SPRING 2022 EDITION
2023 Elections - The Revenge of the Youths?
Jennifer weds Ifeanyi
FACE OF THE NEW AFRICA
Dr. Sola Oyemade
- urbane @ 80
All hail, Ozo Obidigbo
Otunba Oye Afolabi @ 60 Seychelles
- Experience paradise in Africa
Mallam Aliyu Mustapha - Chief, VOA Hausa Service
Influencing generations of Millions in Africa
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From the desk of the publisher... The years 2020 and 2021 can never be forgotten... COVID 19 which dominated all the affairs of man in those two years redefined humanity in a lot of ways. For most of 2020 we were in solitary confinement- hiding from each other while the COVID plague raged on, decimating millions from China to the Americas, to Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and all the farthest reaches of the earth. While humanity scrambled to find vaccines to stem the ravages of COVID- human relationships were redefined forever. Suddenly, we realized that we could do without what age long practices and wisdom told us were entrenched and accepted conventions. With Zoom and other online meeting platforms- we accepted that we could interact with the rest of humanity in every corner of the globe without necessarily boarding the plane to fly to Timbuktu to meet. We found out we can telecommute in a lot of ways- including consulting with our doctors, working remotely instead of driving to the office or driving across town just to say hello to a friend! We found out that we could save millions of trees by printing lessmost restaurants ditched paper menus for Scannable menus via QR codes We found out we could learn, not by gathering in classrooms, but
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through the magic of the internet, online classes became the norm from kindergarten to colleges In our community, WhatsApp, Zoom and Youtube forums took over our normal gatherings- as we now conducted wake keepings, baby showers, book launches and fundraisers via WhatApp and Zoom.
We also cover the 80th birthday celebrations of Dr. Sola Oyemade who is still so sharp and looks so urbane. We also spotlight my "Ichi Ozo" ceremony on January 3rd, 2022 in Ezinato , Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State and the 60th birthday celebrations of a fine gentleman and friend, Otunba Oye Afolabi.
However, we still basically are wired as social animals and the obvious lack of interaction took a heavy toll on us mentally and the numbers that sought mental health intervention within the years 2020 and 2021 rose exponentially especially amongst the children and the youth.
We also add a dash of youth by spotlighting the classy wedding ceremony of Jennifer and Ifeanyicomplete with a horse drawn carriage!!
For us in Life and Times, it was also a period of anomie. We had to suspend the publication of the magazine for all of 2020 and 2021 because there were no events holding to spotlight in our easy read magazine that prides itself with the covering of the social circuit in our community.
Thanks again for your continued patronage and support that made us survive 2020 and 2021 and ensured that we did not join the league of millions of businesses worldwide that went under because of COVID-19.
We are however back with a bang with a bumper Spring 2022 edition in the best tradition of the Life & Times magazine... We bring you the amazing story of Mallam Aliyu Mustapha in our cover profile. Mallam Aliyu is the Chief of Hausa Service at the Voice of America from where the department he heads is in charge of broadcasting and influencing millions of people all over the world where Hausa is spoken, especially in the Sahel region of Africa.
This is yet another bumper edition you cannot afford to miss in your collection!
We acknowledge that the world will never be the same again and we are poised to embrace the brave new world with you... Sincerely, Chike Nweke Publisher/ CEO Spring, 2022
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The Center
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Contents From the Desk of the Publisher Cover Story
Mallam Aliyu Mustapha - Chief, VOA Hausa Service Influencing generations of Millions in Africa
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People & Places
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Dr. Sola Oyemade Urbane @ 80
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Can The 2023 Elections Bring The Revenge of The Youths?
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Nassarawa State - The Victorious
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Ozo Title Taking
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Contents 48
Spotlight
A Background To The Ozo Institution In Igboland
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Republic of Seychelles
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Otunba Oye Afolabi @ 60
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Lagos
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Jennifer weds Ifeanyi Nwabunor
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- The heartbeat of Nigeria
Legal Corner
Before You Sign That Affidavit Of Support.
Religion
Forgiveness in a Shared Identity LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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Cover Profile
Mallam Aliyu Mustapha - Chief, Voice Of America, (VOA)'s Hausa Service
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n this edition, we bring to our dear readers, a man who can be rightly described as an all-rounder and master in his field of play. This field is the world of Broadcast
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Journalism where he has thrived in over 40 years, first as a journalist in 1976 at Rima Radio Sokoto and NTA Sokoto, served as acting Manager, News and Current Affairs, Nigerian Television
Authority in Sokoto, joined the Voice of America's Hausa Service in 1989 and rose through the ranks to the service's highest position as he is currently serving as Chief of the SPRING 2022
Cover Profile
Voice of America's Hausa Service in Washington, DC (VOA appoints new head for Hausa Service (premiumtimesng.com)) Mallam Mustapha, a Communications graduate of the University of Maryland, USA has received several professional, community and cultural awards both in the United States, Ghana and Nigeria. He has quite a remarkable list of personalities he has interviewed and stories covered in the course of his career. They include current and former Nigerian presidents Muhammadu Buhari, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, Musa Yar’adua, Shehu Shagari, former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama; Nigerian vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Yemi Osinbajo, religious leaders Late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, just to mention a few. Mallam Mustapha covered the swearing in of President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, 1994; coverage of the African SPRING 2022
Cup of Nations twice, in Egypt and Burkina Faso, and international boxing championships. Latest official engagement: a month-long official visit last December to Niger Republic, Ghana, and Cameroon to expand VOA Hausa's area of coverage and stringer network Mallam Mustapha has also been a dynamic community leader in his service through Zumunta Association USA Inc. He served as the First National President, 2 terms, also first Washington DC chapter president, 2 terms. Launched scholarship scheme for Nigerian students in 1991 - and is continuing to date. He was also instrumental in bringing prominent Nigerian personalities to America to promote Nigeria/US businesses including current First Lady Aisha Buhari, former Emir of Kano Ado Bayero, Ooni of Ife, Maitama Sule, numerous governors, lawmakers, and business elites.
a man who can be rightly described as an all-rounder and master in his field of play. This field is the world of Broadcast Journalism where he has thrived in over 40 years
Mallam Mustapha, an astute family man, married LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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to Hajiya Nafisa with three boys: Usman, Ahmed and Abubakar has really been around and indeed made a mark. We enjoin you to read the rest of the interview of this amazing member of the Fourth Estate that has made impacts in his field, enough to leave indelible prints for posterity to remember him by, in the sands of time. Our Publisher, Hon Chief Chike Nweke is the anchor of this interview. Enjoy the rest of it…
Tell us, who is Mallam Aliyu Mustapha? Let the world meet you Mallam Aliyu Mustapha is a proud Nigerian born in the historic city of Sokoto, the so-called "Seat of the Caliphate" and the capital of the northwestern state of the present day Sokoto state. I am proud to be associated with Sokoto, the birthplace of some prominent Nigerian leaders including the famous philosopher and revolutionary Islamic leader Usman Dan Fodio, the 10
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late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria as well as Nigeria’s first elected civilian former President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. Sokoto is, of course, also the base of the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, a position currently occupied by His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Tell us a little bit about your growing up years in Sokoto, Nigeria: Due to the prominence given to Islamic education and traditions in Sokoto, my family ensured that I had an earlier start with Islamic knowledge before enrolling SPRING 2022
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me in a primary school. Actually, it was the hard stance on formal Western education that the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna, took on the community that forced many of our families who were not too keen about it, to send us to "Boko" educational institutions. The Sardauna provided a "pick up" truck to carry us and children from his own household to our Nizzamiya School, a primary school that combined Islamic and Western education in its curricula.
graduated as a Grade II teacher and taught in a couple of local schools. Less than two years into my new teaching profession, I realized there was a burning sensation, a vacuum in my stomach for something different. It was journalism. I knew that for awhile because, even as a 12-year-old, I was always picking up and reading discarded newspapers from the streets. I then went to Rima Radio, the only broadcast media in town, and offered to read greeting
cards in a local program called “Zabi Sonka.” The greetings were written on small cards or letters sent by listeners to convey good wishes to friends, family, and relatives. Shortly, thereafter, around 1976, Sokoto became the new home of a brand-new television station courtesy of the NTA. I believe for many in Sokoto it was the first time they owned a TV set. We were the first set of faces to appear on television as newscasters and feature hosts.
