LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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PARADISE PREPARED: Rev. F. M. LAWLUVI Transitions at 95
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Self realization... Know yourself ”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi 1927-2022
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
On and off the pulpit, he taught us a great deal throughout his lifetime. He was a uniting force to his community and lived by example, displaying no fear of truth. In one of his sermons, he called for unity in the family and community; and members to “stand up and check” divisive forces.
“Jesus receives outcasts, criminals, evil doers. For he said, I've come not for the righteous but for sinners”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi
Africa-Related was privileged to visit and film the great Rev. Fredrick M. Lawluvi in Anloga Ghana, while producing his cousin El Anatsui's documentary film in 2015. He had such a profound influence on the life of the young El Anatsui, who was raised by his Uncle - also a minister. We captured that memorable moment between the two great men - the Reverend and the Artist. The meeting was their first in 67 years, since 1948.
“My strength is revived”, he joyfully proclaimed during our interview later that day on his emotional meeting with his beloved cousin El Anatsui. It was no lie. It was evident to those present, akin to a ‘Lazarus’ moment - enough to add years to man’s life. Thankfully, they had another seven to make up for the time.
Rev. Lawluvi was instrumental in giving the El Anatsui film its final title, to which we remain truly grateful.
We commiserate with the entire Lawluvi and extended family.
Rest in peace Sir. Your work continues…
Follow the artist @elanatsui.art
Follow the film release @elanatsuifilm
Rev. Lawluvi El Anatsui in over 60 years + hear Rev. Fredrick Lawluvi speak during one of his life-changing sermons in Anloga, Ghana’s Volta Region.
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EXHIBITION: THE MET Tributes CHEIK DIOP With ‘African Origin of Civilization’
The exhibition highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Photo: metmuseum.org
The ongoing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY titled The African Origin of Civilization, may be a vindication of sorts, of the Senegalese historian Cheik Anta Diop’s previously debunked theory about Africa’s time and place in the global civilization discourse.
In his 1974 book The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, Diop challenged what history had long taught about Africa.
The exhibition bulletin highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent. Twenty-one pairings unite masterpieces from the Museum's collections of ancient Egyptian and West and Central African art to reveal unexpected parallels and contrasts across time and cultures.
“The African Origin of Civilization will remain on view while The Met’s galleries of Sub-Saharan African Art are closed for the complete renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The re-envisioned wing is expected to reopen in 2024, and will feature three distinct suites of galleries for Sub-Saharan African Art, Ancient American Art, and Oceanic Art.
- The MET Museum -
The Met continues to set an encouraging example to museums worldwide by giving well-earned spaces to their African Ancient & Oceanic Art sections. Our own museum coverage and experience show that in most cases, these sections are reserved at farther wings from the main space, leaving visitors sometimes discouraged by distance, time or exhaustion.
The exhibition opened on December 14, 2021 and remains ongoing.
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KOFO WONDER! Live @ Freedom Park
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos on August 28, 2021
Africa-Related New York
If you are in Lagos on Sunday August 28th and every last Sunday of the month, don't miss a chance to see the multi-talented Kofo Wonder + The Daylight Stars!
PHOTOS: Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars on MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC (2008)
Music that moves! Watch Kofo Wonder bring the talking drum to life!
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U.S STATE DEPT ANNOUNCES COLIN POWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Colin Powell Leadership Program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.
Africa-Related New York
“diversity is a source of strength, it is a source of our success”
Photo: U.S State Dept website
In support of the Secretary’s modernization agenda, the U.S. Department of States announced the new Colin Powell Leadership Program to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society. The program will provide individuals the opportunity to pursue careers at the Department of State.
Colin Powell understood that diversity “is a source of strength, it is a source of our success,” and exemplified his leadership values—both as a general and as Secretary of State — by putting people first. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders at the U.S. Department of State.
This program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources needed for long-term success at the Department.
Internship opportunities will be in the Social Science Student Trainee (0199) and Administration and Office Support Student Trainee (0399) series. Fellowship opportunities will be in the Foreign Affairs (0130) and Management Analysis (0343) series. Applicants will apply via USAJobs and the first vacancy announcement is tentatively scheduled for mid to late September 2022. Subsequent announcements will be held annually in the spring. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and retain a secret or top-secret clearance. All positions will be located in the Washington, D.C. area.
To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.
Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0. The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit here
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US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here
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HIGHLIGHTS: CHALE WOTE & HOMOWO FESTIVALS
See images of the colorful display of Culture and Talent at annual Chale Wote and Homowo Festivals in Accra Ghana
By Africa-Related New York
Photos: Beatrice Arthur
TWO FESTIVALS SIDE BY SIDE
The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together. Wikipedia
Homowo is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region. The festival starts in the month of August with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. During the festival, they perform a dance called Kpanlogo. Wikipedia
Photos by @annabetya
Get to know more about the historic location of Jamestown Accra, and plan your next visit.
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FOREIGN AID IN AFRICA: Did It Work?
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga,and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa
By Africa-Related New York
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa. (Screeshot from: Wheeler Institute)
The Wheeler Institute for Business & Development and the London Business School organized a 10-week open access course titled, African History through the Lens of Economics. This plenary session on the 10th week hosted Prof. William (Bill) Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The plenary session, which examined The Impact of Foreign Aid was moderated by Tanaka Chiimba, a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa.
- Did foreign Aid work in Africa
- Africa's approach to Aid
- Governance of Aid in Africa
- China in Africa
The 10-week course was attended by over 50,000 participants with over 28,000 certification awarded. The initiative is the brainchild of the main teaching faculty made up of Elias Papaioannou, Leonard Wantchekon, Nathan Nunn and Stelios Michalopoulos. The ideas and lessons from such programs can no doubt germinate into seeds of change for Africa.
If you missed it, you can still take the classes at your leisure. All course materials and lectures are free and can be found here:
Background on Speakers
Bill Easterly, Professor of Economics at New York University and Director of its Development Research Institute, is a leading scholar and authority on foreign aid and development. His books 'The Tyranny of Experts', 'The White Man’s Burden', and 'The Elusive Quest for Growth' have had a profound impact on policy making and our thinking on these issues.
Celestin Monga, Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Former Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Africa Development Bank Group, has done important research and policy work across the continent.
Mo Ibrahim has been one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, whose business journey continues to inspire millions of Africans. Through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, he and his team have focused their philanthropic work stressing the importance and promoting good governance and leadership.
Tanaka Chiimba is a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa and a graduate of Sloan Fellow of London Business School (2019)
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FUNDING FOR CULTURAL OPERATORS IN AFRICA
African Culture Fund offers its 11th batch of funding to cultural creators
By Africa-Related New York
CALL FOR PROPOSALS #11
The African Culture Fund (ACF) is searching for cultural operators in the following sectors:
PERFORMING ARTS
CINEMA/AUDIOVISUAL
VISUAL ARTS
Application Deadline: September 16, 2022 at midnight GMT.
Get to know the stories about past recipients of the funds by following ACF on social media.
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CALL FOR DESIGNERS: 2nd TinCity Fashion Week
TinCity Fashion Week calls for indigenous and international designers
By Africa-Related New York
Are you a budding designer based in Nigeria or abroad? Would you like to showcase your designs on a global platform that works directly with grassroots communities? If your answer is ‘Yes’, here is the perfect opportunity for you!
TinCity Fashion Week is an annual event that lights up creative fashionable minds in the city of Jos every November.
See photos and highlights from the TCFW 2021 Guodo edition with Ita'i Our Cloth showcasing the Ebira woven cloth.
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CALABAR GALLERY NYC: Wants Female Artists
Calabar Gallery seeks female artists
By Africa-Related New York
The call is out for female artists around the globe to participate in the Calabar Gallery New York’s search for Africa Women Artists who are ready to EXPLORE in an Online Exhibition.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
August 31, 2022
See flyer above for more information.
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U.S AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT 2022
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is a premier event organised by the Corporate Council on Africa
By Africa-Related New York
On July 19-22, 2022, the city of Marrakesh in the Kingdom of Morocco will play host to the annual summt that brings governments and business leaders together.
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is a premier event organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. It brings together African Heads of State, senior US Government and African officials, CEOs and senior U.S. and African private sector executives and heads of international financing institutions.
The objective is to connect governments and private sector decision makers over the course of four days and to deliver the insights to move business relations forward.
Online registration has closed, however you can still purchase your Summit tickets starting on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at the venue Palais des Congrès Boulevard Mohamed VI Marrakech, Morocco.
For more information or questions, email Summit@corporatecouncilonafrica.com.
Follow the event program online on the CCA website.
SPOTLIGHT ON GUODO: ITA'I @ 1st TINCITY Fashion Week
The spotlight is cast on one of the oldest woven cloth pieces from the middle belt region of Nigeria…
Words: Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: TCFW/Africa-Related
Jos, Plateau State NIGERIA
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Ita'i Our Cloth, a weaving social enterprise based in Okene Kogi State recently showcased at the TinCity Fashion Week, which took place in the city of Jos, Plateau State in November 2021.
The first edition highlighted the Guodo - the woven cloth of the ethnic groups found across the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria. Participating designers were thrilled to deliver their creative interpretations and transform the runway for three nights in Jos!
Ita’i featured designers like Zizi Cardow and Morino, who worked with the Okene/Ebira woven cloth . The event was organised by Ms. Christabel Bentu of TCFW and supported by various sponsors.
Read more about the historical significance and the many uses of the Guodo Cloth below.
Historical Background
It has been observed by stakeholders in the FASHION and THE CREATIVE industry on the PLATEAU and the MIDDLE BELT region of Nigeria that there is a CRITICAL NEED to revive and promote the local textiles and fashion industries in order to rekindle a general interest among the people of Central Nigeria and by extension Nigeria and globally in patronizing our indigenous traditional fabric and designs.
This is to ensure that the local industries are sustained at home and in the global market. This will also serve as forum for the Preservation, Promotion and Presentation of our unique and rich traditional fabrics. It will further create job opportunities for millions of unemployed youths, thus reducing the incidence of extreme poverty within the already highly marginalized region.
2021 PROGRAMME CONTENT
(A)TEXTILE FAIR
This event will involve textile, weavers and accessories produced and displayed by the traditional fabric manufacturers and producers from the MIDDLE BELT REGION states:- Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states. They will converge in Jos and at an Event center to display a variety of traditional fabrics, accessories etc to the public and for sale---a kind of textile market for the JOS FASHION WEEK.
(B) FASHION SHOW
This Event will bring together FASHION DESIGNERS from these six States to display their designs in an organized show with emphasis on fabrics from the six earmarked States of the Middle Belt Region .
(C) STAR APPEARANCES
This will feature Nationally and Internationally known fashion designers, putting up a show-appearance to add value to the entire event. Similarly, Music stars, Comedians, Actors, Star footballers etc to perform/show up at the event for Endowment.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To introduce the Middle Belt region traditional fabrics to the Nigerian/Global market.
2. To Promote and Create a market local textile and fashion designers within the area of coverage.
3. To provide a platform for Exchange of ideas among producers in order to enhance standards for National and International recognitions and patronage.
4. To promote Middle belt dress culture and provide a tourist market that would sustain the viability of the industry.
5. To showcase the creations of promising designers newly introduced to the fashion world.
6. To help strengthen the Entertainment and Creative industries on the Plateau, thereby restoring it's lost glory.
7. To provide at forum for fostering PEACE AND UNITY among all Nigerians.
PROJECTING GUODO - Africa Fashion Week
BRIEF HISTORY OF PLATEAU STATE
The name PLATEAU is derived from the nature and form of its prominent landmass, which is largely occupied by Rocks, Hills, Mountains ETC.
Out of the original area coverage created initially, two States later emerged out of PLATEAU STATE namely BENUE and NASSARAWA STATES. These three states namely PLATEAU, NASSARAWA and BENUE STATES make up the center of the Geographical area called the Middle Belt region. Other states within the Middle belt region include TARABA, KOGI, NIGER and SOUTHERN PART OF KADUNA STATES.
Historically, these six/seven States have similar cultures having migrated from the famous KWARARAFA KINGDOM. The dances, dress code, language, values and norms of the people have similarities. This is why our proposed programme plans to concentrate largely on the indigenous fabrics and designs from the Middle Belt region
Source: TinCity Fashion Week
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WOMEN ENTERPRISE ITA'I FEATURES WEAVING AT 1st TEDx OKENE 2021
HAND-WOVEN social enterprise, ITA'I - OUR CLOTH showcased their collection of Ebira woven Cloth at the first ever TEDx Okene on January 30, 2021
By Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: David Araga/Africa-Related
Photo: David Araga/Africa-Related (2021)
ITA'I - OUR CLOTH is an exclusive HAND-WOVEN social enterprise rooted in Okene, with operations in Lagos, Nigeria and New York City recently showcased its collection at the first ever TEDx Okene.
Founded in 2019, this global brand with a home-felt impact is dedicated to bringing a modern approach to preserving, presenting and promoting Africa’s cultural heritage through the woven cloth; and in line with the seven of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
The vision at Ita’i is to make Ita'i a global brand with a home-felt impact, and it goes about it by encouraging community development and women empowerment through existing resources such as weaving.
PHOTOS
What can you do?
DESIGN + PARTNER + BUY + DONATE
@itaiourcloth www.itaiourcloth.com
SHOP: online or call
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Photos: Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars @ ZINC Bar NYC
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos
By Oyiza Adaba | Photos: Africa-Related New York
Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars at Zinc Bar NYC (Photos: Africa-Related/2008)
Our crew spent a wonderful evening with Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars taping our TV series MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC.
PHOTOS
