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Timothy Weah: Son of Liberian Great Forges Own Path

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Journal

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The voice of Africans in the Diaspora

Buhari vs Atiku Thriller in Nigeria

Nnamdi Asomugha From NFL to Hollywood

In Cameroon $27m Grant for Students

Ghana:

More Students Head to US

IMMIGRATION It’s Getting

in Here!

 Red Flags for

Green Cards  Attack on Birthright Citizenship  Bye to “Nation of Immigrants”

“Akata”

A “legacy” Mired in Controversy

DISPLAY TILL APRIL, 2019

Journal www.usafricajournal.com The voice of Africans in the Diaspora

Laughter Is Toxic to Fear Let it Out! Pg. 8 Salmon with a Twist All Yours to Savor Pg. 15 Memo to Buhari, Atiku Pg. 12 GONE Baba Sala’s ‘Legacy’ Lives On Pg. 16

Nnamdi Asomugha Rising, Shining in Hollywood

BEAUTY Flawless All Over Pg. 29 Cool, But Hot! Pg. 30 USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

A Publication of USA Media LLC The voice of Africans in the Diaspora Vol. 5, Issue 1 | 2018

CONTENTS

USA Media LLC PRESIDENT/CEO ‘Tunde Kolawole, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION Bola Ajebeku, MBA vpfinance@usafricajournal.com

6 Cover 2: Nnamdi Asomugha: From NFL to Hollywood Big Screen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ‘Tunde Kolawole editor@usafricajournal.com MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Kayle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS A.Obafemi Animasaun, Bernie Joseph, Betty John, Patrick Obinna, Jessica Banda, Tosin Obiwale, Esther Olatunde, Isaac Oluwole, Renny Vonne, Alex Baker, Sadiat Makuna, George Igbakhiare, John Kay, Eldana Mengesha, Teddy John.

CHIEF ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE, USA Ninilola Ogundare advertise@usafricajournal.com

8 | Folasophical: Why Aren’t You Laughing?

New York Bureau Joseph B. Oyewande nyoffice@usafricajournal.com New Jersey Bureau Nicholas Awoyera fawoyera@usafricajournal.com Washington DC/Maryland Bureau Kayode Adewumi kadewumi@usafricajournal.com

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5 | From the Editor’s Desk: The Promises of the Promised Land

12 | Politics: Memo to Buhari, Atiku 16 | Arts & Entertainment: “Akata;” A ‘Legacy’ Mired in Controversy 28 | News-Africa: Ghana: More Students Head to U.S.

Health: Sun-Free Ways to Boost Your Vitamin D

24-26

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

29 | Beauty: A Flawless You 30-31 | Fashion: Cool, But Hot!

35 | Faith-FULL: A Perfect Heart

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

38 | Sports: Timothy Weah Unleashed!

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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.

VOL. 5, ISSUE 1 | 2018

Cover Story: Immigration – It’s Getting Hot in Here! ON THE COVER: Statue of Liberty – © hlavkom/depositphotos COVER 2: Nnamdi Asomugha – © Jean_Nelson/depositphotos

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

The Promises of a Promised Land

ove it or loathe it, America is the greatest country on Earth. Back in the day, in Nigeria, we called it “God’s own country.” Let’s face it, if it weren’t, many of us would not be here, and millions from various parts of the world would not be on their way right now, trekking treacherous long roads strewn with shards, thistles and thorns, swimming through shark infested rivers, or foraging in the spiked foliage of unfriendly forests just to get here. America is that beautiful; and it is worth the trouble. That is why the multifarious wayfarers inching their way closer to the vast borders of the U.S. at any given time are usually not deterred by barbed wires, tear gas or sky-high walls. Exhausted though they may be, their hearts urge their feet on — every step bringing them closer to the inherent promises of the Promised Land that their hearts desire. Unfortunately, many of those promises propelling them to keep moving may no longer be here if and when they get here. The promise of succor and opportunities that the immigrants fervently hope for in the Promised Land can no longer be guaranteed. When President Donald Trump was elected two years ago, our team of experts predicted scary days ahead. For the immigrants, those days are here. There are mines and hidden explosives not just on the way into America, but also on the journey towards permanent residency. Granted that the government’s clampdown is primarily not meant for the legal residents and those who enter the U.S. legally, what worries immigrant advocates is that the ricocheting effect of a blast or eruption is enough to severe limbs and arms of even legal aliens. It is a new day in Trump’s America. It may be cold and wintry in your neck of the woods, in the neighborhoods of immigrants across this great country, it’s getting really hot in here! Our cover story on President Trump’s immigration policy and its effects on documented and undocumented immigrants alike is on page 24. Don’t miss our story on the son of immigrants from Nigeria, Nnamdi Asomugha. Just when you thought he was done and gone, the former Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback is on the rise again. But you won’t find him darting across the football field and maneuvering around tons and pounds of menacing human flesh seeking

to stop them dead in their tracks. These days, his stars are twinkling on an elevated pedestal; on the big screen to be precise. After quitting pro football about three years ago, Asomugha has moved on to become a critically acclaimed rising Hollywood star. Starting on page 6, we examine his transition from the gritty grind of the gridiron to the glitz and glam of tinsel city. Promises, they say, are made to be kept. As always, we’re holding up our end of the bargain. You will find your favorite columns exactly the way you like them. Politics; FaithFULL; Fashion; Beauty; Sports; Health; etc.: all prepped and served with your utmost satisfaction in mind. By the way, in case you’re wondering about our new look this issue; it’s our way of making lemonade when life unexpectedly gave us lemons. From the ashes of “bad news” from our printers, we salvaged what we could and rose like a phoenix. Look at us — all glossy and resplendent in our new garb! To God be the glory. On behalf of all of us here, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

COVER 2

Nnamdi Asomugha: From Success on the Gridiron to Stardom on the Silver Screen By Alex Baker | USA

The road from sports stardom to Hollywood is well trodden and paved mostly with mediocrity. It has proven particularly challenging for NFL stars to make the leap into anything like a credible acting career. But one ex-gridiron star who could be bucking that trend is former Oakland Raiders great Nnamdi Asomugha. passed away. Suddenly, his 12-year-old brother was the man of the house. A year younger at the time, Asomugha followed in his football-obsessed brother’s footsteps and dedicated himself to playing football. A distinguished college career as a free safety with the Cal Bears led to his selection as a first-round draft pick by the Raiders in 2003 and his subsequent success as one of Oakland’s greatest. But

Unlike many actors who ride critical acclaim into broader commercial success, Asomugha continues to make interesting, even unusual career choices for an exathlete turned thespian. 6

VOL. 5, ISSUE 1 | 2018

Nnamdi Asomugha

Credit: Jean_Nelson/depositphotos

two-time MVP in Oakland, Asomugha also played stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers before saying goodbye to his illustrious 10year football career in 2013. Born in Louisiana to Nigerian parents, Asomugha went to high school in Los Angeles, where he played basketball and football. His parents also encouraged the young Asomugha and his siblings to perform from an early age. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was enamored by Magic Johnson’s “Showtime” Lakers. Football only came into the picture for him after his father

Asomugha in “Crown Heights”

He was never the audacious, over the top type. While most NFL players spend hundreds of thousands on Escalades and high-end sports cars, Asomugha drove a 1997 Nissan Maxima he inherited from his older brother back in high school. mugha was hailed as one of the breakout actors of the festival. His performance in “Crown Heights” earned him a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male and a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He was also named as one of Variety’s breakout performers of 2017. But unlike many actors who ride critical acclaim into broader commercial success, Asomugha continues to make interesting, even unusual career choices for an ex-athlete turned thespian. Recently, he appeared in an off-Broadway production Photo Credit: IMDB

long before he signed a one-day contract with Oakland so he could retire a Raider, he had already developed a burgeoning side hustle as an actor. His on-screen break came when a director noticed his performance in a Nike commercial and approached him about giving acting serious thoughts. That opportunity soon led to TV roles on shows such as “The Game,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Leverage” while he was still enjoying his peak years as an NFL star. In 2012, he made his big screen debut in “Fire with Fire,” an action thriller that starred Bruce Willis. But rather than go the expected rout of most football players-turned-athletes and taking turns as one-dimensional tough guys and second-tier action heroes, Asomugha has largely spurned action movies since then. His career choices are more in line with someone who is interested in honing his craft as an actor, rather than just collecting a multi-million-dollar paycheck for dropping out of helicopters and beating up bad guys. He co-wrote, produced and starred in the dramatic short film “Double Negative” with Australian actor Adam J. Duhamel. He has also tried his hand at comedy, appearing with Will Ferrell on “Funny or Die” and doing Comedy Central’s “Kroll Show with Nick Kroll.” In 2017, he made his biggest breakthrough as an actor. He produced and starred in the Amazon Studios film “Crown Heights.” The film was the true story of a man wrongly imprisoned for murder for twenty years. It premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and Aso-

Photo Credit: IMDB

COVER 2

of “Good Grief,” the latest work from acclaimed playwright Ngozi Anyanwu. Asomugha’s decision to spurn big-money roles to pursue his craft actually has precedent from his prior career as a football player. Even then, he was never the audacious, over the top type. While most NFL players spend hundreds of thousands on Escalades and high-end sports cars, Asomugha drove a 1997 Nissan Maxima he inherited from his older brother back in high school. Asomugha is married to Hollywood A-lister Kerry Washington. The two have been married since 2013 and have three children. They worked together recently in a Broadway production of “American Son” produced by Asomugha. Renowned for his intelligence as a player, Asomugha diligently studied tape of his performances, learned to emotionally read his opponents, and really dedicated himself to perfecting his craft as a cornerback. These traits, which are very much in line with the way a great actor hones his craft, could very well be the secret of his success on a journey on which many top-rated athletes have fallen by the wayside. The final whistle may have been blown on Nnamdi Asomugha’s athletic career, but the curtain appears to just be rising on his career as an actor. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

FOLASOPHICAL

Why Are You Not Laughing? By Dr. Fola Ojo | USA

I love to see and hear people laugh; and I love to hang around those who make me laugh. A life of laughter and humor is in my nature; I let humors flow like a rushing mighty wind every time I have the opportunity. That’s who I am, and it has helped me get through many bumpy travels in life.

hen you laugh often, it doesn’t mean you are not a serious person or personality; it only means that you have decided not to allow the cares of this world weigh you down. Laughter is toxic to fear and poisonous to horizons of troubles. Laughter comes from a cheerful heart, and a cheerful heart, the Bible says, is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Life is full of stress and strain. This is not a baggage of pain that you want to carry in your spirit daily. Unanswered prayers, inability to get what we want, backstabbing friends and family members, emotional aches and pains that won’t let up, and sudden death of a loved one are a few reasons

why some men don’t laugh. But refusal to laugh does not resolve the knots of life. And refusal to laugh is a reason for many afflictions. Even in dire straits, my friend, carve out a reason to laugh. Put more laughter in your life. The following tips may help: Figure out what makes you laugh and do it more often. It may be watching a funny movie or listening to comedy CDs. Surround yourself with funny people — be with them every chance you get. I have two close friends. They are pastors in the U.S. who make me laugh even as we daily run through unscheduled Bible studies together. As we laugh, God speaks through

Dr. Ojo

His word. Revelations of God’s word come so crisply when I laugh with my friends. Develop your own sense of humor. Be funny every chance you get — as long as it’s not at someone else’s expense! Keep away from men and women who believe they have no reason to smile or laugh. Many of them believe wearing a frown all the time is the best way to be WHY ARE continued on page 41

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RCCG Abundant Life Center 22 Blevins Drive Newcastle, DE 19720 302-322-1675

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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

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Glorious Light Christian Ministries 104 E Broad Street Paulsboro, NJ 08066 856-224-4925

VOL. 5, ISSUE 1 | 2018

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TEXAS CAC, Mercy Field 9621 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77074 713-541-4323/713-705-9078 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

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Smooching & Smiling: Ronke Weds James

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WEDDING BELLS

POLITICS

Memo to Buhari, Atiku By Femi Akintunde-Johnson | Nigeria

With our fixation and seeming adoration for the election year in Nigeria, and all its accompanying drama, exaggerations, shenanigans, revelries, and many other lying arts...our politics, players and “back-up singers” are priming their bayonets and wet blankets to bestride the country as if all is well, or all shall be well as long as we vote for them!

Abubakar Atiku

Stabilizing and stimulating the economy to lift households and businesses out of the grind of fast-approaching poverty. (Please, while using your past or current efforts as drivers of your arguments, remember our pains are ongoing and genuine; don’t politicize or digress into name-calling and blame-sharing, just explain).