After
completing primary education, we went to Sultan Abubakar College, a teacher training institution wherefrom I SPRING 2022
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I have been in broadcast journalism ever since.
You have really come far in your journey in the Media world. How did you achieve this level of success? I attribute whatever perceived professional
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accomplishment I may have achieved to Divine support and, secondly, the passion that I have for the job. Journalism is like a drug, addictive to the professionals who find tremendous satisfaction, joy, and excitement in the important roles they play as bridge builders, the link between the rule and the ruled, the rich and the poor, the weak and powerful,
serving communities and the nations fairly, objectively, and truthfully.
What is the high point of your career? In my 40+ year career there have been many high points including covering the swearing of Nelson Mandela, interviewing
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu, most of Nigerian leaders and Niger Republic since the 1980s, and a few notable American political leaders such as Jeb Bush, Jesse Jackson, etc.
I then went to Rima Radio, the only broadcast media in town, and offered to read greeting cards in a local program called “Zabi Sonka.”
You have brought successful Nigerian personalities like Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, Ado Bayero, Maitama Sule, Ooni of Ife, lawmakers, and some governors to the USA to promote Nigeria/US businesses. Give us an update on this. Was your vision for taking that step accomplished? Obviously, I did not accomplish these tasks all alone by myself. I had the support of many who shared our interests to promote socioeconomic relationships between our American hosts and our people back home. I was fortunate to serve as a
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member of several Diaspora organizations committed to mobilizing compatriots and hosts to achieve these goals. As the first national president of Zumunta Association USA, a cultural organization whose membership is primarily composed of northern Nigerians living in the U.S. and other countries, one of our cardinal objectives was to do everything within our power to encourage international business and cultural interactions between Nigeria and the U.S. In pursuit of the objective, we worked with government and diplomatic partners to bring in several prominent business and political leaders to interact with their American counterparts. As you rightly indicated in your introductory remarks, these include the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, the Ooni of Ife, former Nigeria’s ambassador to the United Nations, the very articulate Maitama Sule, the former Nigerian ambassador to South Africa, Shehu Malami, several governors and other prominent LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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business tycoons including the late Adamu Dankabo of the famed Kabo Airlines whose generous donation at our first national convention in Washington, DC in 1991, helped to kick off the Zumunta scholarship initiative. Through these efforts, lots of businesses ventures have been transacted, medical aid has been sent to Nigeria, computers and other educational support have been provided to Nigerian
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institutions. During her visit to Washington in 2017, Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari signed a few agreements with several entities including George Mason University to support her pet projects to support victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.
What’s your take on the current Nigerian situation with particular emphasis on the hike in fuel prices/scarcity of the product and the effect it has on the lives of the masses.
I believe there’s still room for improvement in this area for future and younger generations to pursue.
What’s happening in Nigeria is truly tragic. Nigeria’s inability to stop the carnage that has been taking place, particularly in the northern states of
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Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger and Kebbi states is, to say the least, embarrassing. We are at a point where communities are being recklessly terrorized and massacared in large numbers by ragtag but well-armed gangs on motorcycles. Nigerians are no longer able to travel securely by any means of transportation system – air, land, and rail due to the potential of coming under attacks by murderous bandits. Schools have been forced to close due to fear of abductions. Poor parents who are struggling to provide the basics of life to their families, are left to sell land, take loans, and do whatever it takes to pay huge ransoms to free their kidnapped kids.
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The recent public confession by Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai that authorities know the names, locations and even the phone numbers of many of the major banditry leaders and yet, are unable to attack and eliminate them, is quite alarming: News: 'We have bandits phone numbers, we know their hideouts', – El-Rufai (emeraldng.com) Video: https:// www.facebook. com/100003232123515/ videos/4302650283172009/ The insecurity situation, worsened by unjustifiable scarcity and hiking of fuel prices, coupled with endless inadequacy of power supply and
I believe there’s still room for improvement in this area for future and younger generations to pursue.
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ubiquitous labor strikes, youth unemployment, incurable, and massive corruption, combine to make life truly difficult for the poverty-stricken masses who continue to hopelessly look up to political leaders for solution to their numerous problems. As Nigeria prepares for another election in 2023, everyone is hoping and
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praying that things change for the better – and soon. As the Kaduna governor states a recent meeting with traditional and military leaders, things are not looking too good: (Video: (4297) El-Rufai: Bandits Are Getting Closer To the Cities - YouTube)
You launched a scholarship scheme for Nigerian students in 1991 and have maintained it even till date. What motivated you to take that plunge? As one of the goals to improve the lives of our young people back home,
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we quickly realized the importance of education at the inception of Zumunta Association and, at its first national convention in Washington, DC, in 1991, we launched a scholarship scheme that endures to this day. The scholarship sponsors students in Nigerian universities to study areas we consider important in national development – medical, education, engineering, and other sciences. In addition to providing these scholarships annually, the organization has also sent numerous computers, books, and other materials to Nigerian universities. Zumunta recently had a ceremony in Abuja during which beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme, who are all from poor family backgrounds, particpated to express appreciation for the opportunities offered them by the organization.
Aliyu
AMS and Larry King
Any plans of going into politics? No. SPRING 2022
AMS Congratulatory poster photo from Zumunta
You are the Chief of the Voice of America’s Hausa Service in Washington, DC. Having practiced in Nigeria for years before you moved to America, how would you compare journalism practice in Nigeria and how it is practiced in the United States? There are several differences that make journalism a more challenging profession in Nigeria. First, most media organizations are government-owned and controlled while the privately-owned radio and television stations are owned either by powerful businessmen with links to politicians or politicians themselves. This makes it difficult for local media houses to operate freely. Such media is compelled to avoid practicing journalism according to the basic tenets of the profession – fairness, balance, and objectivity. LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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AMS presents gifts to Bazoum in Niamey on 11-15-2021
Secondly, journalists are poorly paid, trained, and equipped. This leaves them susceptible to corruption. Thirdly, free speech is not realistically free in Nigeria and other African democracies. There are a lot of intelligent Nigerians with useful analysis to offer but, unless their views tally with those in authority, most media houses would avoid giving them a platform. This deprives the society its fundamental right for selfexpression.
With Lai Mohammed in my office on August 20, 2021 18
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If you are asked to name one person you really would want to interview, who will that be? The late camera-shy and secretive Abba Kyari who served as Buhari’s powerful and impactive chief of staff. Before his death on April 17, 2020, there were so many stories and myths about his power, allegations that he was the power behind Buhari’s throne, that he was the de facto Nigerian head of state, he controlled
With former President of Niger, MAHAMANE OUSMANE 11-10-2021
AMS VOA poster in red tie
everything including Buhari himself, that nothing happened without his nod. Even his age was a mystery.
When your work is done, how would you like posterity to remember Mallam Aliyu Mustapha As a positive change agent, a fair, balanced, and objective journalist whose long career impacted global radio, TV, and digital audiences positively.
