Solve this!

An eventful morning!

The weather here has been bitterly cold and I spent most of my morning waiting for my delayed train in the freezing cold. I thought to myself that anytime soon, I won't be able to feel my feet. My feet felt as if I dunked them in ice water!

The train soon arrived and I got on and travelled for what seemed to be double my travel time. I even wondered if it was worth coming into London? The train was packed and there were no seats. I managed to find somewhere to perch - the luggage rack! 'It would do'  I said to myself.

Got into London and although cold, there was this beautiful bright sun that hit my eyes as if welcoming me! I smiled and forgot about the long and uncomfortable journey I had had earlier on.

Sipping some hot caramel coffee! Yep! I deserve it! How is your day going?

Brain teaser!

What is  the answer?

Nigeria - plan to remortgage the nation?

There are so many intelligent Nigerian economists, development practitioners, policy makers etc that the Nigerian government could tap from their expertise. This does not seem to be the case.

I just read that President Muhammadu Buhari wants to take out a $30bn (£25bn) loan so the money can be used for investment, especially in infrastructure.

Well, he got a telling off from the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo who stated the following:

‘We are being told the projects will pay themselves when we know damn well they will not. If we borrow some $30bn in less than three years, we would have mortgaged the future of Nigeria for well over 30 years to come’.

‘No administration can nor should be comfortable with the excruciating pain of debilitating and crushing economy. Businesses are closing, jobs are being lost and people are suffering’.

‘I know that President Buhari has always expressed concern for the plight of the common people but that concern must be translated to workable and result-oriented socio-economic policy and programme that will turn the economy round at the shortest time possible’.

‘We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect things to change."

I hope President Muhammadu Buhari thinks long and hard before any decision is made.

Source: bbc.co.uk

Yoweri Museveni on 'Western intervention'

Who would have ever thought! 

Hear Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda; 

'The Trump and Brexit votes are a "nationalist backlash against Western liberalism" triggered by the consequences of Western military adventurism - something Africans should not still be putting up with'.

Mr Museveni said that while the US invasion of Afghanistan was justified following the 9/11 attacks, the invasion of Iraq and ousting of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi were not - and they have caused "human disasters" in the Middle East and Africa.

Libya, previously a source of investment and employment for the rest of Africa, is now an exporter of arms and militancy, he said.

Why should Africa tolerate such disruption on her territory caused, in part, by foreigners?"

Allowing Western countries to attack Libya without an African response was a "betrayal" of Libya, the Ugandan leader said- even though he also said he was "caught by surprise" by the intervention.

To prevent such events in the future, he proposed an African version of the "Monroe doctrine" - a pact whereby interference with any part of Africa is viewed as a hostile act towards the continent as a whole.

The AU needs to put out a 'Monroe doctrine' of sorts to all and sundry.

Africa has its owners - the Africans... Africans should not tempt greedy or confused foreigners into the temptation of interfering with us by being weak."

Culled from bbc.co.uk

Rwanda genocide - church apology rendered 'inadequate'

The government in Rwanda has branded as inadequate the apology recently issued by the Catholic Church in the country over the 1994 genocide in which at least 800,000 people were killed.

An apology letter signed by Rwandan bishops was circulated last Sunday.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba, chair of the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, later clarified that the apology was in the name of individuals and not the church, saying the church as an institution had played no role in the genocide.

This prompted the Rwandan government to reply: 

In view of the scale of the crimes committed, an apology from the Vatican would be justified."

The government added that the bishops' letter highlighted an unwillingness from the Catholic Church to honestly recognise its moral and legal responsibilities with regard to the genocide.

Culled from bbc.co.uk;http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-37904574

Sandie Okoro - An inspirational woman!

I was reading the papers and came across this phenomenal woman who is just an exemplary woman. For those women of color who doubt if they can reach the pinnacle of success. The answer is 'yes' you can. The barriers are there but with hard work, resillence, tenacity and dedication, you can overcome and make a difference.

Sandie Okoro, HSBC Global Asset Management general counsel (GC),  has been appointed by World Bank Group as its senior vice president and GC.

Okoro served has served as Global GC of HSBC Global Asset Management for almost three years, having previously been Global GC of Baring Asset Management for six years. Prior to this she was head of legal for corporate at asset management firm Schroders, having joined the in 1991.

The World Bank Group provides financial assistance to developing countries with the aim of ending extreme poverty by 2030. Headquartered in Washington DC, the bank employs more than 10,000 people in 120 offices around the world.

As well as her work as GC, Okoro is a member of the management board of the Panel of Recognized International Market Experts in Finance in the Hague, which assists in the settlement of international financial disputes.

