Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure: Talent That Commands Respect
USAfrica
Journal
www.usafricajournal.com
The voice of Africans in the Diaspora
CHANGE Buhari Still On Track?
WATCH OUT!
High Speed Rail Heads For Ghana
Blind, But Brilliant!
UGANDA’S BYEKWASO SHINES
In Mozambique
BOOST FOR POWER SECTOR
TOUCHDOWN!
How Nigeria’s Dr. Omalu Sacks NFL
DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 2016
The First and the Finest for Women of Color Amazing Shades Astonishing Coverage Richly pigmented for luminous results for richer skintones. Order direct from Flori Roberts at
www.FLORIROBERTS.com or call for Free Catalog 1-877-57-FLORI
USAfrica
Journal
www.usafricajournal.com
The voice of Africans in the Diaspora
For The Fashionista In You! Pg. 42
Respecting Toure’s Talent Pg. 46 Mr. President, May I Have A Word? Pg. 34
Battle Over Her Bosom Whose Is It, Anyway? Pg. 31
From Finland: Singing Sweet Songs
In Yoruba and Igbo!
A Publication of USA Media LLC The voice of Africans in the Diaspora Vol. 3, Issue 1 | 2016
CONTENTS
USA Media LLC PRESIDENT/CEO ‘Tunde Kolawole, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION Bola Ajebeku, MBA vpfinance@usafricajournal.com
5 | From the Editor’s
6
Desk: The Wind of Change
Cover 2: From Finland: Singing Sweet Songs
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ‘Tunde Kolawole editor@usafricajournal.com MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Kayle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS A.Obafemi Animasaun, Mark Finlay, Betty John, Patrick Obinna, Jessica Banda, Tosin Obiwale, Esther Olatunde, Isaac Oluwole, Renny Vonne, Alex Baker, Sadiat Makuna, George Igbakhiare, John Kay, Eldana Mengesha.
12-13
New York Bureau Joseph B. Oyewande nyoffice@usafricajournal.com
Wedding Bells: Sade M’ayowa! (Sade Brings Joy!)
24-25
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
35 | News-Africa Arts & Entertainment: Concussion - How Omalu Sacks NFL!
36-37 | Interview: Blind, But Brilliant!
32-33
38 | Community Camera
GENERAL MANAGER, AFRICA OPERATIONS Tayo Oluwaseun (Nigeria); 080-55996778
42-43 | Fashion
SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe, email us at subscribe@usafricajournal.com usafricajournal@
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. 4
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
31 | Trendy Things: The Battle Over Her Bosom! 34 | Commentary: Mr. President, May I Have A Word Please?
GRAPHICS graphics@usafricajournal.com
PUBLISHED BY USA Media LLC, P.O. BOX 33143, Philadelphia, PA 19142 www.usamediallc.com
10 | Health: Is Your Worry Healthy or A Health Hazard
29 | Business
Washington DC/Maryland Bureau Kayode Adewumi kadewumi@usafricajournal.com
Elizabeth Kolawole (Pennsylvania); 610-570-9143 Mujidat Irawolomo Shonekan (MD); 240-678-1935 Frederick Ebede (Newcastle, DE); 302-690-4881 Muyiwa Olawole (United Kingdom) 07952199648 Perosola Osoba (Lagos, Nigeria) 080 68449168 Odunayo Adetola (Lagos, Nigeria) 080 83909994 For sales inquiries worldwide, call: 1-530-237-4222
Fat and All, I Still Love Lagos
14 | StraightUp Folasophical: Where Do You Call Home?
CHIEF ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, USA Ninilola Ogundare advertise@usafricajournal.com
New Jersey Bureau Nicholas Awoyera fawoyera@usafricajournal.com
9 | My Word:
Cover Story: CHANGE: Buhari Still On Track? ON THE COVER: President Muhammadu Buhari – Credit: CHOGM, Malta COVER 2: Rebecca Ore-Ofe – Credit: Rebecca Tampio
44 | Beauty: Stay HOT In the Cold!
45 | Immigration 46 | Sports: Yaya Toure: Talent That Commands Respect
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
THE WIND OF CHANGE
O
ur journey for this issue begins in Nigeria where we notice a somewhat peculiar wind in the atmosphere. The intensity, direction and speed at which the wind is traveling as it sweeps across the terrain are however contentious sore points in the ongoing discourse among the governed and the government. So, depending on exactly where you stand in the mix, you may or may not feel it, but what Nigerians both home and abroad can’t deny is that this particular wind is ruffling feathers on Nigeria’s political landscape. One after the other, the country’s once-sacred cows, who fed fat and became bloated on public funds, are being led to the slaughter to cough up what they embezzled. On a fairly regular basis, the dragons of corruption are slayed in the open. The man on the street jubilates even though he is unsure how this grand shaming of sticky-fingered public officials will turn the tide of skyrocketing food prices in his favor. The government and its apologists say it is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s change agenda. Opposition stalwarts call it witch-hunting. The reality on the ground, among the masses, tells a story different from the right or left. Politics by default is divisive. So in our cover story starting on page 32, we look at all directions to see if indeed President Buhari’s “change train” is still on track or has derailed. Has anything changed for the better in Nigeria since Buhari was sworn in about a year ago? Or is the country still stuck on an old ship with a new captain steering it nowhere? We move elsewhere on the continent. From Uganda, the light of excellence shines across the Atlantic. Our story from the East African country is that of human resilience and determination in the face of severe odds. Charles Byekwaso may be blind, but he kept his sight fixed on his dreams. His determination to succeed despite seemingly insurmountable odds paid off. He was recently honored with the International Student of the Year award. The story behind success of this once forgotten man is on page 36. And we follow the trail of success all the way to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), the birthplace of multiple-award winning international soccer star Yaya Toure. Though he yielded the crown of African Footballer of the Year, after reigning for four consecutive years, to Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang early this year, Toure’s talents keep him in line of respect in the highly competitive English Premier League. What keeps the old war horse going when his contemporaries are fading? We turn the spotlight on Toure on page 46.
But the light is not shinning on Toure only. On social media, lately, the spotlight is on a handful of Europeans and Americans singing gospel songs in some of Nigeria’s languages, especially Yoruba and Igbo. Among the lot, a few good ones stand out and warrant more than just a cursory glance. We found one in Finland, tucked away in a region renowned more for blond babes and stock fish than chart-busting songs! Enter Rebecca Tampio, aka Rebecca Ore Ofe to thousands of her fans on Facebook. From her church, Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) in Finland, Tampio is spreading the gospel all over the world in Yoruba! Our chat with her is on page 6. If words of quality do it for you, we have more than enough to excite and take you beyond the next quarter. And if images (worth more than a million words) are your thing, I guarantee you’ll have a lot to feast your eyes on in this issue. In addition to all these exciting stories, our regular features and columns are also included in the package. Folasophical, Immigration, Fashion, Beauty, Arts & Entertainment, My Word and many more are all served exactly as you like them – spicy and sizzling hot! Trust me — you don’t want this dish to get cold. Dig in! Bon appétit!
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
5
COVER 2
From Finland, Singing Sweet Songs
In Yoruba and Igbo! By Tunde Kolawole | USA
Born and raised in Finland, Rebecca Tampio, aka Rebecca Ore Ofe to thousands of her fans on Facebook speaks Swedish (her native tongue) and English; but when it comes to praising and worshiping God Almighty, Tampio belts out soul-stirring Nigerian gospel songs in Yoruba, Igbo and occasionally in Hausa languages.
H
years are classics and evergreens such as Odun nlo sopin by CAC Good Women Choir led by Mrs. D. A. Fasoyin, Sunmo Olorun by Evangelist Ojo Ade, Onye ga eme by Rosemary Chukwu, Nagode by Solomon Lange and Eru Jeje by Dr. Bola Are featuring Yinka Adebukola. The last-named song featured a particularly difficult traditional style chant (ekun iyawo) in reverence of God; yet Rebecca nailed it with a sprinkle of extras on top! Such is the abundance of grace within which this graceful young woman from Finland operates. Touched and i m pressed w i t h her efforts and messages, we sought her out and found her, in Finland, and few weeks later, here in the United States. This is her story; in her own words. “I was born in Finland and I have spent my whole life here. Growing up in Finland has been great but to be honest it has never really felt like home to me. I am quite different from my Rebecca Finnish friends and family.
er mastery of the language of expression, cadence and accent push her ministration beyond the realms of the average. Her repertoire is equally impressive. Apart from its eclectic nature, many of which are quite challenging in substance and depth (even to some native Yoruba speakers), vocal sounds like gb and p which are usually problematic for non-Yoruba speakers roll off her tongue with ease and grace. Her selections evoke memories of the good old days when musicians actually write songs and compose music. Among Tampio’s prodigious covers in the last few
6
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
I feel more at home when I’m abroad spending time with people from different background and culture. Last year, I graduated from a practical catering school. I plan on going back to school this spring. I want to study social sciences in university of applied sciences. I have two big sisters and one big brother. I am the baby of the family. When I was young, I was always singing a lot, hoping that maybe one day I could become an artiste. God really heard my prayer and has blessed me with the gift of music and languages.” You are known as Rebecca Ore Ofe, meaning “grace.” How did you come about the Yoruba part of that name? That is a confirmation and acknowledgement of my belief and conviction that my whole life and salvation are based on the grace of God. Because most of the songs that I sing are in Yoruba, my pastor and I felt I should have a Yoruba stage name that reflects my encounter and relationship with God. After much thought, we came to the conclusion that grace fits me best because
everything that I am, all the blessings that I have and all my answered prayers are only by the grace of God. How have your family and Finnish friends reacted to your interest in Nigerian gospel music? First they were a bit shocked because they didn`t really understand what`s going on but when they started to see how I’m growing in the Lord and how God has been working in people`s lives through the songs that I sing, they started to understand and respect my ministration more. Now they are very excited and supportive of me. Thus far, I have done about 40 Yoruba and Igbo songs. What makes you choose a particular song to learn and perform? In deciding on which song to learn and perform, the most important thing to me is the message in that particular song. I sing them to inspire and motivate people. To encourage them and keep them going even when it`s tough. And as I`m learning it, the song will lift me up as well. Most of the time
COVER 2 those olden day songs seem to be very close to Nigerians ‘hearts. These were songs they listened to, and sang while growing up so they bring a lot of memories and hope into their lives. Of all the languages in the world, why Nigerian languages, especially Yoruba and Igbo? I believe it`s because I attend Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries where most of the members are Yoruba and Igbo. In my own branch in Finland most of our members are Yoruba so I`m influenced by it mainly. I sing in English too but I believe it`s good and nice to learn some other languages as well. And since my target
audience is Nigerians, those two native languages go first. There are various music forms in Nigeria, why gospel? As I gave my life to Christ, I told God I want to be used by Him. He has blessed me with the gift of singing and told me it`s my calling. Gospel music gives a greater meaning and effect into one`s life than all those worldly songs that are inspired by men. Music is a very powerful tool that can either inspire or destroy. When you sing to men, you just win their attention but when you sing to God, He will use you to win those men`s souls. When you sing those songs in other languages, do you understand the lyrics of the songs? I understand everything I sing. Otherwise I don`t think my ministration c a n b e powerful or affective if I`m not aware of the actual content of the song. How long does it normally take you to learn a song? What is the process?