With Gen. Yakubu Gowon
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People & Places
Dr. Sola Oyemade, Urbane @ 80
Los Angeles, CA Saturday February 27th, 2022
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riends and family gathered at the upscale-Redbird restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles on February 27th, 2022 to fete and honor a fine, urbane physician and gentleman Dr. Sola Oyemade at 80. Encomiums were poured on Dr. Oyemade by family for his steadfast love and devotion to his family despite a very busy schedule as a physician of over 50 years. Colleagues
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also extolled the role of Dr. Oyemade as a mentor who has guided generations of doctors who have passed through him as a faculty member in Howard UNiversity or the University College Ibadan or during his over 35 years of practice as a pediatric surgeon in Southern California. The highlight of the occasion was a speech by Dr. Oyemade to the August assembly where he, with a sharp sense of recall, went
down memory lane to thank all those who have been significant in his life these past 80 years especially his wife Bukky, his five children, his three sisters and colleagues and friends who have stood in the gap and help his hand this glorious 80 years Following pages is a photo essay of the fine ceremonies that marked this epoch making 80th birthday SPRING 2022
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Special Feature
Can The 2023 Elections Bring The Revenge of The Youths?
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ome of the usual suspects are lining up for a shot at the presidency and other elective offices in Nigeria come 2023. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Governors Bola Tinubu, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Rochas Okorocha have announced presidential bids. The conventional wisdom is that the political battles will be fiercer than ever. Many pundits expect the 2023 presidential and
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By Okey Ndibe other races to mirror those of 2019. They forecast a two-way contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If that scenario plays out, it’ll spell doom for Nigeria. Muhammadu Buhari’s triumph in the 2015 presidential election ended the PDP’s 16-year stranglehold on power. Some analysts bought Buhari’s and the APC’s propaganda that they
represented change. In reality, as I argued in a column in 2015, the APC and PDP were Siamese twins. In many respects, Buhari’s administration has outstripped his predecessors in incompetence, nepotism and indifference to the country’s worsening socioeconomic crises. Despite his feel-good inaugural pledge to belong to all and to nobody in particular, Buhari pivoted rather quickly, and LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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tragically, to a sectional agenda. As if the earlier pledge had been made from his head, not his heart, he told an interviewer that those who gave him but few votes should not expect him to be generous to them in dispensing the goodies of state. For years, he looked the other way as herdsmen carried out violent incursions on unarmed communities, unleashing sprees of rape, plunder, carnage and land grabs. His nonchalance 30 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
encouraged the idea of there being two Nigerias: the favored, who could act with impunity, yet fear no punishment whatever, and the orphaned, whose fate was to face unrelenting victimization with little or no recourse. In reality, in close to eight years, the APC has more than rivaled the nationwrecking job it took the PDP a decade and a half to achieve. Buhari was ushered into office on the wave of discontent arising from Boko Haram’s
incessant terrorist attacks in the country’s northeast and runaway corruption in every sector. Under his watch, sectarian militancy festered, compounded by the menace of herdsmen. His anti-corruption record has been long on rhetoric but short on results. He has hardly bothered to bring any vigor, much less imagination, to the war against corruption. He maintained the façade of combating corruption, but has never managed SPRING 2022
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to engage the fight in a sustained, structural manner. The Nigerian economy was reeling well before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The perennial woes in the energy sector added to rising costs for businesses. Food prices, including of staples, continued to rise while wages remained stagnant and jobs became scarcer. The pandemic made an already dire economic outlook desperate. Yet, Buhari has articulated no measures to tackle growing misery. He maintains as aloof a posture as he’s ever demonstrated. It’s as if his peculiar statecraft is built on the notion of a missingin-action presidency. A leader who believes that problems, once ignored, are apt to evaporate could not have done worse. It is hardly puzzling that Nigerians are disenchanted with the incumbent administration and party. A party that has husbanded a country so wretchedly deserves SPRING 2022
popular disaffection and wide rejection. The bizarre rub lies in many voters and pundits imagining that the answer lies in rehiring the PDP to steer the ship of the Nigerian state. That choice would not only be wrongheaded; it would be farcical. In 2023, Nigerian voters have a unique opportunity to reject the APC and the PDP – two factions of the same tottering behemoth. Nigeria is beset by monumental crises. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered a strong regime of sanctions against the aggressor. The conflict is likely to signal a portentous turn in world history. It has led to sharp increases in energy costs around the globe. In addition, it has exacerbated decades’-high inflationary trends in the US. The war’s outcome remains to be seen. However, there is little doubt that the war will reshape global economic developments. One key element may be the end of the dollar as
Talking about demographics, the odds are excellent for a disruptive and transformative electoral outcome in 2023. Nigeria’s population is predominantly youthful.
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the central currency in international transactions. It is also bound to accelerate the decline of fossil fuel as the dominant source of energy in the world. During his recent trip to Europe, President Joe Biden of the United States remarked that the war’s disruption of the energy sector offered up an opportunity to ramp up investments in renewable energy. A bunch of European Union leaders and bureaucrats have echoed the same point. The implications for Nigeria are bound to be staggering. The country’s monoeconomy, tied to oil exports, will be devastated if the US, Europe and – to a much smaller extent, Asia – begin
to turn away from crude oil in order to invest more in green energy. Even if the war does not eventuate in reduced demand for fossil fuel, the global oil sector has been decidedly volatile. True, it currently enjoys robust prices and strong demands, but there are no guarantees of long-term earnings windfalls. What that means is that Nigeria needs, now more than ever, a core of cerebral, imaginative and worldwise leaders to undertake the task of managing the country’s inevitable – perhaps imminent – transition to a diversified post-oil economy. Given their history and structure,
the PDP and APC cannot and will not produce the brand of enlightened leaders the country so urgently needs. The two parties’ slate of presidential candidates, for example, is heavy on older men of uncertain health as well as oligarchs whose previous stints in public office coincided with their dramatic accumulation of inexplicable wealth. Bereft of ideas, these men recycle clichés. Asked to explain why they seek the presidency, they often speak in such bland generalities as “moving the nation forward” or “delivering the dividends of democracy.” They are hardly ever caught voicing policy initiatives that demonstrate a grasp of the critical problems bedeviling Nigeria. In fact, they seek the presidency because they regard it as a cushiony office whose occupant can dispense great contracts. Nigeria’s wholesale dysfunction is a testament to the absence of vision among this species of
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political candidates. If the long-overdue process of the country’s rebirth and revitalization is to begin, there is no better time than 2023 to think hard and long about the folly of entrusting power to the same cadre that, again and again, has proved its incompetence, myopia, delinquency and lack of leadership acumen. Sure, the PDP and the APC have all the advantage when it comes to cash, but disciplined messaging can offset that seeming strength. Quite simply, agile organizing is key if Nigeria is to be moved in a different, desirable direction. The country’s enlightened elements must act strategically. One step is to coalesce in one political
party. Their platform must delve into the nature and scope of the country’s myriad crises, and proffer well-thought out solutions. They must utilize the resources of social media to reach the country’s youth, the demographic whose present and future are most at stake. Talking about demographics, the odds are excellent for a disruptive and transformative electoral outcome in 2023. Nigeria’s population is predominantly youthful. That the youth are confined to playing in the political minor leagues is a paradox and quandary. The abdication of the political space to geriatric parasites is a reason Nigeria
has marched backward all the way into a chasm. If younger men and women awake to their numerical power, and realize the decisiveness of their electoral dominance, we may well witness a radical redrawing of the Nigerian political space in next year’s election. And many an unlettered and unenlightened politician may receive that long overdue red card. Those inclined to dismiss this prospect as fantastical should remember how Nigerian youth gave an impressive account of themselves when they rose in October 2020 to mount the nationwide #EndSARS campaign against police brutality.
Okechukwu Ndibe, better known as Okey Ndibe, (born 1960) an acclaimed Nigerian novelist, political columnist and essayist was born in Yola, Nigeria. He is the author of Arrows of Rain and Foreign Gods, Inc. Ndibe has worked as a professor at several colleges, including Connecticut College, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and Brown University. We are honored that he brings his sharp intellectual depth and years of political activism to write for Life and Times.
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Spotlight
Nassarawa State
s u o i r o ct i V - The
N
asarawa State is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria, bordered to the east by the states of Taraba and Plateau, to the north by Kaduna State, to the south by the states of Kogi and Benue, and to the west by the Federal Capital Territory. Named for the 34
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historic Nasarawa Emirate, the state was formed from the west of Plateau State on 1 October 1996.[5] The state has thirteen local government areas and its capital is Lafia, located in the east of the state, while a key economic centre of the state is the Karu Urban Area—suburbs of Abuja—
along the western border with the FCT. Of the 36 states of Nigeria, Nasarawa is the fifteenth largest in area and second least populous with an estimated population of about 2.5 million as of 2016. [6] Geographically, the state is mostly within the tropical Guinean forest– SPRING 2022
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and Gbagyi in the west while the Hausa and Fulani live throughout the state. Nasarawa is also religiously diverse as about 60% of the state's population are Muslim with around 30% being Christian and the remaining 10% following traditional ethnic religions.
savanna mosaic ecoregion. Important geographic features include the River Benue forming much of Nasarawa State's southern borders and the state's far northeast containing a small part of the Jos Plateau. Nasarawa State is inhabited by various ethnic groups, SPRING 2022
including the Koro and Yeskwa in the far northwest; the Kofyar in the far northeast; the Eggon, Gwandara, Mada, Ninzo, and Nungu in the north; the Alago, Goemai, and Megili in the east; Eloyi in the south; the Tiv in the southeast; the Idoma in southwest; and the Gade
In the pre-colonial period, the area that is now Nasarawa State was split up between various states with some states being tiny and village-based as others were part of larger empires until the early 1800s when the Fulani jihad annexed the region and placed the area under the Sokoto Caliphate as the vassal states of Keffi, Lafia, and Nassarawa. In the 1890s and 1900s, British expeditions occupied the area and incorporated it into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. The protectorate later merged into British Nigeria in LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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1914 before becoming independent as Nigeria in 1960. Originally, modernday Nasarawa State was a part of the postindependence Northern Region until 1967 when the region was split and the area became part of the Benue-Plateau State. After Benue-Plateau was split in 1976, what is now Nasarawa State became a part of the new Plateau State until 1996 when western Plateau was broken off to form the new Nasarawa State. Economically, Nasarawa State is largely based around agriculture, mainly of sesame, soybeans, groundnut, millet, maize, and yam crops. Other key industries are services, especially in urban areas, and the livestock herding and ranching of cattle, goats, and sheep. The
state has been beset by violence at various points throughout its history, most notably the ongoing conflict between herders and farmers primarily over land rights.[8] Despite the conflict, Nasarawa has the nineteenth highest Human Development Index in the country and numerous institutions of tertiary education. Nasarawa was established on 1 October 1996 by the Abacha government, splitting it from the today neighboring Plateau State which previously had contained both their territories. Nasarawa State is bounded in the north by Kaduna State, in the west by the Federal Capital Territory, in the south by the states of Kogi and Benue, and in the
east by the states of Taraba and Plateau. Nasarawa has a network of roads within the state, which link all rural areas and major towns. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) operates train services between Kuru, Gombe and Maiduguri. Nasarawa State had a total population of 1,869,377 residents as of 2006, making the state the second least populated state in Nigeria after Bayelsa State. This is a list of administrators and governors of Nasarawa State. Nasarawa State, Nigeria was created on October 1st, 1996 when it was split from Plateau State.
Name
Title
Took Office
Left Office
Abdullahi Ibrahim
Administrator
7 October 1996
6 August 1998 (Military)
Bala Mande
Administrator
6 August 1998
29 May 1999
(Military)
Abdullahi Adamu
Governor
29 May 1999
29 May 2007
PDP
Aliyu Doma
Governor
29 May 2007
May 2011
PDP
Umaru Tanko Al-Makura Governor
May 2011
Abdullahi Sule
May 29, 2019
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Governor
Party
CPC Incumbent
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The State has three National Senatorial Districts, the South, North and West. Nasarawa State consists of 13 Local Government Areas (shown with 2006 population figures): Nasarawa West Senatorial District
716,802
Karu
205,477
Keffi
92,664
Kokona
109,749
Nasarawa
189,835
Toto
119,077
Nasarawa North Senatorial District
335,453
Akwanga
113,430
Eggon
149,129
Wamba
72,894
Nasarawa South Senatorial District
811,020
Awe
112,574
Doma
139,607
Keana
79,253
Lafia
330,712
Obi
148,874
Source - Wikipedia
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People & Places
Ozo Title Taking
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by CHIEF CHIKE NWEKE, JAN 3rd, 2022 Anambra State Nigeria Ezinato, Awka South Local Government Area,
I
t was a show of the pomp and pageantry of fine Igbo culture as friends, family, associates
and kinsmen of Chief Chike Nweke gathered at his country home- the Onebunne Villa to witness his investiture into the prestigious Nze na Ozo society of Ezinator.
Giving a historical perspective to the ceremony, Ozo Chike Nweke said that this title has been in the NwokikeUbani kindred as their progenitor- Ozo Nwokike
Ubani was a warrant Chief- a high ranking official who interceded between his people and the British colonial rulers over 100 years ago. This title then passed on to his descendants and Chike's
father Chief Andrew Onebunne Nweke who was a renowned educator and local government administrator proudly took
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this title and meritoriously served his people. Chike therefore said that although he has lived in America these past 25 years he felt it was important for him to continue this revered tradition and carry on the family heritage by taking the title of Ozo Obidigbo- which literally translates to an Ozo of a proud and long historical lineage . After the investiture, guests were lavishly entertained to a variety of local Igbo and continental cuisine and different cultural displays. Several groups from the community- youth, elders, women, inlaws, cousins etc all took turns to pay homage to and congratulate the new Ozo till the wee hours of the morning. The following is a photo essay of the ceremony..
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A background to the Ozo Institution in Igboland - by Dr. Chuka Obiesie
T
he Ozo Institution is referred to as the most prestigious and noblest in Igbo Culture and Civilization. The Ozo social class was founded or invented, by the
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NRI PEOPLE, of Anambra State, a very long time ago. The rigorous, righteous and puritanical process of attaining the qualification and subsequent earning of the title, define its power, prestige and references.
In the local Ezeagu dialect, it’s said ( Nde nk afwuoluya Ozo nwannaya, ka nnali Okpogho). This is translated to mean, that identifying with a relation of yours, who is an OZO titled man, is more prestigious than
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owning millions of naira or dollars. This proverb is significant in a number of ways. First, it demonstrates that the title is superior to just acquiring money or wealth. Second, it conveys the significance and symbol of a powerful, political personality. Just as we agreed, that personality has two components of nature and nurture, an Ozo titled man is properly groomed, in both nature and nurture. He must have been born from a family of impeccable background. He would grow in the acceptable norms and standards of the Community's rules of behavior. The Ozo is as well, nurtured to be in good relationship with the Divine, or supreme being, Chukwuabiama, Chukwu Okike, God the creator. In the process of installation of the Ozo, he is given some days of meditation, to enable him to engage in self searching and innermost inquiry of self, to
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bring him nearer to God Almighty. This is in view of the impending roles of the Ozo, as a religious leader. The same Ozo is trained in oratory and syllogism, to prepare him for public speeches in representing his clan. He is trained in adjudication and initiated into the status of truth, by clearing or cleaning his tongue, called ( Isa ile). The ritual involves piercing a sharp object in the would be Ozo's tongue to bring out blood. The blood that comes out is cleaned. The Ozo is now led into some prayers, at the end of which he is now distinguished from when he was ordinary and now that he has attained the prestigious position of an Igbo Judicial officer. The Ozo is therefore, a wealthy person, a political leader, an incorruptible judge and a religious leader.
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People &Profile Country Places
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People Country & Profile Places
Republic of Seychelles -Africa’s tourist heaven
S
eychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles (French: République des Seychelles; Creole: Repiblik Sesel), is an archipelago country in the Indian Ocean. The
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capital of the 115-Island country, Victoria lies 1,500 kilometers (932 mi) east of mainland East Africa. Other nearby island countries and territories include Comoros, Mayotte (region of France), Madagascar, Reunion
(region of France) and Mauritius to the south; as well as the Maldives and British Indian territory to the east. With a population of roughly 94,228, it has the smallest population of any sovereign African nation LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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Country Profile
Seychelles is a member of the African Union, the South African Development Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations. After the proclamation of independence from the United Kingdom in 1976, Seychelles has developed 54 LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
from a largely agricultural society to a market-based diversified economy, with agriculture being supplanted by rapidly rising service and public sector as well as tourism. From 1976 until 2015, nominal GDP output has increased nearly sevenfold and the
purchasing power parity nearly sixteen-fold. In the late 2010s, President Danny Faure and the National Assembly presented plans to encourage foreign investment in order to further upgrade these sectors. SPRING 2022
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Today, Seychelles boasts the highest Nominal Per capita GDP in Africa, excluding the French Regions. It is one of only a handful of countries in Africa with a high Human Development Index. Despite the country's newfound economic prosperity, poverty SPRING 2022
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93-97- Spotlight on Seychelles
remains widespread due to a high level of Economic inequality, one of the highest in the world, and unequal wealth distribution among the populace which vastly favors the upper and ruling class. In 1971, with the opening of Seychelles International Airport, tourism became a significant industry, 56
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essentially dividing the economy into plantations and tourism. The tourism sector paid better, and the plantation economy could only expand so far. The plantation sector of the economy declined in prominence, and tourism became the primary industry of Seychelles. In recent years the government has encouraged foreign
investment to upgrade hotels and other services. These incentives have given rise to an enormous amount of investment in real estate projects and new resort properties, such as project TIME, distributed by the World Bank, along with its predecessor project MAGIC Despite its growth, the vulnerability of the tourist sector was SPRING 2022
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illustrated by the sharp drop in 1991–1992 due largely to the Gulf war.
In 1971, with the opening of Seychelles International Airport, tourism became a significant industry, essentially dividing the economy into plantations and tourism.
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Since then the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, small-scale manufacturing and most recently the offshore financial sector, through the establishment of the Financial Services Authority and the enactment of several
pieces of legislation (such as the International Corporate Service Providers Act, the International Business Companies Act, the Securities Act, the Mutual Funds and Hedge Fund Act, amongst others). During March 2015, Seychelles allocated Assumption Island to be developed by India
SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA
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People & Places
Otunba Oye Afolabi @ 60 Fantasia Yacht - Marina Del Rey, California January 29th, 2022
I
t was a merry 5 hour sail aboard the Fantasia Yacht - Marina Del Rey, California as family and friends who flew into Los Angeles from all over the world gathered to toast- a fine distinguished gentleman- Otunba Oye Afolabi as he attained the diamond jubilee of 60 years. The all white party showcased the best of the Nigerian- Yoruba party culture with the ladies and gentlemen who were at the party turned out in simply gorgeous and elegant all white attire. There was singing, dancing and drumming that took attendees on a nostalgic ride, reminiscing about Nigeria. Guests in their different
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toasts extolled the virtues of Oye- A health Services Specialist with the State of California department of health and an Ekiti crown prince- on his numerous virtues, dedication to family and duty, fidelity to his friends and one whose word is golden. Highlights of the occasion includes a moving tribute by Oye's wifewho told the gathering of the tender loving care that her husband has showered on her in their over two decades of marriage and how he has sacrificed everything for the welfare and comfort of his wife, three children and extended family. The children also with such adoration talked about how loving, giving and caring
their dad has been. Another highlight of the occasion were video tributes to the celebrant including one from Oye's good friend- The Ooni of Ife- Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II- the Arole Oduduwa) In response, Otubna Oye thanked his wife, his children, for their love care and devotion and friends and familywho had flown from all over the world including from as far as Abuja Nigeria for the honor they have done him by attending this celebrationThe following is a photo essay of this beautiful occasion... SPRING 2022
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Spotlight
Lagos - The heartbeat of Nigeria
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Spotlight
Babajide Sanwo-Olu -Governor, Lagos State
T
he UN estimated the city's population at 11.2 million in 2011. The New York Times estimates that it is now at least twenty-one million, surpassing Cairo as Africa's largest city. It is clear that whatever the size, and however the city is defined, Lagos is the center of one of the largest urban areas in the world. With a population of perhaps 1.4 million as recently as 1970, its growth has been stupendous. Rice estimates that Lagos generates about a quarter of Nigeria's total gross domestic product. The center of Nigeria's modern economy, Lagos has many millionaires, but the UN estimates that two thirds of the population are slum dwellers. Lagos (Yoruba: Èkó) is a city in the Nigerian state of Lagos. The city, with its adjoining conurbation, is the largest in Nigeria, as well as on the African continent. It is one of the fastest growing in the world, and also one of the most populous urban SPRING 2022
agglomerations.[Lagos is a major financial center in Africa; the megacity has the highest GDP, and also houses one of the largest and busiest ports on the continent. Lagos initially emerged as a port city which originated on a collection of islands, which are contained in the present day Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Amuwo-Odofin and Apapa; the islands are separated by creeks, fringing the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand spits such as Bar Beach, which stretch up to 100 km (60 mi) east and west of the mouth. Due to rapid urbanization, the city expanded to the west of the lagoon to include areas in the present day Lagos Mainland, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Surulere. This led to the classification of Lagos into two main areas - the Island, which was the initial city of Lagos, before it expanded into the area known as the Mainland. This city area
was governed directly by the Federal Government through the Lagos City Council, until the creation of Lagos State in 1967, which led to the splitting of Lagos city into the present day seven Local Government Areas (LGAs), and an addition of other towns (which now make up 13 LGAs) from the then Western Region, to form the state. Lagos, the capital of Nigeria since its amalgamation in 1914, went on to become the capital of Lagos State after its creation. However, the state capital was later moved to Ikeja in 1976, while the federal capital also moved to Abuja in 1991. Even though Lagos is still widely referred to as a city, the present day Lagos, also known as "Metropolitan Lagos", and officially as "Lagos Metropolitan Area" is an urban agglomeration or conurbation,consisting of 16 LGAs, including Ikeja, the state capital of Lagos State. This conurbation makes up 37% of Lagos State's total land area, but houses about 85% of the LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE 69
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state's total population.
million.
The exact population of Metropolitan Lagos is disputed; In the 2006 federal census data, the conurbation had a population of about 8 million people. However, the figure was disputed by the Lagos State Government, which later released its own population data, putting the population of Lagos Metropolitan Area at approximately 16 million. As at 2015, unofficial figures put the population of "Greater Metropolitan Lagos", which includes, Lagos and its surrounding metro area, extending as far as into Ogun State, at approximately 21
Economy
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The city of Lagos is a major economic focal point in Nigeria, generating around 10% of the country's GDP. Most commercial and financial business is carried out in the central business district situated on the island. This is also where most of the country's commercial banks, financial institutions and major corporations are headquartered. Lagos is also the major Information Communications and Telecommunications (ICT) hub of West Africa and potentially, the biggest ICT market in
the continent.[86] Lagos is developing a 24-hour economy and has also been ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. In some parts of Lagos, residents have one of the highest standards of living in Nigeria and in Africa. [ At the same time, a sizable proportion of the residents live in slums without access to piped water and sanitation The Port of Lagos is Nigeria's leading port and one of the largest and busiest in Africa. It is administered by the Nigerian Ports Authorityand it is split into three main sections: Lagos port, in the main channel next to Lagos Island, Apapa Port
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(site of the container terminal) and Tin Can Port, both located in Badagry Creek, which flows into Lagos Harbour from the west.[103] The port features a railhead. The port has seen growing amounts of crude oil exported, with export figures rising between 1997 and 2000.[104] Oil and petroleum products provide 14% of GDP and 90% of foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria as a whole. [105]
Tourism
Lagos, subsequent to the re-modernization project achieved by the previous administration of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, is gradually becoming a major tourist destination, being one of the largest cities in Africa and in the world. Lagos is currently taking steps to become a global city. The 2009 Eyo carnival (a yearly festival originated from Iperu Remo, Ogun State) which took place on 25 April, was a step toward
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world city status. Currently, Lagos is primarily known as a business-oriented and a fastpaced community. Lagos has become an important location for African and "black" cultural identity. [ Lots of festivals are held in Lagos; festivals vary in offerings each year and may be held in different months. Some of the festivals are Festac Food Fair held in Festac Town Annually, Eyo Festival, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Lagos Carnival, Eko International Film Festival, Lagos Seafood Festac Festival, LAGOS PHOTO Festival and The Lagos Jazz Series which is a unique franchise for high quality live music in all genres with a focus on Jazz. Established in 2010, the popular event takes place over a 3-5 day period at selected high quality outdoor venues. The music is as varied as the audience itself and features a diverse mix of musical genres from Rhythm
and Blues to Soul, Afrobeat, Hiphop, Bebop and traditional Jazz. The festivals provide entertainment of dance and song to add excitement to travelers during a stay in Lagos. Lagos has a number of sandy beaches by the Atlantic Ocean, including Elegushi Beach and Alpha Beach. Lagos also has a number of private beach resorts including Inagbe Grand Beach Resort and several others in the outskirts. Lagos has a variety of hotels ranging from three star to five star hotels, with a mixture of local hotels such as Eko Hotels and Suites, Federal Palace Hotel and franchises of multinational chains such as Intercontinental Hotel, Sheraton and Four Points by Hilton. Other places of interest include the Tafawa Balewa Square, Festac town, The Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos and the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.
