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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2022 GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL: ACT NOW!
The Lineup for the 2022 Global Citizen Festival has been announced. It will take place in New York and Accra Ghana on September 24, 2022
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
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ACT NOW!
Listen to the Message in the Music…World Leaders Told
Advocacy is at the core of the 2022 Global Citizens Festival. Bearing that message to world leaders, corporations and citizens, is an impressive lineup of performers across different musical genres. The message is this:
Amply voices of Girls
Tackle Global Food Crisis
Address Financial Imbalance of Climate Change
Provide Debt Relief
It is a call that would be heard from the historic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana to Central Park New York, where performances would run concurrently on September 24, 2022.
The U.S lineup include Metallica, Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers, while Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, H.E.R., Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and TEMS will perform in Ghana, to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the African Union.
Learn more about the upcoming festival and how you can get involved.
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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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CAPTAIN VICTOR EGONU: Over n Out
In life Captain Victor Obiora Egonu was quite vocal, his death and funeral proves nothing different.
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Lilian Ajayi | Africa-Related
Lagos, Nigeria
1959-2022
In life, Captain Victor Obiora Egonu was quite vocal, his death and funeral has proved nothing different.
Love him or not, it was just a matter of understanding. Captain Victor Egonu’s straightforwardness worked as both a quality and flaw, opening many doors and slamming quite a few in his face. His front was brash, truthful sometimes bordering on rude, yet it usually came from a place of his genuine love for and seeming frustration in humanity.
What he lacked in his physical frame, he very well made up for with his unforgettable personality. His demand for excellence and notable quick temperament often stood out, but as with the ‘misunderstood’, much laid beneath the surface. Most would agree he lived up to the full meaning of Egonu - someone who does go by what others say.
As eloquently delivered by friends, colleagues and family gathered during his funeral on July 7, 2022, Egonu couldn't have been any more Nigerian, than he displayed in life and death.
He somewhat symbolizes a Nigeria of time-past, when ethnicity and religion played little-to-no roles. An Igbo man from a mixed British/Nigeria heritage, he traveled the world achieving many firsts with his love of flying including being the first to fly the Boeing triple 7 to Nigeria. Since graduating from the School of Aviation in Zaria in 1981 and becoming a captain in 1992, Egonu had mentored and shaped a generation of pilots.
"Zaria trained some of the best pilots in the world… go to Emirates, Saudi Air everywhere you will find a Nigerian pilot and they were all trained there way back. So, I am very proud of my Zaria.”
- Victor Egonu - Source
It was flying that took him to many places, including Jos. And in typical Victor fashion, he didn't move alone. His friends are multi-ethnic, race, creed, class etc, and without question everyone fits right in J-town.
He gave friends (myself included) our first flight cockpit experience, so it was no wonder his funeral felt like a flight tour around the world, backed by stories and experiences by those closest to him. Beside magnificent renditions of the Alleluia and Amazing Grace by the choir, the message behind his music playlist was not lost. Bob Marley’s ‘War’ and ‘Rally Round’ by Steel Pulse further drilled in more truths.
Discover JOS - the home of Peace and Tourism (NTDC/Tour Nigeria)
Memorable accounts from Port Harcourt, Lagos, Peckham, Chicago, Abuja, London, Lusaka, Warri, Bristol and on. We laughed, cried, reminsed, and began to think… as he would have liked us to. Egonu always taught one to think, to stand and as our friend and brother Tonye Wilcox always said to 'do somethin'.
Pertinent questions like, 'What has happened to Nigeria? How can the melting-pot once known as Jos - where Dipo, Chijoke, Ali, Dotun etc converged with no political intentions or questions asked - now be divided across indigenous, religious and ethnic lines. What kind of country are we leaving for?
We were also forced to think about the state of Nigeria's aviation industry - one which undoubtedly would have achieved bigger milestones had Nigeria operated on meritocracy. As the aviation minister that he never was, Capt. Victor Egonu would have set and achieved high standards in making Nigeria compete with continental aviation giants Despite global challenges, he had great ideas for travel and tourism, having traveled the length and breadth of the 200-million populated country, as an avid biker.
"If you look at Kenya Airways, South African Airways, they are all doing well. Why can’t Nigeria have an airline that all of us can actually say ‘oh, we are proud of this airline’. Of course we used to have one in the past but that was back then.”
- Victor Egonu - (2015 Interview Source)
His biography reading took us through a list of defunct airlines, some long-forgotten. Name it, he had worked there during his nearly 30 years. from Okada, Kabo, ADC, Chachangi, IRS, Medview, Bellview etc. His last boss was the Chairman of Air Peace Chief Alllen Onyeama, admitted that they often clashed from the same frustrations borne from operating an airline in Nigeria. As Director of Flight Operations, he had relentlessly taken the airline to greater heights since joining in 2011.
Air Peace meanwhile, continues to come to Nigeria's aviation rescue, in the absence of a national carrier for decades. What started out as Nigeria Airways was established in 1958, and ceased operations in 2003. Since then, several unsuccessful attempts at rebranding has seen name changes from Virgin Nigeria Airways, Nigerian Eagle Airlines, Air Nigeria. According to Simple Flying, the much anticipated launch of Nigeria Air originally scheduled for April 2022 has been postponed by another year.
Despite delays, ministry insists on July take-off date for Nigeria Air
The Guardian Nigeria
Victor Egonu's death on June 9, 2022 came as a major loss, not just to the global aviation industry. In her glowing tribute, his wife Dayo Egonu spoke candidly about the anxieties of being a pilot's wife and celebrated her husband's great milestones and the unapologetic adroitness he brought to ensuring air travel safety. Standing alongside their surviving 12-year old son Tonye, reminded us that Victor Egonu was one of the best pilots Nigeria forgot to honour and thank.
‘Plane Cemetery’ at Lagos airport (Photos by Africa-Related)
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
RELATED
Aviation Expert Reviews Nigeria Airline Challenges (TVC News)
Nigeria gets licence for national air carrier, delays start of operations (Premium Times)
Discover JOS - the home of Peace and Tourism (NTDC/Tour Nigeria)
MRS. JOSEPHINE BONGOS-IKWUE Mourning A Generous Giver
Bongos Ikwue’s wife Mrs. Josephine Ifeyinwa Bongos-Ikwue passes on
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Africa-Related
Otukpo, Benue State Nigeria
1949-2022
Bongos Ikwue’s wife Mrs. Josephine Ifeyinwa Bongos-Ikwue passes on.
The death has been announced of Mrs. Josephine Bongos-Ikwue - Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Church/Community Leader.
Her sweet, gentle and reserved soul was the inspiration behind the creator of some of the most iconic tunes that defined Nigeria's music eras of the late 70s and 80s.
Riding High, Still Searching, Amen, What's Gonna Be, Cock Crow At Dawn etc were songs written, produced and released during her over 50-year marriage to beloved musician husband, Bongos Ikwue.
A devout Christian, she showed care for all without favour and demonstrated it through her prison ministry visits and other charitable activities. Though she originally hailed from Issele Ukwu in Delta State, she was adopted by Benue, and firmly believed in one Nigeria.
She gave selflessly to her family, church, Otukpo, Isle Ukwu, Nigeria and the world at large. is greatly missed by all of us, especially her husband and children Keke, Omei, Jessica, Onyew and JR.
Mrs. Josephine was an extra special friend and mother to us at Africa-Related; hosting us twice at their tastefully built Double K Resort in Otukpo. Our first visit was in 2008 during production of Messengers season one, which featured Bongos Ikwue. The second was a partnership that hosted the Bikers Convention delegates to an exclusive lunch and concert in 2009. Her motherly care was evident throughout.
Rest in Peace Generous Giver.
The funeral arrangements are above. If you would like to make a financial contribution or support the family with your tributes, flowers, photos, etc please visit the link below for more details.
THE BONGOS-IKWUE FAMILY
Shots from Bikers Convention with Bongos Ikwue in Otukpo (Africa-Related/2009)
RELATED
Report: Bikers Convention with Bongos Ikwue in Otukpo (Africa-Related/2009)
Messengers TV Series
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
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.
Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: T.A.L.P | INYA ODE | Africa-RelateD
Abuja, nigeria
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MEDIA AWARD
Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Nearly a year after being announced, veteran broadcaster known as the 'Father of Independent Broadcasting' in Nigeria, Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba finally received the 2021 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) at his home in Abuja,on July 5, 2022.
The 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award was given ‘in recognition of his professional and exemplary life dedicated to the promotion of media excellence and service to the nation'.
The Ohietohueyi of Ebiraland, commended the prestigious organization for continuing this long tradition of honoring the best media minds for the last 29 years, and expressed joy that media practitioners can still come together to celebrate each other.
The NMMA Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Haroun Al-Rashid Adamu and the Trustee Chief Administrator, Mr Samuel Yemi Akeju made the presentation. While reminiscing on old broadcasting days, the veteran broadcaster pledged to do more within his powers, in mentoring the next generation of broadcasters.
The Nigeria Media Merit Award is a non-profit that was established in 1990 to recognize, encourage and reward excellence in media practice in Nigeria and help build a more progressive Nigeria by fostering the bonds between the press and citizens. It does so with events like the annual award ceremony. Entries for the 2022 season just closed.
Adaba was joined by two of his children Pst. Elizabeth Gomwalk & Dr. Inya Ode, as well as his devout wife of 55 years, Mrs. Theresa Adaba - to dedicate the award to what he described as, 'The Struggle of the Nigerian and Human Condition'.
He presented copies of his upcoming book But For God, and challenged the occupants of the 4th Estate to use their voices against the odds.
The main award ceremony was held in Lokoja, Kogi State in October 2021. Prof. Adaba was unable to attend due to health reasons.
T.A.L.P works with children’s education, cultural preservation, philanthropy and advocacy
Sign up to the Tom Adaba Legacy mailing list to get notifications, news and upcoming events
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE FOR US-BASED FOREIGN JOURNALISTS
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) offers scholarship to journalists
Are you a foreign journalist currently studying for a Master’s Degree in the U.S? Here is a scholarship opportunity for you.
Scholarship opportunity: The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) provides annual scholarships to professional foreign journalists who are currently enrolled in any full-time master's level program of any U.S.- based academic institution. More information can be found here:
Africa-Related is a media content production house
DIGNITY DEFINED: Tom Adaba @ 81
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: David Araga, Margaret Adaba-Soyemi, T.A.L.P, Africa-Related
SEPTEMBER 2022
2nd Edition
The veteran broadcaster remains a rare breed with a fighting will to live, do more and witness the change he has long-desired for his motherland Nigeria. On his 81st birthday, he speaks to the conscience of both the Nation and citizens alike.
In the second edition of his upcoming memoirs But For God, soon to be released on September 1, 2022, the Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland reflects deeply on a life richly blessed life, the challenges and triumphs along the way. The memoir - in book and audiobook formats, will be released on September 1, 2022.
“Over time, Nigeria has morphed into a convoluted country driven by greed, corruption, and leadership and governance ineptitude. The sheep have no credible shepherds and so are left to flounder in poverty, indiscipline, insecurity and blossoming criminality. Right before our eyes the country is bound on a journey to nowhere and is careening towards total collapse. We are watching a steady disintegration of human values and national ethos.”
- Thomas Aaze Adaba -
Excerpt from ‘BUT FOR GOD’
In 2021, The Tom Adaba Legacy Project (T.A.L.P) was launched with operations in Abuja and Okene. The project’s key focus areas are preserving indigenous culture, promoting education & improving living standards.
To live up to its set objectives, the project joined forces in 2022 with Ita’i Our Cloth - a weaving social enterprise - to build a community centre for learning seated in the heart of Okene. The Tom Adaba Legacy Center is a purpose-driven community centre for knowledge, which will house training facilities for vocational and academic exchange, with a global outlook.
The project is expected to be carried out in two phases over a twenty-four month period, and is open for local and international partnerships.
T.A.L.P works with children’s education, cultural preservation, philanthropy and advocacy
Sign up to the Tom Adaba Legacy mailing list to get notifications, news and upcoming events
CELEBRATE EACH OTHER IN LIFE
TIME WAITS…
CELEBRATE EACH OTHER IN LIFE
Words: Africa-Related
Video: Durban University of Technology
Much respect to the late Dr. Joseph Shabalala, and the harmonious sounds he brought us through Ladysmith Black Mabmazo, the five-time Grammy-winning South African male choral group he founded in 1976.
Video of Dr. Jospeh Shabalala being awarded an honorary degree at Durban University of Technology in 2015. Video courtesy of DUT
This video of him being awarded an honorary degree at Durban University of Technology in 2015 is heartwarming, as he would pass on only five years later on February 11, 2020 at the age of 79. Most striking was how speechless he was with the award, and how vocal he got when the singing started. He was well celebrated in life and deservedly honoured in death.
He founded the music group - fondly remembered for their work on the 'Graceland' album with Paul Simon - in his hometown of Ladysmith district in KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa. He officially handed down the group's leadership to his son Thamsanqa Shabalala in 2015. Thank you for the music, Sir!
You’ve got to love South African music!
Africa-Related is a media content production house
GOGE AFRICA Highlights WEAVING In EBIRALAND
Words: Rosemary O. Onubaiye & Oyiza Adaba
Photo/Video: Goge Africa
Okene - Kogi State, Nigeria
Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Cultural Ambassadors & Hosts of
GOGE AFRICA
“The Itinochi hand woven cloth of the Ebira people is perhaps Nigeria's most authentic traditional fashion masterpieces. It is the most durable and wearable artistic heritage of our people. Let us celebrate the uncommon beauty of an economy-driven traditional practice, sustained by women through the ages”.
- Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Gogeafricatv at Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival March 2022
The long-running multi-award winning travel TV series Goge Africa, gave extensive coverage to the 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi - the yearly Cultural Festival of the Ebira people held every March in Okene, Kogi State, central Nigeria. In line with the theme 'The 100 Loom Match', the three-day event gave focus to one of the more visible qualities of the Ebira people - Weaving. Ohueje Ohinoyi is in its sixth edition and is supported by Africa-Related and Ita'i Our Cloth.
Full Report: Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival 2022
THEME: 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity
Features
Weaving Competition
Symposium
Dancing Competition
Exhibitions
Food-fair
The 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi themed 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity - took place on March 3-5 2022 at Ado Ibrahim Civic Centre, Okene, Kogi State. The 3-day event was all about empowering women through the ancient art of weaving. The festival is supported by Anebira Heritage Foundation and in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Africa-Related.
3rd March 2022
Day 1: Opened with a display of current and historical images of Ebira sons and daughters, exhibition stands for display by Art & Culture Abuja, Ita’i Our Cloth, a symposium with participating schools and many more activities.
Symposium Topic: Traditional Cloth Weaving in Ebiraland. Presented by ALH. Okehi Abdulaziz Yusuf
The symposium called on the relevant educational bodies to include weaving in the school curriculum.
The weavers were already set up to start the weaving competition, as seen in their different colours, skills and patterns other activities were going on side by side
School children and visiting guests were shown the weaving process by weavers from various parts of the region, who congregated at the venue with their loom, yarns and weaving material. They provided several demos for the crowd.
4th March 2022
Day 2: Food Fair with a variety of locally made food produce and meals on display. Dancing competition, amidst the weaving contest
5th March 2022
Day 3: Grand finale with every activity from day one, culminating in the finale with some additional features With the exhibition, festivities, masquerade, sales etc all happening simultaneously, there was a fashion display presented by SHIZANUEL Collections an Abuja based designer, dancing masquerades, GUODO products made from fabric from the Middlebelt region states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states.
Highlights of the festival include an address by Ebira Historian and Emeritus Professor of Art History Prof. John Picton who covered the region extensively from the 60s; and the award ceremony that presented winning weavers for BEST QUALITY, MOST CREATIVE and OVERALL Best with certificates of participation. The women could not hold back their joy knowing that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and expressed their thanks to the organizers.
Ohueje Ohinoyi - which means the king's courtyard - is an annual festival to celebrate Ebira indigenous culture and tradition.
Photo Coverage: Ohueje Ohinoyi 2022
Want to know more?
Follow Goge Africa @gogeafrica @nnekaisaacmoses @metcheisaacmoses
Follow Ita'i Our Cloth @itaiourcloth
Follow Ohueje Ohinoyi @ohueje_ohinoyi
Follow Anebira Heritage Foundation @anebiraheritage
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
Rosemary Onubaiye works with media, women & communities
HOUSTON - GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
HOUSTON
GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
Houston aerial view: Photo by Vlad BusuiocWords: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related/Vlad Busuioc
Houston, Texas
Mayor Sylvester Turner's office announced on Friday that the city of Houston will be leading a delegation to Paris from June 27-July 2, as part of its preliminary mission in combating the environmental impact of the global energy industry..
Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs City of Houston
Bob Harvey President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Speaking to the Foreign Press, the President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, Bob Harvey outlined the objectives and commitments of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HEDI) which was launched last year. The coalition of 18 key global energy stakeholders will begin the steps toward this transition process, which is expected to lower the world's carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Their strategy, which leverages on the oil and gas leadership to accelerate these global solutions, will focus on four working sectors - carbon capture, use & storage; clean energy & hydrogen development; industrial decarbonisation, and funding or capital formation.
Known as the energy capital of the world, Houson is strategic for many reasons. It is home to the renowned Texas Medical Center with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Johnson Space Center, 25 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, the Port of Houston which is the largest port in the US, over 1,700 foreign-owned firms and a large foreign born population.
"Houston is the only city in the world frankly, with the technology expertise, the commercial skills, the manufacturing talent, the infrastructure, to lead the transition to a more sustainable, open future on a global scale"
-Bob Harvey
Mayor Sylvester Turner who also heads the U.S Climate Network acknowledged the benefits of this initiative to the city's institutions and residents, and said much of Houston's success is built on private public partnership. He was represented by Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs, who used the opportunity to commend the 'robust' African Diaspora residents in Houston and their contribution to politics, culture and the economy. He called on the Nigerian Government to establish a much-needed Consulate in the city for what he described as 'one of the largest Nigerian populations outside of Nigeria'.