The worrying spate of insecurity and re-arming of the scourge of Boko Haram terrorism. (We have read of all the heinous acts of the past administrations, and the recurrent devastation across the country. We simply ask that you give us new strategies which can drive fear into troublemakers and bring peace to turbulent areas. Don’t grandstand, don’t demonize, and don’t ask for our prayers, please! What will you do differently?) What are the guarantees of positive re-

Show us you care, that you are offended and so incensed that you have mapped out ideas and countermeasures that will not only arrest the monumental disgrace, but also begin to lift us onto steady and prosperous highways. 12

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Credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

Credit:Flikr/Atiku Abubakar

e have been told that 79 candidates are set to contest the presidential election (please, don’t laugh). We would have been spoilt for choice if some of the presidential mob had been serious over the years in articulating and attacking our numerous problems and distortions. Obviously, we’re now in a bad shape, such that two of the most likely individuals to win the 2019 presidential election are quite old (72+); were uniformed men; had campaigned many times to lead us; have all sorts of allegations hanging over their heads; have supporters who love them more than their loved ones, and thus can throw the kitchen sink at anyone in defense of their idols. But the tune this season has to change. We cannot be dancing the same macabre acrobatics of the past 20 years, and hope for a better result. We simply have to ply another, saner route, and insist that enough is enough, across board. We are no longer interested in their war-chest or their legions of die-hards. We just want simple explanations about WHAT they intend to do for us that will make our lives as Nigerians better than in the last 19 years of participatory democracy; and HOW they intend to do so. It’s really quite simple. So, as the campaigns open, candidate Muhammadu Buhari and co-candidate Abubakar Atiku, welcome to our new reality. Will you kindly explain to us your vision, purpose and plans in the following areas?

Muhammadu Buhari

sults? On what timelines are we aggregating our expectations?

Fighting Corruption Pandemic: (I take God beg you, sirs, don’t flaunt your crusade of the past three years as it is obvious to all that corrupt opponents are easier to deal with than friendly rogues. There are too many examples for us to beg you to refrain from churning out same arguments and “no-travel-lists”. On the other hand, there’s no legacy in our initial 16 years of the fourth republic that we can use as a yardstick for how to properly attack corruption. So, sirs, give us new strategies, new ideas, better frameworks and stronger palliatives. The current structure has several k-legs.)

Unemployment and Youth Engagement: (The statistics are appalling, the figures are distressing. The latest tagline is that 85 million of us are dirt poor, even by third world standards. We now carry the ignominious label of “world’s headquarters of poverty!” Please, don’t engage us on this issue as if you are mesmerMEMO continued on page 41

VOX POP

Cast Your Ballot! By Kayode Adewumi | USA

The presidential election in Nigeria is a few months away, and quite expectedly, the maddening drums of empty promises and political rhetoric are pumping up the gladiators in the two leading political parties.

he incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari is facing a challenge from Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, erstwhile vice president in General Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency. Never one to be left out, Nigerian politics enthusiasts in the Diaspora are passionately sticking their necks — and mouths — into the political affairs of their motherland. Who are they rooting for?

Sola Ogunro, North Carolina I do not want any of the old folks; they are too old and have nothing to offer the nation. If I have the voting power, I will vote for Omoyele Sowore because he is young and dynamic. Enough of recycling of the old people who have at one time or the other milked the nation dry.

Bosun Odedina

My preferred candidate is the incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari. He is not a thief like others. He is upright and has genuine love for Nigeria. He is a man of integrity and uprightness. He is incomparable with other politicians who only came to steal our national resources.

Joe Akpadem, California Buhari is ineffective, period. No one is asking him for miracles within three years, but there should at least be concrete evidence that the country is moving forward. Right now, the only people chanting “Sai Baba” are those benefitting one way or

another from this government. Ask the common man on the street, he’ll tell you the Buhari government is a big disappointment.

Gbenga Falana, New York President Buhari is my choice. His war against corruption and the massive infrastructural development of the nation endears him to me and I will vote for him any time, any day.

robber in a clergyman’s robe. With people like Atiku, they live and let live. You can interpret that anyway you like, but I prefer him to Buhari. The masses are groaning and Buhari who is supposed to be their messiah is out of his depth.

Lekan Sanni

Aderibigbe Samuel, Pennsylvania I don’t like Atiku, but I can’t vote for Buhari either — he has rogues worse than Atiku as his close confidantes in his government. His much vaunted war on corruption is a charade. In fact lately, the so-called war has turned into a weapon to beat down political opponents while the scoundrels in his party feed fat and roam free.

Smart Olasehinde, New York I believe in continuity and ability to deliver. I, therefore, prefer Buhari to other candidates. I believe if Buhari is allowed to rule the nation for the second term, he will be able to finish most of his ongoing projects. Lack of continuity and abandonment of projects have always been the bane of our society and that is why we have suffered this much.

Cecilia James, New Jersey I’m voting for Atiku. My thinking is the thief I know is better than a highway

My candidate for the presidential election is Muhammadu Buhari. Since coming to power in 2015, he has been laying a good foundation for Nigeria’s emergence to become a great nation once again. He is steadily redirecting the nation’s economy from depending solely on oil in favor of agriculture, solid minerals and most importantly, tax collection. The result of his fight against corruption has yielded tremendous results, and despite the glut in the world oil market, he has revamped our economy.

Bright Adewale, Delaware I cannot vote for Buhari. As far as I’m concerned, the economy is in a mess. Do you know the exchange rate was less than 200 Naira to a Dollar when he came in? Now it’s almost 400 Naira, and the only reason it hasn’t gone through the roof is because his government is injecting millions of dollars from the country’s foreign reserve into the forex market. Do you think that will last forever? The only thing he had going for him was his fight against corruption, and he doesn’t seem to be doing well in that area lately. - Additional report by Esther Olatunde | USA. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

FOOD

Spicy Oven-Baked Whole Tilapia

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 2 people

By Renny Vonne | USA

Ingredients Vonne

ello everyone. Here is an easy recipe for those of us who enjoy whole fish, instead of the regular fillet. The unique

style of this recipe allows for the fish to be completely immersed in the marinade, and thus guarantees exceptional flavor.

• 2 whole Tilapia • 6 lemon slices • 2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves • 4 Scotch Bonnet • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1/3 cup vegetable stock • 1 green pepper • 4 tsp salt

Instructions • Blend the scotch bonnet, oil, stock, green pepper, and basil together to form a marinade. • Gash the tilapia by making two straight marks on each side. • Stuff the lemon slices into the

•

• • •

•

fish, where you gashed it. Place the tilapia in a large aluminum foil and drench it in the marinade. Cover the aluminum, wrapping the fish completely. Let it marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees. Bake while completely wrapped for 35 minutes, Serve with vegetables and carbohydrates of your choice. I chose grilled plantains and fresh sweet bell peppers.

Sweet and Buttery Salmon Steak

his is an easy meal that is sure to impress your guests. I love salmon steaks because they give you a sizable portion of salmon that is “meaty” in texture. The combination of lemon, butter, and honey on the salmon is out of this world! Try it and let me know what you think.

Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted) • 1/3 cup lemon juice • 1/4 cup honey • 2 tsp dried thyme and garlic salt

Instructions

• Whip all ingredients together until there is a consistent texture

• Pat the salmon steak down. • Massage the mixture into the salmon steaks. • Wrap the salmon steaks in foil. • Pour the left over into the foil so the steaks are soaked in the delicious mixture. • Let it sit for 20 minutes. • Bake on 400F degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with vegetables and carbs of your choice! USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Akata” - Baba Sala’s ‘Legacy’ Lives On! A few weeks ago, many Nigerians in the Diaspora caught the news on social media, which was later confirmed, that Nigeria’s father of comedy, ace comedian Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly known as “Baba Sala,” had passed on. He was aged 82. name of a regal, wild feline lord of the jungle become a controversial nickname for African-Americans? Flashback to the 70s, when Baba Sala ruled the airwaves with his weekly comedy presentations, “Alawada” (The Comedian): In an episode, Adisa, Baba Sala’s best friend and sidekick, has just returned from a visit to America. Adisa comes back with a new wife, an African-American. Of course, Adisa’s new wife speaks only English (with a “foreign” accent); she eats strange foods such as salads, which Baba Sala sees as nothing but raw, uncooked leaves and fruits, and in fact wonders aloud why Adisa and his American wife

Credit: newmail-ng.com

xpectedly, the news of his demise triggered excited reminiscences of the early 70s and 80s, when Baba Sala reigned supreme as the undisputed king of family friendly comedy in Nigeria, on stage and on the then-fledgling first TV station in Africa, Western Nigeria Government Broadcasting Corporation (a.k.a. WNTV). Though he was credited with hundreds of 30-minute drama sketches on TV and a sizeable number of movies and home videos, the often-animated discussions among fans and admirers of Baba Sala in the U.S. almost always come back to a Yoruba word, “Akata,” which featured in one of his TV episodes in the 70s. The Yoruba word, “akata” (or “amotekun”), is “panther” in English. However, its usage here in the Diaspora, especially in the U.S., is contentious. For somewhat inexplicable reasons, “akata” is generally believed in many quarters to be a derogatory term for African-Americans. However, despite the controversies surrounding its usage, “akata” has somehow worked its way permanently into the lingo of Africans in the U.S. Among Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, it is the choice nomenclature for our kith and kin here. “Akata” even made it into a Hollywood movie, “Sugar Hill,” featuring Wesley Snipes, where it was incorrectly interpreted as “cotton pickers.” So how did the

Despite the controversies surrounding its usage, “akata” has somehow worked its way permanently into the lingo of Africans in the U.S. Among Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, it is the choice nomenclature for our kith and kin here. 16

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Credit: bbc.com

By Teddy John | USA

can’t just add pepper and oil and make good old spicy African stew! Baba Sala takes it all in and exclaims: “Adisa ti gbe akata wa’le!” (Adisa came home with a panther!) Baba Sala got his laughs; but the word stuck and spread overseas, where it became what it is today. There is another school of thought in the Diaspora that counters that story. It is argued that the term predated Baba Sala’s usage in his drama presentation in the 70s. Some senior citizens who were in the United States in the 60s say the word was in use prior to its usage in Baba Sala’s comedy. They say it is possible that its popularity might have soared after Baba Sala used it in his comedy routine. Proponents of that argument say Baba Sala might have heard it from a returnee from the U.S., and just off the cuff adapted it for his comedy. Given the improv style of Yoruba Theater at the time of Baba Sala’s “Alawada” series on WNTV, it is doubtful if even he knew why he likened Adisa’s black American wife to a panther, a creature reputed for its elegance, strength, agility, endurance, ingenuity and competitiveness. If Baba Sala’s intention, as posited in some quarters, was to convey some certain negative characteristics perceived in Adisa’s African-American wife to his audience, one can safely hazard an educated guess that “ewure” (goat) would have been the word of choice for that purpose. Goats eat virtually anything edible: grass, leaves, yams, twigs, etc. While “akata” as used by Baba Sala didn’t come across as an endearing appellation, it certainly didn’t register as a negAKATA continued on page 41

HEALTH

Sun-Free Ways to Boost Your Vitamin D With less daylight, it’s important to find additional sources of vitamin D. When your body is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D—hence the nickname “sunshine vitamin.” As winter approaches and the days get shorter and chillier, people tend to spend more time indoors and cover up when they do go outside.

he lack of sun may cause your levels to dip, and could even lead to a deficiency. But you’re in luck— even when skies are gray, there are plenty of ways to get this essential vitamin.

The Sunshine Vitamin and Seniors Vitamin D is important for everyone, but it can play an especially critical role for seniors. It’s been shown to help prevent osteoporosis, and although more research is needed, some studies suggest that getting an ample supply might help reduce the risk of common age-related health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. As people age, it becomes more difficult for the body to absorb some vitamins, D included. When you combine that fact with the changing seasons, it’s no surprise that many seniors aren’t getting enough of the sunshine vitamin.

The only way to know for sure if your levels are too low is to ask your doctor for a simple blood test. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force explains that not everyone needs routine testing, but it might be a good idea to get checked if you have osteoporosis since your body needs this vitamin to absorb calcium. Your doctor may also want to test you if you take medication like an anticonvulsant or steroid drug that can interfere with vitamin D in the body.

Boosting Your Levels If your doctor tells you that you’re deficient, there are a few things you can do. While spending more time in the sun might seem like an easy fix, it’s not necessarily the best option. Too much exposure to UV rays, including those that come from tanning beds, can put you at risk for skin cancer, and in much of the U.S., the winter months are too cold to

spend much time outside without bundling up.

You Are What You Eat Especially in the winter, one of the best ways to get

enough of this essential vitamin is through a healthy diet. While it doesn’t occur naturally in many foods, fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel VITAMIN D continued on page 42

Jydiel

Photography by Jide Ademulegun

www.jydiel.com

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THANKSGIVING SERVICE

16 Years of God’s Greatness A

Olusanya (Baba Ori Oke Ikoyi), Pastor Moses Ajayi, and resident pastors of the church; Pastor Emmanuel Odeyale (acting EDCC Chairman), Pastor Chris Ogunleye, Pastor Michael Ajayi, and Pastor Wale Adelegan. Lady Evangelist Bisi Alawiye-Aluko featured as guest artiste. In his opening remarks, Pastor Odeyale noted that the church continually experiences the presence of the Lord since inception 16 years ago. Indeed, “He has shown us His greatness,” he said.

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s another year rolled in, the pastorate and congregation of CAC Mount of Redemption blessed the name of the Lord for His mercy and blessings in its 16 years of existence. It was all glorious shouts of Hallelujahs and Hosannas as the church commemorated its 16th anniversary with a 14-day program graced by well-wishers from far and near. Among anointed ministers of God who fed the congregation and guests with the word of God were Prophet Alalade Elisha

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THANKSGIVING SERVICE

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THANKSGIVING SERVICE

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THANKSGIVING SERVICE

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FAMILY NIGHT

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FAMILY NIGHT

COVER 1

IMMIGRATION It’s Getting Hot in Here! By Tunde Kolawole | USA

…A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. … “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

dimmed sharply in Trump’s America. The hitherto warm embrace in the bosom of “Mother of Exiles” has gone bitterly cold. For the aspiring immigrants to the U.S., or the undocumented immigrants already in the country (and to some extent, even the legal immigrants); the scary days we foresaw two years ago when President Donald Trump, against all odds, swept into power as the 45th President of the United States, are here. The land still flows with milk and honey, but it is now equally primed and ready to swallow its undocumented immigrant inhabitants and rattle the legal aliens to the core.

credit: renaschild/depositphotos

ately, those welcoming, compassionate sentiments in Emma Lazarus’s poem, “The New Colossus,” on the Statue of Liberty are, sadly, fast ebbing into the annals of the good old days in Amer-

ica. In the last two years, a lot has changed in the United States of America, the proverbial land of promise dripping with milk and honey. The “tired, poor and huddled masses” of immigrants who made it across the borders into the U.S., one way or the other and the “wretched refuse” of many teeming shores “yearning to breathe free” are now gasping for air as it dawns even on the most starry-eyed immigrant to the U.S. that the beacon of light emanating from the torch in Lady Liberty’s hands has

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COVER 1 For starters, America is no longer a “nation of immigrants,” and that is official. Early this year, the immigrant community woke up to the news that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had changed its mission statement. In place of this previous statement: “USCIS secures America’s promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.” The new mission statement rolled out in February this year reads: “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services administers the nation’s lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity and promise by efficiently and fairly adjudicating requests for immigration benefits while protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values.” The key phrase, “a nation of immigrants,” has been yanked off! USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna, who announced the change in an email to agency staff said the “simple, straightforward statement … clearly defines the agency’s role in our country’s lawful immigration

Credit: Donna Burton

Nation of Immigrants No More

L. Francis Cissna

system and the commitment we have to the American people.” President Trump, on his part, is also resolute on delivering on his election campaign promise to the American people that he would take a very hard line on immigration. Two years into his term, the President is delivering on that promise. The diversity visa lottery program is under attack from the Trump administration. The president has expressed dis-

Credit: 1000Words/depositphotos

Of great concern to immigrant advocates is that while many of the President Trump’s anti-immigration proposals would require congressional action, the latest proposal does not need to be approved by Congress.

dain for the diversity visa lottery program, which he said allows people from “shithole countries” in Africa and elsewhere to come into the U.S. He has signed an executive order greenlighting the construction of a border wall along the 2000-mile U.S.– Mexico border. The only thing holding up the construction of the walls is funding. A few weeks ago, the president threatened to shut down the government if Congress refused to provide the $5 billion funding for the project. With the way things are unfolding in Washington, it is likely that the border wall will, someway, somehow, regardless of the prevailing rhetoric in Washington, D.C., rise sometime. In the meantime, asylum seekers, visa applicants, permanent residence (green card) applicants and the 14th Amendment, which presently grants automatic citizenship to persons born in the United States, are under a barrage of hostile fire from the presidency. While the White House has repeatedly stated that its hardline stance on immigration is geared towards undocumented immigrants bent on coming to the United States to wreak havoc on our society, immigrant advocates argue that many of the government’s actions and proposed rules will have deleterious effects, intended or not, on immigrants residing legally in the U.S.

Red Flags for Green Cards Donald Trump

For thousands of immigrants in the country who plan to apply or who have USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

applied for permanent residence (otherwise known as green card), the Trump administration recently unveiled a proposal that would make beneficiaries of public benefits ineligible for a green card. Applicants for entry visas to the U.S. who have also been recipients of public benefits in the past may be denied visa or entry to the U.S. In her statement to Reuters, Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen said the “proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended to promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuring that they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers.” While applicants for a green card already have to show they will not become burdens on American taxpayers (by not receiving direct cash assistance or bene-

fitting from certain government-funded programs), the new proposal takes it up a notch by broadening the category of public assistance that may automatically trigger a denial of an applicant’s application for permanent residence. The new rule includes several critical non-cash benefits previously not considered disqualifying. On the list of benefits that may now disqualify an applicant an entry visa to the United States, or green card to an immigrant already in the U.S., are housing vouchers, supplemental nutrition assistance (food stamps) and certain government-funded medical assistance. Yeganeh Torbati, in a report published by Reuters, noted that the proposed regulation would expand immigration officers’ ability to deny visas or legal permanent residency to aspiring immigrants if they have received a range of taxpayer-fund-

Credit: renaschild/depositphotos

Asylum seekers, visa applicants, permanent residence (green card) applicants and the 14th Amendment, which presently grants automatic citizenship to persons born in the United States, are under a barrage of hostile fire from the presidency.

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Credit: Matthew T. Harmon

COVER 1

Kirstjen Nielsen

ed benefits to which they are legally entitled, such as Medicaid, the Medicare Part D low-income subsidy, Section 8 housing vouchers, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is commonly known as food stamps.

IMMIGRATION continued on page 42

Shots arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for kids.

Vaccines for adults can prevent serious diseases and even death. Ask your doctor about what immunizations you need. Because staying healthy at any age isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kid stuff. Vaccines can prevent Influenza (flu), shingles, diphtheria/tetanus, pertussis, and pneumococcal diseases.

CS213468-A

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults

NEWS-AFRICA

Ghana: More Students Head to US The 2018 Open Doors report on international education has revealed that the United States hosted 1.09 million international students during the 2017/2018 academic year. This marks a 1.5 percent increase over the prior year. University in Athens, Ohio, which has 71 Ghanaian students (66 graduate and 5 undergraduate students), and Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which has 65 undergraduate students from Ghana alone. Meanwhile, Ghana’s strong universities attract over 25,000 students from other African countries. In addition, 1,865 American students engaged in a credit-bearing program in Ghana in the 2016/2017 academic year, a 19.2 percent increase over the previous year. This makes Ghana the second most popular destination for American exchange students, after only South Africa. Source: Embassy of the United States Accra - Ghana

Credit: flickr.com/photos/norway_mission

he number of Sub-Saharan African students hit a record high at 39,479, marking a 4.6 percent increase over the prior year. There are currently 3,213 Ghanaian students enrolled at more than 630 tertiary institutions spread across the United States, a 3 percent increase from 2017. Ghana is the third largest sender of students from Africa, after only Nigeria (12,693 students) and Kenya (3,322 students). Undergraduates make up 38 percent of those at U.S. universities and colleges. Meanwhile, graduate students make up 45 percent. Of those, 42 percent are enrolled in doctoral programs. The five most popular U.S. states for Ghanaian students are Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Texas. The two most popular institutions are Ohio

Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo at European Development Days 2017

In Cameroon: $27m Grant for Students

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• Raising community awareness of the importance of education by providing take-home rations and strengthening the capacity of parent-teacher associations; and • Promoting good health and dietary behavior. The 2018 grant comes three months after the close of a $12-million 2015 USDA award, which benefited approximately 57, 000 individuals in Bui Division in the Northwest Region, including 22,000 school age children. U.S.-based international NGO Nascent Solutions won the right to manage and implement the program through an open and transparent, competitive bidding competition. The McGovern-Dole Program is named after former U.S. Senators George McGovern, a Democrat, and Robert Dole, a Republican. This program embodies the enduring, bipartisan commit-

Credit: U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Cameroon a grant of $27 million (approximately 14 billion CFA) for a nutrition and literacy program targeting primary schools in four regions of the country. Over five years, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program will benefit more than 200,000 people, including children, teachers, and parents, associated with 265 schools in the Adamawa, East, North, and Northwest Regions of Cameroon. The program will also provide nutrition, teacher training, health and sanitation, and good governance training to government officials at the regional and national levels. The program will focus on achieving the following objectives: • Enhancing the quality of literacy instruction; • Improving student attentiveness by providing daily school meals;

Ambassador Peter-Barlerin

ment to promoting education and eradicating childhood hunger in sub-Saharan Africa. Source: U.S. Embassy in Cameroon

BEAUTY

A Flawless YOU! Our friends at Flori Roberts are in the house again with priceless tips. If you have a darker complexion, avoid wearing makeup that’s too light. Yellow-based foundations work best for darker skin.

he best applications apply when there’s no physical boundary between your skin and its makeup. When there’s difficulty finding the right color, mixing a lighter skin and darker skin color together may be just what’s needed. Hyper-pigmentation is a common issue for African Americans. And if you factor in scarring sun damage, acne, or any other trauma to the skin, we’re especially at risk for uneven skin tone which leaves many of us insecure about our complexion. Used topically, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant which protects against uneven and unwanted darkening. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for reducing irritation associated with acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the scars left behind when the acne goes away). It is safe, subtle and super effective. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your skin health! Flori Roberts Corrective Concealer does quadruple duty to perfect your complexion: Use as a highly effective eye shadow primer. Deeper skin tones look amazing

in brighter eye shadows. One way to keep your eye shadow looking its brightest is Corrective Concealer under eye shadow application. It also extends wear! Under the eyes. This one is fairly obvious. When used under the eyes, Corrective Concealer minimizes dark circles.

Over pimples and scars. As if pimples and dark spots weren’t bad enough, foundation just never seem to want to stay put on top of them throughout the day. Dabbing a bit of Corrective Concealer before foundation and then setting with powder afterward will help lock in coverage to ensure that those spots are hidden until you take your makeup off. On your lips. Surprise! A small amount of Corrective Concealer makes an amazing lip primer. Make sure your lips are well moisturized and sweep on a tiny bit before applying lipstick and/or lip gloss. This helps seal in moisture but doesn’t allow it to degrade your lip color, which can result in bleeding or smudging.

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FASHION

Cold, What Cold?

act of keeping the cold at bay and still look your cool and fashionable best? Thanks to the ingenuity of world-class designers using Africa-themed fabrics and designs to

create the perfect haute couture for all seasons, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all doable. Check out these offerings from top designers featured at the African Fashion Week London (AFWL).

Credits: Joanna Mitroi/AFWL

t may be the time of the year to bundle up to keep the cold away, but it is also the season to be merry and look your best no matter what. So how do you do the balancing

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Credits: Joanna Mitroi/AFWL

FASHION

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INAUGURATION

Prayers, Well-wishes for New General Evangelist A few months before the 100-year celebration kicked off, the church also ushered in its new General Evangelist for CAC Worldwide, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, with a Duty Commencement Service at Joseph Ayodele Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State. Dignitaries at the event included renowned ministers of God, top govern-

ment officials, traditional kings, business moguls, and distinguished members of the society. With attendance numbering in thousands, getting up close to where the action unfolded could understandably be challenging. If you missed the big moments, here’s a glimpse for you to relive again and keep for posterity.

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Credit: Courtesy; CAC Cannan Land

n Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, God is moving mightily, and signs of His goodness and faithfulness abound for all to see. This year, the church celebrated its centenary with a multi-day program of activities and special “centenary revivals” in each of its regions in Nigeria, and worldwide.

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Credit: Courtesy; CAC Cannan Land

INAUGURATION

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INAUGURATION

FAITH-FULL

A Perfect Heart By Pastor J. ’Wale Adelegan | USA

In 2 Chronicles 16:9, we were told that, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong on the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.”

ermit me to mention that a perfect heart here does not necessarily mean a sinless, flawless heart. Remember, “if we say we sin not, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8). What then is a Perfect Heart? It is simply a state of completeness and maturity of heart. In the original Greek, the word perfect is rendered “τέλειος” which includes uprightness, being without spot, without blemish, totally obedient, to finish what was started, a complete performance, etc.

The desire of the Lord is for us to walk with Him with such a perfect heart. Very quickly, let’s examine the features that make for a perfect heart. A perfect heart is a growing heart. Are you growing spiritually and in character? Do you behave better now than five years ago, or ten years ago? Are you a better husband? Are you a better wife? Are you a better child? Are you a growing Christian? I am not asking whether you go to church regularly! You could go to church regularly and not be growing!

What I am simply saying is, are you in constant fellowship with the Lord? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Is He your Lord of all – career, marriage, academics, finance, ministry, home, etc.? Remember if He is not the Lord of all, He is not your Lord at all. The Lord wants to see you grow, especially spiritually: it gives Him such a great joy! A perfect heart is a trusting heart. David repeatedly wrote, “In the Lord put I my trust... “ (Psalm 11:1), “O my God, I trust in thee” (Psalm 25:2). The Hebrew root-word for trust suggests, “to fling oneself off a precipice” - that is, to be like a child who hears his father say, “Jump!” and who trustingly obeys, throwing himself off the edge and into his father’s arms. A perfect heart trusts in the Lord and does not have any alternative. A perfect heart will declare like Job in the face of adversity and challenges of

Pastor ‘Wale Adelegan

life that, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15) As you trust the Lord with all your heart, you will never be put to shame in Jesus’ name. Finally, a perfect heart is a broken and humble heart. David said, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite [crushed] spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He also said, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou HEART continued on page 42

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COMMUNITY CAMERA

Double Blessings on Thanksgiving

gram of the church. Addressing the participants at the event held at the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paschal Avenue, Philadelphia premises, Pastor Emmanuel Odeyale urged everyone to love one another as Christ loves the Church.

Participants at the event were all smiles as they received their turkeys. This year, it was double blessings for nursing mothers. In addition to turkeys, they also received infant food formula.

Credit: USAfrica Journal Photos

he Southwest Philadelphia community and beyond came out in full force to rejoice with Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway pro-

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Credit: USAfrica Journal Photos

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SPORTS

Timothy Weah

Son of Liberian Great Forging His Own Path By Alex Baker | USA

In soccer, a famous last name can either be a blessing or a curse, particularly when that name carries the weight of someone as singular as George Weah, former Liberian international and now President of Liberia.

Weah hasn’t been worth taking note of. Playing your way into a starting spot on a PSG side that contains at least two of the world’s top five players is the kind of thing that gets people’s attention, especially for a player who is just 18 years old. A mobile attacker who likes to run at defenses, Weah made his senior debut for PSG in March of 2018. He has since scored two goals for the Ligue 1 powerhouse. Born in New York City in 2000, he was eligible to play for the United States,

France and Liberia but opted for the U.S.; perhaps possessing enough self-awareness to realize that, while he might struggle to break into the star-studded French team that lifted the World Cup a few months back, he could make himself important to a U.S. team currently in the process of reinventing itself. He has rapidly established himself as a regular and become the youngest player ever to score for the USMNT after netting in a friendly against Bolivia in May of

Credit: daykung / Shutterstock.com

he Liberian great cut as wide a swathe through the world’s game as just about anyone. In stints with Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan, he lit up Europe’s top flight with his goals, skills and an uncanny burst of pace that could put him one-on-one with a goalkeeper in an instant. Timothy Weah is not yet, nor will he perhaps ever be, the player his father was. But then, few players will. But that’s not to suggest that what we’ve seen from Tim

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His youth team highlights are what make you look at him and think maybe he could be the real deal. He actually does at times display qualities reminiscent of his father: the dribbles, the turn of pace, and the knack for goals. loan to a club where he could secure regular playing time would serve him better at this point in his career than spinning his wheels attempting to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Neymar or Kylian Mbappe’ for a spot in the PSG team. As we’ve seen with players who find themselves caught between a top team and a dead end, sometimes it takes moving to a more modest team to get a career moving again. There’s certainly no lack of interest in the young Weah, with clubs across Europe said to be tracking him. Last summer, PSG spurned advances from clubs who made inquiries for Weah.

Credit: USMNT

2018. Still, we’ve only seen flashes of what he might be at senior level. His youth team highlights are what make you look at him and think maybe he could be the real deal. He actually does at times display qualities reminiscent of his father: the dribbles, the turn of pace, and the knack for goals. But while he’s made himself a regular with the national team, goals and playing time have grown a bit scarce at his club. It’s true of course that there are only about two dozen attacking players in the world who could hold down a starting berth in the current PSG side. As a result, Weah currently finds himself with more caps for the national team than he does starting appearances for Paris. Already at 18 with only a handful of senior appearances behind him, Weah has won the Ligue 1 title, the Trophee des Champions, Coup d la Ligue, and Coup de France. While some players his age might be content to rest on their laurels in Paris and let the silverware rack up, Weah seems intent on blazing his own way. A “late bloomer” in his own words, he must realize he still has the potential to develop, although only a limited window in which to do so. He must make the right moves if he’s going to translate the potential he displayed at youth level into success in the upper echelons of the game. The way forward for the teenager at club level likely lies away from Paris. A

But since he doesn’t seem to feature in manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans this season, it seems likely the club will sanction his loan in the next transfer window. As for his next move, Weah must choose carefully. There’s a lot riding on Weah, not just because of his name. A U.S. soccer fraternity still shell-shocked from missing the World Cup is looking for figures to pin hope on. Being able to call up a No. 9 with the name Weah playing for a club of PSG’s stature is a huge departure from the typical U.S. soccer player narrative. Thankfully, if he needs advice, he has the luxury of being able to turn to a father who, in addition to being the current President of Liberia, knows a thing or two about football. Credit: Courtesy, PSG

Credit: Courtesy, USMNT

SPORTS

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Start @

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WHY ARE continued from page 8

deemed a great achiever or a man of authority. Run as fast as you can from such people. I do it often when I bump into them. If your pastor won’t laugh or make you do same, he will one day make you cry. Run from him! Men who laugh are mostly authentic; frowning men are snakes and fakes!

AKATA continued from page 16

Is everything in life a laughing matter? No! But everything in life, good or bad, is not what we have control over. It’s better to laugh than languish in pestering pain. Laughter is an amazing gift from God that helps a man live longer and cope with life’s many besieging troubles.

Don’t waste your energies reminding us that the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct and indissoluble. We hear! What are you doing to make the states work? How do we transit from a country (of 37 states) to a nation (of people with shared interests, values, goals and aspirations) competing honorably and progressively for the mutual and shared prosperity of an effective, even-handed federal arrangement? What exactly do you mean by “Restructuring?” Why are you afraid of Restructuring? Is the current situation working? Be frank and honest? Is it justifiable? Can we not see it as one of the ills plaguing our growth and dwarfing our potential? We are tired of politics of attrition, of big abuses and wonderful allegations. We are tired of digging up old missives as if it’s inhuman to lie or recant, and planting photo shopped images to hoodwink the simple. Even in the midst of the slinging mud and loud-mouthed banalities, say what you mean to do for the sake of the suffering majority, and do exactly what you mean and say. Nothing more, or less. Then, whoever we choose, we shall live the next four years with the consequences of our choice. Credit: Wikiregina/wikimedia commons

Unity in Diversity: (We vote as Nigerians, but deep down we know we are not united.) Though we are of different tongues, tribes and cultures, we are not unique! Several countries have similar diversity, and have gone ahead to forge unity, harmony, service and sacrifice that have welded them into peaceful and prosperous nations. So, Sirs, what are your plans to take us to a level where our divisions become firewood to cook a giant modern economy, delicious enough to feed all, and managed responsibly to keep on cooking

and dishing equitably to generations, even in the womb of time?

ative moniker either. The context within which it was “coined” and used by Baba Sala, before it became the choice sobriquet for African-Americans, was different from what is now, arguably erroneously, perceived to be by some people. “I see it merely as harmless shorthand that has been misinterpreted by xenophobic Africans and non-Africans alike,” Chief Olagunju Oladimeji, a Yoruba language instructor currently on a visit to the U.S., said. “I think it is just like other identifiers that Yorubas generally use for other groups of people, such as oyinbo (white people), jamo (Jamaicans), araba (middle easterners), chinco (Chinese), afriko (Africans) and so on and so forth. The intent is not to denigrate, but it might be received as such.” Why Baba Sala chose “akata” to describe his friend’s African-American wife, his legion of impassioned fans worldwide and passionate students of slang and popular culture of the Yorubas will never know. But this much is certain — “akata” as a metaphor is open to various interpretations, some of which may be derogatory, and some quite elevating. Think Black Panther! Think Wakanda Forever! Baba Sala may be gone, but “akata,” a word coined in a fit of artistic exuberance, lives on, especially here in the U.S. Credit:premiumtimesng.com

ized by our misfortune. Show us you care, that you are offended and so incensed that you have mapped out ideas and countermeasures that will not only arrest the monumental disgrace, but also begin to lift us onto steady and prosperous highways. Don’t trivialize our situation by quoting disembodied statistics of wonder-working investments and micro interventions that are yet to manifest in most homes.

Credit: punchng.com

MEMO continued from page 12

Obviously, we’re now in such a bad shape that two of the most likely individuals to win the 2019 presidential election are quite old (72+); … have all sorts of allegations hanging over their heads; have supporters who love them more than their loved ones, and thus can throw the kitchen sink at anyone in defense of their idols. USAfrica Journal | usafricajournal.com

VITAMIN D continued from page 17

IMMIGRATION continued from page 26

Hence if a foreigner is receiving one or more of the public benefits laid out in the proposal when they apply for a visa or residency, that would be a heavily-weighed negative factor in determining their eligibility to come to or remain in the United States; Torbati’s report by Reuters explained.

Congressional Approval Not Needed are good sources, and though it may not be the most popular item, cod liver oil is an excellent source as well. Small amounts can also be found in egg yolks and mushrooms and foods fortified with Vitamin D like bread, milk, and some brands of orange juice.

Supplement Good Nutrition If your doctor does recommend a supplement, be sure to ask about the dosage. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 70 years and younger is 600 IU per day and 800 IU per day for those older than 70. Experts don’t always agree on the ideal amount, but your doctor or Pharmacist can advise you on what’s best. If your levels are low, you may need a larger dose at first, but it’s important to avoid taking too much. Excess vitamin D can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dangerous calcium buildup in the bloodstream. By Barbara Brody 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. Source: Rite Aid

VOL. 5, ISSUE 1 | 2018

Born in the USA, Not a Citizen? Another move causing uproar and lots of debates in Washington and the immigrant community is President Trump’s plan to unilaterally end the Constitution’s guarantee of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to noncitizens and undocumented immigrants. In an interview with HBO’s Axios recently, President Trump vehemently defended his planned action. “We’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits,” he said. “It’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous. And it has to end.” Politicians (including fellow Republican and House Speaker Paul Ryan), experts and immigrants-rights activists have warned that the move would be inconsistent with the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States,

and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” The president is however unmoved by any of the arguments against his plan. In his interview with Axios, the president insisted that he has been assured by his legal team that he can effect the change with an executive order. “It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what. You don’t,” the president said. “You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now they’re saying I can do it just with an executive order. It’s in the process. It will happen with an executive order,” Meanwhile, the recurring questions and prevailing concerns in the immigrant community now are when it happens, will it affect just the babies of any noncitizen or undocumented immigrant, or babies of people who come into the country legally as visitors, students or temporary workers? While it is not quite clear right now whose children’s birthright citizenship the president intends to sacrifice on the chopping block of political expediency, the handwriting on the wall is fairly clear enough for all immigrants to see and understand: It’s getting pretty hot in Trump’s America.

HEART continued from page 35

wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). One key attribute that made David a man after God’s own heart is his brokenness. How broken are you before God? He wants to make you perfect, but He also expects you to come as you are! He wants sincere humility from you, not some eye-service, make-believe, fake humility. Do you real-

ize that without God, you can’t become or achieve anything in life? Be humble! Rid your heart of any element of pride and self-glory. I pray that the Lord will find in you a perfect heart and bless the work of your hands, in Jesus name. Shalom!