World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said: 'Sandie Okoro is a highly regarded thought leader with a strong track record of developing new legal approaches in the field of international finance'

Okoro will replace the bank's current GC Anne-Marie Leroy. Okoro will be the principle adviser to the firm on legal matters and join the bank's board as well as chief executive of the bank's global environment facility programme.

Speaking to GC Magazine earlier this year, Okoro said: 'Diversity and inclusion make great business sense. You need diversity through your organisation and through your leadership team. Lawyers have a skillset of seeing what's not there. Lawyers can be invaluable in getting diversity metrics that are viable and meaningful.'

In August, the African Development Bank appointed Hélène N'Garnim-Ganga as GC, promoting her from her position as the representative of the bank in Mali.

Culled from http://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/index.php/lb-blog-view/8179-highly-regarded-thought-leader-sandie-okoro-made-world-bank-gc

News that makes the heart tingle!

I saw this article in the Manchester Evening News and had to share it here. There are angels living amongst us and Sam is one.

Sam Hampson, from Ashton-on-Mersey , near Sale, first bought essential equipment and food for the Eden school and its 60 pupils after visiting the centre while travelling across East Africa in 2014.

But after visiting Eden, based in the mountainous south-western part of the country, the 24-year-old decided he wanted to do more to help. And so after raising £5,000 in 2015 Sam, who works full-time at Manchester Airport , took a month off work to travel back to Uganda and alongside parents, guardians and workmen managed to build a new five-classroom school in just three weeks.

Sam said: “On my second visit to Eden I was completely taken in by the huge smiles and warm hearts of all the children at the school so stayed for a few days. Before I left I bought them some basic supplies such as food and pencils but also a few other items such as footballs for the children to play with.

“I posted on Facebook to share my experiences at the school and before I knew it people were sending money to help. After returning to England the money kept coming in so I started the Eden School Project with the aim of raising money for food and supplies for the school.

“But after raising more than £5,000 I knew I had to do something big – that’s when I decided to build a new school at Eden.”

Today the school teaches more than 300 pupils who otherwise might not have had access to basic education.

During his time in Uganda Sam also paid for treatment for a five-year-old pupil called Promise who had an infected burn on her leg. Sam took her to the local medical centre and paid for her treatment which potentially saved Promise from having to have it amputated.

Sam added: “The majority of children who attend Eden School will not go onto any sort of secondary education, so we aim to teach the children practical life skills along with their normal education.

“These skills are aimed at helping children earn money and gain employment after they have completed their primary education.”

He is currently in Uganda for two weeks to build a new playground, buy food, supplies and educational materials and to help get medical treatment for children who desperately need it. Sam said:

“Most of the children attending Eden School live in dire poverty, where proper meals are few and far between. Far too often the children bring rotten out of date food to school as they simply have nothing else to eat.

“And so funds donated can help provide a basic but nutritious meal for the children who need it.

“I am also now hoping to build a new orphanage building which will house the 9 boys and 16 girls we have at the school with no famil - currently the nine boys share three beds and the 16 girls share six beds.”

To make a donation visit https:// www.gofundme.com/edenschool  

Thank you, Sam!

Culled from the Manchester Evening News - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/sam-hampson-uganda-school-video-12206814#ICID=Android_MENNewsApp_AppShare

Invite!

If you are in london and  interested in learning about pastoralist livelihood, this is for you. This event will be packed with interesting and stimilating activities.

 

Nigeria - Owing ex presidents

Nigerian government has failed to pay the country's ex-leaders their monthly salaries and allowances since January. It is said that the Nigerian constitution guarantees ex presidents salaries for life. 

Culled from bbc.co.uk.

Hyena man' convicted in Malawi

Remember the story that BBC carried about the Hyena man that said his job was to have sex with virgins and widows as part of a traditional purification ritual? Well, he has been convicted!

In the first case of its kind in Malawi, an HIV-positive man has been convicted after admitting to having sex with 104 women and not disclosing his status.

Eric Aniva was found guilty under the country’s gender laws of what the lawyers describe as a "harmful cultural practice" -  forced sex with newly widowed women as part of a cleansing ceremony. 

In an interview with the BBC prior to his conviction he also admitted to having sex with girls as young as 12 to prepare them for adulthood. He was subsequently arrested under presidential orders.

Two women testified that he had been paid by traditional communities to act as a so-called hyena – the word used for a man hired to have sex with newly bereaved widows.

The practice is outlawed under Malawian law. Mr Aniva also admitted that he had been paid to have sex with underage girls and continued this despite his HIV-positive status. 