HEDI to some may be an acknowledgement to decades of environmental degradation caused by the industry's practices like burning of fossil fuel. To others, it could be a start in the industry's effort to right some of its past wrongs, as seen in places like Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The burden of delivering environmental justice, clean energy and development to communities especially those most impacted, however shouldn't be on Houston alone. In Harvey's words,
"…There's simply no way we're going to move forward globally, with trillions of dollars of investment to support the energy transition, without it being inclusive, and being very mindful of both current and past inequities, and how this program is going to speak to them.
- Bob Harvey
HEDI estimates about 560,000 new jobs by 2050, if properly implemented. If HEDI were to make a dent of an impact, it would need partnerships and commitments from global Governments, corporations and communities to adopt their framework, in order to credibly achieve its objectives of clean energy production and environment.
"If we do nothing but follow the path of the traditional energy industry, Houston will likely shed half 1,500,000 jobs by 2050.
- Bob Harvey
Learn more about HEDI and the City of Houston
Oyiza Adaba is Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
"We Will Now Go To Kpaaza" UCHE OKEKE EXHIBITS AT IWALEWAHAUS
The ongoing exhibition at Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth Germany in honour of the late seminal artist, master illustrator and scholar Uche Okeke, encapsulates his entire artistic journey that helped redefine Nigeria's art history and direction.
Uche Okeke Exhibition at Iwalewahaus: Fabled Brute Uche Okeke 1959
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Iwalewahaus/ Asele Institute
Bayreuth, Germany
The ongoing exhibition at Iwalewahaus in Bayreuth Germany in honour of the late seminal artist, master illustrator and scholar Uche Okeke, encapsulates his entire artistic journey that helped redefine Nigeria's art history and direction.
From his pencil works to his Uli-inspired themes, Okeke played freely with forms, lines etc; he advocated through The Zaria Art Society for an artistic meeting point called Natural Synthesis - a blend of the old and new, modern and ancient, traditional and contemporary.
Okeke is a product of a rich African heritage and extensive global training. An Igbo man from Nimo in Anambra State eastern Nigeria who grew up in the northern region of Kafanchan, he learned the traditional body-painting art of 'Uli' from his mother, and later imbibed characters from childhood folktales in his globally celebrated art. His training in the art of stained glass and mosaic in the then West Germany further established a lifetime network of friends and contemporaries.
Okeke passed in 2016, leaving his treasure trove in the hands of The Asele Institute in Nimo, Nigeria and The Professor Uche Okeke Legacy Limited. Managed by his family, both estates have collaborated with Iwalewahaus to make this exhibition possible. Other featured artists include his devoted wife Ego Uche-Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Demas Nwoko, Okechukwu Odita, Oseloka Osadebe, Uzochukwu Ndubisi, Emmanuel Tetteh, C.O. Ibe, Kuniyasu, J.O. Akujobi, Anozie, F.N. Ekeada, Martin O.C. Onwuzuruoha, Ibrahim El Salahi, Mathias Kauage. Digital intervention by Jeremiah Ikongio in conversation with Uche Okeke’s text-based and sculptural artworks.
'We will now go to Kpaaza’
This was one of Okeke’s regular expressions, inspired by a line ‘I will not go to Kpaaza’ in the poem he titled 'Early Enochs’. 'Kpaaza' to him was a creative journey, a thought process, facing the task ahead.
Let's go!
Iwalewahaus,Bayreuth Germany
April 29 – October 15 2022
Follow the exhibition online here:
https://the-uche-okeke-exhibition.com/?page_id=4
Media/Interview Request:
Oyiza Adaba is a Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
REFUGEES HAVE RIGHTS and COUNTRIES HAVE RESPONSIBILITY
US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes briefs the Foreign Press
US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related
Video: Foreign Press Center
Migration continues to be a global hot topic from China to Ukraine and from South America to Africa. On World Refugee Day 2022, US Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes briefs the Foreign Press from Washington D.C. She reiterated the United States’ commitment to addressing the challenge.
"We encourage host governments to provide durable solutions for refugees including by enabling local integration, granting citizenship and including refugees in their development plans."
"... self reliance benefits the refugees and the donors and the hosts especially as conflicts are becoming longer lasting and displacement continues to rise."
"Wherever they are, whoever they are, wherever it is really, believe that refugees have the right, and we as responsible countries have the responsibility to help them seek safety."
Oyiza Adaba is a Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated