Omoyele Sowore Returns To A Rousing Welcome In The U.S
After five long years away from the U.S, where his family primarily resides, Omoyele Sowore, the presidential aspirant that was held by The Muhammadu Buhari administration - returned to a rousing welcome in New York.
Omoyele Sowore Returns To A Rousing Welcome in the U.S
After five long years away from the U.S, where his family primarily resides, Omoyele Sowore, the Presidential aspirant and journalist that was held by The Muhammadu Buhari administration - returned to a rousing welcome in New York.
Omoyele Sowore and his family. Photo by Saharareporters
#RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore, on Saturday, arrived in the United States of America after five years to reunite with his family.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the activists would be traveling to the US Friday night (tonight) to reunite with his family.
This comes after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the release of his passport following the decision of the Nigerian government to withdraw its treasonable felony case against the #RevolutionNow convener, four years after it was seized and he was barred from leaving Nigeria.
The human rights activist and two-time presidential candidate was warmly welcomed by friends and family on Saturday. Sowore, who departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos late Friday night on a United Airlines flight to DC Washington Dulles International Airport, was accompanied by his supporters to the airport.
After some tense confrontations with some Air Force and immigration officers upon his arrival at the Lagos airport over their refusal to allow his supporters and media crew to film his departure, Sowore left and arrived in Washington, D.C., according to his live stream upon arrival.
After U.S. immigration protocols, Sowore took a second leg of his trip to Newark International Airport, where his family and friends met him upon arrival at about 10 AM U.S. Eastern Time.
His friends, led by a member of the TakeItBack Movement, Kayode Ojo, a New York-based tax consultant, later met Sowore’s obviously excited family – his wife, Opeyemi, and his two kids.
Pius Omoregha, Adebayo Niyi, Seun Akinfolarin, also present at the airport were Friday Valentine Offo, Odinma Anaedo social Club USA, Engineer Victor and many others.
The activist said in a press invitation sent to SaharaReporters on Friday that his trip would be for a short while since he was "bound to return to Nigeria not only to continue my struggle for the total liberation of our people but also to face the myriad of bogus criminal and civil cases thrown at me since my detention began."
Sowore drove home and later attended a reception organized by the City of Haworth. The packed event, organized by the Mayor, Heather Wasser, had in attendance US Congressman Josh Gottheimer, whom Sowore acknowledged as facilitating his return to the U.S.
Sowore’s in-laws, Dr. Soji and Tolu Oluwole, also attended.
Other attendees included members of the Diaspora community led by a former President of the University of Lagos students union and now a foremost chemical engineer in the US, Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi, Bukola Oreofe, Deacon Dele Alade, Ademola Bello, American writer and journalist Lisa Vives, and Nigerian cuisine chef and owner of Brooklyn-based Buka restaurant, Lookman Afolayan.
The event, in which Sowore gave a heartfelt speech, also featured his wife, Opeyemi, appreciating the women who led the campaign for the activist’s release in Haworth, New Jersey.
The healthcare marketing consultant said the “friendship and unbreakable bonds” she forged with other women in Haworth helped her cope with the lonely days of wondering if her husband was safe.
“I’m so overwhelmed by the love that surrounds me and my family,” she said.
According to a video of the event posted by northjersey.com, Sowore said in his speech, “I can’t explain how I feel to be here with you today.
“Before I was arrested, nobody knew much about me in this city. I would just occasionally get on the street and run because I do long-distance running. I participated in the city’s runs once in a while. But something is very similar to where I come from; my hometown is as small as what you have here.
“And I remember growing up and saying that I would change the world through my hometown of 3,000 people when it was invaded by the police in 1980. Fast-forward to years later, and I found myself in this small town. Just the way my hometown shook the Nigerian government through me, you shook our government and the world through me again. I became one of the most popular faces throughout my five-year stay in Nigeria. Everybody knew how to spell this place.”
At the reception, Sowore’s daughter read a poem describing her father as “a man with a big heart.”
One of the leading voices was a council member, Alanna Zahn Davis, who spoke passionately about the strong bond Sowore’s incarceration brought to bear on the Haworth community in New Jersey.
To end the event, The Mayor of Haworth, Heather Wasser delivered a proclamation to honour Sowore and his family for their resilience and struggle for the emancipation of their homeland Nigeria.
SaharaReporters on February 15 reported that the President Bola Tinubu-led government had discontinued the treasonable felony case instituted against Sowore.
The development was made known in a document issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The document dated February 15, 2024, was addressed to the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division.
In the document, the government disclosed its intention to also discontinue the case against Sowore’s co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, aka Mandate.
Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services on August 3, 2019, in Lagos, Nigeria.
He was subsequently detained and charged with treason for calling for nationwide protests as part of the #RevolutionNow movement he started.
Following the notice of withdrawal of the case, which was issued by the government through the Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the release of his passport and other items seized from him.
Source: Sahara Reporters
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EL ANATSUI Marks His Undeniable Legacy At 80
Family Patriarch, Global Icon, Sculptor Extraordinaire, son of Ghana and a most Remarkable Human Being, Emeritus Prof. El Anatsui, marked eighty years of his lifetime on earth on Sunday, 4th February 2024 at Kwame Nkrumah Museum Accra, Ghana.
By oyiza adaba
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EL ANATSUI LEGACY 80
An Exclusive Evening of
Discourse Dinner Music
February 4, 2024
Family Patriarch, Global Icon, Sculptor Extraordinaire, son of Ghana and a most Remarkable Human Being, Emeritus Prof. El Anatsui, marked eighty years of his lifetime on earth on Sunday, 4th February 2024 at Kwame Nkrumah Museum Accra, Ghana.