The case has attracted international media attention and sharply divided opinion as to how widespread the practice remains.

Great move arresting him. I hope this is followed by intensive reorientation programme that would educate the community members about the dangers of involving in such practices.

Culled from bbc.co.uk

Avengers 'blow up' oil pipelines in Nigeria

The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) militant group says it has bombed three oil pipelines in southern Nigeria, in the latest sign that government efforts to mediate an end to the conflict are floundering.

The NDA said the attack was aimed showing its "strong resolve" to force the government to meet its demands.

"The Nigerian government needs our cooperation more than we need the government as it concerns the extraction of the crude oil and hydrocarbon resources in our God-given land," it added.

The group said it blew up three trunk lines carrying 300,000 barrels of oil a day to the Bonny export terminal of Dutch-British producer Shell in southern Bayelsa state.

The government and the oil company have not yet commented on the NDA's claim. 

The government has been involved in talks with some militant groups and community leaders in the hope of ending attacks which have severely disrupted oil production, the West African state's main earner of foreign currency.

The militants are demanding that a greater share of the region's oil wealth be spent on ending poverty in communities.

Culled from bbc.co.uk

Woman sacked over Michelle Obama racist post

It is so great to hear this news! No one should be allowed to get away with bullying and racist abuse. 

I just read that the woman who made the racist comment on Facebook about Michelle Obama has reportedly lost her job.

Pamela Ramsey Taylor, from the Clay Development Corporation, posted: "It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing an Ape in heels."

Clay's mayor, Beverly Whaling, responded: "Just made my day Pam."

An online petition was subsequently launched, calling for the sacking of both women.

Owens Brown, from the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People's West Virginia chapter, was among those calling for the removal of the women.

Mr Brown said: "I feel it's so unfortunate that people still have these racist undertones.

"Unfortunately, this is a reality that we are dealing with in America today. There's no place for these types of attitudes in our state."

State Democratic Party chairwoman Belinda Biafore apologised to Mrs Obama, writing in an email: "On behalf of my fellow Mountaineers I would like extend my sincerest apologies to First Lady Michelle Obama. "West Virginia truly is better than this.

These radical, hateful, and racist ideals are exactly what we at the West Virginia Democratic Party will continue to fight against. These words and actions do not represent West Virginia values.

"We will continue to fight for a West Virginia that is inclusive, not divisive and a home for all to feel safe, welcome, and protected. In a time when we are at a crossroads and many fear the future we must stand together against hate of all forms."

Culled from sky news. Read more: http://news.sky.com/story/woman-sacked-over-michelle-obama-racist-post-10658353

All things bright and beautiful!

In a world where man has invented and made astonishing discoveries,  nature always brings me back to reflect on the things that have not been touched or created by man. I walked through the park and couldn’t help but admire the serenity of the environment. It was so beautiful and peaceful.

Peace and tranquillity are often underestimated in a world that revolves around material acquisition and consumerism. It is so easy to be caught up in the rat race and time passing by without reflecting on the things that cannot be bought with money such as good health and the love of loved ones.

As my feet  stepped on the fallen autumn leaves and as I heard the crunch of the dried leaves, I am taken aback to how far I have come and how grateful I am for where I am today.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Shuts Down Robert Emmett Tyrrell’s Explanation Of Racism On BBC Newsnight

I watched the interview and was very impressed by how eloquent and articulated Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was in the interview.

Watch the interview using the link provided below:

https://youtu.be/eloHoAvArCo

The commute to work

Every morning, I get on the train and commute to work. It takes almost two hours to get to my office and I have become very familiar with the morning passengers and have even become friendly with some of the people I meet each morning at the train station.

The long journey is usually a time of reflection for me. The long hours on the train provides a lot of opportunities such as planning my day, reading books and sending messages to loved ones. It also gives me an opportunity to see how many other people do the same commute to work every day and also, notice the different personalities on the train. There are so many characters that I see each day on the train. Even though most people are engrossed with their phones or laptops, there are certain idiosyncrasies that I cannot help but notice.

Such as the inconsiderate people. They get on the train, do not care about anyone else, open the windows in this freezing weather and let the rest of the passengers freeze.

I don't blame those who get frustrated after a hard day's job, getting on the train and cannot find a seat. Sometimes, these greedy and selfish people hoard seats by leaving their big handbags and suitcase on an empty seat.

Then you get the lovely ones who are always smiling and happy to get into any conversation with you. I have met someone that talked to me for the whole journey.