Most times it takes one week for me to learn a song. Some are easier; some are harder depending on the length and the language of the song. First I just listen to it to get the melody, the lyrics and the beat. Then when I`ve learned it, I start to sing along. After that I try to memorize it with my heart by following the lyrics. During the week or the day before we shoot the video, I practise and finalize the song with my pastor who teaches me the songs. When you sing in Yoruba, Igbo or in any other language different from your native tongue, what do you want the listeners or viewers on social media to take from your performances? My purpose is mainly to motivate and inspire people. I also want to encourage people to be proud of their roots, especially when it comes to learning their mother tongue. Nigeria is a beautiful country with different cultures and languages. All of them are unique and I believe it`s very important to sustain and keep them alive for the next generations. You recently visited Nigeria, what was it like? It was such a wonderful experience to me. I thank God for everything He did on that trip. People were so welcoming and kind towards me. The atmosphere
in Nigeria was very positive and energetic. Everybody was smiling and laughing no matter what the situation was. The food was delicious. The culture and the nature are very beautiful. The way people praise God in Nigeria is so different from Finland. In Nigeria, I felt like I was home. I went to minister in different churches in different parts of Lagos during those two weeks. People really took me as their family and I was so happy God was using me to minister into their lives. The whole trip from the beginning till the end was a great blessing. I also had the honor of meeting the general overseer and wife of our church. I believe I will go again this year, maybe in the Summer or August by God`s grace. What’s your favorite Nigerian food? That one hard o! Because Nigerians have lots of nice foods o! If I have to choose, I’ll go with gbegiri. I’ve only tried it once but when I did, I felt like I was in heaven! Someone made it for me when I was in Nigeria. I YORUBA continued on page 48
Let us always push ourselves beyond our limits so that we can grow and achieve all the goals in life. The enemy is already under your feet so don`t allow anybody, anything or even yourself to stop you from fulfilling your destiny. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
7
MY WORD
Fat and all, I still love Lagos! By Tunde Kolawole | USA
Have you been to Lagos, Nigeria lately? Well, I was there. After a rather relatively long absence from the city, I returned to the ever-bustling city’s warm embrace late last year. If I expected to find a lean, mean machine, the reality on the ground was a big shock to me. The svelte sweet sixteen that I left behind has added quite substantial flesh here and there, and morphed into a voluptuous, but still beautiful city.
T
he dictum “the more things change, the more they remain the same” nonetheless fits the new Lagos perfectly. In spite of several changes and developments going on in the city, Lagos is still the same, albeit in a nice way. Oshodi of old may be dead, and its sepulcher lined with leafy green vegetation, but relics of its once acute madness are still noticeable in the neighborhood. For instance, Mushin
is still the same cacophonous convergence of restless and resilient spirits. Across the lagoon, the tidal wave of human traffic remains equally overwhelming. On the island, the beat of human traffic resonates stridently. From this perspective, the expanding waistline and hems of my darling Lagos are more conspicuous. From Oniru to Ajah, and beyond, new housing estates, naturally priced outside the reach of the
Reflections at a Milestone By the time you read this, it will be long overdue. However, it was not an oversight, but rather a deliberate strategy on my part to tarry awhile and take it all in. What if it was all a dream? Apparently, I needed months to have a clear head and mind, not befuddled with sheer emotion or excitement at hitting a monumental milestone in the life of a man.
N
ow that I am where I am, do I feel differently? Well other than the sea of grey hair furiously sprouting up on me in all imaginable places, the once straight, strong and strapping back which, now seems embroiled in secret romances with minor aches and pains, and the creaking sound that I hear in my knees once in a while, I think I can still do backflips and summersaults like we used to do at PUNCH, This Day and Sunday Concord almost 30 years ago. I lied. Not quite! The Kobra can’t spring and strike like we used to do back in the day anymore. Yet, by His grace, I am still standing
and flourishing like the palm tree, even in old age! So I started out writing this with my ears cocked at an angle, ready to hear and transcribe the voices of the muses. I heard them alright. But the dominant refrain of their sing-song discourse with me as I ponder over these several years of my life was curiously limiting. The tall order that I received was “Shelve the long-winded, small talk; lift up your voice and say, ‘Thank You!’” So here am I, (as much as I would actually love to enter into small talk, for once), I bring nothing but praises to His Holy name for all He has done
poor, have sprung up and dotted every square meter of the swampy stretch of land from VI to Epe. This is where the super rich, nouveau rich and the barely rich jostle for whatever space they can reclaim from the docile lagoon. By the way, I was told the once raging bar beach has been tamed — banished far beyond sight! I didn’t get round to FAT AND ALL continued on page 48
and is doing for me and my family. I give Him all the glory for the journey thus far. For not counting the sins of my youth, and my transgressions against me, and for the mercies that I receive daily, I say “thank you.” For constantly thwarting the schemes of the evil ones and nullifying their pronouncements in my life; for blessing the works of my hands; for the grace to rise above challenges; and for His continued assurance that “It is well,” I give Him all praises. Lest I forget, it’s not yet time for “ejo wewe”! To everything, there is a season, and an apt platform. For now, help me lift Him up and give Him all the praises as I sing. Oro mi o gbejo wewe, (I will shelve the small talk) Ki nsa ma dupe loto (I will thank Him continually) Ki nsa ma dupe loto (2ce) Oro mi O gbejo wewe Ki nsa ma dupe loto USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
9
HEALTH
Is Your Worry Healthy or a Health Hazard? Most of us try to avoid feeling worried or anxious. No one likes the uncomfortable tightness in the stomach, the difficulty in concentrating, or tossing and turning in bed. When it is severe, worrying can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. But fear is a natural part of life, and can even serve a useful purpose.
S
o, how can you tell whether your anxious feelings are healthy or out of control? Here are some questions to help you understand whether your worried thoughts are helping or hurting. Are worried thoughts keeping you safe? The feeling of fear that keeps you from walking too close to the edge of a cliff is helping you stay alive! But fear not connected to a real threat is not helpful, and we call it anxiety. Fear of drowning in the ocean--especially if you don’t know how to swim--is realistic. It might keep you alive. But fear of drowning that comes from just thinking about the ocean, even while you are sitting on dry land, is probably anxiety. How intense is your worry? Is it appropriate for the amount of risk you are facing? Sometimes it’s hard to tell if fear is realistic or not. Some situations in life are not clearly safe or clearly dangerous, but somewhere in between. If you are feeling anxious before giving a toast at a wedding, is that worry based on a realistic risk? Some people would say yes, since no one wants to be embarrassed in front of a crowd of people. However, it’s worth checking whether or not your worry is in proportion to the risk you face. Having an anxious night before giving your wedding toast? Probably pretty reasonable. Losing sleep for days
10
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
or weeks leading up to the wedding? Could be anxiety. Is your worry telling you to take action to solve a problem? Sometimes fearful thoughts are a clue that some actions need to be taken. On the other hand, worrying about things that are out of your control is generally not helpful. If you are worried about taking a test, maybe your brain is telling you that you want to be better prepared. But if you have finished the test and are still worrying about it, the worry probably isn’t helping you. Is your worrying stopping you from doing what you want to do in the world? Worrying becomes a serious problem when it limits your ability to func-
tion in the world. If your anxiety about flying is not just uncomfortable but actually prevents you from getting on a plane, then it may be time to ask for help. How long does your worrying usually last? Do you feel it most of the time? When someone feels unrealistic fears a lot of the time – every day, or most days, for weeks or months at a time, healthcare professionals call it chronic anxiety. Chronic anxiety is a problem because it means your nervous system and body are “on alert” for danger all the time. Our bodies are designed to handle stressful situations and then to rest and recover. With chronic anxiety, there is no chance to recover, and physical health can suffer. What can you do if you think you have an anxiety problem? If you find that you worry often and it is stronger than is warranted by your life situation, if you can’t help worrying about things that are out of your control, or if your anxiety is preventing you from doing life activities, then you may want to do something about it. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Fortunately, there are good options for reducing anxiety. Many people get relief from doing self-care activities such as mindfulness meditation or relaxation techniques. There’s good evidence that professional support such as psychotherapy and anxiety medications can also be effective in certain situations. Source: Rite Aid Wellness This article is not a substitute for medical advice, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.
WWW.ALAFIAOBGYN.COM
gynecology: • • • • • • •
Infertility Hormonal Management Sexual Dysfunction Tubal Ligation/Occlusion/Reversal Contraception Surgery (In Office, Surgical Centers & Hospital) In Office Procedures (Ultrasound, Non Stress Test, Colposcopy, etc.)
women’s healthcare: • • • •
Cancer Screening and Treatment Urinary Incontinence General Female Health Maintenance (Obesity, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Pap, Infections) Osteoporosis/ Menopause
obstetrics: • •
Pregnancy (Low/High Risk) Delivery (At Elmer & Vineland, NJ)
All modes of delivery: • • • •
Vaginal C-Section Trial of Labor after C-Section (TOLAC) Vaginal Birth after C-Section (VBAC)
MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED. SELF-PAY WELCOME (WE WILL WORK WITH YOU).
G. LANRE BABALOLA
PhD, DO, FACOG Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
JOANNA PAPARONE
MSN, RN, WHNP Board Certified in Women’s Health Practice
1601 NORTH SECOND STREET, SUITE C-2 MILLVILLE, NJ 08332
856-765-3138
FAX: 856-765-3147
WEDDING BELLS
Sade M’ayowa! (Sade Brings Joy!)
L
delphia, Pennsylvania, and brought joy not only into their own hearts but also to their loved ones. The close knit wedding ceremony for the two lovebirds was graced by friends and families from Nigeria, Canada and across the United States. Father of the bride, Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo was all smiles and poise as he walked his beautiful daughter into the wedding reception hall. He told us later; “That was a special moment in my life. I give God Almighty all the glory.”
Photos: Pathfinder
ove, like lightening, can sometimes strike when and where you least expect. But when it does, and hits your heart like cupid’s arrow, you cannot but do things the lovely way only people truly in love do; shift things into higher gear, and get married! Few weeks ago, Folasade Aiyebo and Mayowa Akinlemibola, after a period of courtship and whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ears, did exactly that. They got married at an exclusive ceremony held in Phila-
12
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: Pathfinder
WEDDING BELLS
WANT YOUR SPECIAL DAY FEATURED IN THIS COLUMN? CALL US AT 530-237-4222, 610-570-9143, OR 215-571-9241. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
13
FOLASOPHICAL
WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME?
Dr. Ojo
By Dr. Fola Ojo | USA
Tunde was brought to the United States from Nigeria when he was eight years-old. He went through elementary and High Schools through college here and has made a lot of friends.
M
any of the friends have become family members to him. Tunde only identifies with some of us who are Nigerians because of where his parents came from. “Are you a Nigerian”; I had asked Tunde. “Hmmnn….. I guess so, that’s where my parents came from”. “No, that’s where you came from”, I told him. “Ok, if you say so”. Tunde is an American through- and-through. This is home for him. Ibadan is home for me, although I am an American originally from Imesi-Ile, which makes me a Nigerian-American. I should be qualified
14
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
to run for Governor of Oyo Sate and win handily, but my friends who are from Ibadan will always redirect me to Osun State. I know they will. But my Ibadan accents, not the raw ‘kinni so, so nsuo’ of Baba Muji from Oopo Yeosa, makes me a Yoruba man from Ibadan. In Nigeria, Ibadan is my home. The last time I was in Imesi-Ile was when I buried my mother in 2011. But my baby-brother, Leke, is from Imesi-Ile, though born in Ibadan. Anytime Leke visits Nigeria, he must do some obeisance in Imesi. I don’t have to. If I ask him where is home for him, he will probably tell me it’s Phoenix, Arizona.
Home is always home, and home is in the heart. During this Baltimore upheaval, my oldest son felt like going to Baltimore to join the protesters. He was born there; that’s home for Josh. But his brothers will never call anywhere else home but Hartford, Wisconsin. They now live in Texas. They always ask me when I visit them “When are we coming home, Dad?” Wisconsin is home for Damola WHERE continued on page 48
WOSEM BIBLE INSTITUTE (WBI), 108-02 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY. 11435 CERTIFICATE COURSES
DIPLOMA COURSES
How the Bible came to us
Survey of the Scriptures The Bible and Social Impact Advanced Church/Christian History Introduction to Christian/Pastoral Counseling Introduction to Christian Education & Family Life Homiletic Christian Education Christian Communications & Leadership Hermeneutics/Biblical Interpretation Ministry Manifesto Mandatory Church Visits and Final Project Duration: 9 months
Introduction to the Bible Introduction to Church/Christian History Christian Communications & Leadership Missions and Evangelism Mandatory Church Visits and Ministry Manifesto Duration: 9 months Tuition= $450 (installment payments accepted) *Orientation
Tuition= $650 (installment payment accepted)
and admission for 2016 is in progress *Accepting New Students’ Enquiries FACULTY & ADMINISTRATORS Ola. E. Jewoola Ph.D. — Program Director/Instructor Dotun Akinfeleye Ph.D. — Dean of Studies/ Instructor Adebisi Oyesile Ph.D., DMin. — Instructor Regina Kehinde MATS, Ph.D. Candidate — Instructor Please call/contact us to obtain your application forms. Spaces are very limited!!! *Christ Apostolic Church (WOSEM) 108-02 Queens New York. 11435. Tel: 718 658-8981 *Emmanuel O. Adeyemi (347) 261-3981 *Samuel O. Afuape (347) 355-4053
ADVERTORIAL
Finding Grace To Help … T trations from Pastor Augustus Fapohunda, CAC Canaan Land, London, United Kingdom; Pastor Mike Albert and Prophet Hezekiah Oluboye Oladeji, a.k.a. Baba Canaan Land (Mountain of Erio), Nigeria.
Photos: Pathfinder
he Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania (Mount of Redemption), Philadelphia commemorated its 13th year anniversary recently with a special 21-day Revival themed “Finding grace to help in time of needs.” The revival featured minis-
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 16
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: Pathfinder
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
17
Photos: Pathfinder
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 18
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: Pathfinder
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
19
ADVERTORIAL
Sought Out for Signs & Wonders!
W
Photos: USAfrica Journal
ith “Grace to help in time of needs” already assured, Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania, (Mount of Redemption) Philadelphia turned things up a notch few weeks ago with the return of Pastor Mike Albert and Prophet Hezekiah Oluboye to the city as guest revivalists for a seven-day spiritual program entitled “Sought Out: Seven Days Of Renewals , Signs And Wonders.”
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 20
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
CHURCH LISTINGS CONNECTICUT Winners Chapel International 76 Pane Road Newington, CT 06111 860-878-6855 DELAWARE RCCG, Faith Chapel 4112 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE 19802 302-298-9151 RCCG Abundant Life Center 61 Christiana Road Newcastle, DE 19720 302-561-6008
RCCG (Jesus House) 4332 N. Kedzie Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 Berhane Wongel Ethiopian Church 6200 N. Artesian Avenue Chicago, IL 60659 MARYLAND MFM 5506 Church Road Bowie, MD 20772 CAC, House of Praise 4909 Edmonston Road Hyattsville, MD 20781 301-864-4788
RCCG, Eagles Wings Chapel 700 Forest Street Dover, DE 19904 302-480-2808
United People Church Intl. 307 N. Bridge Street Suite 207 Elkton, MD 21921 443-433-6252
GEORGIA Church of Grace Ministries 6599 Allred Court Riverdale, GA 30296
NEW JERSEY MFM, Jesus House 409 S. 18th Street Newark, NJ 07103 973-220-0007/862-902-6372
ILLINOIS Christ Healing Evangelical Church (Chapel of Praise) 15821 Greenwood Road South Holland, IL 60473
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 1st In The Americas 622 Cortelyou Road Brooklyn, NY 11218 718-284-7479
Philadelphia, PA 19139 215-474-5800 RCCG, Living Spring Intern’l Center 2123 N. 1st Avenue, Whitehall, PA 18052 610-264-3790
CAC (WOSEM) 611 Williams Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11208
RCCG, Living Spring Center 919 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 215-765-8170
Glorious Morning Star Cherubim and Seraphim Church 289 Saratoga Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11233
Rehoboth Harvest Ministries 931 Hamilton Street, 2nd Floor Allentown, PA 18101
PENNSYLVANIA CAC of PA, Mt. of Redemption 5200 Paschall Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143 215-724-5711
United Ghanaian Community Church 7501 Oak Lane Road Cheltenham, PA 19012 215-635-4799
CAC Philadelphia 5800-02 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 215-921-6703 RCCG, Living Spring Center 5801 Walnut Street
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
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
21
ADVERTORIAL
Before You Say I Do in The Glorious Home
T
he Good Women Association of Christ Apostolic Church, Redemption District (Mount of Redemption) recently held a one-day marriage seminar in Philadelphia. Topics of discussion at the seminar which featured Pastor Yomi Ademuwagun and Pastor Christiana Sanders as guest speakers were Before You Say I Do and The Glorious Home.
Photos: USAfrica Journal
If you missed the event, don’t worry, the organizers said another wholesome, family-friendly program is just around the corner. In the meantime, here is a pictorial.
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 22
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Arik Air, Effortlessly Connecting New York and West Africa
Fly Arik Air non-stop New York JFK to Lagos, Nigeria 3x weekly* and connect seamlessly throughout Nigeria and West Africa. • Arik Air offers the most extensive network throughout Nigeria, Central & West Africa • Experience a modern fleet with an average age of 5 years all maintained by partners Lufthansa Technik & Iberia • Relax with more comfort and more space on board • Savour an international menu of Western & Nigerian cuisine • Enjoy the best of Hollywood & Nollywood entertainment • Delight in the generous baggage allowance: 3x30kg Premier Business and 2x30kg Economy Class Call Arik Air on
1-877-900-ARIK Contact your local travel agent Or visit our website arikair.com
fly world class a r i k a i r. c o m *A340 operated by Hi Fly Transportes Aereos S.A.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CONCUSSION How Nigeria’s Dr. Omalu Sacks NFL! MOVIE
By Shah Shahid | Canada
Special to USAfrica Journal
24
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photo: www.upi.com
F
ilms based on true stories often reflect the social attitudes of a time that may not be as relevant during the film’s release. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela and many more were all subjects of multiple films decades after their accomplishments were etched into history as being worthy of doing so. More recently, the movie “Concussion” is also based on a true story, one that has a hard hitting impact today, both literally and figuratively. The story of Dr. Bennet Omalu is a modern day tale of basic human quality of life being quantified by a major corporate interest for its own purposes. American football, unlike its European counterpart, but very much like its British contemporary rugby, is very much a physical sport. While other contact sports have rules against physical contact resulting in penalties or other in-game repercussions, the premise of football is to tackle your opponents into submission. While that is an unfair simplification, there are obviously other more intricate strategies at play; the bashing of heads is undeniably an integral part of the sport. So of course, injuries to the body are commonplace. But it wasn’t until Nigerian-American forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu’s startling discovery that the world realized that football could have
Omalu and family
devastating long-term effects on the emotional and mental wellbeing of players. Renowned as a forensic pathologist and neuropathologist, Dr. Omalu was passionate about his job. While performing the autopsy on a former football player who died from a heart attack, Omalu came across a mystery that piqued his curiosity to almost obsessive levels. The football player in question had lived a post-football life that was shockingly tragic given his former stature as a famous football star. Suffering everything from depression, erratic behavior, addiction and obvious psychological issues, his death was seen
as the eventual result of his condition. His autopsy confirmed death by heart attack, but explained nothing about his mental status. Dr. Omalu, however, saw something strange in the brain. After performing many procedures and tests on the player’s brain, having spent a significant amount of his own time and money, and at the expense of ridicule from his colleagues, Omalu discovered that the brain had suffered massive trauma, as a result of injuries sustained during the player’s career as a football player. Many other autopsies of former football players showed the same pattern as in the one that triggered his
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT interest. He called this particular type of brain deterioration in football players Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, (CTE), a neurodegenerative brain disease believed to be caused by repetitive sub-concussive hits to the head. According to researchers at Boston University, symptoms “include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, anxiety, suicidality, Parkinsonism, and, eventually, progressive dementia.” In the movie, “Concussion,” which stars Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, we see Omalu go through the struggles of forcing the National Football League (NFL) to confront the link between football and CTE. Not only did the NFL refuse to acknowledge his findings, the body actually went all out to discredit and blacklist Omalu.
Omalu’s real life struggle included providing insurmountable evidence to the public as well as the governing body that essentially determined whether or not to do anything about the risks players faced. At every turn, he and his colleagues were shut out and ignored. The NFL even commissioned their own studies, with their own doctors, which sought to poke holes or refute the evidence provided by Dr. Omalu and his team. For a billion-dollar organization such as the NFL, acknowledging that the very premise of their sport causes life-threatening injuries to their only assets, the players, was a very dangerous thing. The payouts of insurance policies in the millions as part of this acknowledgement of CTE also had business implications that further explained the NFL’s vehement denial of CTE. In the movie, Dr. Joe
Maroon, the NFL’s Head, Neck, and Spine Committee’s concussion expert says, “If only 10 percent of mothers in America begin to conceive of football as dangerous, that is the end of football.” Omalu discovered the first CTE case in 2002 but it wasn’t until 2009 that the NFL acknowledged that indeed there is a link between football and CTE. Since then, there has been a drastic uptake in the concerns for head trauma from doctors in the NFL. CTE is still a very prevalent risk of American football. However, thanks to Dr. Omalu, it’s now an issue very well known to all involved: the players, their families and the NFL. The fight to put a spotlight on CTE as a credible threat to the physical and emotional wellbeing of NFL players is over. Dr. Omalu won that round. The next stage, equally crucial, is for the NFL to continue working with medical personnel, organizations and researchers to come up with safety procedures that would at least reduce the risks of CTE. American football is growing beyond the United States. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) includes 71 countries with their own national football team. Currently, there are five African countries in the African Federation wing of the IFAF: Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and Kenya. Since CTE is already recognized in the United States, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Bennet Omalu, other parts of the world can skip the debate and move right to preventative safety measures and actionable discussions on how to protect young players both physically and emotionally from the risks of playing football. Dr. Bennet Omalu’s doggedness and relentless quest for the truth have brought the necessary awareness to CTE. So much so that virtually every mother or schoolteacher is now wary of a playtime bump on the head. With additional reports by Tosin Obiwale USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
25
ADVERTORIAL
Ikaleland Sends Madam Arikawe-Aiyebo Home In Style
F
confident that though physically parted now, “we will meet in paradise.” While Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo described her as a “godly mother” with unconditional affection for her children, Mr. Olabode Aiyebo said Mama would not want him to eulogize her in any way but to magnify the grace of God in her. Madam Arikawe-Aiyebo is survived by many children. grandchildren and a great-grandchild, among whom are Mr. Olaniyi Arikawe, Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo, Mr. Olabode Aiyebo, Mr. Olowo Aiyebo, and Mr. Olumide Aiyebo.
Mama Arikawe-Aiyebo
Photos: Courtesy; Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo and Olabode Aiyebo
or a life well spent, the children of Madam Olafemi Emily Arikawe-Aiyebo (a.k.a. Mama America) rolled out the drums to celebrate the life of their mother who passed on recently. Ikaleland, Ondo State, Nigeria had witnessed celebrations of various sorts, but the festivities put on by Madam Arikawe-Aiyebo’s family to commemorate the passing of their mother to eternity was in a class of its own. In his tribute to the departed, Mama’s eldest son, Mr. Olaniyi Arikawe was
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 26
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: Courtesy; Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo and Olabode Aiyebo
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
27
Photos: Courtesy; Chief Ekundayo Aiyebo and Olabode Aiyebo
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 28
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
BUSINESS
AfDB approves over US $36 million support package for Djibouti The African Development Bank Group will help Djibouti to diversify its economy, improve governance and create employment for the country’s young population.
T
hese commitments were agreed in the 2016-2020 Country
Strategy Paper (CSP) for Djibouti approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors on
Photo: www.rti.ci
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina
March 9, 2016 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This new CSP aims to promote inclusive and diversified growth through support to the energy and health sectors as well as private sector-related institutions. To achieve these goals, the Bank will adopt a private sector-focused approach by prioritizing energy sector investments and supporting policy and institutional reform to create an enabling environment for private sector development. The CSP will focus on two strategic pillars: (i) development of socio-economic infrastructure in the energy and health sectors; and (ii)
support for good governance through institutional capacity-building. For the first three years, under the first pillar, it will finance an electrification support project as well as a referral hospital construction project while the second pillar will finance a new institutional capacity-building project in the public and private sectors. According to papers presented to the Board, “The CSP combines innovation and continuity, and will differ from previous CSPs in that it focuses more closely on advisory and institutional capacity-building actions, scales up the local job content in project design, and its formulation is based on a series of analytical briefs AfDB continued on page 50
IBM Opens First Cloud Data Center in South Africa
I
BM has announced that it is opening a new IBM Cloud Data Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. The new cloud center is the result of a close collaboration with Gijima and Vodacom and is designed to support cloud adoption and customer demand across the continent. IBM will provide clients with a complete portfolio of cloud services for running enterprise and as service workloads. The new facility underscores IBM’s growing cloud footprint, which now includes 46 cloud data centers
across six continents. “We’re working to drive cloud adoption that best leverages a customer’s existing IT investments,” IBM Country General Manager in South Africa Hamilton Ratshefola said. “Our new Cloud Data Center gives customers a local onramp to IBM Cloud services including moving mission critical SAP workloads to the cloud with ease. It also gives customers the added flexibility of keeping data within the country which is a key differentiator for IBM.” IBM continued on page 49 USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
29
40
Start @
DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC. Start annual mammograms at age 40.
Scientific evidence proves that women should start annual mammograms at age 40. It only takes a few moments of your time … moments that could save your life. Talk to your doctor today about getting an annual mammogram.
Visit MammographySavesLives.org to: ❑ Clear up confusion about mammograms ❑ Find an accredited mammography center near you ❑ Sign up for an annual e-mail alert to remind you to schedule your mammogram appointment ❑ Share your story
TRENDY THINGS
Battle Over Her Bosom! By Florence Oluohu | Nigeria
We all love the word “my.” It signifies ownership. It spells possession. It confers a spirit of being in charge, in control. And for the human race, he who is in charge is king, regardless of gender. He is Baba, Lord of the Manor. Ehen nau! It simply means na me get this thing.
O
Photo: Shutterstock
ur desire to be in control sees us tagging everything that is ours – my house, my car, my wife/husband, my child/children, my doctor, my lawyer - and the list is endless. No harm in that, right? I agree with you, but when we extend it to
certain territories, I begin to wonder. Let us look at the woman’s breast, for instance. It is one of the physical features that enhance the appearance of a woman. It has been variously branded. While to some the pair is referred to as orange, mango, apple or pear, others
refer to it as Manchester, milk factory, front axle, or frontal attack. Regardless of nomenclature, a woman’s breasts serve a myriad of functions to different persons at different times. And with each function comes claimants to the twin towers. Who, then, actually “owns” the multi-functional pair? Of course, naturally, the very first claimant should be the one on whose chest the mound was deposited. What other proof of ownership can one expect? In the adolescent years when the breasts are just budding, to the teenage years when they attain their full glory, the beauty of the breasts is at its best. Full, firm and standing proud, it is as inviting as it is appealing to the senses. Even the young lady knows she bears a treasure on her chest and not a few walk jauntily to highlight their assets. Some even go braless to emphasize the very fact and essence of their new “womanity.” In the days of dating, the young man in her life experiences a new sensation in the breasts. It is a novelty for him, especially when he comes in contact with the creamy smoothness of
Oluohu
the skin and firm fullness of the breasts. Not too long after, she becomes a wife and another claimant to her delightful mound surfaces. Ask any man for confirmation. Even the pretenders cannot but kowtow to the power of the boobs. It is a comforter for the man at all times. Akin to a pacifier, he delights in the smooth, soft flesh. He rests his head on his natural pillow and finds solace there when trouble comes calling, or just when he desires to delight in nature’s gift to him through his wife. A man’s claims to the woman’s breasts is further made valid with his reference to her as “my wife,” and we know that the tag is about ownership made emphatic with the matrimonial vow and, in the African context, as it applies to some other cultures, payment of bride price. Did she not vow to bestow all that she has and possesses on him? And won’t the breasts be as good as any point to start with? Hmmm! Then comes the baby, another valid claimant to the territory. Fresh from the womb, nature has its food good and ready, with BATTLE continued on page 50
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
31
COVER 1
CHANGE BUHARI STILL ON TRACK?
By Mahmud Abubakar | Nigeria
In Nigeria, something strange is in the air. Even if it seems the country is in a quagmire economically, there’s no denying the fact that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption is a clear departure from the modus operandi of the immediate past administration. Change, the “hailers” of Buhari’s administration insist, is here at last.
“S
eeing former Defense Chief Alex Badeh appear in court for corruption charges gladdens my heart because it strongly sends a signal that it’s no longer business as usual,” public affairs commentator Jafaru Usman recently said in a weekly radio program in Abuja. Badeh’s trial brings the total number of high profile ex-government functionaries standing trial for graft and abuse of office to 14, a record high for a country known for covering up atrocities committed by public figures. Among those already in the government’s net is the national security advisor of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki, who also has been in custody for four months for allegedly mismanaging monies meant for the procurement of arms and armament to fight the Boko Haram terrorist group. Also among the inglorious lot is former Internal Affairs Minister Abba Moro who oversaw the 2014 immigration job recruitment tragedy which resulted in the deaths of several graduate job seekers.
Thus far, Nigeria’s political analysts believe Buhari is not doing badly regarding his promise to eradicate the Boko Haram insurgency which has claimed the lives of thousands in the last few years. Normalcy is said to have returned to most parts of the troubled northeastern part of Nigeria with the military either capturing or killing members of the dreaded militia on weekly basis. “I can categorically tell you now that my local g ov ernment area (Damboa, Borno State), which was formerly one of the locations captured by Boko Haram, is now fully
Though the Buhari-led All Progressives Party (APC) government is generally believed to be doing well in delivering on his campaign promises of tackling corruption head on, the country’s chronically ill economy remains its biggest challenge. 32
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Buhari
under the control of our military,” Sani Sanusi said in a recent chat on a radio program in Abuja. Nigeria’s military under the leadership of General Tukur Buratai is believed to have recorded some successes in the fight against Boko Haram. Though the Buhari-led All Progressives Party (APC) government is generally believed to be doing well in delivering on his campaign promises of tackling corruption head on, the country’s chronically ill economy remains its biggest challenge. Frankly, the economy has yet to see any change worth celebrating. The nation’s currency continues getting pummeled at the foreign exchange market with no sign of recovery in sight. For a country that depends heavily on importation of several items on its citizen’s
COVER 1 staples’ list, that is bad news. Prices of food and household items, which the average person on the street expects to witness a positive change with the coming of Buhari, remains a mirage. Additionally, reports abound that many businesses have closed shops due to the high costs of foreign exchange needed to import goods from abroad. Oil revenue, which is the major source of foreign exchange for the country, has dwindled drastically leaving President Buhari with no choice but to prioritize in terms of some of the promises made in the run up to the 2015 general elections. Expectedly, the masses, on whose back the president rode to victory with promises of positive changes in key areas of their lives, have started asking questions. “How can a government that promised to pay unemployed graduates 5,000 naira monthly turn around and say they would rather use the already appropriated monies in the budget for other ventures?” Kenneth Odeyemi, a jobless graduate asked. “I think it’s insensitive to some of us who have been waiting for such direct interventions.” Meanwhile, in an effort to shore up its fast dwindling revenue, the government has decided to unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which has for years been associated with corruption and mismanagement. Under the new dispensation announced by the junior minister of petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, NNPC will evolve into seven smaller profit-oriented units charged with justifying its existence and recording a return on investment relatively comparable to other high-profile global players in the field. While some observers applauded the move believing it will shift the NNPC from its dirty
past into a new brighter future, others believed the seven smaller units will end up creating more confusion. Hence, Buhari’s biggest headache to date is how to revamp the country’s economy. This has prompted many well-meaning Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, to urge the president to convene a national economic summit to chart a way forward from the present economic crisis. The 2016 national budget (yet to be passed as of press time) became a big embarrassment for the Buhari government. At some point, the budget was declared missing, only to resurface with lots of fraudulent additions and duplications among other misguided and unnecessary items padded into it. One such contentious area is the budget allocation for the Aso Rock Clinic which provides services to the first family: the amount budgeted was higher than the allocation for some of the country’s biggest hospitals servicing the larger population. To his credit, the president moved swiftly to deal with the situation by sacking the director general of the Budget Office. The president called the budget issue “sabotage,” saying the
“I like the fact that corruption is being dealt with very well. It sends the message to everyone that public service is not a license to loot and pilfer, but until we start seeing the change in the prices of food, shelter and transportation, there’s no change yet.”
document was hijacked by greedy individuals. Another noticeable feature of the Buhari’s government is that in the last year, what has drawn the ire of the public is the president’s penchant for globetrotting. While his frequent trips abroad have been criticized by many Nigerians who argued that the president should stay home more, govern and find solutions to the lingering problems facing the country; the government has defended his frequent trips as necessary to align Nigeria strategically with the rest of the world on several issues. The wind of change is no doubt blowing in Nigeria, but the country is still very far from the “promised land.” The wind has uprooted decayed and corrupt public officials and put them up for public display, but the people have yet to see or feel the change where it matters most – the economy. “Not only did I go home to vote for Buhari in the last election, I also mobilized people to get on the ‘change train’,” Adebo Ajayi, a Nigerian-American resident of New York said. “I like the fact that corruption is being dealt with very well. That’s good. It sends the message to everyone that public service is not a license to loot and pilfer, but until we start seeing the change in the prices of food, shelter and transportation, there’s no change yet.” With additional reports by Tosin Obiwale USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
33
COMMENTARY
Mr. President, May I Have A Word? By Abiodun Komolafe | Nigeria
For those who care to know, I am a passionate supporter of the Muhammadu Buhari cause and that position is not about to change!
A
s a matter of fact, my preference in the March 28, 2015 presidential election, through which Buhari eventually became Nigeria’s first opposition candidate ever to defeat an incumbent president, was a product of my convictions and until I have sufficient reasons to change course, my preference remains the same. Buhari’s victory in the poll is no doubt a great opportunity to reposition the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) as a party of principle. It is also an opportunity for the progressive class to truly rediscover itself before the next general elections, especially if the
ruling party must retain its relevance in the consciousness of Nigerians. As things stand, there are folks out there in whose eyes the only difference between the opposition People’s Redemption Party (PDP) and the APC is Buhari. Well, maybe one or two other genuine hearts here and there. But they are as scarce as hen’s teeth! As a result, concerted efforts should be made towards preventing the anti-corruption war being waged by this administration from being a temporary measure. This is why, apart from building it around structures, not men, Buhari must also endeavor to reform
the country’s judiciary. He must strive to put in place workable structures that will prevent our monies from being stolen and stashed abroad. It is my hope that Buhari will do well for progressive politics by departing from the old, cruel culture of taking the needs and expectations of its followers as a four yearly ritual in which, immediately after their votes are captured, counted and credited, they become aberrant artefacts whose “phones will no longer ring” until it is another election year. If the president can maximize the momentum, he may become to Nigeria what Abraham Lincoln is to the United States of America. Like Buhari, Lincoln governed America at her most difficult time. Apart from leading his MR. PRESIDENT continued on page 49
EARN EXTRA $$$ WRITE FOR USAFRICA JOURNAL Intellectually Stimulating Visually Appealing Professionally Packaged
Get Quality Get Value 0 le as 5 For as litt ay! d cents per
YOUR AD LOOKS AND FARES BETTER IN
USAfrica Journal
IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL; IT’S STRICTLY BUSINESS!
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
Call our ad hotlines:
USA: 1 215 571 9241 Africa: 234 8055564580/7041253004 234 7084554584/8171897153 34
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
NEWS-AFRICA
In Mozambique: BOOST FOR POWER SECTOR
G
igawatt Mozambique has announced a $200-million investment into Mozambique’s power sector, alongside several global stakeholders including Standard Bank and the World Bank, amongst many others. The investment will assist in harnessing Mozambique’s natural-gas resources, which will further benefit many of Mozambique’s neighbors in the southern Africa region. This - along with several other projects in the SADC region - will be presented and discussed at EnergyNet’s upcoming Southern Africa Energy and Infrastructure Summit (SAEIS), taking
place in Maputo, Mozambique from May 4 to 6, 2016. The summit will celebrate regional co-operation, and promote energy and infrastructure projects that require both private- and public-sector support in order to be realized. EnergyNet’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa Veronica BoltonSmith commented that “regional development is the key to unlocking Africa’s energy investment potential - SAEIS will bring together countries from the SADC region to discuss live infra-
BOOST continued on page 50
Ghana High Speed Rail Project presentation at the CG-LA Infrastructure Conference
C
hesterfield Faring Ltd (CFL) recently presented the Ghana high speed rail project at the CG-LA Infrastructure conference in Washington, D.C. Last year, the Ministry of Public Private Partnerships (Honorable Dr. Rashid Pelpuo) engaged CFL to undertake a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the feasibility and then construction of a high speed passenger railway connecting Accra and Kumasi, plus adjacent Transit Oriented Developments (TODs). Three sites have been identified for terminals and
TODs; two in Accra and one in Kumasi. The bid submissions from contractors to build the Railways and TODs will commence in early June 2016. All funding will be arranged from the private capital markets and the projects will be self-funded. An Advisory Board was formed to provide advice for the RFP undertaking as follows: Dr. Katsuhiko Takahashi: Urban town planner of Abu Dubai and master developer.
GHANA continued on page 49 USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
35
INTERVIEW
Blind, But Brilliant! By Eldana Mengesha | USA
Though fate started Charles Byekwaso off at the lowest rung of the ladder, he had his big brown eyes set at the top. Born poor, Byekwaso’s mind and eyes were fixed on bettering his lot in a community ravaged by poverty.
