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USAfrica

FALL ISSUE | October – December 2013

Journal

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The voice of Africans in the Diaspora

GENEVIEVE

GETS THE CROWN FINALLY! Kargbo:

From Sierra Leone with Big Dreams DV Lottery 2015:

Nigerians Ineligible! But Some May Still Be Eligible

Who is Fast, Lethal and Gabonese? PIERRE EMERICK AUBAMEYANG!

FALL BEAUTY TIPS

Senegalese, South African Immigrants Cited MEGA SHOCKER! Telemi Opts Out

Dr. Nurein Said: THE ANGEL FROM RURAL KENYA $1.99  N300.00

USAfrica

FALL ISSUE | October – December 2013

Journal

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The voice of Africans in the Diaspora

Washington, Asomugha’s Secret Wedding HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW?

Page 20

It’s A Miracle Page 21

THE ANGEL FROM KENYA

FALL FOR THESE HEELS Page 30 Rotimi’s afrophonic VISION Page 23

A Publication of USA Media LLC The voice of Africans in the Diaspora VOL. 1. NO. 4 | 2013 USA Media LLC PRESIDENT ‘Tunde Kolawole, MS, SPHR

CONTENTS 5 | From the Editor’s Desk:

FALLING INTO FAVOR

8 | Editorial: All We Are Saying: Keep DV Lottery Alive

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION Bola Ajebeku vpfinance@usafricajournal.com

9 | My Word, My World

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ‘Tunde Kolawole editor@usafricajournal.com

• Mashet At Large

Cover 2:

The Angel from Kenya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS A.Obafemi Animasaun, Mark Finlay, Betty John, Tosin Obiwale,Esther Olatunde, Isaac Oluwole, Renny Vonne, Sadiat Makuna, Folorunsho Moses, John Kay, Eldana Mengesha. CHIEF ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, USA Ninilola Ogundare advertise@usafricajournal.com

18 | Faith-FULL: The Bible Story – From Another Perspective

GRAPHICS graphics@usafricajournal.com

19 | Real Estate

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

20-23 | Arts &

10 African Students: Gala For Ghana

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Yemisi Babatunde (Nigeria); 070-84554584 Kemi Jegede(Nigeria); 070-41253004

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, email us at subscribe@usafricajournal.com usafricajournal@

Entertainment: Music; Movies; Concerts and Book Reviews

26-29 | Fashion: Four pages of Fall fitting designs.

30 | Fashion Extra: You Can Still Fall For These Heels. It’s all about how high you can go 31 | Beauty: Don’t FALL off track. These tips will help.

GENERAL MANAGER, AFRICA OPERATIONS Tayo Oluwaseun (Nigeria); 080-55996778

PUBLISHED BY USA Media LLC, P.O. BOX 33143, Philadelphia, PA 19142 www.usamediallc.com

12 | StaightUp Folasophical: Are You Wrong…? 16 | Health

IT CONSULTANT Tosin Obiwale

Elizabeth Kolawole (Pennsylvania); 610-570-9143 Bisola Adesina (Atlanta, GA); 678-665-7698 Mujidat Irawolomo Shonekan (MD); 240-678-1935 King Sammy (Texas); 281-903-4120 Kola Adaramola (New York, NY); 914-652-6500 Bola Fabiyi (Connecticut); 860-519-8853 Frederick Ebede (Newcastle, DE); 302-690-4881 Folashade Babalola (New Jersey); 862-324-5116 Biodun Ogunnaike (Chicago, Illinois); 708-915-0530 Muyiwa Olawole (United Kingdom) 07952199648 Adetomiwa Olorunsola (Lagos, Nigeria); 080-55785651 Adams Ogamenyi (Abuja, Nigeria); 080-23796382 Idowu Akinrosoye (Ibadan, Nigeria); 080-34660025 For sales inquiries worldwide, call: 1-530-237-4222

11 | Interview: Young, But Going Places

32-33 | Cover Story:

Wedding Bells: From The Bride’s Mouth To Her Finger, The Ring Finally Rests!

24-25

Genevieve Nnaji is ascending the throne as Nollywood Queen

35 | Business 36 | Youth Scene: Renny Vonne – Dealing with Dating, plus her unique recipe! 37 | Immigration

USAfrica Journal makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All advertisements are presumed true, accurate and published in good faith. USAfrica Journal or its publishing company is not responsible for any errors or omissions, and makes no representation about any of the advertisements published on its pages. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited.

38 | Community Camera: Scenes from across the country. 39 | News-Africa Social Scene: Joy Babatunde – Forever Young At 50! ON THE COVER: Genevieve Nnaji - Flickr COVER 2: Dr. Nurein Said – Credit: National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

40 - 41 | Sports: Auba lights

up Bundesliga; who goes where?

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

FALLing Into Favor

hings are looking up in Nigeria’s film industry and the practitioners are reaping the rewards all over the world. Following the world premiere of the movie adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Nollywood’s leading lady; Genevieve Nnaji has shot to the forefront of the line for a prize every actress in Nollywood secretly desires. What is in the offing for Nnaji? How did she make it where others failed? Find out in our cover story on page 32. In this issue, we continue our double cover series by heading to Kenya. Actually, Kenya came on world stage recently when Dr. Nurein Said, a world renowned reconstructive surgeon, received the prestigious Harry Wofford Global Citizen award in the United States. His passion for volunteering worldwide, especially in rural regions of Africa, and his take on giving may just be the inspiration you need to lend a helping hand to fellow wayfarer in this journey of life. Our interview with Dr. Said is on page 6. Bet you thought you knew all there was to know about the top secret wedding of the year between Nigeria’s top NFL star, Nnamdi Asomugha and Hollywood’s prime darling of the moment, Kerry Washington. Well, whether you are a fan of either or both, we’ve got a few juicy tidbits about the power couple that probably flew over you. Check out their story on page 20. If you are a fan of the word in all its ramifications, you’ll love the two eggheads that we have the honor of featuring their works in this issue. I’m filled with great pleasure to welcome a very dear friend and brother, Dr. Fola Ojo, the chief executive officer of Gravitas Communications and resident Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Hartford, Wisconsin, as one of our columnists. If you want to

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hear the footsteps of word; if you are keen to know what word tastes, smells, feels, or looks like, and in the process use the knowledge and lessons learned in your daily affairs, see his debut on page 12. It’s StraightUp Folasophical! Dr. Dayo Brown is a household name. In his hands (or from his mouth), the word becomes a fiery furnace. Spoken or written, his word is like a flaming torch to the hearts of those who appreciate the import of word and seek diligently to put its efficacy to test. The President of Word Ablaze Ministries is gracing our Faith-FULL column on page 18 with his trademark choice wisdom keys and an exposition of the greatest book ever written. In Sports, the seasonal tide of transfers has swept through Euro league. Starting from page 40, we tell you who is where and doing what. While at it, don’t miss the special profile on Auba, the Gabonese wonder boy lighting up the Bundesliga with his lethal strikes. Our Arts & Entertainment pages are loaded as always. A lot is going on with the Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA) as the organizers get closer to the November 8 date of the awards in Lagos. We have an exciting update on Page 22. And don’t forget our regulars; African Students, Renny Vonne, Mashet At Large, Beauty, Fashion and many more. As always, we are loaded to the hilt with just about the right dose of everything you need to see you through the next quarter. We trust you’ll find this package informative, educative and entertaining. Happy reading.

EARN EXTRA $$$ WRITE FOR USAFRICA JOURNAL USAfrica Journal is now accepting articles for publication in its next issue. We welcome commentaries, cartoons, general news features, business/finance features, personality/celebrity interviews, sports features, profiles, fashion, lifestyle, health, arts, book, music and movie reviews, etc. If you can craft timeless and hundred percent original stories suitable for publication in a quality serious periodical catering to people of African descent in the United States and Diaspora, let’s see a sample of your work or a pitch. Unsolicited materials are welcome but we do not guarantee usage in any form or shape. Knowledge of AP style is a plus but not a must. We reserve the right to reject or edit submissions to conform to space, style, and accuracy standards. Send submissions as word document to: editor@usafricajournal.com

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

COVER 2

Kenya’s Angel

of Reconstructive Surgery Dr. Mohamud Sheikh Nurein Said, the first African to be elected president of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark traverses the nooks and crannies of Kenya and several other East African countries’ hinterlands, offering and giving his time, skill and expertise as a renowned surgeon to indigent people who otherwise cannot afford even a fraction of his fee. In his journeys in the rural areas of Kenya and beyond, Dr. Said has mended limbs and cleft lips; replaced arms and legs battered or mangled by war and debilitating diseases, and in the process, put smiles on faces hitherto forlorn. In Kenya and abroad, Dr. Said is seen not only as a hero, but also, the harbinger of smiles and joy to the sad and hopeless. In 2005, he received a presidential recognition from the Kenya’s Head of state for his community service in the field of medicine. And just recently, here in the United States, his good deeds came under the radar of the National Association of Peace Corps Volunteers when he was nominated for, and won the prestigious Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award. Not bad for a man who said he came from “a remote place in Kenya where there were no schools, no infrastructures, and even today, no telephones.” Shortly before the star studded award ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, USAfrica Journal had a chat with Dr. Said. Excerpts:

How does it feel to win this award? Great. It feels really nice to see that you are being recognized globally. How did you get involved with the Peace Corps? My first encounter with Peace Corps members was in secondary school. Our principal was one of the Peace Corps members serving in Kenya at the time. We, the young ones, found them interesting because prior to meeting them, the other white people that we were exposed to were the British who were usually stern looking district commissioners, police officers or administrators. Back then, people feared them! What’s different about the Americans? They were jovial, mixed with the people, visited people’s houses. We saw them as another brand of white people altogether. They taught science subjects and took us through experiments which generally got us very excited. Their style of teaching made science easier and very interesting for us to learn. So the Peace Corps positively influenced your career choice? Absolutely! In those days, most people took arts subjects because they thought they were easier, and we didn’t even have a proper laboratory. I think the introduction of science subjects in a fun and in an easier way made me go for medicine, because if I

“Though the people who need help are in the rural areas, everybody wants to stay in the city. That is a major problem.” 6

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

COVER STORY

hadn’t had good teachers like the Peace Corps people, I would not have taken the science subjects which in turn made me study medicine after graduation from secondary school. You volunteer a lot. What motivates you to do what you do? My motivation comes from my upbringing in a Muslim family. We were taught right from childhood to assist others. So when I got my scholarship, I knew somebody indirectly is paying for my education so that I can become a doctor, come back to Africa and assist other people and that’s exactly what I did. I had the opportunities to stay abroad after my graduation from college, but my heart was with the ordinary people in the villages. Other than this obligatory feeling to give back to your community and the world at large, what is it about volunteering that appeals to you? For me, it has been quite rewarding to see people who otherwise could not afford the cost of a necessary medical operation, get the care they need when we go out there in the village to assist. Whether it is operating on children with cleft lips or giving a wheelchair to someone who had been immobilized for many years just because he couldn’t afford one, the joy that I see in their faces keeps me going. There was this nine-year old boy whose limbs we fixed, and another board member of the Red Cross bought shoes for him. When we took the boy back to the village, he came out of the vehicle and ran towards his father. When the father saw his son running towards him for the first time in a long time, he just started crying. Now when you see

such things, you just want to continue doing whatever it is you are doing that gives people such joy.

“It has been quite rewarding to see people who otherwise could not afford the cost of a necessary medical operation, get the care they need when we go out there in the village to assist.” What are the challenges and how can people be of help? Though the people who need help are in the rural areas, everybody wants to stay in the city. That is a major problem. Our governments in Africa should focus more on education and health of the youth; and also assist people. At individual level, we should volunteer our time. Everything is not about the money but about the impact that your work would have on other people. Volunteerism is a gift from God. You have what you have for a purpose. Share it with others. So how do you plan on sharing the prize money? It’s a token amount of $2,500. I will give $I,500 to the Red Cross and $1,000 will go to an organization we started 20 years ago called Independent MedicoLegal Unit to do whatever work they need to do. It’s not much but at least it can assist in some way. Dr. Said Photos Credit: National Peace Corps Association (NPCA)

Dr. Said

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

EDITORIAL

All we are saying is

keep DV lottery alive

he specious provision eliminating the Diversity Visa (DV) Program embedded in the Border Security, Economic Competitiveness, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744) must be removed before the bill becomes law. If this bill otherwise known as the Immigration Reform Act 2013 authored by a curious (some say unholy) alliance of four democrats and four republicans becomes law, it would eliminate the DV Program through which 55,000 immigrants, largely from Africa are awarded immigrant status by lottery each year; the DV program will be replaced with a merit-based visa system that would grant visas to applicants based on criteria such as level of education, work experience, and English language proficiency; and married children over 30 years of age and siblings of U.S. citizens would no longer be eligible for a family preference in the visa application process.

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

We clearly understand that the country‘s antiquated immigration system needs to be overhauled. And we know that since President Barack Obama won a staggering 71 percent of the Latino vote in the last election, he has to be seen, at the very least, as doing his best to fix the rickety immigration system that kept more than 11 million undocumented Latino immigrants in the shadows. We get that. However, allowing this bill to pass “as is” portends grave consequences for the larger American society. While the proposed bill may bring in more hired hands from neighboring countries to pluck oranges in the groves of Florida and California; and till and mow the lawns across the country, the healthcare sector may end up bearing the brunt of this ill-advised section of the Immigration Reform Act 2013. A recent study by the American Nurses Association (ANA) found that two in five units are short staffed while one in three reported inadequate staffing levels.

Also, more than seven in 10 nurses said that staffing on their unit and shift was insufficient. Kristen McCabe of Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank in Washington, in her analysis of data from the US Census Bureau and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, found that more than one-quarter of physicians and surgeons (27 percent), and more than one out of every five (22 percent) persons working in health care support jobs as nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides were foreign born. Another study by Migration Information Institute found that compared to other immigrants, African born male and female immigrants were more likely to work as registered nurses, non-physician healthcare practitioners and in healthcare support occupations. In fact, many African immigrants who came to this country through the DV program are employed in the healthcare industry as RNs, LPNs and CNAs providing the much needed care and support for America’s rapidly aging population. It is rather strange that at a time when there is a dire need for more personnel in the health care industry and occupations in the field are being projected to account for about one in every six newly created jobs in the United States between 2010 and 2020, a bill blocking the source of quality personnel for this all important sector sailed through the Senate and is now at the House of Representatives awaiting the return of representatives from summer recess.

“While the proposed bill may bring in more hired hands from neighboring countries to pluck oranges in the groves of Florida and California; and till and mow the lawns across the country, the healthcare sector may end up bearing the brunt of this illadvised section of the Immigration Reform Act 2013.” Will representatives have the courage to reject this section of the Immigration Reform Act 2013? We’ll see. For now, we cannot say it loud enough; the merit based system, according to experts, is too darn convoluted to avert the looming human capital crisis in the healthcare sector if the DV lottery is removed. The Immigration Reform Act 2013 has good intentions: fix the immigration system so we can clear the backlog of applications; revive the economy; get more workers into the country to till the land and work in high-tech jobs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere across the United States. These lofty goals are still achievable without sacrificing the DV Program on the altar of political expediency. Let the DV Program stay.

STOP PRESS

See latest update on Page 37.

MY WORD, MY WORLD

I Have Seen The Vision By Tunde Kolawole | USA

It is the season to dream. Through dreams, prophetic visions, oftentimes are given; some clear and lucid as a bright day in summer; some enigmatic and troubling like the dark bowels of the night that brought them forth. Many we forget; some get repressed into the tiniest and darkest corner of our craniums. Still to us who dream, we are given visions.

erhaps it is the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King hovering in the atmosphere as the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, my sleep lately has been invaded by dreams and visions of all sorts. I have a dream that a day shall dawn when the accent of an immigrant will not be a speed bump or outright barrier to securing a job he/she is otherwise more than qualified for. I see the vision of imposing hills and threatening valleys; seemingly making mockery of the African immigrants’ efforts; I see the pits and mounds that you go through as immigrants in America take its toll as you toil to pay your dues,

but I bear good tidings: I feel a gentle breeze of comfort gathering in the horizon, stretching its feathery fingers to soothe achy hearts of immigrants in this land flowing with milk and honey. I see the hand of providence, wiping away tears, and mopping sweatdrenched brows. On this auspicious 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s I have a Dream speech, I feel the uplifting touch of winsome words descend like soothing dews of the morning on parched foliage of fall, and I am persuaded to say unto you tossed hither and thither by vicissitudes of life; to you pummeled and pressed down by lack into a cesspool of frustration and helplessness; that I hear the rush of a

MASHET AT LARGE

Can’t We All Just Get Along? By Ajibade Obafemi Animasaun | USA On this 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, I have a “dream” of my own. I dream that one day African American and Africans in Diaspora will get along better than they do now. I dream that these two groups of people will emphasize more on what they have in common than what divides them. I know that Dr. Martin Luther King would have loved to see African American and AfriAnother Quick $25 For YOU Who was the Nigerian drafted in the first round of the NBA 2013? Email answer to: mail@usafricajournal.com Or Text answer to: 215-571-9241 Don’t forget to include your name, address and phone number. GOOD LUCK!

cans in Diaspora in the United States work together to further his “dream” of emancipating all black “people” all over the world. Hence this piece is not about apportioning blame but rather an appeal for co-operation between the two groups. Let’s start with the rather sensitive matter of slavery and how the slave raiders came to sub Saharan Africa to force people to leave their homeland to come to the “west.” An African American friend once asked me why my ancestors sold their ancestors into slavery. I could only hazard an educated guess; that my ancestors were overwhelmed by the firepower brought in by the Europeans who were bent on carting people away against their will to strange lands to do their dirty, backbreaking jobs in plantations. Without commensurate weapons to fight back, Africans became easy prey in the

mighty wind of change gathering right now from the east and from the west; I see the elements aligning in your favor; and ultimately righting every path hitherto crooked. I see losses being met with Zionistic fate of immeasurable replenishments. Yes, I see the cloud in the sky, thick impenetrable ball of greyness, but still I hear a refrain; “It is well,” sung over and over like an endless madrigal. I hear the rumbling of thunder; I see the streaks of lightning brightening the dark spots; I hear sound of abundance of rain; and I know for sure, that this cloud above, hanging like the sword of Damocles, is neither unto destruction nor annihilation. Yes, I know for sure, that this dark cloud shall birth rain of blessings that will usher in the glory of the sons and daughters of Africa for all to see. Just as Dr. King’s speech ushered in landmark positive changes in the civil rights movement, I call forth gain, for every loss you’ve experienced; for every pain, take comfort; for sadness, joy is yours; for tears, embrace smiles and laughter. And to you, rooted to your seat with feet immobile, I see you walk into your recovery.

And the Winner Is … QUESTION: Who was the last Nigerian Head of State when Nigeria last won a major soccer tournament? ANSWER: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Mashet At Large promised, and he’s delivered. The winner of his quiz published in the last issue of the hands of inhumane white slave traders. Yet, some Africans still fought back gallantly while some out of greed, did aid the Europeans in carting away their brothers and sisters. So how do we solve this generational distrust between two groups of people who are essentially one and the same? What I see is gross misconception about each other due mainly to vast cultural differences on both sides. Imagine an African landing at the JFK airport for the first time and being rocked and shocked by the bright lights of New York, the gateway to the free world.

“I feel a gentle breeze of comfort gathering in the horizon, stretching its feathery fingers to soothe achy hearts of immigrants in this land flowing with milk and honey.” Approximately five years after Dr. King delivered his prophetic and pivotal speech on the steps of Lincoln Memorial in Washington, he was felled by an assassin’s bullet in Memphis, Tennessee. He bled and died, but Dr. King’s dream is not over yet. It is still unfolding; and I have seen the vision that in a not too distant future, the Oval office, the Pentagon, the Congress, the City Halls and the corner offices of Fortune 500 companies in this land shall witness an upsurge in the number of the children of Africa directing the affairs of this great nation. Those who have ears, let them hear.

magazine is Oduloye Adetokunbo of Smyrna, Delaware State, USA. His entry was randomly drawn from among hundreds of correct entries sent in via email and text messages from Nigeria and across the United States. Adetokunbo won $25. He will be presented with his prize money at a date to be announced later. Congratulations. Perhaps some examples of my personal culture shock stories will explain this better. I still have to remind myself that when Americans talk about a pair of pants, they are talking about what I know as trousers. Pants, from my British upbringing are underwear such as “Jockeys,” “Fruit of the Loom” or “Hanes” which Americans call briefs! I remember the first time my African American colleague at work asked me: “Can I see your pen?” My response was, “why would you want to see my pen?” I did not know he was asking if he could borrow my pen. CAN’T WE continued on page 42 USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

AFRICAN STUDENTS

African, Caribbean Students Host

Gala for Ghana

By Sadiat Makuna | USA

o everything, there is a season: A time to study, and a time to unwind! African and Caribbean Villanovans (ACV) took time to do the latter recently at an event organized by the students’ association at its Villanova University, Pennsylvania base. According to ACV’s president Ashley Phillips, the purpose of the event tagged Gala for Ghana was to bring the Ghanaian culture to Villanova’s campus through education, entertainment and highlighting the beauty of Ghana’s culture. The party may be over now, but the memories still linger.

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

Photo Credit: ACV.

Ibrahim Kargbo: Young, But Going Places By Eldana Mengesha | USA

Ibrahim Kargbo, second year electrical engineering student at Villanova University has a quiet, unassuming look until he flashes a smile at you, which he does quite often. Then his face lights up and you can almost see through the glint in his brown eyes. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Kargbo came to the United States 13 years ago to join his parents. Though he has been here all of those 13 years, Kargbo still remembers wistfully, the very first day he set foot on the soil of America. In a typical African immigrant community, it is expected that you must graduate high school. It’s an accomplishment but it’s just not something that you will see an African roll out the drums for. I believe you should push yourself to the limit and go further than that, at least get your masters.

The Future:

One day, I want to start my own Fortune 500 Company and use it to try to help my country to develop. I want to be in the corporate world basically,

INTERVIEW own my company and be my own boss. It would start here in United States, but eventually it will be global.

Fun Time

I study a lot, but when I get the free time, I hang out with my friends, watch TV, go to basketball games, movies, generally doing regular teenager stuff.

Advice To youths:

Just look at your parents. See what they have to go through to take care of you and your siblings and ask yourself, do you want to go through the same thing? Some of them work two or three jobs just to take care of us and ensure we get education and even the most basic necessities of life. Use that as your motivation that you don’t want to struggle so hard just to make ends meet. You have the opportunity now to go to school; go and stay in school, be focused and never be distracted from your goal.

Goals

Kargbo “I came through New York,” he recalled. “I remember seeing a lot of lights. The whole place was lit up. We had electricity in Freetown; it’s just that I didn’t remember seeing that many bright lights concentrated in one place or everywhere like I saw that night in New York.” Kargbo, now 19, has grown to become a role model in his family and community. Recently, Kargbo won a Coca Cola scholarship which he said, would assist him and his family greatly in his academic pursuit. USAfrica Journal met with the young man recently to hear his story:

Elementarty School:

I came to the United States at age six and went straight to school. Elementary school was okay but the kids were always bothering me; teasing and calling me ‘the kid from Africa’ and all that but it got better as time went by.

High School

I know some people may go through high school and think they got it made. To me, high school wasn’t a challenge.

Education is very important to me. Right now, I’m studying for my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Villanova University and I plan to do a master’s program at top schools like Harvard and UPenn.

Coca Cola Scholarship:

That was a gift from God to reward me for my hard work. One day last summer I received a package from Villanova informing me that I was eligible to apply for the Coca Cola Scholarship. I had to write an essay, explaining my goals; what would the award mean to me if I win and general questions along that line. It took me about 45 minutes to write. It was my best essay effort because it was coming from the heart. I wrote about the struggles and challenges that I’ve had growing up as a young man from another country in the United States; I wrote about what I want for my family and what I want for myself in life. With the scholarship, I get $6,250 per year provided I continue to meet the eligibility requirements, one of which is to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout my studies. This year, I had 3.67, so that is not going to be a problem. My family sees the scholarship as a big thing; that it is a good example for my siblings to do even better; and see that hard work does pay off. If I can do it, they can do it too. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

STRAIGHTUP FOLASOPHICAL!

Is Something Wrong Or You Are Just Wrong That Something Is Wrong?

Dr. Ojo

By Dr. Fola Ojo | USA

his is the story of my friend, and I think we all can learn a lesson from this. Over the years, my friend has developed serious chronic headaches, earaches, joint pains, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, and all different kinds of pain. He has had CT scan done on his head, MRI on his joints and muscles, cystoscopy for his bladder, colonoscopy for his colons, EKG for chest troubles, HIV test for AIDS, PT, PTT, and series of blood works. Doctors, however, are yet to find a disease. My friend frequents the Emergency Room in the small town he lives as often as a pastor stretches his holy, unblemished hands for Tithes and Offerings. As I write, my friend is determined to take a complete leave and run away to some lonely desert in Africa so he can get his happy-go-lucky sanity back. Many times, he had decided that it was time for him to leave his duty

post, but he is still hanging on. He gets stressed from a lot of issues ranging from the people’s different shades of personal troubles, growth in his business, and his own personal trying times that seem to be growing with no end in sight. At the end of the day, he found out that nothing was and is wrong with him. His problem all along has been that he refused to rest, pace himself, and balance his life. Like a marathon runner, you give it all you’ve got going uphill and rest as much as you can going downhill. You try to balance the drain on your energy so that you can go the distance. Whether you are a pastor, soldier, business man or woman, politician, journalist, whatever you do for a living, you better take some time to rest. If you don’t, doctors will keep on digging into your body following your plethora of complaints in an attempt

to find something that is not actually wrong with you. The many digging processes themselves can dig your grave if you let them keep digging. You don’t want that, do you? You better rest yourself, pace out your schedules, and don’t kill yourself before time. You don’t want someone else spend all the money you struggled to make. Take some long rest, my friend; you’ll be doing yourself a favor if you do.

DREAM BIG, BUT YOU CAN START SMALL!

No matter how big your dream is, you can always achieve it when you start small. If the Tower of Babel was built one brick at a time, the Tower of your Dream will also be built one brick at a time. For example, you can start your business from your basement and a cricket phone. If God has called you, your ministry can begin with two

or three and your determined handclapping. You can begin a relationship with just a “hello”, a smile, and a good attitude. The bigness of any miracle is embroidered in the smallness of onebrick- at- a- time. Jesus dreamed big when 5,000 church members besieged him hungry, but he started with only five loaves of bread and two fishes. (Mark 6, John 6). Dream big, but it will not be a step of shame and foolishness when you start small. Dr. Ojo is the CEO of Gravitas Communications, and senior pastor of RCCG (City of Praise), Hartford, Wisconsin.

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October – December 2013

NEW REVIVAL IN TOWN CCC MIRACLE OF GOD PARISH HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA

HOST PASTOR: SUP EVANG. PROPHET DR. SAMUEL BAKARE

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WEDDING BELLS

From Her Mouth to Her Finger – It is done!

By John Kay | USA

hat do you do with a guy who played a prank on you – on your birthday, of all days? Hold your answer. Don’t hang him yet! What do you do with a guy who hid an engagement ring in a chilled glass of Piña Colada? Well, if you are Adetutu, you get mad first, and marry the prankster thereafter! “Thank God I wasn’t in a rush with the drink,” Adetutu recalled Olumide’s proposal ploy. And luckily for Olumide, his prank – calling Adetutu from England on her birthday to tell her he was at her door with a special birthday cake when in fact he was six thousand miles away in England – and his proposal strategy didn’t backfire. Adetutu didn’t stay mad at him forever, and best of all, she said, “Yes” after discovering her engagement ring in her mouth! “I just wanted to get her attention and become closer to her,” Olumide said. No wahala. All is well that ends well. For exactly one year after proposing to Adetutu, they were joined in holy matrimony at The Anglican Church of Ascension, Lagos. Several family members, friends and well-wishers were at the wedding and the reception held at the Church Hall to wish the newlyweds a blessed marriage. Exactly what all of us here at USAfrica Journal are wishing Adetutu and Olumide.

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

WEDDING BELLS

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

HEALTH

START THE SCHOOL YEAR RIGHT WITH HEALTHIER SCHOOL LUNCHES

ack-to-school is a time to start fresh — and that includes rethinking kids’ lunchtime routines. With childhood obesity affecting one in five children in the U.S., you may be concerned about keeping your children at a healthy weight. Or maybe you’d like to save a little money. Packing healthy school lunches is a great way to accomplish these goals. As you’re filling their school lunch sacks, aim for veggies, fruits, and whole grains to make up about two-thirds of the meal. For the rest, use lean animal protein such as poultry minus the skin, low-fat cheese, fish, or lean red meat.

Try these tasty treats and tricks in your child’s lunch:

• Tweak kids’ favorites. Replace white bread: Try bread, English muffins, tortillas, or bagels made from whole grains as the base of a sandwich. Get creative with the fillings too. Swap sugary jelly in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with apple slices, banana slices, or raisins. • Skip the salty snacks. A handful of a fruity trail mix (made of dried fruits like cranberries, apple slices, dates, and raisins) is a great substitute for potato chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks.

• Think small. Cheese, rotisserie chicken, melons, and veggies are easier to eat if you slice them into cubes or chunks. Your child won’t need to worry about cutting things up at the lunch table and will have plenty of time to enjoy these healthy foods. • Try tasty dips. Instead of salad dressings and ketchup, spice up a sack lunch with salsa (mango, pineapple, and tomato are kids’ favorites). Hummus is another tasty partner to apple slices, whole-grain crackers, cubed foods, and other healthy treats. • Be imaginative. Want to make lunch feel interesting, fun, and full of love? Try using art supplies, cookie cutters (to make square sandwiches into fun shapes), cloth napkins, a note from you, and stickers.

Keep it Cool

IF THEIR FACES REALLY DO GET STUCK LIKE THAT, THEY’LL BE COVERED. Free or low-cost health insurance for all uninsured PA kids and teens. No family makes too much. Beneﬁts include doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and eye care and much more. CHIP is brought to you by private health insurance companies you know and trust. And your child may even be able to continue seeing the same doctor. Your child may be enrolled in Medical Assistance if your income is below CHIP guidelines.

Apply today! CHIPcoversPAkids.com 1-800-986-KIDS

Once you have lunch ready, make sure it’s packed properly. A recent study found many lunches with perishable contents weren’t kept cold enough. That increases the risk of harmful bacteria growth that can cause food-borne illness. These tips will help keep your child’s lunch at the right temperature: Prepare the food the night before and store the packed lunch in the refrigerator. Send lunch to school in a soft-sided lunch box or insulated bag that’s made for keeping food cold. Pack an ice source (such as an ice pack, frozen water bottle, or frozen 100 percent juice box) with perishable food in any type of lunch bag or box.

BERRIES MAY HELP YOUR HEART HEALTH

o matter how you eat them, berries pack a strong nutritional punch. But there’s more: A new study points to the health benefits of strawberries and blueberries having a protective effect on your heart. The colors of these popular berries come from a compound called anthocyanin. Studies suggest that a high intake of anthocyanin may reduce MI (myocardial infarction) risk in young women.

Berry Fans Fare Better

In the new study, more than 93,000 women ages 25 to 42 regularly reported their dietary habits. Over 18 years, 405 of the women had heart attacks. Those who ate three or more servings of strawberries and blueberries per week, though, were 32 percent less likely to be among them. That’s compared with those who ate berries less than once per month. The berry-eaters’ benefits continued even when they were compared with women who ate lots of BERRIES continued on page 42

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October – December 2013

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Faith-FULL

The Bible Story

Acts of the Apostles - and beyond that the correspondence room - the epistles - where we see Paul and Peter and James and John and Jude busy at their desks. Before leaving we stand a moment in the outside gallery - the Revelation where we look upon some striking pictures of the judgment to come, and the glories to be revealed, concluding with an awe-inspiring picture of the throne room of the King! Hallelujah!

By Dr. Dayo Brown | USA

magine a religious novel of sixty-six chapters which was begun by a single writer many years ago. After the author has completed only five chapters, he suddenly dies. But during the next 1,000 years, around thirty amateur “free-lance” writers feel constrained to contribute to this uncompleted spiritual novel. Few of these authors share little or nothing in common; they speak different languages, live at different times in different countries, have totally different backgrounds, cultures, occupations, and write in different styles. Imagine further that at the completion of the thirty-ninth chapter, the writing for some reason suddenly stops. Not one word is therefore added for the next 400 years. After this long delay it begins once again when eight new authors add the final twenty-seven chapters. With all this in mind, what would be the probability of this religious novel becoming morally, historically, literally, prophetically, and scientifically coherent or consistent? The obvious answer

is ...not one in a million! Yet, this is the story of the Bible “...written with the finger of God.” (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10). The Bible is a beautiful palace built of sixty-six blocks of solid marble - the sixty -six books: In the first chapter of Genesis we enter the vestibule, filled with the mighty acts of creation. The vestibule gives access to the law courts - the five books of Moses - passing through which we come to the picture gallery of the historical books. Here we find hung upon the walls scenes of battlefields, representations of heroic deeds, and portraits of eminent men belonging to the early days of the world’s history. Beyond the picture gallery we find the philosopher’s chamber - the book of Job - passing through which we enter the music room - the book of Psalms where we listen to the grandest strains that ever fell on human ears. Then we come to the business office - the book of Proverbs - where right in the center

CHURCH LISTINGS

Glorious Morning Star Cherubim and Seraphim Church 289 Saratoga Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233

CONNECTICUT Winners Chapel International 76 Pane Road Newington, CT 06111 860-878-6855

MARYLAND MFM 5506 Church Road Bowie, MD 20772 CAC, House of Praise 4909 Edmonston Road Hyattsville, MD 20781 301-864-4788

DELAWARE RCCG Abundant Life Center 61 Christiana Road Newcastle, DE 19720 302-561-6008

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Glorious Light Christian Ministries 104 E Broad Street Paulsboro, NJ 08066 856-224-4925 NEW YORK CAC, Mt. Pleasant of USA 1132 East Tremont Avenue Bronx, NY 10460 718-239-3512 CAC (WOSEM) 611 Williams Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11208

PENNSYLVANIA CAC of PA, Mt. of Redemption 5200 Paschall Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143 215-724-5711

RCCG, Living Spring Center 5801 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215-474-5800 RCCG, Living Spring Intern’l Center 2123 N. 1st Avenue, Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-3790

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of the room, stands facing us the motto, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” From the business office we pass into the chapel - Ecclesiastes, or the Song of Solomon with the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, and all manner of fine perfume and fruit and flowers and singing birds. Finally we reach the observatory - the prophets, with their telescopes fixed on near and distant stars, and all directed toward “the Bright and Morning Star,” that was soon to arise. Crossing the court we come to the audience chamber of the King - the Gospels - where we find four vivid lifelike portraits of the King himself. Next we enter the workroom of the Holy Spirit - the

TEXAS RCCG, Household of Faith 5001 New York Avenue Arlington, TX 76018 817-461-8857/817-4614310 CAC, Mercy Field 9621 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77074 713-541-4323/713-7059078 Dominion International Center 14030 Beechnut Street Houston, TX 77083 281-293-9997 WASHINGTON DC CAC (WOSEM) 4408 Georgia Avenue Washington DC 20011 202-723-2086 RCCG, New Wine Assembly 1515 Kenilworth Avenue Washington DC 20019 202-398-2211 WISCONSIN RCCG, City of Praise

5112 North 37th Street Milwaukee, WI 53209 414-465-0000

See more listings at www.usafricajournal.com October – December 2013

Dr. Brown

WISDOM KEYS • Heaven has never helped those who practiced self-help; divine help is the sure way to selfdiscovery. Jesus said, “Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” (Matthew 16:25 - THE MESSAGE BIBLE). • Outside God, there is nothing like purposeful living. “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank of angels - everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” (Colossians 1:16 -THE MESSAGE BIBLE). Dr. Brown is the President, Word Ablaze Ministries, Philadelphia.

Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania (Mount of Redemption)

5200 Paschall Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143 Mail: P. O. Box 2294, Upper Darby, PA 19082 Phone/Fax: 215-724-5711 Email: cacpenn@aol.com Website: www.cacpenn.com Facebook: cacpenn

Come worship with us Bible Study 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Wednesday Prayer Warriors 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Friday Night Vigil 12:00am – 3:00am, Friday Holy Ghost 12:00 am – 3:00am, Last Friday of the month Choir Practice 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Saturday Sunday School 10:00am – 11:00am, Sunday Worship Service 11:00am – 1:30pm, Sunday Office Hours 10:00am – 2:00pm, Monday – Friday Prayerline

10:00pm – 11:00pm, Tuesday Dial 712-432-3900, Access Code 335192#

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Pastor M. O. Ajayi Associate Pastor

REAL ESTATE

Home Insurance:

Are You Really Covered?

MYTH: I’ll get my home’s current

market value if it’s destroyed.

REALITY: Most homeowners who

more. You’ll also need plenty of documentation, including details such as cost, purchase dates, and serial numbers for appliances, furniture, and other items.

policy covers your car, whether the tree was yours or your neighbor’s. Expect to foot most or the entire bill to remove the tree if it’s yours and it simply blew over without hitting anything.

WHAT TO DO: Get the Know Your

WHAT TO DO: Keep a watchful

Stuff home-inventory app or software for smart phones or computers from the Insurance Information Institute at iii.org/software. We also suggest getting your own contractor estimates for repairs. Another option is a public adjuster, who usually charges 10 percent of the payout but could get you far more. Find one at napia.com, the website of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. Still having problems? Try griping to your state’s insurance commissioner—or threatening to.

suffer catastrophe are underinsured, according to United Policyholders, a San Francisco nonprofit that has surveyed and assisted disaster survivors nationwide since 1991. It’s up to you to boost coverage as needed to be sure you get what your home is really worth, especially when home prices are rising, because insurers compete on lower premium prices.

if his tree falls on my house or car.

WHAT TO DO: Ask your insurer

REALITY: Your neighbor’s policy

for a customized estimate of your home’s replacement cost. You can also run your own check for $8 at accucoverage.com. Then consider checking other insurers to see which offers the most coverage for the lowest monthly premium.

eye on your neighbor’s trees. Send a friendly e-mail if any looks sick or damaged so that you can document the problem for later if necessary. Also

me if I’m a renter.

REALITY: No dice. A landlord’s

insurance policy covers only the landlord’s building and personal liability, not yours.

WHAT TO DO: Buy renters insur-

ance to protect your possessions and cover the extra expense of temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable, along with potential injury and other personal-liability costs.

MYTH: My neighbor’s insurer pays

pays for damage to your home only if the tree was obviously rotten or dead before it fell, making it a neglected hazard. Otherwise, your homeowners’ policy covers your home and your auto

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Tel: 08034715822, 07059190493, 08091783883 E-mail: info@babalolaaadeniyi.com Web site: www.babalolaaadeniyi.com

MYTH: I can

expect a quick and friendly payout like the kind in the commercials.

A firm of Estate Surveyors, Valuers and Facility Managers established and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and recognized by The Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) to practice the real estate profession nationwide.

REALITY: Be prepared for a fight, especially with large claims. Fully 20 percent of home claims were still pending for homeowners we surveyed six months after Sandy—with almost 50 percent of them for $40,000 or

MYTH: My landlord’s policy covers

Photo Credit: ConsumerReports

nowing what is—and isn’t— covered before the next big storm can help you make sure you aren’t stuck for the bulk of any repairs. Here are some of the most common home-insurance myths, and steps that can help put you in good hands; courtesy of ConsumerReports.

have trees on your property inspected at least yearly by an arborist.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEFORE MARRYING ASOMUGHA

Power Players

“I Was Involved Meet Joe Dudun With a Nigerian Man for Four Years” I -Kerry Washington By Isaac Oluwole | Nigeria

By Betty John | Canada

id you know that A-list actress, Kerry Washington was involved with a Nigerian man prior to marrying NFL star, Nnamdi Asomugha? Yes she was. But that background information somehow didn’t make it into hundreds of reports feverishly put together and posted online in the wake of the sudden announcement of the couple’s secret wedding in Blaine County, Idaho, United States. Now, we can authoritatively report that prior to tying the knot with NFL star player, Nnamdi Asomugha; Washington, Hollywood’s current darling, was involved with a Nigerian man for four years! And that was straight from Washington’s mouth! The identity of the Nigerian man whom Washington was involved with is still shrouded in mystery just like many other tidbits about Washington’s personal life. However, a recurring name a m o n g

FAST FACT Washington is 36, Asomugha is 31 This is first marriage for both of them. Asomugha’s sister, Chisaraukwu Asomugha, was the officiating minister at the wedding ceremony. In 2007, Washington broke off her engagement to actor David Muscow after dating for more than two years sports and entertainment industry insiders that we spoke with is Akbar Oluwakemi-Idowu Gbaja-Biamila, formerly of Oakland Raiders. Sources said Washington and AGB as Gbaja-Biamila was widely known in his playing days, are very good friends. On Washington’s official website, AGB is listed, like many other celebrities in sports and entertainment, as one of Washington’s “favorite people.” Some insiders however believe Washington’s husband, Asomugha was the Nigerian man Washington dated for four years prior to marrying him on June 24 this year in Idaho. A top New York based publicist told USAfrica Journal that Washington and Asomugha might have been dating more than the one year reported in the media. “If they could keep their wedding under such a tight wrap as they did successBEFORE continued on page 42

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n Nigeria’s movie industry, Joe Dudun is a force to reckon with. An active participant in the evolution of Nollywood, Dudun is a creative writer, filmmaker, applied creative writing advocate/teacher, conservationist as well as a former journalist. Dudun is one of those largely invisible, yet mighty hands stirring the tumultuous tide of development in Nollywood from behind the scene. As a script writer, he puts words in the mouths of your favorite movies stars. Without him and his ilk, the Omotolas, Genevieves, Ramseys and the rest of them might as well be cartoons in a silent movie!

A founding member of the Directors Guild of Nigeria as well as member, Board of Trustees of the Association of Movie Producers, Dudun has directed, among others; Judgment Day, The Village Square, Oso biri Ugen, Ere-ale, Etan, Uja-Oye, Ogodobiri and Ugbeyin. His other directing efforts include The Great Tide: The Story of Nana Olomu (a 13-part TV serial dramatizing the epic story of Nana of the Niger Delta); Beyond Obligation, Living For Tomorrow (TV serial, 52 episodes); Our Time (sitcom, 26 epiPOWER continued on page 42

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Behold the Power of Music: By Esther Olatunde | USA

IT’S A MIRACLE!

Photos Credit: USAfrica Journal Photos

rganizers of the 6th Annual ACANA (African Cultural Alliance of North America) Festival 2013 promised fun, lots of it; dance, food and music. In fact they went all out to deliver on their promise. Artistes that performed at the festival included Joanne “Tigress” Rowley from Trinidad & Tobago, Rotimi & de afrophonic crew, Rafiya and a host of others. But the organizers didn’t promise a miracle. Yet a miracle happened at this year’s ACANA festival held at Penn’s landing in Philadelphia. I have seen people move to tears by music; I have seen people smile, laugh or simply go berserk with joy at the sound of music. In fact I have seen teenagers, groupies and diehard fans of musicians scream their heads off, rip their underwear and bras off and fling them on stage when music hits their core, but right now, I just can’t recollect seeing anything akin to what transpired at the ACANA festival. “Seeing is believing,” they say. Here we share the miraculous moments captured exclusively by USAfrica Journal at the ACANA festival. If this is not a miracle, I don’t know what is. Next time you hear people say music heals, you better say Amen!

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MEGA Shocker: Telemi Opts Out!

By Tosin Obiwale | USA Orokoya

Fans of Evangelist Timi Orokoya (a.k.a.Telemi) are in for the shock of their lives at the maiden edition of Music and Entertainment Gospel Awards (a.k.a. Mega Awards) holding in Lagos in November, this year.

f you are one of those fans hoping and waiting to hear Telemi’s name as a nominee or winner at the awards, forget it. Or else, you’ll have a loooong wait! Top level sources from the awards secretariat in Lagos, Nigeria have confirmed that Telemi will not be considered for any of the awards that will be given out at the event billed as the biggest and brightest in the history of Nigeria’s gospel music industry. We learned Telemi voluntarily bowed out to avert a potential credibility and conflict of interests’ crisis which his candidature in any of the awards categories might engender. Not only is Telemi the current president of Gospel Musician Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, and

“I have won several awards in my life, and I may still win more in years to come. But it is really important for me to realize my desire to see the Nigerian music industry develop in the right way.” 22

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October – December 2013

a recording artiste, but also, he is a member of Mega Awards’ Main Organizing Committee (MOC) which oversees the selection of members of the Screening Committee and the Body of Judges - two organs saddled with the task of selecting nominees and winners of Mega Awards. Though his multi-track CD, Your Excellency released in 2012 is eligible to be entered for consideration in all relevant categories, such a move, in the light of his current role in the MOC, could compromise the integrity of the awards. “Even if his uprightness as a man of God, and the check and balance measures put in place by the organizers prevent him from influencing the nomination process and overall integrity of the awards, members of the MOC were wary of taking any step that might be misconstrued or lead to needless controversy about the awards,” our source said. Faced with the choice of either renouncing publicly his membership of MOC and thus able to submit his work for consideration; or stay in the MOC and forfeit a lifetime chance of being nominated (and even possibly winning) at a historic maiden edition of Mega Awards, Telemi chose to walk a selfless path. “I have won several awards in my life, and I may still win more in

years to come,” Telemi said. “But it is really important for me to realize my desire to see the Nigerian music industry develop in the right way. So, if my not entering for this award which I believe would be the most significant event ever produced in this country, will contribute to achieving that goal, then I will gladly leave my music out of it.”

Mega Awards coordinator, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, commended Telemi for his act of personal sacrifice and assured him that posterity would be kind to him for putting the awards before his self-interest. Telemi has since hit the road; mobilizing his colleagues all over the country and selling the vision and objectives of Mega Awards.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC REVIEW

leaders? None. In this regard, Rotimi delivers with the title track; Vision. This is where Rotimi mounts the pulpit and gives his two cents about African leaders, urging them to “stop the oppression and give us the vision.” If great voices move you, check out my personal favorite, Feather my Wings (Lekeleke). The strength of this folk song, rearranged with added lyrics, lies in the soulful tune and sonorousvoiced female back-up vocals. Add that to the feathery strokes on the key-

board and you just might be transported back in time to days gone by when kids in the neighborhood playfully lifted their hands to the sky, flapped them like wings and chanted this song’s chorus to the birds in the sky. Although delivered as Highlife-Afrobeat medley, the aptly titled Spirit of Lagos is vintage Isale Eko (Lagos Island) melody. For Lagosians, this track will evoke nostalgic memories of Wura Fadaka band, the fun spots at Ita Faji, Mercy, Bamgbose, Brazilian Quarters and like areas. For a musical effort recorded and produced in the United States, the mixing could definitely be better. Nothing that a remix cannot fix though. All in all, Rotimi’s Vision is a uniquely exciting medley of syrupy world beats painstakingly poured into the listeners’ hearts from horns of Afrobeat.

ty-two, and Dawit, age twenty-four, a college student. Dawit inevitably becomes active in revolutionary activities which result in the overthrow of the emperor, while Yonas is more concerned with protecting his wife Sara and his four-year-old daughter Tizita. The author enlivens her often grim narrative by creating characters with

whom the reader can identify, providing small, realistic details which make the characters feel like people we know. Ethiopia’s grand-scale problems are examined within the smaller contexts of parent/child disagreements, sibling rivalries, romantic conflicts, jealousies, and simmering personal resentments against people who have ignored their roots in their drive for power. As all the characters become drawn into the larger political conflicts, the reader is shocked by the extreme cruelty, both physical and emotional, of those who are in power. The novel is well constructed, but it is often difficult to read. The violence, which increases in intensity over the course of three hundred pages, involves false arrests, beatings, rapes, psychological warfare, brutal tortures, and the mutilation deaths of women and young children. The author’s dedication to presenting a full picture of the inhuman behavior of the country’s powerful leaders and misguided followers, however, creates unforgettable tableaux, and makes the reader yearn for change in the aftermath of the novel. Source: Amazon Vine Reviews

Rotimi Has a Vision By Tunde Kolawole | USA

on’t let the clef intro to the first track of Rotimi Hundeyin’s debut multi-track CD, Vision throw you off; Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is not about to launch into his typical tirade against corrupt African governments. Brace yourself though; because at every turn on this musical journey embarked upon by Rotimi and de afrophonic crew, the haunting horns, unmistakable influence of Afrobeat permeate the entire 13-track CD. Though the Afrobeat influence is undeniable (quite understandably considering Rotimi used to blast the horns for Femi Kuti before forming his own band), it is nonetheless obvious Rotimi wants to be distinct from the other apostles of a genre created and popularized by Fela. From the CD sleeve’s cover photo where Rotimi straddles a trumpet instead of a saxophone, the traditional symbol of Afrobeat (even

though he is one heck of a sax player), to the composition of his 12-person band which cuts across diverse ethnic and racial lines, Rotimi painstakingly seeks to project a personae hitherto unseen in Afrobeat or any of its enduring offshoots. Yet, you cannot but feel the heavy hands of Afrobeat hovering over every track in the CD. Even in tracks like Keresimesi, Shakometrix, Gbo Ohun Awon Angeli (Hear the voice of Angels) and Spirit of Lagos, Afrobeat still emerges as the dominant musical force behind the whole package. From Easy Life, to Osusu, through Afrika, Iwa, Ori and Go Slow, Rotimi’s overriding message is that of peace and unity delivered in his unique blend of Afrobeat, highlife, soul, rock, hip-hop, jazz and rap. But of what use is an Afrobeat influenced music without chastising bad

BOOK REVIEW

Can you blink Beneath the Lion’s Gaze? By Mary Whipple | USA

aaza Mengiste’s dramatic debut novel, set in her home country of Ethiopia in 1974, brings to life the historical period from the death of Emperor Haile Selassie through the communist revolution and the subsequent resistance movement which followed shortly on its heels. The Emperor had failed to take action during a horrific famine in the remote countryside which had cost two hundred thousand lives. A 1974 television documentary which showed the Ethiopian public the famine’s horrors, juxtaposed against films of the excesses of palace functions, set the country up for revolution. Initially planned by students who wanted more accountability and change, the revolution was soon pre-empted by the

strong military, and within a year, the repressive forces, known as the Derg, had consolidated their power, arresting many of the students who had made the revolution possible. The Derg then began its “War of Annihilation” against any form of opposition, executing former heroes, taking over private enterprise, clamping down on free speech, and arresting, torturing, and executing dissidents. Mengiste’s novel takes a careful look at these times, reducing the grand scale of the famine and its political aftermath to understandable human terms by concentrating on one family and its friends and acquaintances in Addis Ababa, the capital. Hailu, a physician, and his wife Selam have two sons, Yonas, who is thir-

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

SOCIAL SCENE

Joy Kay Babatunde: FOREVER YOUNG AT 50!

f life, as they say, begins at 40, then Joy Kay Babatunde (popularly known as Iya Ewe), is just on the threshold of attaining puberty! However, whether life begins at 40, 50, or whenever, Joy remains forever young and fabulous at 50. Recently, Joy with her husband, Segun Bright Babatunde right by her side and their children in tow, pulled out all stops to celebrate Joyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmark birthday with a grand ceremony spread across two states in the United States. The ceremony which began with a church service held at the Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania, Mount of Redemption, in Philadelphia climaxed with a grand ballroom reception at Pennsauken, New Jersey. Guests from far and near were treated to a medley of music and entertainment from diverse cultural background as they wined, dined and shared in the joy of the day. Dignitaries at the occasion included Mr. and Mrs. Ntosi; Mr. Ajufoh from Califor-

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nia; Mrs. Ndidi Chukwurah from Atlanta, Georgia; Mrs. Babatunde from Nigeria; Mr. and Mrs. Bankole from Maryland; Chief and Mrs. Kusimo; Mr. and Mrs. Isola from Newark, New Jersey; Mrs. Bosede Olowookere Fateru from Maryland; Mr. and Mrs. Adebowale from Williamstown, New Jersey; Pastor and Mrs. Abiona; Pastors Emmanuel Odeyale and Chris Ogunleye of CAC, Mount of Redemption; Pastor Oniwe from New York, President of Alpha Klub, Mr. Oyebola and his wife; Mr. Mordi, President of Anioma Society and his wife; and Mr. and Mrs. Olatubosun. Also, at the occasion were members of Alpha Klub of Tri State; Women of God from Strongtower, Washington Township, New Jersey; members of Anioma Society of Tri State; and representatives from Christ Apostolic Churches from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Philadelphia. For more photos, go to www.usafricajournal.com

SOCIAL SCENE

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

FASHION

Feel fabulous in FALL

rom the haute couture of Paris, London, New York and Milan, to the raw, untarnished talents in crannies of African communities in the diaspora, African inspired silhouettes continue their run of fame on the runway of international recognition. With the fall season here upon us, we rounded up a few of the styles out there for you to relish the memory of summer and jumpstart your cool weather seasons.

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FASHION

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

FASHION

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October – December 2013

FASHION

Designs on pages 28 & 29 by Esfaith Fashions. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

FASHION EXTRA

How High Can You Go?

ith fall here and winter fast approaching, high heels should be taking a hike outta here, right? Not necessarily. There are still a few bold and ballsy sisters out there rocking high rise shoes and turning heads at every corner. I guess if you can work it, rock it! Just mind the leaves and ice. Here are some styles that sizzled in summer and will work pretty well in early days of fall. For those of you not yet high on heels; you may use these as starting points when you are ready to step up, literally!

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FALL

BEAUTY

for These Looks

he hot days of summer may be over, but our buddies at Flori Roberts are swearing by the range of products they have out there now that your looks do not have to fall by the wayside as we step into the fall season. Here are some tips guaranteed to make you stay hot - even in cool weather.

Hot Lips – Kiss me now

The word for lips this fall is TEXTURE. The accent is definitely on lip color this season with rich, sexy, attention grabbing color. Nothing says “kiss me now” better than drop dead sexy lips.

Hydrate Inside and Out

It’s so much easier to stay hydrated in the summer -- you’re hot so you feel thirsty faster, not to mention feeling the need to cool off with an icy drink. But sipping regularly through the fall is important for good health and energy -and for smooth, supple skin. Trade coffee and cocktails (at least some of them) for herbal tea and water with a twist of citrus. Now is also a good time to look into a heavier moisturizer if your skin tends to be dry. Look for something that soaks in but provides skin with a layer of nourishing moisture when the colder temperatures arrive.

Switch to creamy cleanser

As the temperatures inevitably start to dip (and eventually nosedive), the air will start to dry out and harsh wind can wreak havoc on skin. A gel cleanser is great in the summer for washing away sweat and busting up excess oil, but once cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to switch to a creamier formula.

Overhaul your makeup bag

It’s time to turn your makeup bag upside down and take stock of what to keep -- and what to toss. The start of a new season is a great time to overhaul your cosmetics bag and make sure anything expired or that you no longer use is replaced. While you’re at it, do a thorough cleaning of all your makeup brushes with a mild, unscented soap and warm water or brush cleaner. If it’s been a while since you’ve given them a wash, now is a good time to make sure they’re free of oil, debris and other icky things you definitely don’t want on your skin.

Glow through fall

Don’t let your complexion turn dull as summer comes to an end. Now is the time to update your makeup routine with the perfect fall blush. Rich shades look beautiful on multiple skin tones and can even be worn with a classic nude lip or trendy dark pout. Want to match pink cheeks to your natural flush? Pinch your skin -- the color your cheek turns is your natural flush, go a shade more intense for fall. Worried about application? First, use one finger to trace down from the center of your eye and another to trace out from the tip of your nose. Starting where they intersect (the highest point of your cheek), gently apply blush, using a soft X-shaped motion. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

COVER 1

Vive la Genny! Long live the Queen By Tunde Kolawole | USA

“I want to be further challenged in my career; I don’t think I have reached my peak necessarily so I hope for greater opportunities to express myself. […]I just want that story that challenges me even further”

o tell it in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa; proclaim it in Liberia, across Africa and worldwide, a queen is about to be crowned in Nollywood. Fifteen years after her debut on the Nigeria movie scene, Nollywood’s leading lady, Genevieve Nnaji (popularly known as Genny) is set to wear a befitting crown as

the undisputed Queen of Nigeria’s movie industry, a.k.a. Nollywood. Barring any last minute changes, Nnaji will be crowned officially at a special ceremony being planned for early next year in New York, United States and Abuja, Nigeria by a group of international film industry stakeholders based in New York, USA. Members of the group planning the coronation ceremony (as they call it) include movie critics, actors, producers and directors. The buzz in the international film industry is Nnaji’s stellar performance in the movie adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and two weeks later at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival, has pushed Nnaji ahead of other Nollywood actresses jostling for the crown. Nnaji was among an impressive list of supporting cast that included Nigeria’s songstress and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog), John Boyega (Attack the Block) and Joseph Mawle (Abra-

“Though she didn’t play a lead role, the effort she put into projecting a realistic character was quite commendable” 32

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ham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, The Awakening, Game of Thrones). “Her performance in that movie definitely boosted her chance in the underground scuffle among top ranked Nollywood actresses for the coveted crown,” our source said.

Nnaji

Photo Credit: WireImage/Getty for TIFF

All hail her royal highness Let all knees bend in obeisance Bring forth the royal tiara, The gold encrusted diadem of power To crown her Queen of Nollywood

COVER 1 commendable,” our source said. “Nollywood has several good actors and actresses but not many of them are good with roles outside their comfort zones but Genny kind of did pretty well. I must confess I was quite impressed.”

Screen shot from Half of A Yellow Sun

Not only did Nnaji wow the audience at the world premiere in Toronto, but also, her performance has triggered promising talks of a full-fledged supporting role in Hollywood for Nnaji in the near future. Though Nnaji only played a supporting role (Miss Adebayo) in the movie, Nnaji’s grace and ability to hold her own alongside highly-rated international movie stars such as three-time Golden Globe nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor (Children of Men, American Gangster, Salt) and Bafta award-winner Thandie Newton (Mission: Impossible II, The Pursuit of Happyness,

Crash) reportedly endeared her to a number of international film producers and directors on the prowl for fresh talents on the international scene. Sources close to the producers of Half of a Yellow Sun directed by UK-based, celebrated Nigerian playwright, Biyi Bandele, said the crew was quite impressed with the seemingly effortless grace with which Nnaji slipped into her chainsmoking, brandy guzzling role as Miss Adebayo in the movie. “Though she didn’t play a lead role, the effort she put into projecting a realistic character was quite

“Not only did Nnaji wow the audience at the world premiere in Toronto, but also, her performance has triggered promising talks of a full-fledged supporting role in Hollywood for Nnaji in the near future.” Our source was not the only one bowled over by Nnaji’s performance. At the world premiere in

Toronto, whispers of major international nominations and awards in the supporting actor category for Nnaji were in the air. On air two years ago at an interview with CNN’s Pedro Pinto, Nnaji passionately yearned for bigger challenges in her career. “There’s still something inside of me that I just feel I haven’t let out, and it’s really trying to come out and trying to burst loose,” Nnaji said. “I just want that story that challenges me even further.” Is Half of a Yellow Sun the gamechanging movie role that Nnaji has been waiting for all along? Could this be that movie role that reaches deep down and rips out that “something … waiting to burst out” from Nnaji? Time will tell. For now, it’s Genny’s time. Bring out the drums; blow the royal trumpet; Queen Genny is about to ascend the throne. Addtional Report By Betty John | Canada

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

SPECIAL FOCUS

Water, Water Everywhere:

A lot to drink in Kano! Water, water everywhere And quite a lot for all to drink In Kano State!

hat may very well be the new song on the lips of inhabitants of several towns and villages in Kano State, Nigeria. Under the able leadership of the State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the state administration is delivering on its promise of making potable drinking water available to all and sundry in the State. The Expansion of Kafin-chiri Regional Water Supply Scheme is one of the conditional Grant scheme (CGS) projects under the MDGs programme. The contract was awarded in August, 2012. The project, jointly funded by the CGS (OSSAP-MDGs) and the State Government in 2011, include transfer and installation of a 100m/hr Package Water Treatment Plant from Watari to Kafin-chiri; provision of raw water; filter loading and high lift pumps; construction of 350m³ balancing tank, pipes and electrical connections; rehabilitation of chemical dosing system;

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Dr Precious Kalamba Gbeneol, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

transmission pipe line repairs; construction of 45m overhead tank at Sumaila and extension of the reticulation system in Sumaila, Darki, Sarina and Garin Ali towns. The Scheme is projected to supply adequate potable water to more than 100,000 people across the coverage areas in Sumaila, Garko and parts of Wudil Local Governments. Meanwhile, the State Government has ordered 400mmф ductile iron

Engr (Dr) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Governor of Kano State

Mukhtar Zakari

pipes for the dualisation of Kafin chiri – Sumaila pipeline (22.8km). This will facilitate pumping directly to Sumaila town from the Water Treatment Plant. The State Government has included the pipeline and other improvement works for the Water Treatment Plant in

the 2013 budget to further improve the services of the scheme generally. Many other villages around the scheme will also benefit more when the proposed dedicated pipeline to Sumaila is constructed.

BUSINESS

Tanzania’s Energy Sector Set for Transformation

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Vehicle Storage Container Booking Autos and Heavy Equipment Purchase Assistant Container Loading & Unloading Overseas Goods & Auto Shipping

anzania has received endorsement from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) for an investment plan that will help the country scale-up the development of its abundant renewable energy resources. The plan is designed to transform the country’s energy sector, shifting from its increasing dependence on fossil fuels and climatesensitive hydro resources to a more diversified energy mix making use of the country’s abundant, reliable and cost efficient geothermal and solar resources. The plan will be funded by US $50 million from the CIF’s Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Program in Low-Income Countries (SREP) and the balance from the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Government, private sector, commercial sources and other development partners. It features a geothermal development component

and a renewable energy for rural electrification component. The geothermal development component, which is expected to receive US $25 million from SREP and US $45 million support from the AfDB, will catalyze development of more than 100 MW of geothermal power, principally by the private sector, and will establish an enabling environment for large-scale geothermal development. The renewable energy for rural electrification component will seek to: (i) build an efficient and responsive development infrastructure for renewable energy-based rural electrification and (ii) demonstrate its effectiveness by supporting a time-slice of private-sector investments in off-grid electricity enterprises. SOURCE: African Development Bank (AfDB)

Mauritius Commercial Bank Gets $150 million

he Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a financing package consisting of US $120 million multi-sector line of credit (LOC) and US $30 million subordinated debt to The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB). This financing package will allow MCB to increase its foreign currency lending to medium- and large-sized enterprises operating in Mauritius, neighboring countries and mainland Africa, thereby enhancing sustainable and inclusive growth through private sector development in the region. MCB Group is the largest financial institution in Mauritius with over US $7 billion in total assets and around US $940 million in shareholders’ funds.

It has a 175-year-old history and is a respected regional financial institution, with subsidiaries in Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles and Maldives as well as a presence in Reunion and Mayotte through its associate while having representative offices in Paris and Johannesburg. MCB’s continental portfolio straddles several countries in mainland Africa. The proposed financial package will help MCB to meet its foreign currency funding requirements and strengthen MCB’s capital base as it implements its plan for continued continental business growth. SOURCE: African Development Bank (AfDB)

World Bank Promotes Affordable Housing in Africa IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the National Housing Finance Corporation of South Africa have announced investments of more than $63 million in International Housing So-

lutions’ IHS Fund II, which will support the development of affordable housing in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. WORLD BANK continued on page 42 USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

YOUTH SCENE

Dealing with DATING By Renny Vonne | USA

ometimes my friends and I get questioned by relatives why we are still single or why we are not juggling boyfriends. These aunties and uncles do not seem to understand why we young, eligible bachelorette aren’t blessed with the wonderful dilemma of deciding which suitor deserves our hearts. Unfortunately, they do not understand that courting or dating today is a different ball game. The fact that movies, friends, or family members sometimes can make “singleness” feel like a disease has led many of us 20-something-year olds to make rash decisions when it comes to dating. We sometimes find ourselves succumbing to the voices subconsciously put in our heads by others who have no clue what dating in this era is. Back in the simpler days of our older aunties, dating was for one reason

and one reason only: to get married! But now feminists, cosmopolitan magazines, and “modern day metro sexual men” have recreated the meaning of dating/courtship. Now, dating is used as a prescription for some type of social disease. These days, some folks claim that dating, for the 20-somethingyear old, is to “find himself/herself ”. Some even say dating is a fun event that all young adults should partake of. Or dating (especially serial dating) is something that you have to go through, like a rite of passage, to meet Mr./Mrs. Right. Very rarely is it suggested that dating for a 20-somethingyear-old is for the purpose of finding a life partner. For me, this presents a problem. You would like to imagine that everybody’s mommy and daddy instilled the same moral values your mommy and

Vonne

daddy instilled in you while growing up. You would like to believe that just as you were told that you are to grow up, meet the right guy, marry him then have kids; that guys too were being told the same thing, right? Well, as I get older, I now believe that either everyone’s parents were not on the same page or the kids were not good kids and were not listening to their parents. A lot of us young women (raised by African parents especially) were raised to go to school, graduate, marry and be good wives. I can’t help but wonder what the parents of our fellow brothers

(the ones we are supposed to be marrying) were teaching the guys. From what I’ve seen and experienced so far, there must have been some miscommunication or lack of communication somewhere. I speak to my girlfriends and all of us seem to have this common belief that when we establish our careers, a guy who shares our values will pop up and then eventually (someday), we will get married but the more I talk to people, the more I realize that it may just be us women who have these seemingly crazy ideas! These days, our male counterparts seem to have found a way to rewrite the rules of courtship. I once asked a guy who hails from a background similar to mine (conservative modern Nigerian family) and his perception of dating was totally off from mine. For instance, he had weird notions about dating; like shacking up before getting married or getting married at 40 or my favorite – wanting to stay single forever! What? Exactly. My eyes almost popped out!

Adventurous? Try Tequila-Flavored Basil Chicken

ometimes as a college student, I find myself having to produce a meal from random ingredients that I have left in my house. This dish, a product of those random ingredients, is a mix of tropical and Asian dishes.

Ingredients:

4 drumsticks 1 purple onion 1 green pepper 1 habanero pepper 1 tomato 1 can of tomato paste 1/2 a cup of vanilla yogurt 1 cup of TEQUILA 1/2 a cup of olive oil 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves 1 cup of barley Seasonings: paprika, curry, knorr chicken seasoning, old bay seasoning, ground pepper. 36

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAUCE

Add 1/2 a cup of water to chicken and add all seasonings. Let the chicken steam on medium heat for 15 minutes.

When chicken is half done, add chopped onion, tomato, green pepper, and habanero pepper. Let it steam with the chicken for two minutes.

Add olive oil and tomato paste to the pan and let the mixture cook for two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent over frying.

Add yogurt, tequila, and chopped basil leaves. Let the mixture steam for five more minutes. Serve with barley

FOR BARLEY:

Add two cups of water to barley and cook on medium-high heat. Let boil for 20 minutes (entire time sauce is boiling). Serve when cooked.

Enjoy! - Renny Vonne

IMMIGRATION

It Is Official! Nigerians ineligible for 2015 Diversity Visa Lottery “For DV-2015, natives of Nigeria are no longer eligible.” “Entries for the DV-2015 DV program must be submitted electronically at www.dvlottery.state.gov between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Tuesday, October 1, 2013, and noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Saturday, November 2, 2013.”

United States in the previous five years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.

For DV-2015, natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply, because more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the

Changes in eligibility this year: For DV-2015, natives of Nigeria are no longer eligible.

ELIGIBILITY Requirement #1: Individuals born in countries whose natives qualify may be eligible to enter. If you were not born in an eligible country, there are two other ways you might be able to qualify. Was your spouse born in a country whose natives are eligible? If yes, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth—provided that both you and your spouse are named on the selected entry, are issued diversity visas, and enter the United States simultaneously. Were you born in a country whose natives are ineligible, but in which neither of your parents was born or legally resident at the time of your birth? If yes, you may claim nativity in one of your parents’ countries of birth if it is a country whose natives are eligible for the DV-2015 program. Requirement #2: In addition, to meet the education/ work experience requirement of the DV program, you must have either: a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education;

OR Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform. The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database will be used to determine qualifying work experience. Do not submit an entry to the DV program unless you meet both of these requirements. Entry period Entries for the DV-2015 program must be submitted electronically at www.dvlottery.state.gov between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Tuesday, October 1, 2013, and noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Saturday, November 2, 2013. Do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter, as heavy demand may result in website delays. No late entries or paper entries will be accepted. The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. If you submit more than one entry you will be disqualified. IT IS OFFICIAL! continued on page 42

AFRICAN COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIVES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR DV-2015 Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Djibouti Egypt*

Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia, The Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique

Namibia Niger Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

COMMUNITY CAMERA

Who says you can’t be in two or more places simultaneously? Well, we can – kind of. From our Philadelphia base where Echoes of Africa honored illustrious immigrants from Africa; and a one-of-a-kind block party commemorating Sade Aiyebo’s graduation from college; to the unique white summer picnic hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of Praise, Hartford, Wisconsin, our roving lenses went, saw and captured these memorable moments.

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NEWS-AFRICA

Cameroon Gets New British High Commissioner

r. Brian Olley has been appointed British High Commissioner to Cameroon. He succeeded Mr. Bharat Joshi, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Olley will take up his appointment during September 2013. Olley joined the FCO in 2002 and until August 2013 was the Deputy High Commissioner in Cyprus. His FCO career has covered a wide range of roles including working in Afghanistan and Finland. Olley started his career in Her Majesty’s Forces where he served in New York on secondment to the United Nations, and in Hong Kong, Nepal, Germany,

Canada and in the United Kingdom before joining the FCO. On his appointment as British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Olley said: “I am delighted to be appointed as High Commissioner to the Cameroon. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to work with Cameroon to further strengthen our political and economic relations, and achieve our shared objectives. I very much look forward to building on the progress achieved during the recent Joint Commission and working on issues of importance to both our countries.” SOURCE: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

New Ambassador to Liberia

he Government of Sweden has appointed Sofia Strand as Ambassador to Liberia.

Strand most recently served as acting State Secretary at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. She has previously

Future Kenyan Leaders Win British Scholarships

ine Kenyans have won prestigious scholarships to study master’s degrees in the United Kingdom, under the British Government funded Chevening Scholarship Scheme. The British High Commissioner, Dr. Christian Turner announced the awards, valued over £171,000 (23m shillings) when he hosted the youth of Kenya event at his Muthaiga residence recently. The event, sponsored by Chase Bank, was attended by Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Art, Dr. Hassan Wario, a former Chevening scholar himself,

served as Deputy Director at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Political Adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office coordination office. Strand will take up her new post in September 2013. Through the appointment of Strand,

Buuri Member of Parliament Kinoti Gitobu, other former Chevening scholars, and various young Kenyan leaders. Dr Turner congratulated the new Chevening scholars and hoped that they would become future leaders of Kenya. He noted that they would be following in the footsteps of former Chevening alumni “like Hon Hassan Wario, Judge of the Supreme Court, Njoki Ndungu, and Raphael Tuju, all of whom are playing major roles in Kenyan society today”. The new scholars, selected from a field of around 350 applicants, are already making their mark in important areas in Kenyan society. They include: Lt Col Catherine Wanjiru Gichuki; Mirithi Mutiga, Terry Wanjiru Kahoro, Matilda Nzioka, Mwalyo Ndulu, Angela Muraguri, Aisha Mahmoud Abdula Aziz, Benjamin Muindi and Angela Atieno Okuku. SOURCE: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Sweden is switching from having an Ambassador based in Stockholm to having one on site in Monrovia. SOURCE: Government Offices of Sweden

Youma Ba, Others Receive Citation By Sadiat Makuna | USA

he annual Echoes of Africa Awards Breakfast and Fun Day, hosted by founder, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell was held in Philadelphia recently. Honorees at this year’s event included Youma Ba, a community leader, activist and restaurateur. Apart from her community involvements, and running Kilimanjaro Restaurant in Philadelphia, Ba has served as vice president of the Fulani Women’s section of the Sheik Umar Tall organization of Philadelphia.

She is currently the secretary of finance of the Senegalese Association of Philadelphia. Described as a politically engaged woman, Ba heads the Women’s Caucus of APR/Yaakar, President Macky Sall’s political party. In the larger African community, she is in charge of external relations in the Federal Bureau of APR Yaakar.

Other honorees at the event included Rev. Dr. Napoleon Divine, Founder and Pastor of Christ International Baptist Church; Prophetess Lisa Joyel Parks, chief executive officer of Lord & Lisa, and founder and ambassador of Joy of God Ministries International; Godfrey Bongani Sithole, Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and African National Congress; Sibongile Sithole, Philadelphia Red Cross; Zemora Brandon, Sickle Cell Disease Association, Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter; and Michele Jones of Fox Chase Cancer Center. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

SPORTS

Fast, Flashy, Lethal! Auba lights up Bundesliga By Mark Finlay | Spain

Born in Laval, France, Auba is the son of former Gabonese international Pierre Francois Aubameyang (Yaya), who played most of his career for the French team Stade Lavallois while earning 80 caps for his country. Auba joined Borussia Dortmund in July from French Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne for $16.5 million Now at Dortmund partnering Polish international striker

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October – December 2013

Aubameyang is also flashy when it comes to his choice of footwear. While warming up for a game against Olympique Lyonnais back in December of 2012, he had on a pair of boots encrusted with 4,000 Swarovski crystals. Yet his friend and former teammate, Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Jérémie Janot told German newspaper Sport Bild that Auba is “a family man, a quiet guy who does not go to nightclubs, drinks alcohol, and always dreams of football.” As a family man, Auba hangs out with his girlfriend, and two-year old son, Curtys whose name he inscribed on

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang

Photo Credit: www.sofoot.com

Photo Credit: www.theanfieldwayblog.wordpress.com

Robert Lewandowski, soccer fans worldwide should expect to see plenty of more goals from Aubameyang both in the Bundesliga and Champions League as the Westphalia side aims to turn the table on Bayern Munich, winner of last year’s Bundesliga Champions League. If you like players who celebrate goals with plomb and panache, you’ll love Auba who is well known for his flashy celebrations which range from donning a Spiderman mask to skilful somersaults.

the boots he wore for season opener against Augsburg. However, what sets Auba apart from other players is neither his peculiar celebratory style nor family instincts, but his speed on the field of play. He is, by any standard, very fast, extremely fast, clocking 30 meters in only 3.7 seconds which is a faster split time than Jamaican 100 meter world record holder, Usain Bolt. That perhaps explains Auba’s love affair with fast cars. His collection includes a Ferrari 458 and an Aston Martin that has his squad number on the wheels. And when it comes to role models, Auba admits he is a fan of George Weah, Thierry Henry and

Photo Credit: www.bild.de

wenty-four years old striker, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (popularly known as Auba) heralded his arrival at German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund in July with a hat-trick in Dortmunds 4-0 win over Augsburg. His exploit on his debut has earned the Gabonese international the accolade of becoming the sixth player to ever score three goals in his first Bundesliga match, while at the same time becoming the first player from Gabon to play in the German top flight.

Herman Crespo. He even has Crespo For Life tattooed on his left arm. Of all the players though, Auba told German football magazine, Kicker that his role model was “Ronaldo the Brazilian, not the Portuguese.” “He was dynamic, great with his headers, technically strong and fast. He was an enormous player,” he said. Off the soccer field, Auba is a big fan of Michael Jackson and he is also said to be a bit of a comedian in the dressing room. “There was always a boot, a glove or a pair of trousers missing in the changing room,” his friend, Janot said. “He messes around and plays practical jokes.”

SPORTS

Where Are They Now? By Mark Finlay | Spain

Samuel Eto’o Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o, the highest paid player in the world during his time at Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala, has joined Chelsea for a one year deal worth $6 million. Eto’o is now back with his former Inter Milan coach, Jose Mourinho. Another Anzhi’s African player, Congolese international Christopher Samba moved to Dynamo Moscow for an undisclosed fee while Ghanaian international, Kevin-Prince Boateng has left Italy’s AC Milan for Germany, the country of birth, where he has signed a $14.4 million three-year deal with Bundesliga side, Schalke.

Kevin-Prince Boateng

Christian Atsu is another Ghanaian that has changed clubs this summer. He moved from the Portuguese side, Porto to Chelsea. Though all summer he was

Photo Credit: www.dailymail.co.uk

ow that the summer transfer season is over, here is a snapshot of top African Players’ movement across Europe.

rumored to be moving to Liverpool, Chelsea made a last minute better offer and snatched the 21-year-old winger up for £3.5 million. However, Chelsea allowed 22-yearold Nigerian winger, Victor Moses to move to Anfield on a season-long loan for £1 million. Another Nigerian player, 32-year-old Osaze Odemwingie finally managed to get away from West Bromwich Albion after being virtually frozen out of the team for trying to force a move to Queens Park Rangers during the January transfer window. The striker has signed a three-year deal with newly pro-

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Euro Transfer Season

moted Premiership side, Cardiff City for £2.5 million. Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure was out of contract this summer at Manchester City. Liverpool rescued him, and as of time of writing this, he has put in two stellar performances for the Reds. Another Ivorian who has made a move this summer is Wilfred Bony, last season’s Dutch Footballer of the year. The 24-year-old striker caught the eye of Swansea City’s Danish manager Michael Laudrup who signed Bony for £12 million from Vitesse Arnhem for whom he had scored 46 goals in 65 appearances after moving from Sparta Prague in 2011. Dieumerci Mbokani was hoping to move to the English Premiership this summer with West Bromwich Albion named as a possible destination, but in the end it was Ukrainian side Dynamo

Kiev that got the signature of the Congolese striker for what has been called “a substantial amount.” Mbokani, 27, was previously at Belgium club Anderlecht where he scored 34 goals in 53 games for the Belgium side as they won back to back Jupiler League titles. Arouna Kone has transferred from Wigan to join his former manager, Spaniard Roberto Martinez at Everton for $7.5 million. The 29-year-old Ivorian striker will partner another player of African descent Belgium international Romelu Lukaku who is on a season long loan from Chelsea. Finally the biggest African player sighted on the transfer train this summer is Gabonese international wonder kid Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who joined Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee.

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CONTINUED CAN’T WE continued from page 9

Apparently, a good part of the misunderstanding and bad blood between African American and Africans in the Diaspora stems from language and its use. African cultures and languages are so numerous and diverse that in some African countries, after driving a hundred miles the language or the culture may be different and distinct.

“Name calling by both sides is another problem. If you speak with a different accent, you are likely to be referred to as “banana boat”. On the other hand, some African immigrants have a preconceived negative opinion about African Americans which may be far from the truth.“

Communication or lack of it is definitely a big part of what caused the division between these two groups. Name calling by both sides is another problem. If you speak with a different accent, you are likely to be referred to as “banana boat”. On the other hand, some African immigrants have a preconceived negative opinion about African Americans which may be far from the truth. As we have excellent individuals on both sides of the aisle, so do bad eggs abound on both sides. Our differences aside, I sincerely believe there is still hope. And if we all keep hope alive, good things can happen for us all. I hope my dream comes true!

RANDOM MUSING Memo to Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, next time you decide to expose a “secret” or steal government documents and make them public, think about where you will seek asylum before you make your move.

IT IS OFFICIAL! continued from page 37

BEFORE continued from page 20

Completing your Electronic Entry for the DV-2015 Program

fully, I’m willing to bet they’ve been seeing each other, perhaps on and off for years,” our source said. “In fact, I would say, for about 11 years which would be about the time Nnamdi started playing football professionally.” Fielding questions from a reporter after the release of The Last King of Scotland in 2006, Washington said her background as a native New Yorker from Bronx, and both professional and personal experience assisted her immensely in preparing for her critically acclaimed performance as Kay, Idi Amin’s wife in the movie. “I love accent work,” Washington said. “I’m from the Bronx. When you grow up in New York City, you grow up around so many different sounds. So

Submit your Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (E-DV Entry Form or DS-5501), online at www.dvlottery. state.gov. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. There is no cost to register for the DV Program. You are strongly encouraged to complete the entry form yourself, without a “Visa Consultant,” “Visa Agent,” or other facilitator who offers to help. If somebody else helps you, you should be present when your entry is prepared so that you can provide the correct answers to the questions and retain the confirmation page and your unique confirmation number. It is extremely important that you retain your confirmation page and unique confirmation number. Without this information, you will not be able to access the online system that will inform you of the status of your entry. Think carefully if someone else offers to keep this information for you. For more information about the DV-2015, visit www.dvlottery.state.gov Source: U.S. Department of State

FALL ISSUE

October – December 2013

POWER continued from page 20

sodes); and Broken Songs (TV serial, 65 episodes). Dudun co-wrote and co-directed the docu-drama adaptation of the acclaimed first articulation of African philosophy, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) E.E. Edeh’s Towards An Igbo Metaphysics as well as writing and directing Our Lady Speaks, a screen adaptation of Fr. Willy Ojukwu’s A Journalist Interviews The

WORLD BANK continued from page 35

BERRIES continued from page 16

The commitments, which include $25 million from IFC, come as IHS, a global private equity investor, prepares to expand its footprint across Africa following the success of its first South African Workforce Housing Fund. The SA National Housing. Finance Corporation is a development finance institution established by the South African government to fund and facilitate the development of affordable housing. Saleem Karimjee, IFC Senior Manager for Southern Africa, said, “Providing affordable basic services, such as access to quality housing, is a priority for IFC in Africa. The IHS Fund II offers an attractive opportunity for private investors to gain access to a fastgrowing market with significant positive social impact. IFC’s commitment will stimulate investment, growth, and job creation in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating our support that can help catalyze additional fundraising.”

other fruits and vegetables. So, researchers believe anthocyanin is likely to be the source of this lower heart attack risk. Results were published in the journal Circulation. It’s not clear if berries would have similar effects on men or older adults, the authors of the study noted. The factors that cause heart attacks are different in different populations. Whatever their role in heart health, blueberries and strawberries provide anyone with an impressive amount of nutrients. This includes fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

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SOURCE: International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Buy berries at the grocery store or farmers market. Choose firm, colorful, dry fruits with no stains or mold. Store them in your produce drawer. Eat fresh berries within three days to get the most nutrients—or buy frozen berries. Source: Rite Aid Wellness

from a very young age, I learned how to manipulate my voice to sort of fit the community that I’m in. It’s a gift I’m really grateful for.” Washington however revealed that the Ugandan accent that she had to master as Kay, Idi Amin’s wife, was the most challenging accent she’d had to learn. “I’m very familiar with the Nigerian accent because you know, I was involved with a Nigerian man for four years,” she said. “I’m very familiar with the British accent because I’ve done a lot of British accent work. So, this accent sort of combined those two sounds, so I found myself gravitating towards what I already knew.” Washington said she overcame that challenge by surrounding herself with a group of women whom she charged with strictly enforcing she got the accent right.

“I told them, whenever I sound even Tanzanian or South African, they have to tell me. I have to get it right.” Washington not only got the accent right, but also fell in love with Africa though she was “terribly nervous” about going to Africa for the film shoot. “But the opportunity to go with the open heart of an artist was amazing,” she said. “I just fell in love with the continent.” Seven years after Washington stepped on the soil of Africa and fell in love; she has once again yielded to the call of motherland by falling in love and marrying Nnamdi Asomugha. What more can we say but to offer sincere wishes for a blessed marriage to Asomugha. As Nigerians would say: Omowale (our daughter has come home). Welcome home!

Blessed Virgin Mary. His major screenplay efforts include Nneka: The Pretty Serpent, Fatal Desire, Goodbye Tomorrow, Onome, Tears For Love, Thorns of Rose, Oracle, Only Love, Intimate Strangers, Never Again and Azima (nominated for Best Original Screenplay, AMAA 2007). Others include ‘Thislife’ series – Only God Forgives, Omotola, My Only Helper and Love of my life, Ripples, Candlelight, One Too Much,

screen adaptation of Ebi Akpeti’s The Perfect Church as well as Script Editor in the screen adaptation of Elechi Amadi’s The Concubine. Dudun graduated from Bendel State University and University of Lagos where he majored in English. He was the former Assistant Features Editor of The Punch Newspapers and Copy Editor of Communication magazine, from where he resigned in 1992 to pursue a career in applied creative writing.

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