Life & Times Fiesta 2014 Brochure by TBG London

Why We Are Gatherered And The Journey So Far Four years ago, all there was of Life and Times was a dream. A dream to honor a fellow compatriot who was a firm believer in Nigeria-, Engineer. Ugo Anakwenze, who died unsung. It is also our dream to correct the single story about Nigeria and other African countries of bad governments, corrupt societies where nothing works and a people that cannot take care of its own. There is more to Nigeria, Africa and Africans than what is told in this single story. We produce some of the most brilliant and hardworking minds around the world. It is fact that Nigerians and other immigrant African Nationalities are the most educated demographic in the United States. We produce more college and post graduate students per capita than any other demographic. Yes, higher than Asians and white people. Nigerian Doctors and Doctors from other immigrant African nationalities make up about 70% of black doctors in America. Our own Alhaji Aliko Dangote with net worth of over $30 Billion is the richest black man in the world and ranks amongst the 25th richest I the world, Nigerian born Kase Lawal of Houston based CAMAC Holdings runs the biggest black Enterprise in the United States with Assets of over $5 Billion U.S. Dollars, Nigerian born Jude Igwemezie builds transcontinental rail roads across the world and recently won a bid to build the trans Iraqi Rail road, own Adebayo Ogunlesi recently bought the Gatwick Airport system, the second largest in the United Kingdom. So where is the truth in this single story that we do not contribute anything to the world’s progress? We are gathered today like we have done annually for the past four years to acknowledge, celebrate and share of the variety in the strength of Africa and Africans. We are gathered to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with us as we recognize His Excellency, Governor Yaguda who has proved to us and to the world that good governance is possible in Africa. Dr. Yaguda has relentlessly transformed Bauchi State Nigeria leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Bauchi and we hope and pray that Dr. Yuguda will be blessed by the Almighty to take his Bauchi magic to the national stage in the near future. Tonight we recognize also the Honorable City of Carson Councilman and California Assembly candidate, Mike Gipson though American raised yet African in every way, who has committed himself entirely to service to humanity and demonstrated excellence in character and service. We recognize also Mr. Philip Oduoza who has a long track record of outstanding professionalism in banking and banking leadership. The discipline and integrity Mr. Oduoza exudes, demonstrates trustworthiness in African professionals. Dr. Violet Arene is also recognized tonight for her outstanding community service in advocacy for the rights of women in her television LIFE AND TIMES FIESTA 2014

show, Voice of Eve. Dr. Arene inspires us to speak out not for ourselves alone but for the benefit of others in our community. We acknowledge the innovation in a new education system that benefits our children and the children in the Los Angeles community pioneered by Dr. Yaw Adutwum. Dr. Adutwum demonstrates advocacy for better education and great model in entrepreneur leadership which we recognize tonight. We also recognize tonight, the exceptional academic achievements of Professor Ijeoma Onwenu-Otigbuo an academic mind per excellence and a renowned authority in the field of HIV-AIDS Resarch. We recognize also the ceaseless talents in entertainment of Chief Adekunle James as our Community’s entertainer of the year and the bountiful youthful zeal and achievements in academics, song writing, dance, entertainment etc. of Adanna Duru our Outstanding Youthaward winner Each of tonight’s awardees buttresses the Life and Times Media’s point that we have been unjustly and negatively characterized in the Western media and we will continue in our quest to correct these negative stereotypes. Besides the awards tonight, we have gathered an exceptional pool of talent from within our community in song and dance, fashion design, comedy etc. to make this evening memorable and very enjoyable to you. From a humble beginning publishing an 8 page tract three years ago, we have become a major force in our Diaspora media. We have become the go to voice of our community with our quarterly publication that now averages 140 pages and an online newspaper that will be joining our stable before the end of September 2014. We assist our Community’s associations, groups and individuals in more special publications covering their conventions, private celebrations etc. than any other similar publication By the grace of God, we have grown and will continue to grow We will not rest until we become a major media presence that will carry our story from our own perspective internationally, until we eradicate this single story that cast negative and false aspersions on us and truly recognize the invaluable contributions we make daily to human progress. We count on you to be partners with us and assist us in fulfilling this dream. Thank you, Chike Nweke Publisher/CEO Life and Times Mediake Nweke Publisher 3