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Jennifer weds Ifeanyi Nwabunor
at fairytale wedding in Costa Mesa
November 19th - 21st, 2021
I
t was a three days to remember as the beautiful, classy and intelligent Jennifer, the daughter of Lady Juliet and the Honorable Iyke Okonkwo said "I do" to her heartthrob, the handsome, debonair and urbane gentleman Mr. Ifeanyi Nwabunor before a crowd of witnesses at fairytale ceremonies that lasted for three days from Friday November 19th, 2021 till Sunday November 21st, 2021. The Friday November 19th reception night for the wedding guests was at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa. The Saturday nuptials were help in the breezy, green foliage ambiance of St.
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Mark's Presbyterian Church NewPort Beach California with the bride arriving on a horse drawn carriage to the admiration of the beautiful crowd of well heeled, upper echelon members of the Nigerian community and their friends in and around the United States and beyond. The classy reception was held for guests at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesaon Bristol Street, Costa Mesa inside a beautiful fresh flower adorned hall where guests were treated to an exotic menu of fine food and wine and an inexhaustible bar... Following pages is a photo essay of this fairy tale wedding...
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Health & Wellness
What To Worry About, If You Worry About
Diabetes O
ne day I went to see a patient, a middle aged man. As I approached him, the air around me was filled with a foul odor. It was like the odor of a rotten egg. As I moved closer, the odor got so unbearably intense that I put on a face mask to protect my nose. When I arrived at his bedside, I saw that all of the other providers also had face masks. The foul smell was not from a rotten egg, it was from the man’s gangrenous
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leg. The leg was as black as charcoal. But that was not the patient’s only problem. He was barely conscious because of the effects of the toxins from his gangrenous leg.
The man I described is not unique. His case shows just one of the long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. In the long run, if blood sugar levels are not properly controlled, the blood vessels that supply key parts of our bodies are damaged.
By Dr. Olufemi Y. Saliu
When it affects smaller blood vessels (micro-vessels) of the body, peripheral nerves, eyes, and kidneys suffer. If nerves of the feet are involved, it causes diabetic neuropathy. Sensation in the feet is impaired. As a result, when a foot injury occurs, you may not notice it. Because you don’t notice the initial injury, it can become more severe or get infected. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels make it harder for your body to fight infections or to heal, making it more likely that an injury to the foot SPRING 2022
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will lead to an amputation. If eyes are damaged by elevated blood sugar, they can develop cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, retinopathy, and eventually blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adult Americans. If sugar damages the kidneys, the complication is chronic renal failure, which may eventually require dialysis. And patients on dialysis have an average life expectancy of 5-10 years. [Source: https://www.kidney. org/atoz/content/dialysisinfo] Uncontrolled blood sugar level can also damage large blood vessels (macro-vessels) in the neck and in the brain, leading to stroke. Damage to the coronary arteries of the heart can lead to heart attack. Finally, damage to the vessels in the legs can lead to gangrene of the foot or of the leg, just as in the patient I described at the beginning of this article. When the foot doesn’t get adequate blood circulation, tissues die, leading to gangrene. If the gangrene is severe enough, to save the patient’s life, they may need to amputate the leg just below the knee. If diabetes remains uncontrolled, the amputation is SPRING 2022
extended to above the knee. And then to the hip: hip disarticulation. The higher up a leg an amputation goes, the less likely it is that a patient will adapt well to a prosthetic leg. If you have borderline diabetes, be mindful of these long term complications. If you have diabetes, be mindful of them. If you are healthy now, be mindful of them. We should all be mindful of them. The patient described above started out as a borderline diabetic. “A thousand and one steps begin with the first,” so the saying goes. It’s better to take steps towards health, not towards sickness. Regardless of where we are today, we should all take action to protect our health.
We need to avoid drinks with added sugar such as malt drinks or carbonated drinks. We need to avoid cookies, candies, cake, and ice cream. Finally, we need to avoid the two most impactful food items of all, bread and rice. If you are borderline diabetic, and you stop or cut down your bread and your rice intake, you will be amazed at the impact on your health. If you are diabetic, and you stop eating bread and rice, you’ll be amazed at the impact on your health. If you are neither borderline diabetic, nor diabetic, and you stop or cut down your bread and your rice intake, you’ll be amazed at the impact on your health and on your
We should avoid what we need to avoid.
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weight. You’ll be amazed. Don’t take my word for it. Try it. You’ll be amazed. “But now what can we eat?” is the most common question people ask me when I suggest that they avoid bread, rice, and other carbs – cake, cookies, cereals, and muffins. You can eat any foods that are rich in nutrients, but light in calories. Eat a variety of vegetables, raw or steamed. Eat them every day, with every meal if possible. Let them be a significant portion of your breakfast, of your lunch, and of your dinner. And eat variety of low glycemic fruits. Go to the produce department of a grocery store to pick your favorite fruits and your favorite vegetables. Better yet, take the opportunity to try new fruits and new vegetables; expand your dietary horizons. Eat grass fed meat, wild caught fish, and free range chicken. If the animals eat their natural diets – grass for cows, insects and seeds for chickens, and wild diet for fish – it is better for cattle, for fish, for chickens, and
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ultimately, for you. If you want to be healthy, eat meat from a healthy cow, not from a diabetic cow; eat fish from a healthy fish, not from a diabetic fish; and eat chicken from a healthy chicken, not from a diabetic chicken. That is what to eat. Snack on nuts, not on cookies or cake. Not on ice cream. Not on chips. Not on cereals. Not on donuts. When you snack on nuts, choose nuts that are relatively high in omega 3 fatty acids like walnut, almonds, and cashew nut. Eat nuts in moderation. A handful a day is all you need. Peanuts [which are actually legumes, not nuts] are relatively high in omega 6 fatty acids, a bad fat, and are not good for habitual consumption. Drink water. And eat foods with high water contents. For example, fruits have a high water content, high fiber content, and high antioxidant content that are good for your health. Eat your fruits whole, rather than processed to get the full benefit. Finally, remember to exercise. When you do, be mindful of
your age, and of your health. Don’t do it because your spouse or your friend does it, do it because it is appropriate for you, so you do not hurt yourself. Regardless of your health status, see your doctor at least once a year. Be compliant with your medications if you are on them. Ensure that a variety of fruits and of vegetables are a significant portion of every meal. Drink water and eat your fruits whole. Above all, watch out for bread, and watch out for rice.
Dr. Olufemi Saliu, MD is a boardcertified anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, California that has been in medical practice since 1985. He has a special interest in writing about and educating people on healthy nutrition & wellness SPRING 2022
Health & Wellness
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Legal Corner
Before You Sign That Affidavit Of Support. By Ogochukwu Victor Onwaeze
C
itizens of the United States are frequently approached by family and friends applying to immigrate to the United States to provide an affidavit of support to aid in the consideration of their application. The Department of Homeland Securityrequires such persons to file an affidavit of support to ensure they will not become a public charge when they get to the United States. The applicant is required to submit either a form I-864 or if not applicable, a form I-134. There are a few
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differences between the two, but the general purpose of both is to provide an affidavit that the sponsor, will provide financial support for the applicant during the period that the affidavit of support will be in effect.
in part 8 of form I-864, most sponsors do not pay attention to that section before signing the affidavit. This is understandable since the person being sponsored is usually a family member or very close friend.
Most citizens that are requested to act as sponsors and provide an affidavit of support on behalf of friends or family members, do so without thought to the legal implication of signing the affidavit of support. Although the legal consequences of signing the affidavit of support are fully spelt out
The purpose of the affidavit of support is to ensure that the sponsored immigrant has enough financial support to live in the United States without concern of becoming reliant on the United States government for public support. This is the sense in which most people understand the affidavit of SPRING 2022
Legal Corner
support. This is, that if the applicant applies for any public benefits program such as food stamps and welfare, then the sponsor will be responsible to reimburse the government for any monies paid to or on behalf of the applicant. Most people also assume that the obligation lasts for three or so years. Both assumptions are incorrect. The obligation of the sponsor goes beyond food stamps and welfare benefits and cover any kind of public means tested program, including Medicare and other health benefits. More importantly, in addition to ensuring that the applicant does not become a public charge, the affidavit of support is a contract between the sponsor and the applicant that the sponsor will provide SPRING 2022
financial assistance to the applicant at 125% of the federal income poverty guidelines. This second aspect of the affidavit of support is not understood by most sponsors and will be explained fully below. The law regarding affidavits of support is set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(a)(4) and 213A as codified in the Code of Federal Regulations 8CFR 213a. If the sponsored immigrant receives any “means-tested public assistance”, the sponsor is responsible for repaying the cost of those benefits to the public agency that provided it and may be sued by such agency for recovery of the monies spent on or provided to the applicant. As such, if the
applicant, after emigrating to the United States applies for and receives Medicare, for example, and is treated at the hospital and the bill for such treatment is paid by the Medicare, the sponsor can be sued by that agency to recover the cost of the treatment. This could be significant, especially if the applicant has a serious medical condition that requires expensive and prolonged care. When it is considered that many sponsors sign the affidavit of support to allow whole families (sometimes up to five or more family members) to immigrate, the financial nightmare that a sponsor may face in the future can be enormous. Consider, a sponsored immigrant and family of four that applies for and receives section 8 housing subsidy of $1500.00 per month and food stamps of $150.00 per person per month. In that case, the sponsors obligation for which they can be sued by the federal agency is $2250.00, for the period the the receive the beneftis and the affidavit of support is enforceable. A critical factor is that once signed, the sponsor cannot withdraw or terminate the contract. There are only five ways to terminate the obligation arising from the LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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signing of an affidavit of support. (1) the sponsor dies, (2) the sponsored immigrant dies, (3) the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, (4) the sponsored immigrant permanently departs the U.S., or (5) the sponsored immigrant is credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work. If none of the first four factors apply, then the enforceability period is determined by factor number five which typically equals ten years of employment. If the employment history of the sponsored immigrant is not consistent, it will take more than ten years to meet this requirement. In fact, if the
sponsored immigrant never works, the obligation arising from the affidavit of support will subsist until one of the other four factors kick in. Also, it does not appear that a sponsor can evade their obligation arising from the affidavit of support just because the sponsor’s own income has diminished in the years after the signing of the affidavit of support. As such, the sponsor is still on the hook for any monies paid out by a government agency, even if they lose their job, have retired and no longer working or have increased obligations of their own.
FAMILY SIZE
ANNUAL INCOME
1
$12,060
2
$16,240
3
$20,420
4
$24,600
5
$28,780
6
$32,960
7
$37,140
8
$41,320
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,180 for each additional person. The figures are slightly higher for Hawaii and for Alaska. A sponsor of a family of 5 to the United States, is obligated 88
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to provide support to them of approximately $3000.00 per month. [$28,780.00 X 1.25 / 12 = $2997.92] This is in addition to any obligation arising from the receipt of public benefits by the sponsored immigrant, but the amount of cash or cash equivalent aid received
As stated above, it is the second aspect of the affidavit of support that is not understood by most people signing the form as sponsor. That is, the affidavit of support creates a contract between the sponsor and the immigrant that the sponsor will provide financial support for the immigrant at a level equal to 125% of the federal income poverty guideline for the period during which the affidavit of support is in place. The sponsored immigrant has a personal right to enforce this contract against the sponsor. For 2017, the guideline amount is as follows
from the public agency is credited as income to the sponsored immigrant for the purposes of determining if the amount owed by the sponsor to the sponsored immigrant. The sponsored immigrant has a right to sue the SPRING 2022
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sponsor to enforce this support obligation. There is no requirement of a familial relationship to do so. The sponsor has to provide the support for each year that the sponsored immigrant earns income that is less than 125% of the poverty guidelines. The sponsored immigrant suing to enforce the obligation has not duty to exercise due diligence to become self supporting. Therefore, the sponsor cannot insist that the sponsored immigrant look for employment or show that they are seeking employment before they can enforce the support obligation against them. The sponsored immigrant may well choose not to work or seek any employment and fully rely on the sponsor to provide support at the required level. This obligation is enforceable until terminated by one of the five factors set forth above. In determining whether monies are owed by the sponsor to the sponsored immigrant, the court must look at each year for which the sponsored immigrant is making a claim. Also, the accumulated income or assets of the sponsored immigrant is irrelevant. Nor is the fact that the sponsored immigrant is living with someone else SPRING 2022
that is paying their bills, so long as such payments do not amount to income for the sponsored immigrant. It is the income earned by the sponsored immigrant for each year that determines the sponsor’s obligation. For example, a sponsored immigrant comes to the United States and get a good paying job making $100,000.00 per annum for five years and is able to save half of that or $250,000.00. After five years, he or she become unemployed or just stops working and move in with a wealthy individual who covers the rent, food and other needs of the sponsored immigrant. The sponsored immigrant then sues the sponsor for support for five years for which they were not earning income equivalent to 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. The sponsor cannot escape liability by pointing to the accumulated savings of $250,000.00 that the sponsored immigrant has from the five years that they worked and which is available and more than enough to provide support for the sponsored immigrant. The sponsor may not request the court to add up the monies earned by the immigrant over the ten year period in
question and average it out for that time period to see if they earned up to 125% of the federal poverty guideline over that ten year period. The sponsor is not given a break because the immigrant is living with someone who is otherwise covering their everyday needs. In determining the household size for the purposes of the poverty guideline, it is the income earned by the number of sponsored immigrants living in the household that counts. So, if a sponsor signs to support 5 people, any additional children the immigrant has after arriving in the United States do no count. Any income earned by any person living with the sponsored immigrant, but not part of those sponsored on the affidavit of support do not count either. While this may seem unfair, the legal explanation is to create an even field. Since the sponsor cannot be burdened by the immigrant having a bigger family than he agreed to be responsible for, he cannot get a windfall by another persons assistance to the sponsored family. A common reason for use of the affidavit of support is by United States Citizens LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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who sponsor a spouse to join then in the United States. Sometimes, when the sponsored spouse gets to the United States, the marriage does not work out and ends in immediate dissolution. It is worthy of note that the affidavit of support is contractual and the sponsor’s obligation is not terminated by the divorce. In most jurisdiction, when there is a dissolution, one of the
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spouses may be entitled to spousal support or alimony. The entitlement to spousal support is determined by several factors determined by the family laws of the applicable states. Under those laws, a divorcing spouse not entitled to spousal support, but for whom an affidavit of support was signed by the sponsoring spouse, will be able to seek and get support equal to 125% of the federal
poverty guidelines. Also, if spousal support is granted in the dissolution proceedings but the amount awarded is less than 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, the spouse can still file a contractual action pursuant to the affidavit of support signed by the sponsoring spouse to obtain the difference between the spousal support amount and the 125% of the federal poverty guideline for
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each year that the affidavit of support is enforceable and the sponsored spouse is not earning enough income to account for the difference. As noted above, the spouse seeking to enforce the affidavit of support obligation, does not have to make any effort to seek employment before they are entitled to enforce their rights against the sponsoring spouse. This can be considered a double whammy. You sponsor the immigrant to come to the United States as your spouse, they come in and there is an actual marriage but the marriage lasts for a month. The sponsored spouse then decides not to seek any employment and you are on the hook to support him or her financially so long as the affidavit of support is not otherwise terminated by one of the five factors discussed above. The scenarios discussed above are illustrated in the case of Shumye vs. Felleke 555 F.Supp.2d 1020 (2008) [United States District Court, N.D. California.]. In that case, Plaintiff, a citizen of Ethiopia, arrived in the United States in November 1998 to marry Defendant. Defendant, a United States citizen, sponsored Plaintiff and SPRING 2022
signed an Affidavit of Support Form 1-864 (“Form 1-864”). Plaintiff and Defendant were married in January 1999 and separated in October 1999. In 2003, they filed for divorce. In 2005, Plaintiff and Defendant agreed to a divorce settlement in which Defendant agreed to pay Plaintiff the sum of $49,000 which payment satisfied settlement of the couple’s California community property rights. The property settlement was made without prejudice to any and all of Plaintiffs INS and/ or immigration claims. Later in 2005, Plaintiff filed this claim to enforce Defendant sponsor’s financial obligations under the Form 1-864 and for damages. In denying the Husband’s motion for summary adjudication, the court held that the wife was entitled to pursue the action. The court rejected the husband’s contention that the income earned by the wife from 2000 to 2007 be added up and averaged over the 8 year period to see if they equal or exceed 125% of the federal poverty guideline for those 8 years. This is because the husband was obligated to provide the required support on an “annual basis” not over the extended period of time.
In determining whether monies are owed by the sponsor to the sponsored immigrant, the court must look at each year for which the sponsored immigrant is making a claim. LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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‘“The Affidavit of Support provides for the measure of damages that would put the Plaintiff in as good a position as she would have been in had the contract been performed.” To be placed in as good a position as she would have been had Defendant performed his support obligation on an annual basis, this Court must compare Plaintiffs income against the 125% poverty threshold for each individual year in question.” Wife’s income was at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines in the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005, but not for 2003, 2006, and 2007 and husband was liable to make the payments for those three years. The court also rejected Husband’s contention that the $49,000 payment made by him to wife as a result of their divorce settlement satisfied his Form 1-864 support obligations. The Stipulation entered in the divorce proceedings clearly stated that the $49,000 was a settlement of the former couple’s California community property rights and that the settlement was made without prejudice to wife’s INS rights and/or claims that may arise out of husband’s
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sponsorship obligations. The $49,000 represents the value of wife’s existing assets not income earned by her within that specific year for purposes of calculating the 125% federal poverty guideline requirement. Thus, while the husband and wife separated ten months after the marriage, husband’s support obligation under the affidavit of support was still enforceable at least until 2007, 8 years after the separation, and will continue to be enforceable so long as the obligation is not terminated by any of the five factors required to terminate the obligation. The affidavit of support has such a far reaching effect, that even if the spouses in the dissolution sign a premarital settlement agreement whereby they waive the right to spousal support and alimony or waive spousal support as part of the dissolution proceedings, the sponsored spouse may still sue the sponsoring spouse to enforce the support obligations arising from the form I-864. See Erler v. Erler 824 F.3d 1173 (2016) [9th Circuit] illustrates the former and In re Marriage of Kumar (California
Court of Appeal 1st District July 28, 2017) illustrate the latter. Finally, the obligations arising from the affidavit of support can be enforced in the state court where the sponsor lives or in any federal court in the country. Due to the far reaching implications of the affidavit of support, one has to be careful before signing one and be aware of the full ramifications of the financial obligations they are undertaking both to the government and to the sponsored immigrant.
Ogochukwu Victor Onwaeze is an attorney based in Los Angeles. He can be reached at 213-738-5066 or at onwaeze@ aol.com.
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Religion
Forgiveness in a Shared Identity
S
tanding underneath a tree in 1994, Yobe state, Nigeria, I watched as Christians ran. I saw cars set ablaze. A short distance from me I witnessed women slow the advance of Islamic fundamentalists by throwing sticks and stones. Men were standing on rubbles guiding people to safety, yet around me was a small puddle of blood. On this faithful day, I witnessed firsthand the violent clash between Christianity and Islam which plagues the Nigerian country still today.
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Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs says “Nigeria is one of the world’s major laboratories for the study of religious-based conflict and reconciliation.” The country presents the best opportunity for understanding how religious ideologies play out and how co-existence can be fostered. Alexander Thurston, in his well-written book Boko Haram, was able to illuminate many reasons why the terrorist group Boko Haram exist and function as they do in Nigeria. He was able to weave together the ways
economic instability and an incompetent governing class contribute to the constant clash among the country’s two main religious groups. One reason he highlights – which the founders of Boko Haram themselves claim to be the reason they take violent action – is the lack of accountability. Without a proper working government and a proper justice system, numerous heinous crimes have gone unpunished over the years. Boko Haram claims that Muslims have been killed without much reprisal, and for this reason, they must take LIFE & TIMES MAGAZINE
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arm against the government which seems sympathetic to Christians. Boko Haram’s hatred for the West comes from associating the West with Christianity. The West and its democratic style of governance are seen to have a Christian agenda. As a result, Boko Haram is against democracy in Nigeria. They believe the government turning a blind eye to the killing of Muslims is the working of Christianity, an agenda grounded in democracy. Many Christians, on the other hand, believe they stand as victims in this conflict – victims of much unnecessary violence. For this reason, many young individuals have joined the Nigerian government as part of the Civilian Joint Task Force to kill those they believe are members of Boko Haram. Personally, the way I healed from the event which transpired in 1994, was to realize that all Nigerians where victims. The inadequacies of the government and the lack of economic strategies and opportunities have created religious division. It has caused individuals to look at each other and their religious differences as the reason for
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stagnation in the country. I have come to realize that revenge is not the solution, neither is the quest for justice through violence. The solution is to see each other as victims and so to focus our efforts on changing the political climate rather than changing the religious demographics. What Christianity and Islam need in Nigeria is an aggressive move toward forgiveness. Nigerians need to forgive each other for the atrocities committed as a result of a compromised system. In doing so, they would be able to unite as one people for the sake of creating a collective identity for the sake of a united country.
Bullus M. Gago is a pastor who is devoted to the process of understanding Africa’s struggles and what it would take to create a working African identity. His endeavors include working tirelessly to inspire individuals to become their best selves possible; this only being possible by having the right imaging of God within their social location. Contact information: Dr. Bullus M. Gago Senior Pastor fggmvalley.org bullus.gago@fggm.org
My question in all this is, how long will forgiveness be able to retain peace? Especially in a system where changing the political climate can take years? Also, will forgiveness be sufficient to bring peace about, or are religious fundamentalists simply hiding behind the lack of accountability as an opportunity to create this chaotic climate? We would never know the answers to these questions without first attempting to nationalize forgiveness.
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