Ausatm,9 10 2017,revised by Olawale Idreez, John E.Smith Jr.

AFRICA USA TODAY MAGAZINE

Politicosocionomics of World Peace

www.africaustodaymag.com 312/880-7016 September/ October 2017 U.S.- $4.99 Canada- $5.99 London- 3 Pounds

28th Annual African Festival of the Arts Chicago Africa News Politics Sports Reflections: Celebrating 30th Annual Milestone Book & Media Club Doing Business in Africa: Corporate Council of Africa Preparing for College

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OPINION First, let's do pop quiz, for (one month) free ads in your/our online international publication, Africa-USA Today Magazine expires on July 30, 2017, 5pm prompt. You only pay the applicable taxes, which includes, but not limited to: Failure to hug your kids and spouse tax. Wearing your pants below your belly bottom in public tax. Sitting on the toilet bowl too long tax. Playing too loud music on the public transportation tax. Farted in the public and not decent enough to apologize tax. Lookery too much at the Bikini beautiful bodies on the beach tax - Ouch!. And many other taxes Cook County Board still trying to cook up to annihilate the good people of this great state of Illinois. Lest I forget, that is in addition to Sodas and Water proposed taxes; which happened to be "double jeopardy". Soda has the same chemical element (H2O) water, before turning into soda; albeit it counts as luxury refreshment; henceforth, you are not being taxed for water, but the luscious part of it. Kind of make sense! Anyway, I just wanted to get that out of my humble mind. Second free gift away for this publication edition. You will equally get one month free ads in the said monthly publication, if you can name one (at least sixteen) of these international public figures, who doesn't own one or two of the craziest, fastest, and fanciest money can buy private jets on the planet earth as follows: (Courtesy of MICHAEL ALLEN/TRAVEL WHIP). 1. Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States......Worth $95Million. 2. Oprah Winfrey (OWN Entertainments)....Worth $50Million (That's just a fraction of wealth she found in the kitchen drawers). 3. Bill Gates, A man worth $80Billion, with 9zeros. He could literally buy as many as money can buy. 4. JAY-Z, and Queen Beyonce (Congrats on new twins babies, and Icy Blue) to my favorite beautiful couple. 5. Steven Spielberg..................(Dassault Falcon 7X). 6. Prince Alwaleed bin Talaa-Saudi......(Sky Pigs). 7. Sir Richard Brandon (Please read on.....) 8. Tyler Perry......(Maddea Films Guru). 9. Sir Michael Jordan (AIR JORDAN N236MJ) 10.Raman Abraham (Called the Bandit; almost similar to President Trump's one). 11. Olawale Idreez (Publisher, Africa-USA Today Magazine. 12. Angelina Jolie 13. Celine Dion 14. Lisa Marie (Elvis Presley. 15. Brad Pitt. 16. Note: Africa's most wealthiest and most powerful world-known persons: (Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, and Sir Aliko Dangote's fact finding figures could not be attained as of this writing. So, they are respectively not included). Please send your answer to Publisher@Africa-USA Today Magazine: Email:usafriglo@yahoo.com; or call 312-880-7016. Now, we know every human being has a dream, and wish to attain wealth; just like the next door neighbor; unfortunately, politics of life usually deal back cards to lot of people in attaining their God's gifted talents, or to fully realize their dreams and potential in life. On that premise, the purpose of this writing is to mainly appeal to the wealthy ones around the globe, to do more in spreading their wealth to help less rich ones; especially in the areas of Education, Health, Food nutrition, Climate changes formula; and so on. In replica fashion, encourage the less rich, "to keep hope alive". Meaning, no matter how or what your circumstances might be today (precisely in the area of finance), you are better off out here with your freedom; rather than taking unnecessary risks of engaging in gun violence; which might end up with you being locked up in the cage, like Kinta-Kinte. And while there, kneeling down, praying, and weeping like Queen Virginia that has not been visited by King Madingo in a long time. (Please pardon my French Language). In a nutshell, for the rich and the less rich, as citizens of this planet earth, our fate is inter-twined. The rich cannot sleep, because the poor is hungry. And the poor cannot sleep, because the rich is awake. So, why don't you do more helping someone today, by spreading the wealth of the nation.....1776 Adam Smith's style. P.S: Quotable quotes, "We love you, Chicago; and we are praying for you!" (ROSE ROYCE Band, at the 2016 African Festival of Arts in Washington Park, Chicago). Olawale Idreez can be reached at email: usafriglo@yahoo.com Linkedin@Olawale Idreez @Twitter @Instagram @Facebook/Wale Idreez @Whatsapp

