mean female deck members as well as female cabin crew members. On the ground, all operations from ticketing to ramp operations and traffic control will be carried out by women. Ethiopian’s CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, said:
“Above all, this is an ample opportunity to inspire young African female students to believe in their dreams and embark to fill the skill gap for Aviation professionals. Women are the continent’s greatest untapped resources, and hereby fully dedicated to ensure the increase number of women in decision making positions on top of key operational areas by consistently grooming and mentoring successor female employees for top managerial, technical and operational positions. We invite the whole world to watch our all-female operated long haul flight to and from Bangkok.”
Taking care of new mothers 30% of Ethiopian employees are women and the company is taking good care of them. The aviation company put in place a service targeted at new mothers. The company launched a nursing room equipped with modern amenities, comfortable reclining chairs, and refrigerators to store breast milk. Way to go Ethiopian!
source: http://www.afrizap.com/
Former Namibia President Awarded $5m Mo Ibrahim Prize November
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Premium Times – Former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba on Saturday accepted the $5 million Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership.
The prize committee chairman and former secretary general of the defunct Organisation for African Unity, Salim Ahmed Salim, said Mr. Pohamba’s “focus in forging national cohesion and reconciliation at a key stage of Namibia’s consolidation of democracy and social and economic development impressed the prize committee”.
“His ability to command the confidence and the trust of his people is exemplary,” Mr. Salim added.
The award, launched in 2011 by British-Sudanese businessman, Mo Ibrahim, is given to an African leader who was democratically elected, performed well in office, and left at the end of his constitutionally-allowed term.
The award is aimed at encouraging good governance in Africa. It also seeks to discourage “sit-tight” mentality common amongst African leaders who frequently manipulate their countries’ laws to remain in office.
Past winners include former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano in 2007, former Botswanan President Festus Mogae in 2008 and former Cape Verdean President Pedro Pires in 2011.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation said the award was not given for several years because it could find no suitable candidates.
Mr. Pohamba left office in March after two terms. He was involved in his country’s fight for independence and held several ministerial positions after Namibia’s independence in 1990.
He was announced winner in March, but was honoured at an event in Accra, Ghana on Friday night.
“This honour is not for me alone,” Mr. Pohamba said. “I accept it with a sense of great humility, on behalf of the Namibian people, who entrusted me, through democratic processes, to lead our country as president for two consecutive terms.”
The award’s sponsor, Mr. Ibrahim, said, “We need to change the narrative about African leadership. The world knows everything about our bad leaders, but nothing about our heroes”.
The Ibrahim Foundation will pay Mr. Pohamba $5 million over the course of 10 years, then give him an additional $200,000 each year after that.
The ceremony was witnessed by President John Mahama of Ghana, former Presidents John Kuffour, Chissano, Pires, and a number of other African leaders.
Nigeria’s former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, attended the ceremony and was one of several panelists who discussed Africa’s urbanisation at a follow-up event on Saturday.
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Apostle Edwin Otabil Launches New Book JOIN THE GRACE CLINIC REVOLUTION
November
Apostle Edwin K. Otabil has chronicled for us a book not about where God has been, or about where is, but a book about where God is going. This book will open up a brighter future for you, to introduce you to what God has prepared for those who love Him.( 1 Corinthians 2:9-10). God delights in making broken people whole through the sacrifice of Jesus. Sin has broken us up in our hearts, minds and bodies and has messed up our society. God’s response was to send Jesus to die on the cross, and on the cross, Jesus declared “ It is finished!”. God took the words of His Son to establish a place of healing and solution called “ Grace Clinic” for all to come to Jesus and have rest. The writer takes you on a journey that brings you to a beautiful place of revelation called “ It is finished”; to settle you and make you whole. Chapter after chapter, you will be enlightened and inspired to rise up from your ashes of frustration in life, and walk into your beautiful place of revelation that God has prepared for you called , “It is finished”. Here , Jesus has fixed everything that went wrong in our lives, starting from the first Adam to the last human being! This book is an eye-opener, a must read for anybody who wants to be whole and set the pace for the rest to follow you to the place of wholeness in Christ-Grace Clinic.
Apostle and Rev. Mrs. Otabil
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Email:bjtrvl2001@gmail.com
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Afrikan Post
Christ, the Constant Companion
Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah
Closer than a brother My Jesus is to me; He is my faithful friend, Everything to me; He is my Solid Rock, My shield and my hiding place; Closer than a brother Jesus is to me.
When we sing songs like the one above, that Jesus is closer than a brother, that He is a dear and faithful friend, do we sing it because it is true to our experiences and do we sing it because He is indeed a dear friend to us? When we sing, “what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer,” is it based on a truth, or are they simply lyrics to a church song? It is that personal relationship with God, that day to day, month to month, year to year constant relationship with a loving savior, through all the bright and dark episodes of our lives, that prompts us to sing such songs and pour our hearts in intimacy to a caring and compassionate savior. If you can indeed sing such songs truthfully, then you know Jesus as a true friend and you have your stories and testimonies to share. The following, is part of my story. When I was a child growing up in Ghana, although I had siblings around me, I often felt alone. My parents were already in the States and while I knew they were somewhere far away perhaps thinking of me, the sense of loneliness and thought of my singularity never left me. I remember, many times as a little girl from the age of 7 through 10, walking the neighborhoods of Tema and parts of Accra by myself making turns here and there through concrete neighborhood roads and many unpaved ones with which I was not always familiar, selling bread, ice water or just meandering simply because I could. It was at these times that I would sing my Sunday school songs in my head. I sang them to drive away the fears and I sang them just to feel connected to someone who would watch over me and care for me, someone who would protect me from mean-spirited caretakers. So of course, I sang the songs to God, to feel that He is indeed with me and that He is watching over me. From that time until now, His presence has always been with me. Jesus Himself assures us that He is and will always be with us when He says, “lo I am with you, even to the end of time” (Mathew 28:20). As a
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child, learning in Sunday school that Jesus Christ, our Savior who died on the cross, yet lives in my heart and is still everywhere loves me and is always with me, comforted me to no end. If anything at all gave me confidence as a little girl, it was this very teaching. While living in Ghana and on traveling the paths mentioned above, sometimes, I would look up at the moon, sun or just into the sky and imagine God up there and I would like to pinpoint where He was. I had no real sense of security in my guardians; they were verbally and physically abusive, and my parents were nowhere close, so like a child who grabs onto a security blanket or even a beloved stuffed animal, I grabbed on to God fiercely. While walking with my invisible companion, I often sang a song I learned from Sunday school that I mostly remember going like this: “There is no one like Jesus to me; no matter how sinful I may be. I am going to my Lord, who died on the cross; there is no one like Jesus to me.” I came to later learn The Bible teaches that God inhabits in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). This makes perfect sense as to why I intuited He was with me. Decades later, having been in the States for 30 plus years, I still remember that song and sometimes sing it during my personal devotion time. And I have observed that I sing the song mostly when I reflect on how far God has brought me from meandering the streets of Accra and also when I feel alone and have nowhere to turn. I realize even as I am in my forties, surrounded by my supportive parents, four siblings, a loving husband, two precious children and numerous nieces nephews and friends that the only constant and the only true dependable entity in my life is Jesus Himself. Yes, indeed, there is no one like Jesus to me. The Lord Jesus has indeed proven to stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). I can always go to Him and find solace. I can turn to Jesus and vent. I can go to Him and cry my eyes out about whatever is heavily pressing on me at a particular time. And when I emerge out of that special space, whether it is my praying room, my car, or a corner of my bedroom, having gone through a catharsis, I feel relieved, I feel empowered and I feel secure. If anything, I am reassured of His promises to be with me, to carry me, to protect me, to comfort me, because I feel all that in His embrace. Thus, He is not only a dear friend, but a mother, a father, a husband, an All in All. Then again, when it is time to fight my battles, He is there to shield me against the bullets and daggers of my enemies and helps me to direct cannon balls and missiles at them, ensuring that they hit, maim and destroy their targets, even as I use the very words He has given me as weapons of destruction. One of His dearest yet most powerful promises I utilize in prayer is that “no weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that will rise up against me in judgement will be condemned” (Isaiah 54:17). Certainly, none of the weapons of my enemies have been effective and God has
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always been my defender. Why wouldn’t I sing that He is my faithful friend? Why wouldn’t I claim He bears all my sins and griefs? He is the friend you can count on, the one who will not abandon you, but will be your constant supporter at each and every turn. More and more as I mature in the Lord and move in relationships with family and friends alike, I sometimes feel that sense of loneliness, that sense of singularity as I did when I was a child. As I become wiser, I come to learn that even family with all their great intentions, cannot always be depended upon to have your back, for they may be the very ones who might try to trip you. They might be the very ones who will pose as a hindrance to your goals and hopes. And why not? There is no one whom Satan will not attempt to use. So even your closest ally can be tempted, can be influenced and contaminated by spiritual forces at work and come at you in a way that you or they never thought was possible. Recall that even the Apostle Peter, who confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, was shortly thereafter rebuked when Jesus tells him, “get thee behind me Satan” (Mark 8:33), because He spoke against the purpose of Christ’s life, which was to be crucified. Such moments draw you closer to that trusted constant friend, Jesus. Such moments cause you to realize how alone you are in this world and how it is all about nurturing, maintaining and treasuring that personal relationship with that true constant friend. Many times, we can find comfort in the arms of our loved ones and be strengthened. When you have a good support system as I do, you can have an ear to listen to you and an advocate who will stand for you. My husband has been and can be there to hold my hands and pray with me; my parents are there to help shield me spiritually and my spiritual mother can be counted upon to hold me up in prayer. But even these well-meaning individuals have not always been there and cannot always be there. Clearly, my parents were not there when I roamed in the neighborhoods of Accra. Nor were they or my siblings there when I attended college out of state. I recall that while they were often reachable via phone calls, they were not always when there was an academic, emotional or spiritual crisis. Sometimes when you need them, you simply cannot get a hold of them. They too go through their ups and downs. They too go through their busy lives where others are pulling them here and there as support systems, so sometimes they simply cannot be there and it is you and only you against those enclosing walls that appear to want to suffocate and swallow you up. But the operative word is “appear,” for those walls cannot lie and tell you that you are alone, because you are not alone if you have Christ. That great big sky hovering way above us cannot make us insignificant, for we are not if we have Christ. If you honestly know Him, then He has proven his friendship to you repeatedly and has been your constant companion. So go ahead and sing that song that draws you closer to Him. Go ahead and hum that hymn that reminds you of how far He has brought you, how much He is there for you and how He is indeed your closest and truest friend. Yes, you too can sing that song and reflect on that true relationship with the one who can give you solace.
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Joke Center
A Kind Lawyer
Joke Center
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One afternoon, a wealthy lawyer was riding in the back of his limousine when he saw two men eating grass by the road side. He ordered his driver to stop and he got out to investigate. "Why are you eating grass?" he asked one man.
"We don't have any money for food," the poor man replied. "Oh, come along with me then," instructed the lawyer.
"But, sir, I have a wife and two children!"
"Bring them along!" replied the lawyer. He turned to the other man and said, "Come with us." "But sir, I have a wife and six children!" the second man answered.
"Bring them as well!" answered the lawyer as he headed for his limo.
They all climbed into the car, which was no easy task, even for a car as large as the limo.
Once underway, one of the poor fellows says, "Sir, you are too kind. Thank you for taking all of us with you." The lawyer replied, "No problem, the grass at my home is almost a foot tall."
Afraid of the Dark A little boy was afraid of the dark. One night his mother told him to go out to the back porch and bring her the broom. The little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mama, I don't want to go out there. It's dark."
The mother smiled reassuringly at her son. "You don't have to be afraid of the dark," she explained. "Jesus is out there. He'll look after you and protect you."
The little boy looked at his mother real hard and asked, "Are you sure he's out there?"
"Yes, I'm sure. He is everywhere, and he is always ready to help you when you need him," she said.
The little boy thought about that for a minute and then went to the back door and cracked it a little. Peering out into the darkness, he called, "Jesus? If you're out there, would you please hand me the broom?" Clearing the Church
The 2000 member Baptist church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.
ATM
Today at the bank, a man goes to the ATM and withdraws all his money. Then goes inside the same bank and deposits the same money he withdrew telling the bank officer that, my money is not safe outside in the ATM...people are just withdrawing anyhow and they can end up withdrawing my money. Keep my money inside the bank Doctor Visit
An attractive young girl, chaperoned by an ugly old crone, entered the doctor's office. "We have come for an examination" said the young girl.
"Alright," said the doctor. "Go behind that curtain and take your clothes off."
"No, not me" said the girl. "it's my old aunt here."
"Very well," said the doctor. "Madam, please stick out your tongue." Punctuation
An English professor wrote the words, "Woman without her man is nothing" on the blackboard and directed his students to punctuate it correctly. The men wrote: "Woman, without her man, is nothing." The women wrote: "Woman! Without her, man is nothing." Just for laughs.....
One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons.
3 drunk guys entered a taxi. The taxi driver knew they were drunk so he started the engine & turned it off again. He told them ''we have reached''. The 1st guy gave him money & the 2nd guy said ''thank you''. The 3rd guy gave the driver a slap. The driver was shocked ,thinking the 3rd drunk knew what he did. But he asked ''what's that for?''.The 3rd guy replied: ''CONTROL YOUR SPEED NEXT TIME, you nearly killed us!''.
Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.
â˜?One spelling mistake .. đ&#x;˜„!
The one in the middle announced, "EVERYONE WILLING TO TAKE A BULLET FOR JESUS STAY IN YOUR SEAT!"
After a few moments, there were about 20 people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit.
The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, "All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service."
A Husband wrote a romantic message to his wife on his official trip and missed an "e" in the last word. Now he is seeking police protection to enter his own house....
He wrote, "Hi darling I'm experiencing the best time of my life & I wish you were her."
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Nigerian Man Solves 156Yr-Old Riemann Mathematics Problem
The 156 years old Riemann Hypothesis, the most important problem in Mathematics has been successfully solved by Nigeria Scholar, Dr Opeyemi Enoch.
The 156-year old Riemann Hypothesis, one of the most important problems in Mathematics, has been successfully resolved by Nigeria Scholar, Dr. Opeyemi Enoch.
With this breakthrough, Dr Enoch, who teaches at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, FUOYE, has become the fourth egghead to resolve one of the seven Millennium Problems in Mathematics.
The Kogi State-born mathematician had, before now, worked on mathematical models and structures for generating electricity from sound, thunder and Oceanic bodies.
A statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday said Dr Enoch’s presentation of the Proof on November 11, 2015 during the International Conference on Mathematics and Computer Science in Vienna, Austria becomes more symbolic coming on the exact day and month 156 years after the problem was delivered by a German Mathematician in 1859.
Mathematicians in the past generations, thus paving way for his solutions and proofs to be established.
“He also showed how other problems of this kind can be formulated and obtained the matrix that Hilbert and Poly predicted will give these undiscovered solutions. He revealed how these solutions are applicable in cryptography, quantum information science and in quantum computers,” it stated.
Three of the problems had been solved and the prizes given to the winners. This makes it the fourth to be solved of all the seven problems.
Dr. Enoch had previously designed a Prototype of a silo for peasant farmers and also discovered a scientific technique for detecting and tracking someone on an evil mission.
Enoch has succeeded in inventing methods by which oil pipelines can be protected from vandalism and he is currently working on Mathematical approaches to Climate Change.
The Riemann Zeta Hypothesis is one of the seven Millennium problems set by the Clay Mathematics Institute with a million Dollar reward for each Read more: http://news2.onlinenigesolved problem for the past 16 years. ria.com/news/general/440893-nigerian-man-solves-156-yr-old-riemannAccording to the statement; “Dr Enoch mathematicsfirst investigated and then established problem.html#ixzz3riVlwMca the claims of Riemann. He went on to consider and to correct the misconceptions that were communicated by
Burkina Faso Elects New Leader In Historic Vote November 2015
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Former PM is second civilian to become president of West African nation after almost three decades of one-man rule.
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been elected Burkina Faso's new leader, the second civilian to become president since the West African country won independence in 1960, according to preliminary results released by the country's electoral commission.
The Independent National Electoral Commission said on Tuesday morning that results showed that Kabore, from the Movement of People for Progress party, won 53.5 percent of the vote, just enough to secure a first round victory.
Kabore, 58, will now replace the transitional government put in place after Blaise Compaore, Burkina Faso's longtime leader, was toppled in a popular uprising in October 2014. Zephirin Diabre came in second place with 29.6 percent of the vote, and Tahirou Barry came in third with three percent.
Barthelemy Kere, electoral commission president, said 60 percent of the country's 5.5 million registered voters participated in Sunday's election.
Fourteen candidates took part in the elections to replace the transition government set up after Compaore was forced into exile in October 2014 after a 27-year rule.
The poll, originally scheduled for October, was postponed after a coup by the presidential guard in September.
Michel Kafando, transitional president, and the prime minister were restored to power after a week, and the guard was disbanded.
Hundreds of supporters gathered on Monday night at Kabore's campaign headquarters as early results showed him likely to win. Diabre joined and congratulated him. Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow, reporting from the
capital, Ouagadougou, said crisis-weary citizens celebrated the end of political turmoil in their country.
"It's the hope of many here that the election of a new president will usher in a new era of peaceful democracy in a country that has seen many military coups since independence in 1960," he said.
After the popular uprising last year, “there's a sense that there's no one leader that can impose themselves Burkina Faso anymore.”
Candidates have seven days to contest the results before the constitutional court finalises them.
Kabore was the prime minister and speaker of parliament under Compaore.
In January 2014, Kabore and others broke with Compaore to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to extend his power.
Compaore seized power in a coup, ruled for 27 years and won four elections, all of which were criticised as unfair.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Afrikan
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Meet 9 Nigerian Stars Married To Foreign Husbands November
2015
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In the Nigerian entertainment industry today, interracial marriage is a common trend and according to an actress, celebs love marrying foreign based men because they are better than their Nigerian counterparts. The number of female stars marrying foreigners has increased now and it is expected to rise as the years roll by. Here are selected 10 top celebrities who found love in the arms of foreigners and are their wives. Source: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com
Tosyn Bucknor and Aurélien Boyer (French)
Popularly called 'Area Mama', On-AirPersonality with Top Radio FM, Lagos, Tosyn Bucknor tied the knot with her long time French husband on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Tosyn Bucknor and Aurélien Boyer had their traditional wedding and was attended close family members and friends. The event was planned by the Tosyn’s sister Funke Bucknor-Obruthe of Zapphaire Events and among the guests were Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Toolz and Sasha. The couple got engaged in August after dating for 2 years.
Susan Peters and Dr. Croon (Dutch)
Susan Peters and her Dutch husband, Dr Croon tied the knot traditionally on Saturday, October 24, 2015, in Benue State.
Susan and her beau are said to have been friends for almost a decade before they decided to take their relationship to the next level.
Susan and Dr Croon went to the marriage registry to legalise their union on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Lagos. The two lovebirds are still savouring their honeymoon.
Chioma Toplis and Andrew Toplis (British)
Anita Hogan and Ted Mak (Dutch)
Precisely on October 18, 2006, few friends and family members of Anita Hogan, a star of Nigeria’s TV reality show, The Gulder Ultimate Search, gathered at a registry in Eti Osa Local Government Area in Ikoyi, Lagos for her wedding. Indeed, it was a great turning point for the dark-skinned actress amidst the compromising photographs of hers that cost her then growing career. In fact, it was a shocking development that instantly wrecked the career of the sensational actress, who even allegedly threatened to commit suicide. Fortunately for her, her then lover wasted no time in showing his unconditional love for her by legalising their union. Today, they have kids together to show for it.
Karen Igho And Yaroslav Rakos (UK)
Once upon a time, the media was awash with the rumour that the marriage of busty Nollywood actress and model; Chioma Toplis was heading for the rocks.
However, she debunked the incessant rumours trailing her marriage claiming her Oyibo husband would commit suicide if she leaves him.
Since the Abia State born actress came to limelight after settling down with Andrew Toplis, a UK born Engineer, she has been battling with allegations of unstable marriage.
But the big, bold and beautiful mother of three (two girls and a boy) with a towering height is never tired of defending her home, which she described as the type any woman could dream of.
Karen Igho, who found fame as the winner of Big Brother Africa, got married in Jos on Saturday, December 13, 2014. The controversial diva got married to Yaroslav Rakos after they had dated for nine years. Karen was later delivered of a baby boy at the Mount Sinai Roosevelt hospital in New York on the July 4, 2015.
Ufoma Ejenabor and Steve McDermott
It's been five years since actress and former beauty queen, Ufuoma Ejenobor and her husband Steven McDermott tied the knots.
Today, the lovers are gradually building a formidable family after the birth of their baby boy, christened, Isio Jared McDermott and their adorable baby girl, Kesiena.
For the Delta State born actress, coping with her in-laws and adjusting to the foreign culture were much easier than she had thought and made to believe.
Fight’ ‘Misplaced’ and some others productions to her credit. The Abriba, Abia-Stateborn thespian walked down the aisle with her US-based Puerto Rican husband, Kenny Rodriguez, in a low-key wedding that took place on the shores of Puerto Rico, in the north-eastern Uche Jumbo and Kenney Caribbean. Rodriguez (Puerto Rican) The wedding, which held precisely on May 16, Uche Jumbo is unarguably one 2012 took many of her of the A-list actresses currently teeming fans her by surprise. Since they both rocking the motion picture signed the dotted lines, the industry in Nigeria. Aside her huge success as an actress, she couple has been living is also a thriving movie produc- happily ever after with a cute baby, Mattew er with over 12 chart busting Rodriguez, to show for it. flicks such as: ‘Damage,’ ‘My Life My Damage,’ ‘Mother’s
Regina Askia and Rudy Williams (American)
Born Imaobong Regina Askia Usoro in 1967 but famously known as Regina Askia, she was onetime Nigeria’s top actress and ex beauty queen. Regina secretly married her American-born husband, Ruddy Williams some years back.
The union shocked a lot of her colleagues and admirers because the news of her white wedding, which was witnessed by a selected crowd, was quite unexpected, as it came on the heels of her controversial break-up with an Igbo big boy, Charles Okorie.
Kate Henshaw and James Roderick Nuttal (British) Kate Henshaw is undoubtedly one of the most popular and gifted Nigerian actresses. The Cross River State born actress got married in 1999 to a British born James Roderick Nuttal. The couple had their daughter and only child Ella Nuttal in 2000.
Unfortunately, the star actress and her British husband, Nuttal are no longer together as husband and wife. The multiple award-winning actress and Mr Roderick parted ways amicably in November 2011, following ‘irreconcilable’ differences. Their breakup was a rude shock to entertainment enthusiasts as well as her colleagues.
Afrikan
Dr. Thomas Mensah Identifies Paths To Industrialize Africa
November 2015
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British mobile communications entrepreneur and billionaire, Atiku Abubakar; former Nigerian Vice President and Martin O'Malley; former Governor of the state of Maryland in the USA.
the occasion, which was attended by some of the major stakeholders in both Africa’s oil and non-oil business landscape.
During an interview with this writer Dr. Mensah said he was very "prepared to assist African countries as they embark upon the journey to modernize and industrialize their respective economies."
By Oral Ofori
Dr. Thomas Mensah, the renowned scientist and inventor in Atlanta, USA, received the prestigious International Business Leadership (IBL) Award for 2015 from the African Leadership Magazine (ALM). This happened at the ALM's annual awards event from November 11-12, 2015 at the Westin Atlanta Hotel on 7 Concourse Parkway, North East of Atlanta in Georgia, USA.
Dr. Mensah who is the Chairman of Lightwave Systems, a fiber optics company in the USA was also an invited Plenary Speaker at the two day event, which was the 3rd US-Africa International Business Forum held by the (ALM) under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Non Oil Investment Potentials”. Dr. Mensah applauded the ALM's push for infrastructural development in Africa on
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The desire to industrialize requires a nation to pay attention to five key areas that Dr. Mensah thinks Africa must improve upon to move into the 21st century: "notably, electric power generation, energy sectors, air and road transportation improvement, internet expansion and boarder security these are the 5 priorities that will help improve infrastructure in order to realize an industrial boom that will create jobs for Africa." Dr. Thomas Mensah thanked the ALM for organizing the International Business Leadership Awards by saying “it is such a great honor to have them recognize my work and that of others who are working tirelessly to solve problems in Africa”.
“I think Dr. Ken Giami; Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the ALM and his team did a great job too at the 6th African Business Leadership Forum and Awards in July 2015 at the Hilton London Metropole in UK. Their call on African Business leaders to commit more to taking care of their host communities and society in general is one that resonates well with me” Dr. Mensah disclosed. African Leadership Magazine reaches an audience of international business and governmental leaders concerned with Africa's many under-reported success stories. Dr. Mensah said he is excited to be a part of the distinguished IBL award winners, of which her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; President of Liberia, and the Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum are among the first recipients.
ALM is a publication of the African Leadership Limited in the United Kingdom (UK) that focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience by telling the African story from a truly African perspective. As a registered company in the UK, the publishers seek to tell the African story while breeding solutions to problems that are commonly faced in today’s Africa.
The IBL has been endorsed by renowned individuals including Prime Minister Sheikh Al Makhtoum of the United Arab Emirates, Dr Mo Ibrahim; the Sudanese-
New U.S. Ambassador to Guinea Sworn In such posting for him.
Hankins’ father, Bruce, was an engineer with Esso and worked in Europe and South America. While Hankins was still a youngster, his mother, Margie, brought him and his brother, Knute, to Bemidji, Minnesota, for a more stable place to live. Hankins graduated from Bemidji High School in 1977. He evidently missed traveling the world, because he went to Georgetown University’s School for Foreign Service, graduating in 1981. He has an MA from the National War College.
Hankins joined the Foreign Service, with his first overseas posting coming as a vice consul in Recife, Brazil, in 1985. Thailand was another early posting. From 1989 to 1991, Hankins worked in Sudan and by 1992 he was consul in Haiti. There he dealt with boat people who had been returned to that country by order of President George H.W. Bush. As consul, he took requests for asylum from those wanting to leave the then-violent country. Few requests were granted.
On Monday November 9, 2015, Ambassador Dennis Hankins was sworn in as the US Ambassador to Guinea. The ceremony was officiated by Counselor Tom Shannon.
Bio by -Steve Straehley (allgov.com)
Dennis Hankins, a career Foreign Service officer, was nominated on July 8, 2015, to be the next ambassador to Guinea. He was confirmed by the Senate on Oct. 22. It is the first
Hankins returned to Africa in 1996 as a political/economic counselor in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the midst of the civil war that consumed that country then. In 1999, he got another assignment as a political/economic counselor, but this time in Lisbon, Portugal. He was sent back to Africa in 2001 as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Maputo, Mozambique. In 2004, Hankins went to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as consul general there. He returned to Washington in 2005 as deputy director in the Office of Peacekeeping in the Bureau of
International Organizations. He was sent back to Africa in 2007 as Deputy Chief of Mission in Nouakchott, Mauritania, then returned to Khartoum, Sudan, as Deputy Chief of Mission there. In 2012, he was named Consul General in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Hankins and his wife, Mira, have a son, Danu, who is a U.S. Navy officer. Hankins speaks French and Portuguese. One of his pledges as ambassador is to help Guinea in its continuing efforts to fight the ongoing Ebola epidemic.
World's secondlargest diamond 'found in Botswana'
Afrikan
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Patrick Jackson sworn in as Honorary Consul
The-Honorary-Consul-and-former-Mayor-of-Rowlett-Mr.-PatrickJackson
The world's second-largest gem quality diamond has been November 10, 2015: Dallas-Texas. The swearing-in ceremony was held discovered in Botswana, the Lucara Diamond firm says. at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington District Columbia on November 6 this year by Mr. Patrick Jackson when he took an oath of The 1,111-carat stone was recovered from its Karowe office as Honorary Consul serving Texas and the surrounding states in mine, about 500km (300 miles) north of the capital, the United States. Mr. Jackson took his affirmation before His Gaborone. Excellency, the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States Mr. Bockari Stevens. It is the biggest diamond to be discovered in Botswana and the largest find in more than a century. Other dignitaries witnessed the swearing-in ceremony including the deputy chief of mission, Ambassador Sorie Conteh, the Head of The 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond was found in South Africa in 1905 and cut into nine separate stones, many of Chancery, Mrs. Isha Sillah, and the Information attaché Mr. Pasco Gerald Temple. which are in the British Crown Jewels.
"The significance of the recovery of a gem quality stone larger than 1,000 carats, the largest for more than a century... cannot be overstated," William Lamb, the CEO of Lucara Diamond, a Canadian diamond producer, said in a statement.
Mr. Patrick Jackson will replace his predecessor, Mr. Reginald Spiller, an African American who was the first Honorary Consul to represent Sierra Leone in Texas. Mr. Spiller was among the four Honorary Consuls that President Ernest Koroma necessitated in expanding the Sierra Leone mission across the United States. Texas is the second largest state in the U.S and is the fastest growing immigrants from Sierra Leone.
The stone is yet to be evaluated, but commodities and mining analyst Kieron Hodgson, told AFP news agency that "the potential to be one very expensive diamond."
Ambassador Stevens portrays Mr. Jackson as fitting the ideal for an honorary consul who will perform the duties and responsibilities on the classical activities such as visa functions, citizen services, representation, and tourism; issues of trade, investment and promotions. The Ambassador further added that it is a great satisfaction to the Embassy to have Mr. Jackson as part of an entourage to welcome His Excellency, President Ernest Koroma whenever he is visiting the United States.Honorary Consul Jackson will take pride for this appointment in the fact that his faithful performance and active role to the Sierra Leonean community at Dallas Fort Worth in Texas has contributed much in maintaining the people’s respect for representing Sierra Leone in the second largest state in America.
The-Jackson-family
Lucara says two other "exceptional" white diamonds - an 813-carat stone and a 374-carat stone - were also found at The new Consulate General’s duties and responsibilities as described are the Karowe mine. to provide a more accessible and responsive service to Sierra Leoneans and other nationals. He will act as a link between local institutions and "This has been an amazing week for Lucara with the businesses in America, helping to develop cooperation and joint working recovery of the second largest and also the sixth largest partnership between commercial and non-commercial organizations. gem quality diamonds ever mined," Mr Lamb said.
In April a flawless 100-carat diamond was sold for $22.1m (£14.8m) at Sotheby's in New York.
The gem, originally mined in South Africa, had taken more than a year to cut, polish and perfect.
Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds and the trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation.
http://www.bbc.com/news
The newly appointed consul holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the Oklahoma State University. Mr. Jackson became the first African to be elected as a council member in the city of Rowlett where he also rose to a position as Deputy Mayor.
- See more at: http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/?p=76409#sthash.sgiosEIS.dpuf
- See more at: http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/?p=76409#sthash.sgiosEIS.dpuf
Mr-and-Mrs-Jackson-cutting-the-cake
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OUR POSITION IN CHRIST Post
New Creation Realities
carried out their commands. In Daniel 10: 1-15, Daniel had fasted and prayed for three full weeks desiring some petition from God. He did not have the answer in the period he had fasted and prayed. Three days after an angel appears to him with an astounding revelation that from the very first day he stated the fasting and prayer God send him (the angel) to deliver the message but demonic, opposing angels resisted him until another angel Michael came to assist in the fight with the demonic angel. Finally the angels succeeded and brought the message to Daniel. In Acts 12:1-12 the Apostle Peter was arrested and kept in prison by King Herod with the intent to execute him. The church went into intercession prayer for him. A miracle happens. In response to their prayer and angel was released by God to the prison and miraculously led Peter out. Peter went straight to the place where the church had gathered to prayed and behold they were still praying for his release. Amen. What When a person recognizes his or her sinful nature with the consequences of the second death and spending eter- a mighty God we serve. In Luke 22:39-44 Jesus was approaching the time of nity in hell and receives the Lord Jesus as his Lord and His death and as one born in the likeness of men began to personal Savior, Jesus then washes your sins in His preexperience uneasiness in his spirit. He went to the Mount of cious blood and forgives your sins. He then takes you through a paradigm shift from the Kingdom of darkness Olives to have a time of prayer. In response to His prayer an angel visited him to strengthen Him. into His own kingdom; the kingdom of light (Peter2:9). Angels are ministering spirits assigned to those who are Born In His kingdom you become a new Creature. You receive a NEW IDENTITY OR POSITION (WHO YOU Again to serve us, because God has raised us up as kings with ARE IN CHRIST), NEW POTENTIALS (WHAT YOU kingship rights so take advantage of this and pray without ceasing. CAN DO IN CHRIST) and NEW POSESSIONS During the Easter season in 1999 a couple of Christian youth (WHAT YOU HAVE IN CHRIST). For any born Again Christian to walk in his or her new identity and do what returning from activities at the beach had their minivan collidChrist will have us to do and possess what He has for us ing with a beer truck when their homes were within sight at SNNIT flats near Cape Coast Ghana. All eight youth were on earth we have to understand these New Creation removed from the vehicle unconscious. Among them were two Realities. In the coming months we will be discussion brothers who were university students, three sisters of one parabout our Position (IDENTITY) In Christ. ent; their father was the Bursar at Mfantsipim Sec. School. KINGS AND KINGSHIP RIGHT In the book of Revelation when we receive Jesus Christ Cape Coast. One was a Liberian seeking refuge in Ghana, a dynamic praise and worship leader. Unfortunately nurses were as our Lord and personal savior He washes us in His on strike which made their parents more anxious as they watch precious blood and presents us to God as Kings. The their children lie motionless on hospital beds. The parents, all victories we have from God’s word, the influence we have in society, how best we maximize our potential, the of whom I have known turned to the Church for God’s intervention. I immediately summoned a group of Christians who effectiveness of the salt and the light that we are in this were part of my program I call “THE GATHERING OF world all depends on how we understand and live out INTERCESSORS”. These were Christians who were trained our new identity in Christ as Kings. and have matured from the elementary rudiments of the Revelation 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and A.C.T.S. of Intercession to the ART OF INTERCESSION. the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved They know how to exercise their kingship right and follow the current of the Holy Spirit in Prayer and tap into the release of us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; the unction of the Spirit. According to the victims around the to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen same time we reached the climax of the prayer, they saw angels as though they were dreaming; performing medical procedures Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, on them (remember nurses were on strike at the time). Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God They were miraculously released from the hospital. Ami, who by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and peo- had her pelvic bone shifted to one side of her body and was declared not been able to give birth is based in London with ple, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings two children. The Liberian seeking refuge in Ghana finished and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. As kings we have kingship right and delegated authority University and is now the Accountant at Coconut Groove Hotel near Cape Coat. The rest are all living and having good jobs. from the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our kingGlory to God!. ship rights are given to us to reign on earth ant we do What am I saying? If the Church i.e. those who believe in the this through PRAYER. Atonement and the authenticity of the Power of Almighty God will stop the talking and complaining and learn how to pray by Because our kingdom is basically spiritual our reign begins in the spiritual realm where we enforce our king- praying and allow the Holy Spirit to release our ministering Spirits ‘Angels’ to execute God’s will on earth, we will put a dom principles here on earth through PRAYER. Just as our natural kings have servants who carry out their com- halt on the wave of kingdom of darkness in our families, societies and Nations. mands, we also have servants in the realm of the spirit Jesus intimated in Matthew 21:13 ….my house shall be the who fights our battles and delivers answers to our house of prayer. It is through prayer that the gates of terrorism, prayers when we pray. These servants are called sodomy, occult; celebrated as hallowing, apostasy, corruption ANGELS. Hebrews 1: 13-14 But to which of the angels said he at and many others will be lifted up for the King of Glory to come in and fill our families, society and nations with testiany time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemonies as the waters covers the sea. mies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of sal- Let the Church arise and put our Angels to task. vation? To be continued……….. Below are few examples of people of God who exercised their sonship rights in prayer and how angels
Emelia Adjei Launches New Book Life In The Diaspora : Ups And Downs November 2015
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Paperback, Kindle, Ebook will be available at the following - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, ibooks, & Lulu.com Learn more & Pre-order your copy at www.LifeInTheDiaspora.com Email - info@LifeInTheDiaspora.com
Created by Emelia Adjei ~ MBA, Hon. Dr. (from Ghana - West Africa)
Co-Authors Trevon Sundiata Ferguson from Trindad & Tobago Joyce Mpezeni from Zimbabawe, Eva M. Francis from Jamaica Rev. Bertha Dumfeh from Ghana Josephine A. B Boateng from Ghana Joyce Mpezeni from Zimbabawe SYNOPSIS
Book title - Life In The Diaspora: Ups And Downs. The book presents a compelling selection of life’s challenging and inspirational stories of trials, triumphs, setbacks and comebacks by six individuals who left their motherland to live in an unknown country ~ U.S.A. No matter who you’re or where you from, you will find a solution for one of your life’s dilemmas when you read the book.
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MOAA Welcomes New Commissioners to the DC Commission on African Affairs Post
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On November 19, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser led the swearing in ceremony of new Board and Commissioner members, including the DC Commission on African Affairs (COAA). The members contribute the rich diversity of the Commission and the of the African community.
Commission Members
Loide Rosa Jorge, Esq. Akua G. Asare, M.D. – Vice Chair – Chair Appointed on January 3,
Appointed on March 7, 2014 | First Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Ghana Dr. Akua Asare’s work focuses on the linkages between health disparities, including psychological, emotional, and social, as well as cultural, career, and personal development and advancement among those in the African Diaspora. She serves in a diversity of roles and on a variety of civic and community boards, including as Co-Chair of the Montgomery County AfricanAmerican Health Program's Executive Committee's Mental Health Collaborative. Akua is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University with a BA in International Studies, and a Medical Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She was awarded the 2010 University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital Psychiatry Residency Senior Research Award and the 2010 Bernard Goodman Award. As a 2011 American Psychiatric Association’s Jeanne Spurlock Congressional Fellow, Akua worked as the Health Legislative Fellow for Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), addressing domestic and global health care issues.
2012 | Second Term Commissioner Countries of Origin: Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique With over a decade of experience in the immigration legal arena of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Loide Rosa Jorge brings a wealth of hands-on experience, dedication, and integrity to her practice. She upholds her mission of providing clients with a safe space of honest and thorough legal counsel. Having immigrated to the U.S. as a child with her family, Loide credits the honest and kind-hearted pro-bono attorneys who helped her family successfully navigate their immigration issues as one of her inspirations to provide the same quality of service within her practice. Loide also serves as an advocate for the needs of local immigrants in and around the DMV, frequently appearing on television and radio programs addressing the African immigrant’s unique perspectives. She regularly partners with local churches and community service providers to conduct free immigration legal workshops. Loide holds a Juris Doctorate from American University, Washington College of Law and is a Member of the Bar, Maryland Court of Appeals. She is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She is fluent in Portuguese and is a recording jazz vocalist.
Kedist Geremaw EDS, MSA – Secretary
Appointed on March 7, 2014 | First Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Ethiopia Kedist Geremaw is a healthcare administrator who resides in the greater Washington, DC area. She has worked as an educator, a television reporter, a mentor, a campaign organizer, and a volunteer with organizations in the DC area and internationally. Kedist is particularly committed to addressing issues facing women and children and creating awareness and empowerment for people with disabilities both in the U.S. and internationally. She advocates for DC statehood and ending workforce disparity faced by African immigrants in the Diaspora. An Ethiopian by birth, Kedist holds a BSc. in Biology from Oklahoma City University, an MS in Health Administration from Central Michigan University, and an EDS degree from The George Washington University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Disability Studies at The George Washington University.
Chime O. Asonye Appointed on January 3, 2012 | Second Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Nigeria Chime O. Asonye currently serves as Executive Director of NaijaDC, a collaborative network of leading Nigerian emerging leaders on the continent and in the U.S. Chime has worked as an Associate for the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (OSSAP-MDGs). He was nominated for the Excellence in Public Service Award, described by Forbes Magazine as "Nigeria's most important award for outstanding young Nigerians”. He has served as a Program Assistant for the Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa portfolio in the Africa Division of the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. He is a Chancellor's Scholar graduate with a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a recipient of the University of Illinois’ Black Alumni Network and African American Cultural Center Global Footprint Award in 2014. Chime is currently pursuing his juris doctorate degree at Northwestern University School of Law.
Ify Anne Nwabukwu Appointed on January 3, 2012 | Second Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Nigeria Ify Anne Nwabukwu is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA). For the past ten years, Ify has raised awareness about breast cancer among African immigrant women and their families in the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. Her work through AWCAA has served over 30,000 Africans and facilitated mammography screening for over 1,000 women. In 2012, she won the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Award and the State of Maryland’s Governor’s Service Award. She is an executive member of the African Advisory Group in Montgomery County, Maryland. Ify organizes and leads medical missions to Africa and has donated two mammogram machines to Nigeria and Tanzania. She is a Certified Breast Health Awareness Volunteer Speaker for the American Cancer Society, a certified Patient Navigator, and an inspirational speaker. Ify obtained her BA in Nursing from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a degree in Hospital Administration from Strayer University.
Lafayette Barnes Appointed on January 3, 2012 | Second Term Commissioner Country of Origin: USA Lafayette A. Barnes directs the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) in the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser where he is responsible for leading a variety of philanthropic functions and services for District government, and nonprofit entities. Lafayette leads the District’s competitive grants development process as well as its policies and procedures for authorizing the solicitation, acceptance, and use of private donations made to the government. He heads the office’s capacity building technical assistance and training services for local community, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations. Lafayette is a graduate of Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Executive in State and Local Government Program; Georgetown University, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service’s Masters of Science in Foreign Service; Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Business Foundation’s 2011 International Business Certificate Program; Management Concepts’ Grants Management Certificate Program, and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators’ Executive Leadership Institute.
Louisa Buadoo-Amoa, Ph.D.Louisa Buadoo-Amoa Appointed on July 3, 2010 | Second Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Ghana Louisa works as a Human Resources Specialist/Recruiter at the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Caribbeana Communications Incorporated and Region XI Council Representatives. Louisa is also the current Treasurer for Blacks in Government.
Yinusa Yusuff Appointed on July 13, 2010 | Second Term Commissioner Country of Origin: Nigeria
Yinusa has served and worked with various organizations within the Washington Metropolitan area. Currently, he is a member Of IbarapaOyo Pacesetters and a former Chief Whip of the Alliance of Yoruba Organizations and Clubs
Source: http://oaa.dc.gov/page/commission-members
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Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church 2015 Harvest Service
Rev. Obeng Leading the Fundraising efforts
Women’s Fellowship
November 2015
Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah, Senior Pastor
The Chairperson, Mrs. Enchil Giving her address
Offering time
Special Guests
The Ghana Wesley United Choir
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List Of Top 50 Nigerian Music Artistes And Their Real Names
1. Wizkid real name Ayo Balogun.
Your Favorite Ghanaian Musicians And Their Real Names November 2015
Emmanuel Botchwey – Kwaw Kese
Rashid Mugeez – Mugeez
Nana Wiafe Asante-Mensah – ASEM
2. IcePrince real name Panshak Zamani.
Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo – Sarkodie
4. M.I real name Jude Abaga.
36. DJ Xclusive real name Rotimi Alakija
Faisal Hakeem – Paedae
5. D’banj real name Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo.
6. Terry G real name Gabriel Amanyi.
7. Jesse Jag real name Jesse Garba Abaga.
8. Banky W real name Olubankole Wellington.
9. Eldee real name Lanre Dabiri.
10. 2face real name Innocent Idibia.
11. Don jazzy real name Michael Collins
12. Psquare real name Peter Okoye and Paul Okoye. 13. Sauce Kid real name Babalola Falemi.
14. Eva real name Eva Alordiah.
15. Timaya real name Inetimi Alfred Odom.
16. 9ice real name Abolore Adegbola Akande.
17. Davido real name David Adedeji Adeleke.
18. Wande Coal real name Ojoshipe Wande Jnr.
35. Olamide real name Olamide Adedeji
37. Brymo real name Ashimi Olawale
Nii Addo Quaynor – Tinny
40. KCEE real name Kingsley Chinweike Okonkwo
Emmanuel Ababio – Promzy (VIP)
41. Ill Bliss real name Tobechukwu Ejiofor
42. Harry Song real name Harrison Okiri
43. Iyanya real name Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk
44. Flavour N’abania real name Chinedu Okoli
45. Di’ja real name Hadiza Blell
46. Burna Boy real name Damini Ogulu
47. Phyno real name Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson
48. Patoranking real name Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie 49. Runtown real name Douglas Jack Agu
19. D’Prince real name Charles Enebeli.
50. DJ Jimmy Jatt real name Jimmy Adewale Amu
21. Selebobo real name Udoka Chigozie
http://funvilleng.com
20. Dr SID real name Sidney Onoriode Esiri.
22. Rugged Man real name Michael Ugochukwu Stephens.
23. Skales real name Raoul John Njeng-Njeng.
24. Mo’Cheddah real name Modupe Ola.
25. Naeto C real name Naetochukwu Chikwe.
26. Sound Sultan real name Olanrewaju Fasasi.
27. Nigga Raw real name Okechukwu Ukeja.
28. Durella real name Oluwadamilare Kulaja.
29. Darey Art real name Dare Alade.
30. Reminisce real name Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru
31. Sasha real name Anthonia Yetunde Alabi
32. Mode 9 real name Olusegun Baboontunde
33. Faze real name chibuzor orji
Emmanuel Andrews Samini – Samini
38. Tekno real name Augustine Miles Kelechi
39. Lagbaja real name Bisade Ologunde
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Reginald Osei (Reggie Rockstone)
34. Vector Tha Viper real name Olanrewaju Ogunmefun
3. Asa real name Bukola Elemide.
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Frank Elinam Cobinah – Atumpan
Osei Kweku Vincent – Strongman
Desmond Kwesi Blackmore – D Black
Nana Yaw Oduro Agyei – Trigmatic Mildred Ashong – Eazzy
Fianko Bossman – Chase
Joseph Nana Ofori – Prodigal (VIP)
Nana Kwaku Okyere Duah – Tic Tac
Christelle Akua Sika Amankona – Lousika
Andrew Kudjoe – KECHEDE
Kwame Amet Tsikata – M.anifest
Darlington Kwasi Agyekum – D.Cryme
Abdul Hamid Ibrahim – Lazzy (VIP)
JoshuaAmpah – KECHEPA
Elom Adablah – E.L
Paul Nuamah Donkor – JaySo
George Kwabena Adu – Kwabena Kwabena Jane Awindor – Efya
Kwaku Nsiah- Boamah – Stone- Flowking (BRADEZ) Kwaku Nsiah Amankwah – Kunta Kinte BRADEZ
Kwame Nsiah Appau – Okyeame Kwam Rebecca Acheampong – Becca
http://ansongb.blogspot.com
Diamond Appiah – Diamond
Denning Edem Agbeviadey – Edem
Tiffany Owusu – Itz Tiffany Jeffery Klu – Klu Monsta Posted by dj bismark
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Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church 2015 Harvest Service
The members of the Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia on Sunday November 22, 2015 donated generously during their 2015 Annual Harvest and Thanksgiving Service.
The first part of the service followed the usual order with congregational hymns, bible reading and a call to worship. The sermon delivered by Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah, the senior Pastor was in line with the chosen theme for the harvest “Let us Rise and Build ’based on Nehemiah 2:18. He admonished and drew the attention of the congregation to the significance of giving to support Gods work. The second part of the service which focused on fund-raising was hosted by the Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) group under the able leadership of Mrs. Florence Akowuah Agyemang in collaboration with the Church Council and finance committee.
Several Community leaders were invited to grace the occasion with their presence as chairpersons, special guests and supporters. The purpose of the fund raising was among other things to lay a foundation to enable the Church which is close to its 15th anniversary acquire a place of their own. The Chairperson for the occasion was Mrs. Doris Amoakowaa Enchil who was supported by Dr. Charles Osei Dankwah a local industrialist.
Mrs. Enchil expressed her profound appreciation for the honor and entreated the members to consider the example of the woman who sought to honor Jesus with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was
reclining at the table. Pastor John Obeng, the Associate pastor set the ball rolling by calling on the congregation to give as they were led. Items were auctioned to raise funds and within a very short time almost the entire congregation got the opportunity to make generous donations. Certain personalities who had distinguished themselves through service to the ministry were also recognized and given tokens of appreciation. The Choir entertained with a repertoire of selections to the admiration of all present.
Before the curtain was drawn for the formal closing of the days event the Chairperson announced that a huge amount had been raised from the fund raising and auctions. She commended the members for their cheerful giving and asked for the Lords blessing on their lives. The youth and young adults gave the vote of thanks. All the auxiliary groups in the ministry including the men and women’s fellowship played significant roles in making the celebration a success
The annual church harvest is a Christian practice drawn from the Old Testament to bring first fruits to the Lord. As it is traditionally done in Ghana church members keep the best of their crops and flock during the year and bring them to the church as their offerings, which are then auctioned to the highest bidders and the proceeds placed in the church treasury for work in the church. In recent times, many Churches have been phasing out the sale of items and encouraging cash offerings.
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Breakthrough Evangelistic Ministries International Concludes Four Day Revival
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The Annual event dubbed “The Gathering of the Generals hosted by Breakthrough Evangelistic Ministries International ended on Sunday, November 22rd with a powerful transformational message by Rev. Dr. Agyeman Duah the General Overseer of the Ministry. Preaching the sermon on Sunday he admonished the congregation to seek answers from God on issues relating to their lives. This is the third year Rev. Thomas and Mrs. Afua Ofosuhene have hosted this event in Woodbridge, Virginia. The event which attracted a host of ministers and worshippers is to bring believers together and empower them as they enter into the following year with precision in purpose. It is always held the week before thanksgiving week. A four day long program was under the theme “Moving to the Next level”. This year, the church was blessed to have Dr. Godfried Duah and Mrs. Bernice Acheampong ( Jane & Bernice fame).
Rev. Thomas Ofosuhene Host
Rev. Dr. Godfried Duah-General Overseer of Breakthough Evangelistic Ministries International
The Congregation in Joyous mood
Minister Bernice Acheampong of Jane and Bernice Fame
Breakthrough Evangelistic Ministries International is located at 12904 Occoquan Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192 CHURCH MORNING DEVOTION: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 5AM-6AM & SUNDAYS 6AM PRAYER LINE: (712-775-7000-code 268779#) BIBLE STUDIES: Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm
SUNDAY SERVICE: Sunday 10am-12pm SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sunday -9am-10am YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY MEETING: Thursdays 9pm-10pm PRAYER AND MIRACLE SERVICE: Fridays 8pm-11pm
Ministers in attendance
MOST COMMON REAL THE DECODED BENEFITS OF LIFE INSURANCE and FINANCIAL ESTATE BUYER QUESTIONS PLANNING
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Dear Reader,
Hello Reader, We’ve crossed path on this platform of information sharing again. I am excited to write this piece of literature to you. As you would recall, on the previous article, we discussed the foundation and the importance of life insurance. I trust the message has echoed in your spirit. I would like to re-emphasize that life insurance policy is not just for when you are dead and your loved ones enjoy the proceeds. Rather, life insurance is protecting yourself should you suddenly face any life threatening illness such as disability or chronic or terminal illness; you can enjoy the benefits of the life insurance policy as well while still providing a financial fund stream for your family. Depending on the type of life insurance policy you have, you can also use it as an investment tool for future retirement or as an educational plan to support your children’s education. There are various uses for life insurance and it carries a tax free benefit. Now let’s talk about the various types of life insurance policies. Term life policy: provides temporary coverage with affordable premiums. Anyone can afford this type of insurance that provide security and peace of mind for yourself and your family. Though, there are various policies that ascribe to the term life insurance policies, let’s look at a specific product such as the Mortgage Protection Insurance that would have an immediate impact in your life. The Mortgage Protection Insurance policy is a term insurance that protects your house in case you suddenly become disabled or deemed chronically ill. This is not the same insurance as the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) that you pay with your mortgage. The PMI protects the lender should you default on your mortgage. However, this Mortgage Protection Life Insurance protects YOU, the homeowner should something happen to you, your family will be able to carry on the mortgage and still
enjoy the home you left behind. Whole-life policy: it is a permanent life insurance policy that provides life coverage with an investment fund. It is a policy that part of the premium goes toward building cash value from investment and pays a stated fixed amount when you are called to glory. As the policy is in force and has build up cash value, you can borrow money against the build up cash in the policy without being taxed; you enjoy this benefit while you are still living. Within the arena of permanent life policies, there are Universal Life and Variable Life. Universal life policy combines term insurance with money market type investment that pays a market rate of return. Basically, it is a policy that has a death benefit and builds up cash value that can be borrowed from while you are still alive. Then, there are the Variable life and Variable Universal life policies that have investment fund tied to a stock or bond mutual fund investment. Life insurance policies have immeasurable benefits that can be enjoyed while you are still on earth and when you are called to glory. The essence of writing this to you is to broaden the depth of your thinking and to show you that there are wealth of information available to you for your financial planning and future. Over the years, the community has experienced sudden tragedies and over and over, it seems that we have not prepared for these events. We are a people that do not plan; we wait for events to suddenly overtake us and then we react. We need to learn the new way of emerging into the Western culture, where planning is essential. It worries and saddens me to see that we are perishing for lack of knowledge. Having a life insurance policy does not sentence you to death; it shows you take pride in your life, your future and your family that will someday succeed you. It creates and gives a peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of in an unplanned dire situation(s) in life. Please note that this is to give you a general overview of life insurance policies. To get a complete understanding and enjoy the tax free benefits contact me for a FREE financial consultation.
Anita A. Bediako Licensed Health & Life Insurance/Financial Consulting Agent CONTACT: 571-229-6694 Email:divineconsultingmultiservices@gmail.com
It is always a pleasure to have this opportunity to ink these articles to you. I anticipate you have had the opportunity to read some of the past real estate articles I have put forth in this paper titled: “Why People of African Descent Must Invest in Real Estate”, “The Joy of Home Ownership”, “A Comeback from Short Sale or Foreclosure”, Simple Steps to make Home Ownership a Reality”, and “Tips on Buying a Home After a Short Sale”; just to name a few. From these articles, I have had several readers contacted me asking important questions pertaining to the home ownership process. These questions posed by readers such as you gave birth to the following questions and answers. Here we go! Question: What are the benefits of home ownership?
Answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you are throwing money away. You write a monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home you enjoy a lot of benefits such as writing of your mortgage interest, you can deduct a room in your home as home office business expense and biggest advantage is the principle you pay on the mortgage is like putting money in the bank in the form of equity. Home ownership allow you landscape your yard/backyard how you want it, decorate/paint or renovate your house as you please without dealing with obstinate landlord. The joy of home ownership is priceless.
Question: What documents are required?
Answer: Copies of bank account statements; most recent paycheck stub detailing your earnings; copies of your last 2 years' income tax returns; statement of any investments, list of debts on loans and employment verification.
Question: What credit score do I need?
Answer: The credit score criteria defer from lender to lender. There are lenders who will look at credit score as low as 580. However, for the home buying transaction to succeed you must pay off any outstanding debts on your credit report.
Question: I have a bad credit can I buy a house?
Answer: Having a bad credit now should not deter you from your dreams or goals or destiny of home ownership. It will require some work on your part to bring you to a credit worth buyer. You can contact me and discuss the strategies that can be taken to reach this goal.
Question: How much down payment is needed?
Answer: The amount of down payment required will depend on the type of loan you are qualified for. There are government programs that requires 0% down payment; however there are eligibility guidelines set for one to be approved. There are Veteran Administration (VA) loan and Conventional loan. However, FHA is the most common type of loan. Typically, FHA requires a 3.5% down payment of the loan amount or the total sale price of the transaction.
Question: In addition to the mortgage payment, what other costs will I be responsible for?
Answer: Well, if you are renting and utilities are covered in your rent, this might be new to you. As a home owner you will be responsible for paying your gas, electricity, water, insurance, property taxes, and possible homeowner association (HOA) fees. Typically, property taxes are rolled into your mortgage payment. Question: I have foreclosed/short sale in the past, can I still buy now? Answer: Yes, it is definitely possible to come back to buy a house again after foreclosure or short sale of a property. I hope this addresses some of the burning questions you have for making the bold decision to emerge into the idea of home ownership.
For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, and leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Blessings in full portion!
Remembering Mrs. Louisa Maame Yaa Aboagye Ussher September 21, 1972 - November 29, 2014 Age 42 Beloved wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend...gone but never forgotten
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Louisa and Husband Frank Ussher
Louisa and Children
Louisa Ussher was one of the most loving and compassionate people this world has ever known. Despite being diagnosed with breast cancer and having to deal with the ensuing treatment, her Christian faith remained steadfast and she was a founding member of The Church of the Living God, NOVA branch, where she had been very active in the women’s and music ministries as the church organist. She was well known for her bubbly personality, selflessness and willingness to help members of her church family in any situation. Louisa’s passions remained serving the Lord through her ministries and caring for her family. She was especially passionate about spending time with her husband Frank and three daughters Jordan, Samara and Kezia. After a short hospital stay, Louisa was called to glory on 29 November, 2014.
Louisa and Friends
Continue to Support her fund https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/c2t6
The Church of the Living God (NOVA) members on a breast cancer walk in honor oif Sister Louisa
New Er a Nursing and Traning Students and Staff
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Louisa Served God Playing the keyboard till the end
Children
Frank Ussher
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Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets Are World U17 Champions
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Genzebe Dibaba and USA’s Ashton Eaton Named World Athletes of the Year -
November 2015
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Pu b lis h ed By Brigh t Ho u s e Prod u ct io n s Man agin g Ed it or G eorge Br ight- A bu Email:editor @af r ikanpos t.com A gn es Ow u s u - Brigh t CEO
Amy AnsongA s s ociate Editor
The Nigeria U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, have successfully defended their FIFA U17 World Cup title after recording a 2-0 victory over their West African foes, Mali, in the early hours of Monday.
Tadias Magazine By Tadias Staff Published: Saturday, November 28th, 2015 After a largely even first half contest in which Nigeria missed a penalty inside the New York (TADIAS) — Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba and USA’s Ashton Eaton have been named the 2015 World first four minutes, Golden Eaglets gangling striker, Victor Osimhen, broke the deadlock in the 56th minute; and three minutes later Nigeria were two goals up as Athletes of the Year. Funsho Bamgboye increased the tally. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) made the announcement on Thursday “after outstanding and The sumptuous goal by Osimhen was his 10th goal of the tournament which makes memorable seasons which saw both athletes break world him the record holder of the most goals scored by an individual at one single FIFA records and strike gold at the IAAF World Championships U17 World Cup tournament. Beijing 2015,” IAAF News reports. “Both athletes set world records during 2015, Eaton in the The Golden Eaglets before the Mali clash had recorded good results at the Estadio decathlon and Dibaba in the 1500m, and won gold medals in Sausalito in Vina del Mar where they crushed Chile 5-1 in their second group these events at the IAAF World Championships Beijing phase match, annihilated Australia 6-0 in the second round, and battered Brazil 3-0 2015.” in the quarter final. “I am humbled and honoured to receive this award from the IAAF,” said Genzebe via Twitter. “It feels so good to be the The venue proved a lucky ground as Nigeria triumphed over Mali albeit after early World Athlete of the Year.” scares.
The successful defence recorded by Nigeria makes them only the second country after Brazil to record back-to-back wins in the cadet World Cup.
Before this latest addition to their accolades, the Golden Eaglets’ previous four titles came when they defeated then West Germany, 2-0, in the inaugural final in Beijing in 1985; overran West African rivals, Ghana, 2-1 in 1993 in Tokyo, Japan; outshot Mexico on penalties in Seoul in 2007 and thrashed Mexico 3-0 in the last Championship match in Abu Dhabi.
The victorious Eaglets will be hoping for a warm embrace from President Buhari who was in charge when Nigeria won the first edition of FIFA U16 World Cup in China.
It was the then General that christened the U17 team, Golden Eaglets.
Source:http://news2.onlinenigeria.com
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