The commute back home, though stressful, I always look forward to. Sometimes, I stand for 30 to 40 minutes but I don't really mind because I know that I would soon be home, in my onsie and with my loved ones, sipping a hot cup of coffee and laughing about my day!

Trump Vows to Deport Millions of Undocumented Immigrants When He Takes Office

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he will deport two million to three million undocumented immigrants who have criminal records when he assumes power and keep his campaign pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart the stream of illegal migration into the country.

“What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, where a lot of these people, probably two million, it could be even three million, we are getting them out of our country or we are going to incarcerate,” Trump told the CBS network's “60 Minutes” show. “But we're getting them out of our country, they're here illegally.”

Culled from Voice of America

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I went shopping today and the shops were beautifully decorated. I was like a little girl looking around and admiring the beautiful decorations.

Minnesota Elects First Somali-American Female Legislator

Former refugee Ilhan Omar, became America’s first Somali-American Muslim woman legislator after she claimed a strong victory in the Minnesota House race.

The 34-year-old moved to the U.S. at the age of 12, after four years living in a Kenyan refugee camp following her escape from the Somali civil war.

She is also the director of policy at Women Organizing Women Network—a group that aims to empower all women, particularly first and second generation immigrants, to become engaged citizens and community leaders.

Culled from time.com. Read more: http://time.com/4564296/ilhan-omar-first-somali-legislator/

TB Joshua reinstates deleted Clinton win prophecy on Facebook

Another name going around social media in relation to the US elections is TB Joshua. Apparently, TB Joshua made a prediction that Hillary Clinton would win the US presidential election. He was said to have removed the post after a backlash from people.

The post containing the prediction was "mistakenly removed and has been reposted as such is not our policy", according to an email sent to the BBC from the Social Media Department of TBJMinistries on Facebook.

"Ten days ago I saw the president of America with a narrow win... What I frankly saw was a woman," said the post, reiterating comments made by Mr Joshua in an address to his congregation on Sunday.

TB Joshua was widely mocked on social media when people noticed that the post had been removed, though many of his supporters on Facebook said they still considered him a prophet despite calling the election wrong.

Culled from bbc.co.uk: Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-37904566

Wole Soyinka promises 'Wolexit' after Trump win

I was wondering why all of a sudden I am hearing the name of one of Nigeria's Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, all over social media in relation to the US elections.

Apparently, in an interview, Nigeria's Nobel-Prize winning author Wole Soyinka said that he would leave the US on the day Donald Trump is inaugurated as president.

Prof. Soyinka promised last week that he would tear up his green card if Mr Trump were elected. 

The green card is a permanent residence permit for the US - prized by many African immigrants to the US.

His comments emerged in a filmed conversation with students at Oxford University in the UK.

The famous author appeared to have been taking a swipe at Mr Trump over his radical stance on immigration.

Mr Soyinka is one of Africa's most celebrated literary figures. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986 - becoming the first African to be honoured in that category.

Culled from bbc.co.uk:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-africa-37904566

Hilary Clinton's speech

What a great orator, what a great woman! The saying that goes 'you get to see the real character of a person when they lose' is right. What a powerful speech to young women, to everyone!

If you missed Hilary Clinton's speech, you can watch it following the link below:


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio


Link source: bbc.co.uk

Donald Trump elected U.S. president

The American people have spoken! The people have voted. Donald Trump has been elected the president of the United States of America!

The underdog has done it again. He was laughed at, mocked and his person and name traduced.

No criminality in Clinton emails

The FBI says it has found no evidence of criminality in a new batch of Hillary Clinton emails.

FBI Director James Comey said in a letter to congressmen the agency had finished its review and found nothing to alter its original conclusion.

In July, he said Mrs Clinton had been careless but not criminal in handling sensitive material on her private email server while secretary of state.

Culled from bbc.co.uk

South Sudan - Football fans killed in shooting

At least 11 people are dead and 16 others have been injured after an attack on football fans in South Sudan, local media report.

A gunman opened fire on a crowd watching an English Premier League game near the town of Juba.

South Sudan's National Courier newspaper said the gunman had escaped despite a "prompt response" from security forces.

Police are investigating, but have not yet identified a motive.

The incident took place in Gure, a suburb of Juba, the South Sudan capital.

Culled from BBC news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-37889783

Warning to African migrants- German ministry wants African migrants returned to Africa!

According to the Telegraph, the German ministry wants to stop migrants ever reaching Europe's Mediterranean coast by picking them up at sea and returning them to Africa.

A ministry spokeswoman was quoted saying:

' The elimination of the prospect of reaching the European coast could convince migrants to avoid embarking on the life-threatening and costly journey and costly journey in the first place'.

The ministry's proposal calls for migrants picked up in the Mediterranean to be sent to Tunisia, Egypt or other north African states to apply for asylum from there.

Germany will deport migrants who break the law, warns Angela Merkel!


Culled from The Telegraph

California to vote on abolishing death penalty on same day as US election

If Proposition 62 passes on Tuesday, the state with the biggest death row in the US could join the long list to abandon or suspend their death penalty. Life without parole would replace it.

The state has executed just 13 people since the death penalty was reinstated in the US in 1976. None have taken place for a decade.

Culled from Sky news: http://news.sky.com/story/california-to-vote-on-abolishing-death-penalty-on-same-day-as-us-election-10647284

Happy birthday to my beautiful sister

Happy birthday to my beautiful sister. My sister is the most amazing and beautiful sister anyone could ask for. She is kind, giving and one of the most gracious people you could every come across. She would go any mile to help anyone and she does this with the most beautiful smile.

She is one of the few people with a clean heart, she does everything with love. My sister has been there for everyone in my family.

Happy birthday beautiful Eve! Wishing you a wonderful and blessed day! I love you!

Reflection on 2016

 I can't believe 2016 is almost over. Did you set any goals for the year and if so, did you achieve those goals? What are you most grateful for?

For me, I am grateful and thankful for a number of things. I am grateful for good health. I cherish being in good health. Why? Because I know what it is to suffer and be in pain. For me, good health precedes wealth.

 I am grateful for my family. I am blessed with amazing and wonderful people in my life; both blood relations and close friends.

I am grateful for my job. I work with amazing people and I love what I do. I love working with people and making a positive impact no matter how little.

I am grateful for being able to do the things that I want to do. I am grateful for my new found relationship with God. I don't have to follow the dogma spewed by man but make my spiritual connection with God how I'd do with my dad.

I am grateful for life. When there is life, there is hope!

Libya: Traffickers forced migrants on to dinghies at gunpoint

Migrants have told how they were forced at gunpoint to set sail from Libya in rough seas by traffickers who shot a man dead.

Just 31 people are believed to have survived after two dinghies carrying almost 270 migrants between them capsized in the Mediterranean on Wednesday.

Those pulled to safety were transferred by the Italian coast guard to Lampedusa, where they gave aid workers and the island's doctor the "horrifying" account of how they had been forced to set off in poor weather conditions.

Source: Sky news: http://news.sky.com/story/libya-traffickers-forced-migrants-on-to-dinghies-at-gunpoint-10643732

Looking for a movie to watch this weekend?

Ever heard of prince Seretse Khama of Bostwana?

 

There is a movie made about his life. Awesome movie to watch and it is on my watch list.

Seretse Khama was the grandson of grandfather was Kgosi (King) Khama III, known as Khama the Good, the ruler of the Bangwato people. During his time in Oxford studying Law, he met and fell in love with Ruth Williams, the daughter of a retired army officer. His uncle was not happy with him marrying a white lady and asked him to divorce her. Of course, he refused. He was deeply in love with his wife and so was she.

After a series of events, Seretse was exiled to England.  5 years later, he and his wife were allowed back to Bechuanaland but as normal citizens. He made a political come back and during his rule, Botswana’s economy, administration and relations with other Black African states were repaired and developed. During his time as President Botswana had the fastest growing economy in the world. It was a period of much civil strife in Africa, but Botswana remained free from war and corruption - See more at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/president-seretse-khama#sthash.HWI0CnEa.dpuf

 See link for movie trailer: https://youtu.be/zsHVqy2Xd6E

 Source- See more at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/president-seretse-khama#sthash.9mEv8JpT.dpuf

Nigerian army rescues Chibok schoolgirl for first time

According to Sky News, one of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram two years ago has been rescued by the Nigerian army for the first time.

Last month, some of the youngsters were released by the Islamist group through negotiations with the country's government while another managed to escape on her own in May.

In the latest case the girl, carrying a 10-month-old son whose father is an extremist, was saved as soldiers screened people who fled a militant hideout in Sambisa forest.

Maryam Ali Maiyanga was rescued in Pulka, Borno state, near the border with Cameroon and was later taken to an army medical facility for a check-up.

Source: Sky news: http://news.sky.com/story/nigerian-army-rescues-chibok-schoolgirl-for-first-time-10645641

Brexit court defeat for UK government

Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the EU, the High Court has ruled.

This means the government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty - beginning formal exit negotiations with the EU - on its own.

The lady reported to be behind this is Gina Miller. 

Gina Miller

News source: bbc.co.uk

Pic source: Daily mail: