COMMUNITY PILLARS: Rosemary Onubaiye Is A Respected Voice
This mother of three from Okene, Nigeria wears several hats, and functions in the following capacities: Country Director with Ita’i - Our Cloth; Community Voice/Leader at Tom Adaba Legacy and Media Representative at Africa-Related Inc.
Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye - A Community Voice from Okene, Nigeria. (Photo by David Araga/Africa-Related)
This mother of three from Okene, Nigeria wears several hats, and functions in the following capacities: Country Director with Ita’i - Our Cloth; Community Voice/Leader at Tom Adaba Legacy and Media Representative at Africa-Related Inc.
ROSEMARY ONUBAIYE holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration from the University of Abuja. After graduating in 2015, she pursued her passion for broadcasting with her first official media job with Africa-Related Inc. as an Administrative Assistant. She has continued to hone her production, presenting and writing crafts while working on multiple productions including'OHUEJE OHINOYI 2018/19' AND 'ITINOCHI' - an upcoming documentary film on the intriguing journey of the Ebira Cloth.
As an Indigenous Ebira woman from Okene, Rosemary is the Country Head for Ita’i Our Cloth, a grassroots initiative which developed into an apparel/home brand company that not only promotes weaving as a cultural heritage, but also empowers women and the develops the community.
The mother-of-three girls is a muti-tasking, creative who loves to read and is open to learn new skills.
PRODUCTION SAMPLES
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
Community Pillars Of The South Bronx: Rev John & Pastor Felicia Udo-Okon
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the underserved South Bronx community for over 20 years through their ministry Word of Life International. They conduct food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
“Feeding Souls & Bodies” - Rev. John & Felicia Udo-Okon of Word of Life International in front of their South Bronx location in New York. (Photo by Africa-Related)
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the underserved South Bronx community for over 20 years through their ministry Word of Life International. They conduct food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
REV. JOHN UDO-OKON
Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon is the Senior Pastor at Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. , Bronx, New York and the Executive Director, Word Of Life International, Inc., a community outreach and development corporation based in the South Bronx of New York City. Rev. Udo-Okon together with his wife, Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon has devotedly worked with his congregation to fight hunger and poverty in New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers are served monthly at their program. He is an Executive Fellow, Class of 2007-2008 of the Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute of the United Way of New York City. In 2008, he completed Executive Leadership Certificate program at Support Center For Nonprofit Management, New York, New York. In 2010, Rev. Udo-Okon also completed the Mentoring Supervision Training with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. His organization, Word Of Life International, Inc. has become a beacon of hope in the Bronx continually finding ways to provide meaningful services that sustain lives and support independent and productive living.
REV. FELICIA UDO-OKON
Rev. (Mrs.) Felicia Udo-Okon serves as Co-pastor, Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. and the Director Of Food and Fitness Program, Word Of Life International, Inc. For over 20 years, she has worked alongside her husband, Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon in both the formation and development of the two organizations. Word of Life International, Inc. serves an average of 8,000 household members every month.
Rev. (Mrs.) Udo-Okon has contributed immensely and in various capacities to the mission and development of Word Of Life International Inc. She has consistently proved to be an enthusiastic worker and team leader who has initiated and participated in a number of initiatives that have greatly impacted the lives of our clients and community residents. The mission of Word Of Life International, Inc. is to provide short and long term support that enhances self-sufficiency to poor and low-income families especially women, children, veterans, the elderly, immigrants, and the unemployed in the South Bronx and its surrounding neighborhoods. Its program services include among others: Community Food Pantry, senior wellness program, fitness program, health outreach, nutrition training, benefit enrollment/ referrals, and youth development programs.
DONATE
WATCH INTERVIEW WITH REV. JOHN & FELICIA UDO-OKON
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
Word Of Life Welcomes New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres
The youngest New York City Council member representing The Bronx recently visited The Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International. His mission was to connect to the community through the church, food pantry and social services
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Council Member Ritchie Torres handing our food at Word of Life Int’l in the South Bronx. (Photo by Africa-Related)
The youngest New York City Council member representing The Bronx recently visited The Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International. His mission was to connect to the community through the church, food pantry and social services provided by the founders Rev John and Felicia Udo-Okon. During his visit, Torres distributed food produce provided by Fresh Direct, and spoke intermittently to the long tine of S. Bronx residents who gathered to meet him.
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the community for over 20 years through their ministry, food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
South Bronx Food Pantry Becomes CitiBike's 1000th Location
The popular New York City transportation and leisure bike lending system rode into Word of Life with a small and socially distant fanfare and new graffiti mural unveiled by Bronx-based award-winning artist/muralist Andre Trenie
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
Citibike 1000th Location Opening Ceremony at Word of Life Int’l in the south Bronx. (Photo by Africa_Related)
The Word Of Life International founded by Rev. John & Felicia Udo-Okon put up a colorful welcoming to the South Bronx for Citi Bike, marking its 1000th site opening across the city. The popular New York City transportation and leisure bike lending system rode into Word of Life with a small and socially distant fanfare and new graffiti mural unveiled by Bronx-based award-winning artist and muralist Andre Trenier.
The bright and beautiful yellow, blue and green mural covering the entire building front is of the artist's wife riding a citibike.
Local City Council members, media and officials from Citibike were represented and spoke glowingly of the Ministry's immense contribution to the South Bronx community and beyond.
The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the community for over 20 years through their ministry, food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
El Anatsui Bags Traditional Title - IKEDIRE of Nsukka
On August 24, 2019, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui enjoyed an installation of a different kind. The traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria, Igwe George F. O. Asadu conferred a traditional title on the artistic icon and long-time resident of Nsukka (since 1975). In so doing, Prof El Anatsui was received into the Council of the Igwe and regarded as IKEDIRE.
Oyiza Adaba and Uche Onyishi
Photos: Elijah Okoro for Africa-Related
NSUKKA - NIGERIA
IKEDIRE of NSUKKA
Globally acclaimed sculptor and long-time Nsukka resident of 45 years, Ghanaian artist EL Anatsui is IKEDIRE of Nsukka. Photo by Africa-Related.
“power which is effective”
AUGUST 24, 2019
“Intimidating”
On August 24, 2019, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui enjoyed an installation of a different kind. The traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria, Igwe George F. O. Asadu conferred a traditional title on the artistic icon and long-time resident of Nsukka (since 1975). In so doing, Prof El Anatsui was received into the Council of the Igwe and regarded as IKEDIRE.
“Anyone that has remained happily in a place for 45 years is long overdue its citizenship.”
FULL REGALIA
Emeritus Professor El Anatsui - Ikedire of Nsukka with the traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria Igwe George F. O. Asadu.
The traditional title of 'Ikedire', meaning 'power which is effective' reflects Anatsui's commitment to his adopted community of Nsukka, a university town in the south-east where he taught at the University of Nigeria from 1975 until he retired in 2012. Although this native son of Ghana has enjoyed world wide acclaim through his art, he is also known for his humanitarian and community initiatives, which directly impacts lives.
‘Intimidating’, was the word used by Prof. Greg Mbajiogu, a lecturer in theatre and film studies to describe Anatsui’s citation. Above the accolades and speeches was one shared sentiment - “This is an honour overdue”. Fiends and colleagues who attended the simple ceremony at the Igwe's home; appreciate its depth and agree that Anatsui's contributions have in no small measure put Nsukka on the world map.
In Igwe Asadu’s words, ‘Anyone that has remained happily in a place for 45 years is long overdue its citizenship’.
For more info on El Anatsui, visit elanatsui.art . Watch El Anatsui’s biographical documentary here.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Photos by @africarelated
Share this story
Highlights of Anya Fụlụ Ugo 2015
An Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu that took place at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
By oyiza adaba - Africa-Related, Nigeria
Faculty of Arts Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related
anya fụlụ ugo jaa ya mma, na-adi afụ ugo kwa daa
- the eye that sees an eagle should adore it, for only rarely are eagles seen -
Video Courtesy of Africa-Related
Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference of the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu
Theme: African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn
Venue: Princess Alexandria Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Date: 24-27 June 2015
This conference adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. It is our tribute to two important global artists associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose work over the past four decades demonstrates the multiple layers of critical, historical, and other narrative contexts that African art engenders today. Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu are acclaimed for creating a respectable body of works that have grown to defy any marginal critical or historical narrative - a microcosm of the form and content of African art today.
The four-day even was attended by artists and educators from various countries including UK, Spain, The United States, Germany etc. The program was packed with activities such as breakout sessions, art exhibitions, guided tours etc.
The broad theme of the conference, “African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn” proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Under the banner “Anya Fulu Ugo”, this maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
share this story
El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony To American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders.
OYIZA ADABA - Cambridge, MA
Photos by Africa-RelATD
Letters of Acceptance line up the halls of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences at Havard University, Cambridge, MA.
El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony to The American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. Two prominent Africans were also on the list - novelist & playwright Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o for Literary Criticism from University of California, Irvine; and former Professor of Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka El Anatsui as a Foreign Honorary Member in Visual Arts Criticism and Practice.
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS, APRIL 2014
TOTAL: 204
FELLOWS: 188
FOREIGN HONORARY MEMBERS: 16
EL Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Inducted
Since its founding in 1780, The Academy has served as a champion of scholarship, civil dialogue, and useful knowledge. As one of the country's oldest learned societies and independent policy research centers, the Academy convenes leaders from the academic, business, and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world.
AMACAD’s membership encompasses over 4,600 Fellows and 600 Foreign Honorary Members; and reflects the full range of disciplines and professions including mathematics, physical and biological sciences, medicine, social sciences and humanities, business, government, public affairs, and the arts. Among the Academy's Fellows are more than 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer Prize winners. The strength of the Academy lies in the intellectual leadership of its members and the wide range of expertise they bring to its studies and publications.
Letters of Acceptance Class of 2014
Past inductees include Nelson Mandela (2009), Albert Einstein (1924), Martin Luther King Jnr (1966), Bill Clinton (2006), Quincy Jones (2001), Thomas Jefferson (1987), Al Pacino (2014), George Washington (1781), Colin Powell (2009), Alan Alda (2006), Paul McCartney (2012), T.S Eliot (1954), Emmylou Harris (2009), Joan Miro (1961) and many more.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. .
SHARE THIS STORY