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Olawale Idreez, Publisher

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Robert L. Scott Sr. Photography

Contents

JOHN E. SMITH JR. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Celebrating the Entrepreneural Spirit

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In this issue we continue to celebrate the entrepreneural spirit & annual celebrations that have arrived this summer. We look forward to an opportunity to enjoy some of the amazing things to see & do that have arrived such as the African Festivals of the Arts. We hope you are making the most of this Summer. Just do it!

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EVENTS

Africa International House will host their Annual Gala, held as a precursor to the 28th Annual African Festival of the Arts (AFA), at the DuSable Museum on Friday, August 18 from 7 p.m. - 11p.m. The event will feature a special performance by singer, songwriter Regina Belle. The Gala is a wonderful sampling of African culture that features all the elements of the Festival including food, displays of art and artifacts, African fashion, and of course music. The emcees for the evening are Dana Divine and A.C. Green. Honored at the event will be this year’s Grand BaBaReverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ, and Grand YeYe, retired assistant principal Linda Murray. The theme for the Gala, and this year’s Festival, is RESPECT, which is in keeping with the city of Chicago’s declaration of 2017 as “The Year of Public Art,” which also includes the 50th anniversary of the South Side’s “Wall of Respect.” Tickets for the Gala are $75 person/ $125 per couple. For more information or to purchase tickets 10 AFRICA USA TODAY

Photography-Stanley

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Photography-Stanley AFRICA USA TODAY 12

EVENTS

28th Annual African Festival of the Arts SEPT 1 - 4, 2017

Annually during Labor Day Weekend, the Festival grounds in Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Washington Park come alive in a simulated African village. Attendees are transported across the Diaspora with interactive engagements, vibrant drumming, museum quality and collectible artifacts, colorful and rich handwoven fabric and textile, and other program spaces and Interactive spaces include: Drum & Afro-folk Village, Children and Family, African Heritage, African Spirituality, Wellness (Health) Village, Books and Authors, Fine Art, Film and Video, Food Court, Seniors and Quilting, and the African Marketplace.

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EVENTS 2017 AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS HONOREES

GRAND BABA

GRAND YEYE

R E V. D R . J E R E M I A H A . W R I G H T JR.

M R S . L I N D A M U R R AY

Patrick Woodtor Founder/ CEO

Drum Village

Dee Parmer Woodtor Main Stage

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Dee Parmer Woodtor Main Stage

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Africa News

Folorunsho Alakija:

Nigeria’s wealthiest woman

How One of The Richest Black Women In The World Did It With No College Degree

By: Krystle Crossman

When you go to high school you are pushed to figure out which college you want to attend and what you would like to do with your life. They make college out to be something that you must do if you want to be successful. This is not always the case however. You can still be very successful in life without having a college degree under your belt. That is exactly what Folorunsho Alakija did. She is Nigeria’s wealthiest woman. She revealed recently that she never went to college but yet she has still managed to become a billionaire. Forbes.com estimates that Alakija is worth $2.6 billion. She stresses that college is not the only way that you can be successful in life. She spoke to students at the University of Lagos at the 2014 U.N. International Youth Day and told them: “So I am 63 and I am not yet done. So what is your excuse? I never went to a university, and I am proud to say so because I don’t think I have done too badly.” She did let the students know that a college degree was something that could definitely help them to be successful and that it would help them to get a better job and possibly higher salaries, but it was not a requirement. She told them that they can still reach their dream goals with persistence and hard work. She said that these are the two critical components to becoming the person that you wish to be. When she was younger Alakija studied fashion design and secretarial studies in London. When she went back to Nigeria she was a secretary at a bank. While she was working for the bank she founded Supreme Stitches; a clothing company. The company took off and she began to cater to high-end clientele like the former first lady of Nigeria. She then acquired a license in oil prospecting in 1993 and formed the company Famfa Oil which now has a 60% stake in the oil field. On top of these businesses she has founded a foundation that helps widows and orphans. The foundation is called The Rose of Sharon Foundation. 18 AFRICA USA TODAY

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LETTERS On behalf of Lang Capital Group, Inc. we extend our best wishes to you on your 30th anniversary of media service with the Africa US Today Magazine. Throughout the years we have enjoyed your dedication and enthusiasm for providing a superior magazine! To show our appreciation for your hard work, we invite your readers and supports to join us at a Special Media Sponsorship program to Highlight the Community Service Initiatives provided by Africa US Today, scheduled for November 2017. We ask that your readers and supporters interested in attending this Special, VIP event send their ticket request to your event organizer at SLang@LangCapitalGroup.org Complimentary tickets will be mailed to those that request to be in attendance and offer their continued support for Africa US Today. We wish you continued success for many years to come. Wishing you unprecedented Success, From All of Us at Lang Capital Group, Inc.

Dr. Olawale Idreez, Editorial Publisher Wale & John, Congratulations on your 30th publication of Africa-USA Today magazine. I wish for you joy in knowledge and a sense of achievement as you become the person God made you to be. Your growing ability to the realm of power is set in stone, that larger is not necessary better and you learned to demonstrate the correctness of your ideas indirectly with this you must never let your guard down. Congratulations Wale & John, to create Africa-USA Today magazine you had to do something different and odd. Always remember once people’s eyes are on you, you have a special legitimacy. Congratulations on your legitimacy Wale, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic: It takes sweat, determination and hard work”. General Colin Powell Juanita Crear-Price Africa-USA Today AFRICA USA TODAY 29

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Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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Photography- John E. Smith Jr.

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POLITICS

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POLITICS

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POLITICS

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EDUCATION

Preparing for College

---------- Forwarded message ---------From: "Raquel LaCour" <lacourbeauteinspired@gmail.com> Date: Jul 21, 2017 3:34 PM Subject: August Article To: "wale idreez" <africatoday14@gmail.com> Cc:

Preparing for CollegeWhat you need to know before starting college

By: Raquel LaCour High School graduation is over and the first major step in transitioning into an adult has now begun. Now what will you do? Have you prepared yourself for college and all the challenges you are about to embrace? Many do not realize that college is a major pivotal moment in ones’ life. This can be the most exhilarating time, for many, by being on your own, and it can be the most frightening . This is not a time to party and become distracted, as many young adults have discovered. If you do not prepare yourself, you may find yourself comparable to a sinking ship. The first thing one must determine is what profession they want to become. This will avoid one from taking unnecessary classes that does not work toward their degree. Taking classes toward your degree is detrimental from the beginning. Do not waste time taking classes that do not pertain to your area of study. This will only delay your graduation date, and take note, every year the price of tuition and housing goes up. If you are having a problem understanding any topic in class, feel free to ask questions, without any hesitation. You are there to learn and understand the material that is instructed. If your questions are still unclear, do not feel embarrassed to seek additional guidance, by talking to your professor one on one and making sure you know what tutors are available. Make sure that you attend class regularly. No one is going to call home and say you never made it to class. Being a freshman is a new experience with making and connecting with new friendships and organizations. Try not to overload yourself with activities, school functions, organizations, sport teams, relationships, fraternities and sororities. Having ample time to study without procrastinating is going to help you from falling behind. Keeping good grades will allow you to maintain any grant or scholarship that is given. Choices you make will affect your years in college. If you prepare yourself, then you will have a successful outcome by maximizing all you can out of college.

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EDUCATION

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AFRICA NEWS

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Ni g eri an E ntre pren e u r d e vel op s app to h elp re du c e fo o d w a ste

Nigerian Entrepreneur develops app to help reduce food waste

AFRICA NEWS

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Africa News

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Role of media in promoting awareness and Economic Development in the Diasporaâ&#x20AC;? by Princess Asha Okojie

After working for the Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta, GA as a media consultant for three years, it gave me the insights and exposure about the international diplomatic community and also, how uninformed some Nigerians are about the role of media or the importance of media in the day to day activities of the consulate or Embassy in this age of globalization. I believe a lot needs to be done in terms of bridging the communication gap between Nigerian Consulate, Embassies and Nigerians in the diaspora, not just in matters of obtaining or renewing passport but engaging Nigerians in being a part of inter parliamentary diplomacy and policy making process by leveraging their skills, expertise, ingenuity and resources that can transform and shape the future and quality of life in Nigeria. The Nigerian consulates and embassies should have in-house media platform to synergies with Nigerian media organisations in the diaspora to promote the Government agenda through the consulates and embassies in promoting tourism, consulate's activities, bilateral trade and investment, including media coverage of official engagement or participation in the community, to creating awareness and updates of governmental policies and procedures, global and foreign affairs by using the media platform to serving as a communication channel for dissemination of accurate news and information, provide comprehensive updates on Consular services, promote community events, education, advocacy, culture, business, trade and investment opportunities. I have had people ask me, besides helping in matters of obtaining or renewing passport What does diplomat really do? 44 Diplomats AFRICA USA TODAYmultilateral international effort, promotes the interests of Nigerian companies, help supports

companies with useful contacts and build business relationships, by providing guidance and basic information

Embassies and Nigerians in the diaspora, not just in matters of obtaining or renewing passport but engaging Nigerians in being a part of inter parliamentary diplomacy and policy making process by leveraging their skills, Africa News expertise, ingenuity and resources that can transform and shape the future and quality of life in Nigeria. The Nigerian consulates and embassies should have in-house media platform to synergies with Nigerian media organisations in the diaspora to promote the Government agenda through the consulates and embassies in promoting tourism, consulate's activities, bilateral trade and investment, including media coverage of official engagement or participation in the community, to creating awareness and updates of governmental policies and procedures, global and foreign affairs by using the media platform to serving as a communication channel for dissemination of accurate news and information, provide comprehensive updates on Consular services, promote community events, education, advocacy, culture, business, trade and investment opportunities.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Role of media in promoting awareness and Economic Development in the Diasporaâ&#x20AC;?

I have had people ask me, besides helping in matters of obtaining or renewing passport What does diplomat really do? Diplomats supports multilateral international effort, promotes the interests of Nigerian companies, help companies with useful contacts and build business relationships, by providing guidance and basic information for visitors. They also, writes speech or report for every event they are officially invited to, sort out deportation proceeding of a national or arrest or help contact family members back home in the case of an injury or death. I believe that Diplomats who play an active role in interacting with their citizens, particularly in community events, using their media platforms get better exposure, and gain a great deal of knowledge and insight about the country. and its citizens needs. The contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora in providing innovative skills, expertise, funds, networks and financial commitment towards the development of Nigeria have been under reported, largely due to the fact that not enough data have been collected by the embassy/consulate or publicity and media coverage given to these noble cause. In 2016, Nigerians in the diaspora, remitted $35 billion, according to data from Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development. it is imperative that the government engage Nigerians in the media professions in rebranding and repositioning Nigeria to be seen in a positive light. I believe that the federal government,through the consulate and embassies should work more with Nigerian diaspora media in using their platforms to: 1. Harness talents and expertise to improve the quality of life in Nigeria 2. Forge sister city relationships to promote humanitarian assistance and strategic trade ties through cultural, economic and educational exchanges 3. Promote good governance by engaging the consulate or embassies in various initiatives, events and programs to foster mutual understanding and bilateral relations

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Sports

Lakers owner on Lonzo Ball: “He’s going to bring an element that’s very similar to Magic” By Dane Carbaugh

Aug 20, 2017, 8:33 PM EDT