36
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photo: The Hadley School for the Blind
T
hough his father couldn’t afford to send him to school, he stubbornly held on to his conviction that education is one of the major keys he would use to unlock the gates to his dreams. And he had plenty of dreams. He wanted to buy a car (at a time when riding a brand new Raleigh bicycle would be considered more than adequate for a man of minimal means). Byekwaso wanted to travel overseas, see and appreciate the beauties of the wonderful world we all live in. He had it all mapped out to the last detail until the doctor told him one day: “You will never see again!” The words knocked him out cold. When Byekwaso recovered from the shocking news that he had permanently lost his sight, he was devastated. “December 4, 1978 will never go away from my memory,” he said. “It was the day I lost my sight due to torture by Idi Amin’s soldiers.” For the faint at heart, that could have been the end of one’s dreams, but not for Byekwaso who, though now handicapped, never let go of his dream and passion for higher education. Last year, Byekwaso won The Hadley School for the Blind’s International Student of the Year award, in the United States. Born July 28, 1955 in Kisembe, Uganda, Byekwaso’s parents had twelve children, out of which only seven survived. The others died in infancy. He was child number seven. Having lost many children before his birth, his parents named him, “Byekwaso,” which means imaginary, unreliable or unsure, Byekwaso explained. “They weren’t sure I would survive.”
Byekwaso
Byekwaso defied the odds. He lived. He grew, and went to school to study bookkeeping and accounting. He also earned an advanced certificate in typewriting. He was gainfully employed in the Ugandan Ministry of Labor as a clerical officer of accounts before the civil war in the country changed the trajectory of his life. “When the doctor told me rather bluntly that my eyesight was gone forever, I was shocked. I spent six hours thinking of what to do next. I remembered reading about blind people, who lived fruitful lives and became useful to society, in a magazine usually bought by my father. The thought comforted me that though I’d lost my sight, I could still be useful. Also, at the hospital where I was receiving treatment, I learned from the parents of a younger boy, who had hurt his eyes and had also come for treatment, about Salama Rural Training School. They told me blind persons were trained and very well looked after at the school. I was
eager to start schooling there. However, by the time I got the chance to join the school, the situation had changed. The war was on. Sometimes, we missed meals. We had to be very patient and determined to get through the difficult times to complete our studies. “After my discharge from the hospital, I went straight to Salama Rural Training School for the Blind. So that, in a way, helped me avoid the snide remarks I might have experienced had I gone straight back to the village as a blind person. While many people, including my family members, believed in me — that I would find a way to get past the problem — there were others who thought it was over for me because I lost my sight.” But it wasn’t over for Byekwaso. He has moved several steps above and beyond his sorry state many years ago. He has undertaken leadership positions in several associations for the blind and other disability organizations. In our encounter with the man recently, we asked him, in addition to many other questions: How did you cope with the demands and responsibilities of such positions? Many of those responsibilities were quite challenging. For example, at the time I was elected to the Uganda National Association of the Blind Board, the association had no office, and its bank account had less than one dollar! We used to hold our meetings on the verandahs of other people’s buildings. The association had no clear membership drive or programs. But with my participation as its treasurer, we were able to create programs catering to the needs of blind people. The associa-
INTERVIEW tion now has a secretariat and its own premises. Secondly, there is a small association of blind farmers which I joined immediately after I completed my training at Salama Rural Training School for the Blind. The association is called the Mawotto Association of the Blind and it comprises blind farmers and business persons. It was in a poor state when I joined. But we all worked hard at improving it. Now, it has a bank account, operates a lake transport project, and even has premises for rent in the small trading center. I really thank God for His many gifts in my life. I work well with others and I’m able to assist in finding solutions to problems. So what should a visually impaired person who sees disability as a hindrance to achieving his/her dreams do? Seek information and advice from others who have the same disability and particularly those who have struggled and succeeded in life. They should understand that they’re not the only ones with such challenges. There are others whose situations are worse. The point is, one must be as creative, tolerant and hard working as much as possi-
ble. I have seen situations where people who have no disability at all admire our personal conduct and developments. Above all, getting involved in educational courses from various institutions like The Hadley School for the Blind can add strength and value to one’s life. How does it feel winning the International Student of the Year award? I was very excited when I received the message from the director of student services. I had to read the message several times. How did you learn about The Hadley School for the Blind? I picked up the course catalogue plus some other information from one of the stalls at the Africa Forum for the Blind in 2004. I had always wanted to take correspondence courses even before I lost my sight. Financing had always been my major obstacle. So when I saw that this was an institute offering free education, I enrolled immediately. Are there any specific goals that you’re working towards? I want to take as many courses as I can to broaden my knowledge in a number of fields. I also want to prove
my abilities of using Braille in accomplishing different important tasks. Look into the future, tell me what you see — for yourself, Uganda and The Hadley School for the Blind. The Hadley School for the Blind courses have made me one of the more knowledgeable persons in Uganda. I participate in a number of national activities, making decisions as well as responding to different issues as an informed and knowledgeable person. I want to see The Hadley School continue providing education services to people all over the world. If possible, I want the school to consider offering diploma programs even to overseas students. I would also like to see the school acquire university status so many people around the world can benefit from it. Is there anything else you will like to say to anyone reading your story? Lend a helping hand in whatever way you can to a disabled person in need. The kind of assistance that I received after I lost my sight may not be available to everybody. If the less-fortunate visually impaired get help, they too can live meaningful lives.
IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK, Don’t let anyone take it away.
If you have the legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace.
You should know that –
In most cases, employers cannot deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin or citizenship status or refuse to accept your legally acceptable documents.
Employers cannot terminate you because of E-Verify without giving you an opportunity to resolve the problem. In most cases, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. If any of these things have happened to you, contact the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
For assistance in your own language: Phone: 1-800-255-7688 or (202) 616-5594 For the hearing impaired: TTY 1-800-237-2515 or (202) 616-5525
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
E-mail: osccrt@usdoj.gov Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice – CRT Office of Special Counsel – NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20530
www.justice.gov/crt/about/osc
Employers cannot reject documents because they have a future expiration date.
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
37
COMMUNITY CAMERA
Free Indeed In Our Emotions Organized by the coordinator of the Knowledge Saturday program of the Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Mrs. Folu Abiona, the event featured re-
W
faith-based program recently held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey had a refreshing time exploring the topic; Free Indeed In Our Emotions.
Photos: USAfrica Journal
ith all the extra weights that we all oftentimes have in our backpacks, how do we become truly free in our emotions? Participants at a
nowned psychotherapist and pastor, Dr. Teni Osundeko, and couple and family therapist Dr. Christiana Ibilola Awosan as guest speakers. This edition of the Knowledge Saturday breakfast event was sponsored in part by a Penn Cares grant from Penn Medical.
Young African Leaders Council Hosts Symposium John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, New York recently. This year’s theme, Transforming Africa Through Partnerships focused on the importance of pub-
Photos: Courtesy, YALs Council
T
he Council of Young African Leaders hosted the 5th annual City University of New York (CUNY) Young African Leadership Symposium (YALS) at
lic and private partnerships, within the African community and abroad. This year’s symposium featured panels such as Let Us Learn From 38
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Ebola and Assimilation and Acculturation in Africa along with informative debates about topics that influence it’s growing population.
ADVERTORIAL
Giving it up for Moji @ 50!
C
er of choice), it was equally a day of thanksgiving. At a special thanksgiving service held at the Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania (Mount of Redemption) Philadelphia; birthday girl’s husband, Olabode Aiyebo thanked God for preserving his wife’s life, and for the continued radiance of His glory in her life. On hand to mark the major milestone with her were family members, friends and well-wishers from far and near.
Photos: USAfrica Journal
locking the big Five-Zero is no doubt a big deal; especially if one considers not just how far but also how well the life He has granted one is. For the Olabode and Mojisola Aiyebo family, it was a time to celebrate the mother and wife of the house, Mojisola Aiyebo, Philadelphia’s top notch caterer as she turned 50 recently. Apart from a surplus of authentic African delicacies (which frankly is quite expected since Moji is renowned across the United States as a cater-
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
39
Photos: USAfrica Journal
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. 40
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: USAfrica Journal
ADVERTORIAL
IF IT MATTERS, IT'S HERE! YOUR EVENTS CAN BE HERE TOO. CALL 215 571 9241 OR 610 570 9143. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
41
FASHION
For The Fashionista!
Photos: AFWL
Though it’s still a few months to the biggest African fashion spectacle in London, a.k.a. African Fashion Week London (AFWL), the countdown to the D-day is getting exciting by the day. Building on another successful outing last year, this year’s event is already being billed as the biggest and best ever. While we all wait with baited breath to see if the show lives up to its grand billing with this year’s edition, here’s a glimpse of the colorful display at the last outing in London.
42
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photos: AFWL
FASHION
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
43
BEAUTY
Looking HOT in the Cold! It’s cold alright but you don’t have to be frozen in time with your beauty regimen.
O
ur buddies at Flori Roberts say with the right products and deft touches, you can still stay alluringly hot even in this cold and wet weather. Glow, glitter or simply glammed up; the choice is all yours. And with tips from the masters, staying fresh and hot should be a breeze! GET GLOWING: Adding gorgeous luminosity to ethnic skin has never been easier with Sunglow Bronzer, which adds a natural flush to the cheeks. Deeper skin tones are a challenge when it comes to creating a natural look without making the skin look bruised or ashy. The secret of sun bronzer is its sheer pigment, which behaves like a natural flush on the skin. Its buildable color never looks over done and is completely versatile, beautiful on the cheeks, forehead, décolletage, eyelids, wherever the face needs a little naturals flush or contour.
44
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Exfoliation is a great way to refresh skin and put a fresh face forward. Whisk away
GLITTERS: Wearing a gilded eye with Loose Mineral Eye Shadows is like wearing jewelry on your face, making your eyes stand out in a simple, sparkly way. Loose Mineral Eye Shadows are pure pigments. Not only can they be used as eyeshadow, the savvy beauty guru will experiment with these pigments as highlighter, lip color, blush, and even on the nails. Highlighter under the brow bone is a no-brainer. Customizing lips colors with pigments is another awesome way to use them. They can add shine and
change the texture, all while creating amazing new shades. Be creative. When you put color over Black Magic eyeliner, you create BRILLIANCE! See for yourself! HIGHLIGHT: Have you ever used a highlighter to achieve a subtle, dewy, youthful glistening effect and ended up disco-ball glittery? Haven’t we all. And it isn’t pretty. We end up looking sweaty or oily or both. Certainly not my best look. Here is the answer. It’s simple, effective, multi-purpose gel that is translucent so your own beautiful skin tone can show through with a hint of glimmer. Beautiful for a glamourous highlighting effect. EXFOLIATE: Each season brings a new set of challenges. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and increased winds can lead to drier, flaky skin.
dead skin cells and reveal newer, younger looking skin. EYE SHADOW: A beautiful eye shadow certainly assists in your transformation. Does eye makeup application take on the complexity of rocket science when faced with a bare eye lid and pots of powder? Fear not! We are here to assist. Let’s start with the eyes. Here is a simple way to achieve “makeup artist” contouring effects with a simple palette, placement and blending. As a result your eyes look larger, lifted and bigger.
IMMIGRATION
The Notice to Appear (3) By Akeem Soboyede | USA
It is important to note that receiving the Notice to Appear (NTA) is not the proverbial “kiss of death” to your chances of remaining in the US or even gaining legal status in this country.
A
s I previously noted, your best chance of making receipt of the NTA a non-issue is to immediately contact an experienced and knowledgeable Immigration attorney. Such a professional, for instance, will be more likely to spot glaring procedural flaws in the document to get you off the hook, so to speak. For instance, the NTA might have been sent to your actual address but somehow contains another person’s name, or your incomplete name. A savvy attorney can get your case dismissed in court on those or other procedural grounds such as improper service, however temporary such a relief might be (before the government issues a new or corrected charging document). You (or your attorney acting on your behalf) can also deploy more substantive defenses in your bid to defeat the NTA and avoid removal. Defenses that can be raised, which itself will only arise after you must have conceded the charges of removability at your initial Master Calendar Hearing, depend on what you were charged with. If the charge was that you entered the US without inspection (EWI), the government has to prove you are removable
on this ground. The same burden rests on government if the charge is that you are removable on any of the relevant criminal grounds, though you are a permanent resident of the US and not just a person who “sneaked” into the country. For example, government might have relied on documents tendered in your criminal case which correctly identified you as the person who committed or was convicted of a crime; but the supposed crime could also have been subject to the “petty offenses” exception, which makes you ineligible for removal. If you are indeed subject to removal, meaning there are no substantive defenses, it still does not infer that your removal from the United States is inevitable. For US legal permanent residents (LPR) charged with removability after being convicted of a crime or those charged with being in the US without inspection (EWI), there is the relief of Cancellation of Removal. This relief will be available for the former if the following conditions are applicable: they have been in LPR status for not less than five years before commission of the crime that is the basis of their removal proceedings;
or they have resided in the United States for not less than seven years in any status; and they have not been convicted of an aggravated felony. In the case of those charged with removability in Immigration Court because of their EWI status (non permanent residents), the relief of Cancellation of Removal is available if the person has resided continuously in the United States for at least ten years; is adjudged
by the Court to have been a person of good moral character throughout that period of ten years; is not otherwise subject to criminal bars arising from a conviction of any crime outlined in relevant Immigration statutes, such as INA §212(a)(2); INA §237(a)(2), or §237(a)(3); and establishes that removal would result in “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to the alien’s spouse, NOTICE continued on page 50
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#
Pastor C. O. Ogunleye Associate Pastor
Pastor E. O. Odeyale (DS) Pastor-in-Charge
Pastor M. O. Ajayi Associate Pastor
Pastor S. A. Oyeleke Chairman, U.S.A. EDCC USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
45
SPORTS
Yaya Toure: Talent that Commands Respect
By Alex Baker | USA
It’s not been the easiest of seasons for Yaya Toure. He’s been criticized for his attitude and work rate on the pitch in a Premier League campaign that’s seen his club Manchester City struggle.
E
ing of relegation-bound Aston Villa – scoring a goal and generally sparking his team into action after a lifeless first half. In spite of having visibly lost some of the pace that used to seemingly carry him from box to box with just two or three strides, Toure is still a man for the occasional moment of brilliance. His one-touch wonder strike in December’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal comes to mind. But then goals are nothing new for a player who actually once played for Arsenal as a striker, while on a trial at
Toure 46
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
Photo: en.wikipedia.org
Photo: www.talksport.com
arlier this year he lost his grip on the African Footballer of the Year honor – an award he’s won for the last four years consecutively – when he was beaten to the post by Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Despite all Toure’s ups and downs, he continues to have his moments on the pitch; moments that remind us why the Ivory Coast man is still regarded as the most talented African footballer of his generation. Toure, who is now 32, came up big in City’s recent hammer-
the North London club earlier in his career. He has also been deployed at center back at times, but is generally regarded as the archetypal box-to-box midfielder. Toure began his career at Ivorian super-club ASEC Mimosas before joining Belgian side, Beveren in 2001. When the trial at Arsenal failed to turn into a contract offer, Toure signed with
certain. Guardiola and Toure are said not to get along with the Catalan coach having been the one who sold Toure back in 2010. However one thing that is certain is that Toure is definitely not one who plans on going gently into the good night. His agent, Dimitry Seluk, has already been hard at work angling in the media for Toure’s next move and there are no indications Toure plans on hanging up his boots any time soon.
Rumors in the press have linked him with moves to Inter Milan in Italy, various clubs in Major League Soccer, and even possibly joining his older brother Kolo at Liverpool. But whatever the future may hold for Toure, there is first the matter of the current season with Manchester City to contend with. City has just won the League Cup and is still alive in the Champions League. And despite some setbacks, the club is still picked by some as contender for making a late charge on the Premier League title. Whatever plans Pep Guardiola may or may not have for him, current City boss Manual Pellegrini recently told ESPN that Toure still makes “an important difference” to the team and will “always be very important player here – in every club that he plays.” Toure will be 33 at the start of next season. While the lung-busting charges from deep in midfield that characterized him earlier in his career may be fewer and farther between, Toure remains a player with the drive, skill, passing range, vision and eye for goal to extend his career well into his mid-30s. For Yaya Toure it may just be a question of finding a club that will continue to pay him the kind of respect a talent like his deserves.
Photo: www.thesportsmash.co.uk
Ukraine side, Metalurh Donetsk. His next stop was Olympiacos, where he won the double of Greek League and Cup before moving on to Monaco after representing Ivory Coast in the 2006 World Cup. At Monaco, Toure played a key role in helping the club avoid relegation that season. His impressive performances in central midfield finally earned him the move to the big club he’d been seeking when he joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2007. At Barcelona, Toure enjoyed the first truly major successes of his career. He was part of the legendary treble-winning side of 2009 and even deputized at center back in the Champions League final against Manchester United that season. But Toure’s time with Barça was to be relatively short-lived and in 2010 he signed with Manchester City on a five-year deal. At City, Toure truly became a club legend. His goal in the 2011 FA Cup Final against Stoke City saw the Citizens end their 25-year trophy drought. The following season he helped Man City win their first league title in 44 years in a dramatic fashion; assisting on the opening goal in a 3-2 win against QPR on the final day of the season that secured the league for City. More trophies followed at City; two Football League Cups, a Community Shield, and another Premier League title in 2014. But at 32, Toure’s time at the apex of European football seems to be winding down. While he has scored eight goals for City this season, he’s also labored at times and can no longer cover the kind of ground he once did as the most dynamic box-to-box player in the game. His high profile on the pitch has led him to rather unfairly shoulder the blame for a City team that’s lacked consistency and motivation. He’s become a favorite target of the English press every time City came up short, as they often had this season. With former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola set to take charge at the club next season, Toure’s future at City is un-
Photo: www.theepochtimes.com
SPORTS
USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
47
YORUBA continued from page 7
was amazed at the skills of Nigerians in combining various food types to make a meal. It is one thing to make one stew here, and another there; but when Nigerians combine them, ha, that one is another story! I ate it with amala and I really like amala. So the answer to that has to be amala and gbegiri. Can you make any of the Nigerian dishes? I know how to make amala but not gbegiri. My friend is yet to teach me that. Not only do you sing in Nigerian languages, but also speak English FAT AND ALL continued from page 9
seeing that but I saw the Chinaman and his handiwork everywhere. From construction to commerce, the Chinese are supposedly helping us build our country. Or so they say. Well, for the first time in a very long time, I heard, saw and felt Mother Nature in her unadulterated form. I took off my shoes and felt the soothing warmth of sand and soil on the soles of my feet. I saw the red-headed gecko scampering about and playing hide and seek in crevices of concrete walls. I heard the throaty cackles of the bright colored cock excitedly chasing the coy hen down the street, hell-bent on letting off steam. The cock’s got to have it. I smiled ruefully, and for an instant, WHERE continued from page 14
and Jola. You can never take that from them. When you identify where home is, you have a sense of joy, gladness and serenity in your spirit man. As challenging as Nigeria is, some Nigerians here who have the means still go home three or four times in a year because Nigeria is home. Home is not just where your friends and loved ones are, or where you attended school; home is where your heart is. People in 48
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
with a distinct Nigerian accent. I believe you’ve only been to Nigeria once in 2015, how did you pick the accent so fast? I spend a lot of time with my church members and one of them is my roommate so I`m influenced by the accent all the time. We have this saying in Finnish “Seura muuttaa kaltaisekseen.” Meaning: “The company makes you alike. Apart from music, what are your other interests? I love to read the word of God. I also like cycling and some winter sports like ice skating. I have started liking things I hated as a child for example knitting. I also recently started Irish ball which is
very interesting as football and volleyball has been combined in it. Is there anything in particular you want to add? I want to encourage all my fans and people that will read this, to work for God and to find their places and parts on this earth. God has given us a beautiful life and grace to live life to the fullest. Let us not get tired or give up easily but let us always push ourselves beyond our limits so that we can grow and achieve all the goals in life. The enemy is already under your feet so don`t allow anybody, anything or even yourself to stop you from fulfilling your destiny. As you do this, God will bless you mightily in Jesus’ name.
transported back in time to Ibadan, and thoughts of what we did to dogs sighted in similar situation flashed across my mind. Father, forgive us, for we knew not what we were doing! And while at it, I learned a few choice words which the prevailing socioeconomic condition in the city and the country at large has added to the lexicon of the people — some amusing, some annoying — words like inverter, collabo, credit (as in phone credit) are just some of the new lingo I learned in Lagos. And again for the first time in a very long time, involuntarily, I intoned the often said prayer of a typical Lagos resident subjected to the whims and caprices of the power supply company and the gas stations selling fuel for the private generators. “Lord, please let
us have light … “ Pray, what has God got to do with ensuring a steady supply of electricity? The Holy Book was right: “Ye do not receive, because ye ask wrongly.” No wonder such misplaced prayers are yet to be answered decades after we’ve been fasting and praying for it! Yet, warts and all, there is something about the dusty air of Lagos — the brown sandy sidewalks, the feel of unpaved, rugged ground on your feet, the stream of hawkers swarming all around you in traffic jams like predatory bees, and the ceaseless suicidal dashes of pedestrians across multilane highways – that just makes one feel at home. My darling Lagos is fat alright, but I’m still in love with her!
Nigeria who tell those of us here that; “ile labo isinmi oko”, (home is always the resting place) must understand that home is not just where a man was born; home is the place the heart of man burns for. If you are over forty-five and you know where home is in your heart, you better find your way home. Time is ticking, my friend. When Jacob sojourned in Padan-Aram for 20 years, he said in Genesis 30:30- “…when shall I prepare for my home…” If you are
from Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and you have made America your home, not a transition camp, stay at home and invest there. If you are not sure, you better be sure. Prepare for home, wherever ‘home’ is. If you prepare for home, home will prepare for you. My home in the US is Baltimore, and my home in Nigeria is nowhere else but Ibadan; and I am prepared for both. Dr.Ojo is the CEO of Gravitas Communications, and Senior Pastor of RCCG, (City of Praise), Hartford, Wisconsin.
MR. PRESIDENT continued from page 34
country through its bloodiest civil war, Lincoln also saw it through its greatest moral, constitutional and political crisis. Not only did he abolish slavery, but also strengthened the government and completely rescued the economy from the bottomless mess into which it had previously been plunged. Like Lincoln-era America, Nigeria’s current challenges are not only monstrous but also hydra-headed. The country is currently contending with its bloodiest non-conventional war
GHANA continued from page 35
Brad Perkins: Chairman and one of the two founders of Perkins Eastman, a global urban planning and architectural firm with over 900 personnel. Robert Koen: Partner at Mayer Brown, a legal association with deep legal experience in the African Nation States. Peter Linneman: CEO of Linneman Associates, he is a former real estate finance professor of the prestigious Wharton School and author of several textbooks and numerous articles. David Tendler: Former Chairman and CEO of Phibro-Salomon Inc. (Salomon Brothers).
IBM continued from page 39
The IBM Cloud Data Center will provide enterprise customers in South Africa and Africa with access to IBM’s global network of Cloud Data Centers and services expertise. This will enable businesses run critical applications on the cloud, providing access to a broad array of services for building in-country cloud solutions, while offering faster network speeds to improve performance and reach end users even faster. “The increase of enterprise cloud computing on the continent is being
ever. Coincidentally, the “bureaucracy” which quickened the exit of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is still in Buhari’s government, doing new things the old way while the “change agents” are still waiting in the wings to contribute their quota to the development of the polity. Indeed, this is where the president has to proactively rise to the occasion in order to avoid any possible backlash which may be unpleasant to the ruling party and counterproductive to the country. Ernest Benn describes politics as “the art of looking for trouble, finding
it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedy.” Like Teddy Roosevelt, Buhari will be writing his name in gold if he is able to champion noble causes that are in agreement with Nigeria’s socioeconomic and geopolitical realities. And who knows? With zealous vigilance, our president may end up as another “ultimate pragmatist” and an “epitome of a president who endured personal loss, political attacks, and the prospect of presiding over the dissolution of the country, yet persevered and triumphed.”
Blair Ashner: Former Senior VP of Finance for Equity International Properties, Inc., a Sam Zell company investing in global real estate companies. Uri Shusterman: Former Chief Economics & Budget Officer of the Israel Railways Corporation. Michael D. Lappin: Former CEO of Community Preservation Corporation that financed developed, and constructed over 147,000 affordable rental units in New York City area. Michael Kramer: Land use specialist, development consultant, and public advocate mediating public-private partnerships in NYC. Jeff Finn: Former CEO of NAI Global, the largest global managed net-
work of real estate professionals and now runs a real estate technology firm. Dr. Johanna Daily: Associate Professor of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and research bio-technologist specializing in Malaria research. Robert “Mike” Vaughn: Retired US Pilot and currently operating technology systems company (VATC) for physical infrastructure security. The Catalyst Group Africa is the local contact in Ghana, Earl N. Caldwell II while Kevin A. Copeland is the USbased contact.
driven by large enterprise and multinational organizations expanding their presence and IT requirements across Africa,” said Vuyani Jarana, Chief Officer of Vodacom Business. Jarana said Vodacom is committed to delivering enterprise grade cloud solutions and this partnership with IBM delivers on that scale and will position Vodacom Business as a leader in total IT solutions across the continent, adding that, the development showcases IBM’s global reach and broad portfolio of cloud services capable of supporting very large enterprises like big retailers and financial institutions.
“Gijima, as a 100 percent black owned South African company is proud to be the cloud partner of choice for these unique IBM services,” said Eileen Wilton, CEO of Gijima. The partnership with IBM and Vodacom is an extension of Gijima’s hybrid cloud strategy and is the culmination of two years of hard work as part of our turnaround strategy. She said Gijima is the ideal partner for the service as the company already has the system and SAP integration skills as part of its existing solutions offering.
Source: Chesterfield Faring
Source: IBM USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com
49
BOOST continued from page 35
structure and energy projects which require investment.” This vibrant region has experienced many positive developments in recent years, both in energy and infrastructure development. AfDB continued from page 39
that will help to inform advisory activities and support Bank and Government investments.” Aside from the African Development Fund allocation for the country, other resources can be mobilized for the country from the concessional ADF regional envelope subject to the identification of multinational projects; the AfDB window for private sector operations, other Bank’s financial in-
Progresses in governance, institution-building and democratic consolidation are contributing factors to the positive indicators that longterm investors seek. Source: EnergyNet struments, in particular, the bilateral trust funds, and the funds allocated to the development of clean energy. Project co-financing with other donors constitutes another lever. The Bank will also play a leadership and catalytic role in mobilizing private sector resources through public-private partnerships (PPP) and co-financing with development partners. Source: African Development Bank (AfDB)
BATTLE continued from page 41
all the nutritional contents in the right values and proportion. The breast is a “fast food” factory specially designed with ducts from which concentrated, undiluted, ready-made milk gushes out to assuage the hunger pangs of the new born and infant. Even babies love the feel of the breasts, laying their tiny hands on them, and oftentimes fondling them, while being suckled. I am made to believe that the male children are the guiltier party. Ask, or watch, the nearest baby for confirmation. Of these three claimants, who would be there to lay claim to the breasts when the law of gravity sets in and the pair goes down south as it is wont to do? Won’t the man turn his eyes the other way and seek out the nearest firm boobs upon which to lay his hands? By this time, the children too would have all grown up and left the cradle, the men continuing their booby business 50
VOL. 3, ISSUE 1 | 2016
NOTICE continued from page 45
parent, or child who is a United States citizen or legal permanent resident. Other forms of relief a person can request before an Immigration Judge after being charged with removability on a validly-served NTA include the following: asylum; withholding of removal; protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT); voluntary departure; and deferred action. These options are better explained to you by an attorney versed in the practice of Immigration law. He or she will also be better placed to advise if any of those defenses and reliefs are applicable to your matter or if your circum-
from where they left off mummy’s own, and the women warming up to the task ahead. However, the beauty of a drooping breast is in its having had to “fulfill all righteousness,” suckling the child and the man. In the words of Derek Llewellyn-Jones in his world acclaimed book, Everywoman, “As the woman becomes older, the breasts tend to get larger and the fibrous tissue bands tend to stretch, so the breasts droop more. After the menopause, the ducts and alveoli become smaller, and the fat starts to go, so that in old age the breasts become smaller, wrinkled and floppy.” Did I hear someone ask, ‘who wants a floppy disc?’ Who knows? It just might be a case of different strokes for different folks. So what should a woman do when the breasts sag, with no one contending for ownership? While being on-your-own may not be the most desirable place to be, one cannot but advise that despair
stance merits such relief. CONCLUDED. Disclaimer: This column is not to be construed as legal advice. It also does not, nor is it intended to, create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the Akeem Soboyede Law Office, PLLC, or Akeem Soboyede, Esq. In addition, information in the column is neither promised nor guaranteed to be correct or complete and should not be construed as an indication of future outcomes. Please consult an experienced attorney for advice on any Immigration matter. Akeem Soboyede, Esq. is Owner of and Lead Attorney with the Akeem Soboyede Law Office, Edina, Minnesota. Send questions or comments to akeem.soboyede@ soboyedelaw.com
is not a viable option. Remembering the years of petting and pampering, nursing and suckling won’t do anything to change the situation. But with proper propping, the southern-bound pair can be given a “facelift” without necessarily going the way of the knife or inserting silicones. But for those who desire and can afford it, breast enhancement is an option. However, there may be consequences later in life which might cost even more, both in terms of financial, psychological, emotional and physical setbacks. So when the hitherto proud twin towers become fallen heroes, solace can be taken in the fact that their labors were not in vain, having helped to nurse generations of men and women who are and will contribute positively to the development of society. Then, our emotions need not go south with the pair. Then, too, a woman can truly refer to her boobs as “my breasts.”