El Anatsui’s Legacy is all about what he stands for, and the milestone was celebrated in a two-part series of events that included an interactive discourse with an engaging panel titled, “Exploring Nigeria/Ghana Relations and What Unites More Than Divides Us As A People”. Having, stood at this same crossroads, El Anatsui has remained a formidable bridge between these two counties for eight decades.
Following this, friends, colleagues and family from near and wide attended the invitation-only exclusive dinner and live music performance, that featured a mouth-watering dinner, gift presentations of many kinds, and performances by select artists including Ghana’s female Jazz ensemble The Lipstik Queens, Tema Senior High School Choir and Anyako Cultural Troupe, and Afrobeat Sensation Dede Mabiaku & Kalafika Band.
The evening’s highlight was when the celebrant was conferred upon, the title of Torgbui Kekeli I of Anyako Woeto (‘beacon of light’), by the paramount chief Torgbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VII. This makes it Anatsui’s second traditional title since his 2017 conferment as the Ikedire of Nsukka ('power which is effective').
Other activities included a book unveiling titled “The World Celebrates El Anatsui @80” by a collective of esteemed academics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); with guided tours to Ghana’s educational and tourism landmarks such as Elmina Castle, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, and University of Ghana.
El Anatsui is a contemporary artist from Ghana who singlehandedly redefined the meaning of sculptor and created a global art movement, from his four-decade stay in Nsukka, Nigeria. His works have graced prestigious art spaces worldwide, like the ongoing Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern. Learn more about a most remarkable human being from his upcoming biographical documentary DELA: The Making of El Anatsui.
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Photos by Africa-Related
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South Bronx's JOE HALL Appointed New President & CEO Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful “Ghetto Film School” (GFS)…
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Inside MNN El Bario, Harlem Studio. Photo: Africarelated
Appointment
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful Ghetto Film School (GFS)…
PRESS RELEASE
January 4, 2024
Joe HALL, New MNN CEO & President. (Photo: MNN)
Manhattan Neighborhood Network Ushers in New Era with Joe Hall as Incoming President & CEO
New York, NY, Jan 4, 2023 - MNN announced today the appointment of Joe Hall as the new President & CEO of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), an award-winning cultural organization and the largest community media center in the country.
Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities in Hudson Yards and East Harlem, MNN offers digital media education, training, production and distribution services to 400+ creators annually, reaching more than 400,000 cable TV subscribers, online and live event audiences.
Damian Benders, MNN’s board chair emphasized, "Joe's appointment is not just a new chapter; it's a commitment to our roots of community empowerment and innovative storytelling. His track record speaks not just to his capability but to his deep resonance with our mission."
Joe Hall stated, “MNN is a super smart, best practice organization with strong board leadership that has a bold vision of a more expansive creative offering moving forward. For someone like me, this is the perfect moment to bring my relationships and passion to this dynamic mix – I’m genuinely honored to be part of MNN, and can’t wait to get working with all our stakeholders and community to impact the culture in new and exciting ways.”
Outgoing President & CEO Dan Coughlin added, “I'm proud of what the team has accomplished at MNN and confident that Joe is the right person to take the helm. His experience and creativity are exactly what MNN needs to move forward."
MNN Board Chair Damian Benders, Mayor of the City of New York Eric Adams, and MNN President & CEO Dan Coughlin. Photo by Rowena Husbands.
“I and the board believe his vision aligns beautifully with MNN's mission and that his innovative approach will lead us into a new era of growth and creativity.” - MNN Board Chair Damian Benders
In 2000 Joe Hall founded Ghetto Film School (GFS) a nonprofit academy training 8,000+ underrepresented talent annually through its South Bronx, MacArthur Park (LA), and Tower Hamlets (London) operation hubs. GFS projects have been produced on five continents, with thousands of graduates now working in the film, television, and advertising industries. In 2009 Hall founded The Cinema School as the nation’s first film high school, raising $10M towards the school’s capital build-out and operations.
In 1992 Hall moved to the South Bronx as a social worker leading homeless relocation, job training, youth development, education, and health projects benefiting thousands of neighbors annually. He has been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and PBS, and is a widely sought-after public speaker including AdColor, foundation conference keynotes, and the Metropolitan Museum’s Kerry James Marshall retrospective closing ceremony.
Hall’s numerous professional awards include the 2005 NYC Mayor’s Award for Arts & Culture, and a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow residency in Bellagio, Italy. He has written OpEds and articles for multiple publications, contributed chapters for books on youth development and education, produced a documentary film for Sundance Channel, and sits on the board of WOCstar Fund investing in tech innovation by women of color-led startups.
Hall completed undergraduate studies at Curry College, and a Master of Social Administration from Columbia University.
About Manhattan Neighborhood Network:
Established in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is a media learning, production, and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement, empowering local voices & diverse views.
Learn more about MNN and its programs, how to become a community producer, or to register for a class.
Photos: Inside MNN TRAINING
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FACT SHEET: U.S. at the United Nations in 2023
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) showcased American leadership at the United Nations, around the world, and across the country—advancing U.S. interests and delivering on Biden Administration policy goals.
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
FACT SHEET
December 30, 2023
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FACT SHEET: Showcasing U.S. Leadership at the United Nations in 2023
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) showcased American leadership at the United Nations, around the world, and across the country—advancing U.S. interests and delivering on Biden Administration policy goals.
In 2023, USUN advanced humanitarian relief efforts, including leading initiatives to combat global food insecurity, and worked to rally international cooperation to renew international resolve towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, USUN championed U.S. priorities on human rights and defended the core values of the UN Charter, including consistently standing up to Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. USUN also managed challenges posed by the conflict in Gaza, both responding to Hamas’s atrocious terrorist attacks against Israel and promoting humanitarian assistance and civilian safety in Gaza.
What’s more, USUN worked with partners across the UN system to modernize its processes and workforce to achieve better results. That included launching new initiatives to increase the number of American citizens working at the UN, leading reform efforts to ensure the UN is fit for purpose, and advancing Biden Administration initiatives to bolster democracy, engage youth, and recruit a more diverse workforce that better represents the American people.
This year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield took this agenda to the road, traveling to 12 countries and nine cities across the U.S. to make the case for U.S. foreign policy priorities.
In 2023, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations has:
Countered Threats to Peace and Stability While Fostering and Building Alliances
· Across multiple continents and conflicts, USUN led efforts to create and maintain peace – and hold those committing atrocities accountable.
· USUN spearheaded efforts to address the crisis in Haiti, helping to adopt a resolution – co-penned by the U.S. and Ecuador – to authorize a Multinational Security Support mission. This mission, led by Kenya, would provide critical international support for the Haitian National Police to address gang violence and pave the way toward long-term stability in the country. USUN also led efforts to strengthen the mandate of the Special Political Mission, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). In December, the Security Council sanctioned four notorious gang leaders who have undermined peace and security in Haiti by unleashing unspeakable violence and suffering on Haitian citizens.
· USUN consistently pushed for Security Council unity in condemning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s reckless and dangerous behavior as the country launched multiple ballistic missiles — including at least five intercontinental ballistic missile launches— in violation of multiple Security Council Resolutions.
· During its presidency of the Security Council, USUN held the first Security Council open briefing on Sudan since the start of the conflict. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield traveled to the Chad-Sudan border to galvanize the international community to help protect civilians affected by the conflict.
· USUN and likeminded partners called for investigations into violations of UN Security Council resolutions resulting from Russia’s procurement of weapons and material from Iran and the DPRK.
· The United States led a high-level event focused on coalition-building to address the growing threat of synthetic drugs – and facilitated the drafting, negotiation, and consensus adoption of a General Assembly resolution to tackle the public health and security threats posed by synthetic drugs and weaken transnational criminal organizations.
· Following Hamas’ October 7th attacks against Israel, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN advocated for increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza, as well as the inclusion of Israel’s right to defend itself, a condemnation of Hamas, and calls for the return of hostages in key UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. All the while, the U.S. remained the leading supporter of the efforts of UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza. In addition, the U.S. worked with other Council members to craft a humanitarian-focused resolution in the Security Council to help ensure humanitarian personnel and assistance, including fuel, food, medical supplies, and emergency shelter assistance, can reach the people of Gaza.
· As head of the U.S. delegation to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted U.S. leadership and commitment to improving peacekeeping effectiveness through a series of financial and programmatic commitments.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield worked to secure the unanimous adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on the financing of African Union-led peace support operations. This resolution outlines a framework for the use of UN funds to support the deployment of AU-led missions to promote peace and security across the African continent – and is a major steppingstone toward empowering AU missions to respond to Africa’s growing security challenges.
Continued to Bring Global Food Insecurity to the Forefront
· For Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s third Security Council presidency in August 2023, the United States again made combatting food insecurity a signature priority – becoming the only permanent member of the Security Council to devote its presidency to the same issue for multiple years in a row, an important signal and commitment.
· USUN spearheaded the passage of the first Security Council product addressing food insecurity in over five years, a Security Council Presidential Statement condemning the use of food as a weapon of war.
· In concert with USUN’s work on combatting food insecurity in the Security Council, nearly 100 UN Member States from around the world signed on to a U.S.-drafted communique on ending the use of food as a weapon of war.
· In response to Russia’s attacks on critical food infrastructure in Ukraine, the United States catalyzed multiple UN Security Council meetings to draw attention to the global impacts of such attacks and Russia’s threats against maritime security in the Black Sea. USUN also worked to continue diplomatic efforts to secure Black Sea routes to keep Ukraine’s grain flowing to food-insecure regions around the globe.
· In addition to USUN’s work in the Security Council and other UN fora, USUN brought this message to the world, including during travel to Mogadishu, Somalia, where Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield implored the international community to step up to avert famine in the Horn of Africa while announcing millions in new funding from the United States for Somalia.
Advanced Progress on Global Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
· The United States helped bring sustainable development to the top of the multilateral agenda, with USUN highlighting the importance of and commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals throughout the year at engagements around the world and country: from spotlighting the role of local actors at the Cities Summit in March, to outlining the impact of U.S. leadership in the development space at the Council on Foreign Relations in September.
· Ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in September 2023, USUN demonstrated the United States’ commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, at home and abroad. In the two years leading up to the Summit alone, the United States invested over $100 billion in Official Development Assistance. At the Summit, the United States joined the SDG Political Declaration to reinvigorate progress toward the SDGs, and Secretary Blinken articulated the U.S. commitment to leaving no one behind at the SDG Summit.
· During the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, the United States spearheaded efforts to include strong language across three General Assembly Political Declarations on health: pandemic preparedness and response, universal health coverage, and the fight against tuberculosis.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, along with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, co-led the U.S. delegation to the 2023 United Nations Water Conference that included 125 delegates. During the conference, the United States announced a $49 billion investment in the domestic and international water sector, which accelerates progress on Sustainable Development Goal Six: universal clean, safe, and affordable water and sanitation.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN took the case for sustainable development around the world. In November, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum hosted by the Cook Islands to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the region and engaged with Pacific region leaders and stakeholders to galvanize further international cooperation on climate change and sustainable development. And in December, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. Delegation to the 10th Conference of the States Parties of the UN Convention against Corruption, held in Atlanta, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Put Human Rights at the Core of the International System
· USUN made defending human rights a signature priority during its Security Council presidency – making clear that the Security Council is a key multilateral venue to address human rights violations by highlighting ongoing violations of human rights in conflict zones with numerous civil society briefings and thematic events.
· In April, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution that called for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield called for this resolution in January and USUN worked closely with Japan and the United Arab Emirates on its adoption, which also called on the Taliban to swiftly reverse its policies and practices restricting women and girls’ enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those related to their access to education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life.
· Throughout the year, USUN repeatedly shined a light on the DPRK’s violation of human rights. In March, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the issue with two events focused on exposing the human rights situation in the DPRK, first by meeting with women defectors and then by cosponsoring and co-leading a DPRK Arria Formula meeting with Albania. During the United States’ August presidency of the UN Security Council, the United States held the first open briefing in more than five years on the human rights situation in the DPRK.
· As antisemitism rose across the country and world, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield hosted leaders at the UN to support practical global efforts to combat antisemitism. The event featured keynote remarks by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield frequently met with representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities to discuss ways to counter both antisemitism and Islamophobia domestically and internationally.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield advanced the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the dialogue between U.S. officials and people of African descent by leading the U.S. delegation to the 2nd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. In addition, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield traveled to Brazil to underscore U.S. support for reinvigorating the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial Discrimination and Promote Equality – marking the first cabinet-level official visit to Salvador since the JAPER was signed by then-Secretary Condoleezza Rice.
· USUN has consistently and continuously called for the release of hostages and political prisoners. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield invited Elizabeth Whelan – the sister of Paul Whelan, who is wrongfully detained in Russia – to attend a Security Council meeting presided over by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to highlight Paul’s lengthy and unjust detention. The Ambassador and the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich spoke to UN correspondents about Evan’s arbitrary detention in Russia. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield advocated for McClatchy reporter Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria, World Press Freedom prize recipient Niloofar Hamedi who is still wrongfully detained in Iran, and former U.S. Embassy personnel who are being held in Yemen. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also met with family members of individuals held hostage by Hamas and other groups in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
· Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield used her travels to reaffirm the United States’s commitment to prioritizing global human rights issues. That included delivering a keynote speech in Costa Rica on strengthening democracy and human rights as part of President Biden’s Summit for Democracy.
· To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, highlighted the United States’ commitment to the document at multiple UDHR anniversary events in New York, and celebrated the rededication of the Eleanor Roosevelt memorial the UN grounds.
Bolstered Key Humanitarian Programs in Africa
· Both at the United Nations and in visits to member states, Ambassador Thomas Greenfield reaffirmed the United States support for humanitarian initiatives in Africa – from health and nutrition to gender equality and refugee support.
· During Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s January visit to Somalia to review the humanitarian, economic, and security situation, she announced that the United States would provide $40 million in additional funding to address extreme food gaps, treat severe malnutrition in women and children, and combat the current outbreak of deadly diseases like measles and cholera.
· At the UN’s High-Level Pledging Event for the Horn of Africa in May, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield announced that the United States would provide $524 million in additional funding to mitigate the impacts of the record-setting drought in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield visited eastern Chad in September to draw international attention to and support for the humanitarian crisis along the border with Sudan. During the visit, the Ambassador announced that the United States would provide an additional $163 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Sudan and its refugees in neighboring countries. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also announced U.S. sanctions against officials accused of violating human rights in Sudan.
Held Russia Accountable for its Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine
· In the Security Council, the United States continued to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine through meetings on Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children, Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law, and Russia’s weaponization of the global food system. In the General Assembly, USUN led the overwhelming passage of a resolution on the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, outlining the principles underlying a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield cultivated domestic and global coalitions, including on a bipartisan basis alongside the U.S. Congress, to rally the global community to sustain support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war.
· Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN addressed head-on the dangerous and destabilizing activities of the Wagner Group and other Russian proxies in Africa, including their abuses and massacres of civilians, their role in driving extremist recruitment, and the threat they pose to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield raised awareness of Wagner’s activities during Security Council meetings, in discussions with African leaders, and by pressing the United Nations to report publicly on Wagner's human rights violations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also engaged the African publics, particularly youth, on actions of these groups to extract wealth and foment political instability that undermines peace and prosperity on the continent.
Championed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Principles
· Recognizing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as a hallmark of the Biden Administration and essential to truly advancing U.S. foreign policy, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield prioritized and delivered outreach campaigns to engage young Americans, especially from underrepresented communities and universities, to urge them to consider careers in diplomacy or public service. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield participated in dozens of briefings and meetings with students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, local high schools, and Model UN groups on U.S. foreign policy priorities, the UN, and multilateral organizations. USUN amplified the work of and collaborated with the UNA-USA Youth Observer to build a network of public servants that advance democratic values and the relevance of the UN in addressing global challenges. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also spoke at the William & Mary Charter Day Ceremony, where she encouraged students to pursue careers in public service.
· USUN emphasized representation with its Security Council Presidency programming, proudly bringing 12 civil society members to brief the Council, with more than two-thirds of those briefers being women.
· The Mission reflected the diversity of the United States in many of its events with the UN diplomatic and broader New York Community, including by hosting the Mission’s first Black History Month concert at the United Nations, a reception in honor of Indigenous Leaders at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, an LGBTI+ Pride Month celebration, its first Diwali dinner, and its first music diplomacy event at which it featured U.S. Arts Envoy Matthew Whitaker.
· At the UN, the United States continued to lead efforts to advocate for LGBTQI+ issues. In the Economic and Social Council, the United States worked to preserve language on sexual orientation and gender identity in the text for a resolution on elections; more than 80 percent of the UN members voted in favor of the resolution during the December General Assembly plenary.
· USUN played a critical role in the first-ever official meeting on access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for persons with disabilities during the 2023 Conference of States Parties for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), USUN played a critical role in securing a reference to SRH in the biannual resolution, which was adopted by consensus.
· As co-chair of the UN Accessibility Steering Committee, USUN improved physical and digital accessibility at the UN for persons with disabilities and elevated the concerns of UN staff who face employment barriers due to their disabilities. USUN continues to hold the UN accountable for their accessibility shortcomings at UNHQ, including pushing for a rostrum lift, to make the UN General Assembly stage accessible to all.
Spearheaded UN Modernization and Reform Efforts to Make the UN More Effective, Representative, and Efficient
· Nearly eight decades since the founding of the United Nations, USUN has worked to ensure that the organization is built, staffed, and run to meet the current moment.
· USUN spearheaded efforts in the UN system on responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need to protect human rights.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN led successful high-level campaigns for Americans to elected positions in the UN including Sarah Cleveland’s campaign for the International Court of Justice, and Amy Pope for Director General for the International Organization for Migration.
· As part of efforts to reform the UN Security Council, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN leadership have continued to hold wide-ranging consultations with intergovernmental negotiation chairs, regional blocs, groups of Member States, individual Member States, and civil society to ensure all stakeholders are heard and involved in the process of Security Council reform.
· USUN led the way on peacekeeping reform, paving the way towards an agreement to provide assessed funding for the Peacebuilding Fund to prevent conflicts before they begin, a proven approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of conflicts will save lives and money.
· Following reports of fraud and mismanagement at the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), USUN led efforts to improve oversight of UN funds and programs and strengthen audit and ethics offices.
· During December’s UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield pledged millions of dollars to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts and helped launch a first-of-its-kind women's body armor pilot project in partnership with Ghana and Zambia. This innovation is an investment in female peacekeepers – and in turn, an investment in the communities they protect.
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BOBI WINE Documentary Screens at The Whitby New York
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and North American debut at the Telluride Film Festival, Bobi Wine: The People’s President screened to a select audience at The Whitby in New York City
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and North American debut at the Telluride Film Festival, Bobi Wine: The People’s President screened to a select audience at The Whitby in New York City
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Bobi Wine taking a bow
Full House at Bobi Wine Screening. Moderator David Fear of Rolling Stone Magazine, Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi, Barbara ‘Barbie’ Kyagulanyi, co-Director Moses Bwayo.
Multiple award winning documentary film Bobi Wine - The People's President screened at The Whitby New York on December 6, 2023. The screening was hosted by National Geographic and featured the famed musician turned-politician Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi, his wife Barbara ‘Barbie’ Kyagulanyi, co-Director Moses Bwayo; with the Q&A moderated by David Fear of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Oscar-winner John Battsek produced, while Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp directed the documentary which was among the 17 feature-length documentaries shortlisted for this year’s 39th IDA Documentary Awards. It won the prestigious best feature award on December 12, 2023.
Q & A Session of a story democracy, freedom and love. Video: Africa-Related
The film, which was acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films, is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, and is free on Youtube for people living on the African continent. In a chat with AR Report, Nat Geo said the move was necessary in order bring equal viewing access to underserved communities globally. It further reaffirms its commitment to “bringing the world premium documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world.”
Photos by Africa-Related
Photos & Video: Inside Columbia University
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Columbia University of New York
UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty, staff, and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the University to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.
Photo/Video: Africa-Related
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Book Presentation: BUT FOR GOD by Tom Adaba at LABAF 25th Edition
The 25th Edition of The Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) holding at Lagos Freedom Park on November 13-19, 2023; promises to be a seven-day communal feast with top global literary giants.
Africa-related, new york
Book Cover: But For God by Aaze Tom Adaba. Published by Parrésia Publishers
The 25th Edition of The Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) holding at Lagos Freedom Park on November 13-19, 2023; promises to be a seven-day communal feast with top global literary giants.
Tom Adaba Legacy Project invites you to a hybrid book presentation
CORA BOOK TREK 'The Joy of Reading' at Lagos Art & Book Festival (LABAF) presents the 2nd Edition Release of BUT FOR GOD by Aaze Tom Adaba (OON)
Date: Nov 18, 2023
Time: 05:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: CORA Library & Resource Centre, Freedom Park Lagos
Tom Adaba Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 893 8099 7152
Passcode: BFG
For more info visit www.tomadabalegacy.com
“This is a campaign for LITERACY with the aim of deepening EDUCATION, ENLIGHTENMENT and EMPOWERMENT – all in the cause of Nation-Building.”
LABAF 25.0
This 7-day extravaganza promises an immersive experience celebrating LIFE & IDEA through the instrumentality of the Arts. This is a campaign for LITERACY with the aim of deepening EDUCATION, ENLIGHTENMENT and EMPOWERMENT – all in the cause of Nation-Building. It's a communal feast not to be missed.
LABAF Zoom details:
Meeting ID: 83916542451
Passcode: LABAF25.0
Books featured at the 25th edition of LABAF 2023.
Nigeria is 63: Good or Bad? Questions with OTA GBINOWE
Mudiare Onobrakpeya reflects on ‘Ota Gbinowe’ by Bruce Onobrakpeya. It serves as a parable, urging us to look within ourselves for answers, learn from our past experiences, and make choices that align with the principles of wisdom and selflessness.
“Ota Gbinowe‟(1974) by Bruce Onobrakpeya was presented to the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1979 - Photo courtesy of Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
By Mudiare Onobrakpeya - Lagos, Nigeria
Taken from my diary notes this morning Oct 1st, Nigeria's day of Independence 63 years ago. The expression Ota Gbinowe in Urhobo language, asks the question Will the Future be Good or Bad? It is the title of Bruce Onobrakpeya’s 1974 artwork.
Bruce Onobrakpeya tells us about Ota Gbinowe, which imparts valuable lessons about the pursuit of a better destiny and the consequences of one's choices. The story revolves around a dissatisfied man who embarks on a journey to the spirit world, seeking an improved fate. However, his encounter with an assembly in the spirit world, presided over by a flying spirit, with a white chalk on one hand and a sword on the other hand, leads to a profound revelation.
The man's inability to find his creator in the spirit world symbolizes the elusive nature of divine intervention in our lives. It underscores the idea that seeking external solutions to our problems may not always yield the desired results. This serves as a reminder that true transformation often begins from within.
The assembly scene, with the flying spirit holding a white chalk and a sword, serves as a powerful metaphor. The white chalk represents wisdom gained from past experiences, emphasizing the importance of learning from history. It suggests that societies or individuals who make decisions based on accumulated knowledge and selflessness are destined for a better future. On the other hand, the sword of destruction symbolizes the grim consequences of selfishness, corruption, and an unwillingness to learn from past mistakes. This part of the narrative teaches us that the choices we make have far-reaching implications, affecting the course of our lives and the world around us.
The oracle's explanation reinforces the narrative's lessons. It emphasizes the need to apply the wisdom of Ota Gbinowe to one's life. By doing so, an individual can align their actions with the principles of learning from the past, avoiding selfishness, and contributing positively to the future. This advice conveys the idea that personal growth and the reshaping of one's future begin with self-awareness and a commitment to making choices that reflect wisdom and selflessness.
In essence, Ota Gbinowe by Onobrakpeya serves as a parable, urging us to look within ourselves for answers, learn from our past experiences, and make choices that align with the principles of wisdom and selflessness. It reminds us that our destiny is shaped not only by external forces but also by the decisions we make and the values we uphold.
May the Spirit of OTA GBINOWE be with us in the month of October.
Mudiare Onobrakpeya
Bruce Onobrakpeya by Barrett Photography
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Two Community Giants Come Together to ENVISION THE IDEAL BRONX
The Word of Life International and The Bronx Community Foundation are both focused on building an equitable and inclusive Bronx. The two parties came together to host a lunch meeting for community members, organizations, and individuals representing various fields in the borogh. The agenda was to create an envisioned image of the ideal Bronx, that will become a near-future reality.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
“What does your ideal Bronx look like?” The Bronx Community Foundation is asking. Photo by Africa-Related
CHANGE is what happens when you put two community giants together in a room.
The Word of Life International is a 20-year old Bronx-based non-profit which aims to sustain lives and empower communities by providing short and long term services to foster stable and independent living. Founded in 2017 by long-time Bronxites twin brothers Derrick and Desmon Lewis, as the first and only Community Foundation dedicated to The Bronx, The Bronx Community Foundation is focused on building an equitable and inclusive community.
The two parties recently came together to host a lunch meeting for community members, small business owners, faith-based organizations, and individuals representing various fields in the borough. The agenda was a first hand account of the root causes of the challenges; and to create an envisioned image of the ideal Bronx that is achievable within the near-future.
Stakeholders expressed various concerns and agreed in general that more needs to be done in the areas of food insecurity, housing, environmental justice, safety and security, small business support, communication breakdown, immigration etc. Participants took part in exercises that involved creating vision boards from colorful paper cuts, photos, ideas etc.
The Word of Life International is run by Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon along with his wife Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon and for the past 20 years, they both have devotedly worked with their community to fight hunger and poverty in New York City. Its weekly feeding program supports an average of 8,000 household members monthly, and it envisions strong communities and individuals without the immediate threat of hunger, homelessness, and unemployment .
The Bronx Community Foundation is under the leadership of its inaugural President and CEO, Dr. Meisha Porter who is a former NYC Department of Education Chancellor. With her wealth of experience from managing the largest school system in the nation, it may be safe to assume that The Bronx is in good hands.
The Community
Making life-changing decisions for the community
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HIGHLIGHTS: 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program brought together the most unique and diverse voices of women; and proved a unique opportunity to start conversations on life-changing projects.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New YoRk
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), a body which connects, educates and advocates for equality for women in the media, recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program gathered together "the most unique and diverse voices of women" to establish forward-moving strategies to create change.
Day 1: Award-winning Aerospace Engineer, Tiera Fletcher delivering her keynote
The keynote was delivered by Tiera Fletcher, an award-winning Aerospace Engineer who spoke on inspiring the next generation of women aerospace engineers. Her story of persistence in setting and achieving her goals while operating as a minority in her field, left many truly inspired.
Other panel discussions held explored the intersections of filmmaking, with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through films like “The Human Trial” and “Aftershock”, filmmakers like Lisa Hepner and Paula Eislet brought attention to pertinent issues like diabetes and maternal mortality; while Dr. Marc Schiffman and Dr. Tamatha Fenster humanized the medical field with their groundbreaking studies with ICU and Fibroid patients. William Kenworthey, an urban designer and architect at HOK brought a visual perspective to climate change and the rising sea levels; Catlin Saks explained content strategies behind science-based channels like NOVA.
NYWIFT Board President Leslie Fields-Cruz in a conversation with Filmmaker Lisa Hepner
NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez with Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, at a luncheon by NYWIFT
During a private luncheon, NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez held a 20-minute Q&A with another keynote, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa - the first Hispanic woman in space in 1993. Now retired, after logging nearly 1,000 hours in space over the course of four missions between 1999 and 2002, Dr. Ochoa brought new insights on the A-Z of space travel with an assimilating video presentation.
Participants at luncheon during NYWIFT STEM Summit
The STEM Creative Summit proved a unique opportunity to rub minds and start conversations on how to translate these great ideas into life-changing projects in the near future.
With over 2,500 members and as many as 50 productions each year, the New York Women in Film & Television NYWIFT continues to energize and illuminate the achievements of its members. The prestigious association is led by multi award-winning media strategist Cynthia Lopez, and has Leslie Fields-Cruz, CEO of Black Public Media as its sitting Board President.
NYWIFT is open to new members and donors. Learn more here.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
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GHANAIAN SCULPTOR EL ANATSUI HONORED AT TIME100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE GALA IN NEW YORK
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
April 28, 2023
“Trust has never been more important, and it speaks to both our legacy and our future”
Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
Notable names were included in this year’s list of categories, which were: Artists, Icons, Pioneers, Leaders, Titans and Innovators. .Actress Jessica Collidge hosted and joked, "Think of how many followers you could get", while calling for further collaboration among honorees. American rapper and “pioneer” honoree, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, aka Doja Cat, thrilled the 300 plus guests with her performance.
Among the prominent names at the event were Salma Hayek Pinault, Michael B. Jordan, Keegan-Michael Key, Austin Butler and Angela Bassett. Veteran Director Steven Spielberg received the Impact Award, and credited Time Magazine's longevity - since the first issue on March 3, 1923 - to keeping up with current issues. The plaque was presented to him by two former child stars from his films, Drew Barrymore and Ke Huy Quan
Africa was well represented on the list with Ghanaian sculptor, El Anatsui - one of the most respected, international contemporary artists - leading the way. Other game changers from the continent were Wangira Mathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and activist, VP/Regional Director World Resources Institute; Dimie Ogoina, a Nigerian infectious disease, physician-scientist at Niger Delta University and President of the Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society; Nigerian politician and President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Tanzanian biodiversity leader and Cameroonian soccer player, Kylian Mbappé.
In an interview with El Anatsui, an Emeritus Professor of Sculpture, he fondly recalled the early years of his career, when he was questioned about what he could possibly do in art. He described this year’s recognition from Time magazine as "quite significant, indicating that I have been able to make an impact and do something with my art”.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is a prestigious upscale venue in New York City that has hosted Jazz and Blues greats, such as Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, BB King, Charles Mingus, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn.
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. The final list of these influential individuals is exclusively chosen by Time’s editors, with nominations coming from the Time 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff. The ceremony has been held annually since 2004.
Photo Highlights: Photos: Africa-Related/elanatsui.art
See complete list: Time100 Most Influential People 2023
ARTISTS
• Michael B. Jordan
• Drew Barrymore
• Ali Wong
• Austin Butler
• Aubrey Plaza
• Rian Johnson
• Salma Hayek Pinault
• Zoe Saldaña
• Judy Blume
• Colin Farrell
• Lea Michele
• Simone Leigh
• Wolfgang Tillmans
• Suzan-Lori Parks
• Neil Gaiman
• Shervin Hajipour
• El Anatsui
• Colleen Hoover
• Steve Lacy
ICONS
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Ke Huy Quan
• Sara Mardini and Yusra Mardini
• Shah Rukh Khan
• Pedro Pascal
• Brittney Griner
• King Charles
• Salman Rushdie
• RowVaughn Wells
• Tracie D. Hall
• Peng Lifa
• Shannon Watts
• Haluk Levent
• Imara Jones
• Yvon Chouinard
PIONEERS
• Doja Cat
• Mikaela Shiffrin
• Bella Hadid
• Sam Altman
• Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi
• Thom Browne
• S.S. Rajamouli
• MrBeast
• Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
• Britney Schmidt and Peter Davis
• Sam Rivera
• Robin Zeng
• Edward Reynolds
• Margaret Mitchell
LEADERS
• Olena Zelenska
• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Hakeem Jeffries
• Evan Gershkovich
• Janet Yellen
• Sherry Rehman
• Mitch McConnell
• Anthony Albanese
• Margrethe Vestager
• Joe Biden
• Samuel Alito
• Gustavo Petro
• Gina Raimondo
• Oleksandra Matviichuk
• Fumio Kishida
• Cindy McCain
• María Herrera Magdaleno
• Olaf Scholz
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Min Aung Hlaing
TITANS
• Angela Bassett
• Laurene Powell Jobs
• Lionel Messi
• Padma Lakshmi
• Johan Rockstrom
• Beyoncé
• Patrick Mahomes II
• Elon Musk
• Gina Prince-Bythewood
• Karen Lynch
• Shou Zi Chew
• Ozlem Tureci and Ugur Sahin
• Deborah Lipstadt
INNOVATORS
• Bob Iger
• Sarah Kate Ellis
• Kylian Mbappé
• Natasha Lyonne
• Monica Simpson
• Nathan Fielder
• Wanjira Mathai
• Hidetaka Miyazaki
• Jerrod Carmichael
• Catherine Coleman Flowers
• Sean Sherman
• Iga Swiatek
• Kate Orff
• Dimie Ogoina
• Andrea Kritcher
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EBIRA WOMEN Are Changing The Face of Protests
The general dissatisfaction with the results of the recently concluded elections in Nigeria was has led to a slew of court cases and pockets of protests across the country where women’s voices are taking center stage.
By AFRICA-RELATED, Nigeria
Women protest in support of politician Natasha- Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Kogi State. Photo by Bayo Oluwaseyi
Women-Led Protests
March 28, 2023
The general dissatisfaction with the results of the recently concluded elections in Nigeria has led to a slew of court cases and pockets of protests across the country where women’s voices are taking center stage.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kogi Central Senatorial District in Kogi State who has rejected the results and petitioned INEC over the outcome of the Kogi Central senatorial elections held on February 25, 2023.
Photos by Bayo Oluwaseyi
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UN General Assembly - 🇳🇬 Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari Makes his Last Address
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate
Africa-Related New York
Watch President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, as he addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate today.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Growing Food Insecurity
- Climate Change
- Insecurity and Armed Crisis
- Developing Nations Debt Crisis
- Threats to Global Democracy
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President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional For Global Food Security at UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET: At United Nations General Assembly, President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional Funding to Strengthen Global Food Security
Africa-Related New York
The White House released the below fact sheet on this announcement
U.S President Joe Biden arrives New York today for the 77th UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET:
Today, in his address to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced over $2.9 billion in new assistance from the U.S. Government to address global food insecurity. President Biden’s announcement builds on the $6.9 billion in U.S. government assistance to support global food security already committed this year.
The compounding impacts of the pandemic, the deepening climate crisis, rising energy and fertilizer costs, and protracted conflicts - including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - have disrupted global supply chains and dramatically increased global food prices. A multi-year drought in the Horn of Africa has created a dire humanitarian emergency, with parts of Somalia at risk of famine for the second time in just over a decade. This new announcement of $2.9 billion will save lives through emergency interventions and invest in medium to long term food security assistance in order to protect the world’s most vulnerable populations from the escalating global food security crisis.
Yesterday, the United States convened a Global Food Security Summit co-chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken with the leaders of the European Union, African Union, and Spain, and co-hosted with Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Colombia, on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. The Global Food Security Summit reaffirmed the commitment of world leaders to act with urgency and at scale to respond to the pressing global food crisis and avert extreme hunger for hundreds of millions of people around the world. President Biden will also convene the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, on September 28, to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases here at home.
Today, President Biden announced the following additional investments in lifesaving humanitarian and food security assistance this year:
Global Humanitarian Assistance: President Biden announced an additional $2 billion in global humanitarian assistance through USAID. This funding will help save lives in countries facing food security crises, including through food and nutrition assistance, health care, safe drinking water, protection for the most vulnerable, and other vital relief. This funding increase emergency food security programming in those countries most impacted by the pandemic, the climate crisis, and the rise in food prices and supply chain constraints resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Global Development Assistance: President Biden also announced $783 million in global development assistance funding, including:
$140 million in new development funding, subject to Congressional notification, to accelerate last-mile delivery of agricultural tools, technologies, and production methods that will help smallholder farmers to boost their productivity, efficiency, and incomes. This funding will go towards the U.S. government’s Feed the Future Initiative to scale a rapid response for smallholder systems in sub-Saharan Africa through the new Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative. This will support smallholder producers, small and medium agricultural enterprises, and national partners to maintain food production in the face of volatile global commodity prices and disrupted supply chains.
$220 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for eight new school feeding projects that are expected to benefit nearly a million children in food-insecure countries in Africa and East Asia. Funds are being awarded through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
$178 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for seven international development projects on four continents to support U.S. government priorities including promoting climate-smart agriculture, facilitating trade, and addressing the root causes of migration in Central America. The funds are being awarded under the Food for Progress Program, through which USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service partners with non-governmental organizations and foreign governments on projects that help developing countries strengthen their agricultural systems and boost their trade capacity.
Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. government and the Government of Malawi will also sign a new Malawi compact later this month. This compact includes a $245 million Accelerated Growth Corridors Project, which sets out an ambitious agenda to reduce transport costs and better connect goods, farms, and rural populations to markets.
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP): President Biden announced that the United States has contributed $150 million to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, enabling the first new Call for Proposals since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. contribution will encourage other donors—both government, multilaterals, and philanthropic groups—to match and announce additional commitments to support GAFSP’s Call. Given the scale of the challenge, the United States believes we can only overcome global food insecurity by working together to create innovative partnerships with international financial institutions, international organizations, and other key stakeholders. Through the Call, GAFSP will enable us to collaboratively respond to the most urgent needs of the growing food security crisis.
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U.S Secretary of State Blinken to Attend 77th United Nations General Assembly;
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week
By Africa-Related New York
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week. While in New York City, the Secretary will meet with UN officials and counterparts on the margins of the event.
Stay connected with the Office of Press Relations:
What is the UN General Assembly and what happens there?
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MENTORSHIP YIELDS! El Anatsui Leads New Class Of Rolex Mentors
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
MENTORSHIP
an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines - ROLEX
Photo: El Anatsui & Bronwyn Katz at his Tema, Ghana Studio. By Tomas Bertelsen/Rolex
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The programme seeks out gifted young artists from all over the world and brings them together with artistic masters for a six-week period, to build a one-to-one mentoring relationship where the protégé is granted access to a master at work, or sometimes collaborate on a work.
"The programme has evolved into an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines"
- ROLEX
Past pairings in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits, have brought together the likes of filmmaker Spike Lee with Kyle Bell, and Architect David Adjaye with Mariam Kamara. Read their stories below.
The new 2022 class, announced on September 9th at The Brooklyn Academy of Music NY, includes renowned Ghanaian sculptor and visual artist El Anatsui, who has had mentorship at the core of his over 6-decade career, guiding Bronwyn Katz - a South African sculptor and visual artist. Anatsui is joined by other notable names like the American jazz singer Dianne Reeves, Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, British writer Bernardine Evaristo and the French architect Anne Lacaton.
supporting individual excellence
PHOTO: ROLEX
Rolex’s vision to revitalize mentorship in the arts and support individual excellence, reflects not only in their selection of both Master and Protégés, but in also the past and future yields of this programme.
Have you given any thought to mentorship lately? The notion of imparting and sponging knowledge is powerful in of itself. Giver or receiver, it can be a life-changing experience.
Past Mentor and Protégé Parings
Film: Spike Lee & Kyle Bell - Rolex Mentor and Protégé Relating to the experience of Native Americans in his country, Spike Lee chose to mentor Kyle Bell...
Architecture: David Adjaye & Mariam Kamara A visit to Mariam Kamara’s native Niger was the turning point in the relationship between her and...
Visual Arts: Artists in wonderland Year after year, Anish Kapoor, one of the world’s most famous living artists, astonishes the international...
Open Category: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Agustina San Martín Lin-Manuel Miranda and his protégée Agustina San Martín met while he was making his film directorial debut...
Music: Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore “I see him as a bit of a sage. He’s like a kind of Yoda, he really is,” says Marcus Gilmore talking of his ...
Dance: Crystal Pite & Khoudia Touré “If I had to find one word to sum up the last two years, it would be ‘transformation’,” says Khoudia ...
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
Africa-Related is a media content production house
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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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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.
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