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Award Of Excellence In Governance - To Governor Isa Yuguda Bio – His Excellency Mallam (Dr.) Isa Yuguda, Executive Governor, Bauchi State, Nigeria Mallam (Dr.) Isa Yuguda is the Executive Governor of Bauchi State in North Eastern Nigeria. He was sworn in on May 29, 2007 for his first four-year term, and again on May 29, 2011 for his second and final term as Governor under the platform of the ruling People’s Democratic Party. Bauchi State is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious State in the north eastern part of Nigeria with a population of more than 6 million inhabitants. During his tenure (2007-till date) he has led vigorous transformation effort in the State, which has remained relatively peaceful despite its location in the troubled north eastern Nigeria. The focus of his administration included human capital development, job creation and infrastructure development for economic growth, such as a new International Airport and the renowned Yankari Game Reserve for Tourism. Prior to his election in 2007 as Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda had served as Minister of State for Transportation in the Federal Cabinet from 2000-2003 and subsequently as Minister of Aviation from 2003-2005 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s term in office. Before joining politics Isa Yuguda had a distinguished career in the Nigerian private sector as a Banker, holding eminent positions including Managing Director of NAL Merchant Bank Plc. 1999-2000 and Managing Director, 8

Inland Bank Plc 1992-1999, and senior management roles in Savannah Bank plc. He is Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from the University of Jos, Nigeria. He has attended various leadership and professional courses in various parts of the world. He is recipient of several honors and awards, nationally and internationally, including fourtime winner of Best Governor of the Year Awards, an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Merit and Excellence Awards. He holds several traditional titles, including Dan’Isan Misau, Matawallen Bauchi, Obasayero of Oyo Empire, Omenma Oha of Isu Kingdom in Imo State, and Ugo Item of Item in Abia State Nigeria. Isa Yuguda is widely travelled, enjoys reading and playing table tennis. He is happily married father and grand-father. LIFE AND TIMES FIESTA 2014

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PERSONAL PROFILE Dr. Violet Arene is a woman of passion for Human, Social and National Development. She is a Family and Women’s Advocate, Educationist, Teacher, Trainer, TV matchless Producer and Presenter, and a Preacher and Teacher of the Bible.

WORK

In Social Interaction, she is a motivator, an incurable optimist, with strong faith in God who can do all things. She is a giver to humanity; a builder and a Role Model in passion to give, and to serve humanity. She is a leading woman, in productivity, mentoring, and empowerment of fellow women, giving women a Voice in the National Television at her own expense to articulate best on issues concerning women, show case their value in social Transformation, development of true democracy, building the national economy; and tending to the human family-the fulcrum of national development. At almost seventy three, Dr. Arene believes and lives God’s promise that we can ‘fruit’ in old age. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION B.A History 2nd Class Upper A University Scholar (University of Ibadan), Nigeria Post Graduate Diploma in Education University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria M.A. in Education (Counselling & Students Personnel) Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA

EXPERIENCE 1980 Assistant Officer, Federal Ministry of

Chief

Education Education

1999 General Manager, Total Quality and Consultancy Department, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

Counselling)

To date Group Training Co-ordinator, Industrial and General Insurance (IGI)

TRAININGS Several advanced Executive trainings including Columbia Senior Executive Program, New York

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT To date President, Lydia Rock Consult Nig. Ltd., a firm of Management Consultancy and Training, wellknown for its highly branded world-class training programs.

Ph.D. in Education (Guidance University of Lagos, Nigeria

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TELEVISION PROGRAM PRODUCER AND PRESENTER TO DATE 1994 – 2001 Presenter, Kith & Kin Family Program, NTA Network – re-engineering family values for a happier society and happier Nigerians. OUR GREAT NEW WORLD 2001 – 2002 Social Engineering TV Program, Shaping necessary Social and Family Values Changes VOICE OF EVE TV PROGRAM – To date Voice of Eve – Exclusive TV Program for Women, in the NTA Network, anchored by women Analysts and Discussants, and taking the women’s cause to its logical conclusion – scholarship, and intellectualism. To date Producer/Presenter in the National Television Authority (NTA) – Producing Women’s ‘Voice’, Empowering them to be their own advocates and to market their high value in society, and in leadership in business, politics, the professions and in the national economy as custodians of family values and hands that rock the cradle. CHRISTIAN MINISTRY A graduate of the Christ for the Nations Bible Institute, Dallas, USA A Senior Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG – Pastoring Living Way Parish, Lagos Province 20.

AUTHOR Authored fourteen books todate, Notably, “Strengths of a Woman”

“Personality Excellence” (1st and 2nd Edition) “Hired by God” “Love or Die” - The True Love Story “Family Cradle” “What’s Special about Jesus” “Upper End of Marriage” – A Happy Home “Transformation Jingles” – How Nigeria can Win “The Katagum Factor in Leadership and Governance” etc.

FAMILY Married for almost 48years A Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.

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Brochure produced by Life and Times Media, 7095 Hollywood Blvd. #485, Hollywood CA 90028, Tel: 424-204-2703, Email: mail@lifeandtimesmagazine.com, web: www.lifeandtimesmagazine.com

LIFE AND TIMES FIESTA 2014