Jessica Ennis-Hill, who won heptathlon gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, has retired from athletics. In a post on social media, Ennis-Hill - also a double world champion - said it was "one of the toughest decisions I've had to make".
Thursday, 13 October 2016
The weather this morning!
Brrrrrrhhhh! It is getting really cold and time for the hats and gloves to come out. Just got into London and greeted by the lovely rain. Missed it pouring down on me and for that I am thankful!
When I get home, I intend to put my cozy onesie on, get a hot cup of coffee, sit down and read my next novel by Maya Angelou.
Have a great day!
When I get home, I intend to put my cozy onesie on, get a hot cup of coffee, sit down and read my next novel by Maya Angelou.
Check out the grim cloud. London this morning
Have a great day!
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
World mental health day!
Monday was world mental health day. Mental health is an issue very close to my heart. In this day and age, there is still a lot of stigma attached to it and many people are dying in silence. There is a need for reorientation on how people view mental health issues - In our everyday life, place of work, worship, social gathering etc.
People are yet to grasp that mental health is a serious and deadly illness. There is a need for greater support for all those affected by this illness including the African communities. It is so difficult for many African people to come out and state that they have a mental health problem. People fear being ostracised from communities and being labelled as weak. In many homes, the word 'D' cannot be mentioned without someone screaming down your throat that you are either weak or have no 'strong faith in God'.
As a former volunteer in a charity that focuses on mental health, it is not uncommon to hear tales of people in the African communities unable to mention the word 'depression' in certain places without hearing 'I reject that for you' or 'it is not your portion'. Hence, people are reluctant to confide in people close to them. I remember reading a post where someone wrote that depression is not an 'African' illness. These kind of statement are not only dangerous but aids in keeping people from reaching out.
Religion plays a major role in many African people's lives. I believe that the church is not fully equipped to help and support people with depression. In fact, the 'church' is the last place I'd go if I needed real help and support with depression (note the use of 'church' and not God).
World mental health day should act as a day of reflection for all of us. Many of us know people affected by mental health. We also need to learn how best to support them. Many of us have mental health issues and need to find where to get help and support. Please do not suffer alone. Mental health can affect anyone be it male, female, young, old, different religion, ethnicity, background etc.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Please talk to someone. If you are in the UK and are in despair or in need of someone to just listen to you, pick up your phone and call the Samaritan +44 (0)20 8394 8300.
People are yet to grasp that mental health is a serious and deadly illness. There is a need for greater support for all those affected by this illness including the African communities. It is so difficult for many African people to come out and state that they have a mental health problem. People fear being ostracised from communities and being labelled as weak. In many homes, the word 'D' cannot be mentioned without someone screaming down your throat that you are either weak or have no 'strong faith in God'.
As a former volunteer in a charity that focuses on mental health, it is not uncommon to hear tales of people in the African communities unable to mention the word 'depression' in certain places without hearing 'I reject that for you' or 'it is not your portion'. Hence, people are reluctant to confide in people close to them. I remember reading a post where someone wrote that depression is not an 'African' illness. These kind of statement are not only dangerous but aids in keeping people from reaching out.
Religion plays a major role in many African people's lives. I believe that the church is not fully equipped to help and support people with depression. In fact, the 'church' is the last place I'd go if I needed real help and support with depression (note the use of 'church' and not God).
World mental health day should act as a day of reflection for all of us. Many of us know people affected by mental health. We also need to learn how best to support them. Many of us have mental health issues and need to find where to get help and support. Please do not suffer alone. Mental health can affect anyone be it male, female, young, old, different religion, ethnicity, background etc.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Please talk to someone. If you are in the UK and are in despair or in need of someone to just listen to you, pick up your phone and call the Samaritan +44 (0)20 8394 8300.
Friday, 7 October 2016
Friday morning memes!
Why not? It is Friday! Found some of these funny memes. Got any? Please send them to me.
Have a lovely weekend!
Thursday, 6 October 2016
On the Nigerian scene -Nigerian actress Rahama Sadau sorry for 'offensive hug'
A leading Nigerian actress, who was banned from the
Hausa-language film industry because of her "immoral" behaviour, has
apologised.
Rahama Sadau's appearance in a music video "hugging and
cuddling" Nigerian pop star Classiq offended some people.
Ms Sadau said sorry to those she upset, but said her actions
were "innocuous".
Hausa films are popular in the mostly Muslim northern
Nigeria where it is taboo for men and women to hold hands in public.
Culled from BBC News. Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-37551142
Sunday, 2 October 2016
Inspire- Black history month
What does it mean to be black British in today's Great Britain?
I am very proud of my identity. I am of African origin and I am British. I live in a multicultural England and I am one of the many that call the United Kingdom home.
My family is interracial and race, if anything is appreciated and celebrated in my home. I am proud of my African heritage. I am who I am and I am happy and proud of who I am.
There was a time I used to be afraid of speaking out because I was scared that my color and accent would cause me to be ostracized and not be accepted as a true Brit.
I was afraid that my accent would cost me jobs. There was a time that I thought that there was no need to apply for certain positions because none of my kind were in the organisation never mind being in that position. What was the point I'd ask myself.
But I say to myself 'I am who I am and my accent is part of who I am'. No more fear!
There are black minority ethnics who are doing amazing things, who have worked so hard and are in positions of influence. This gives me hope!
I tell myself never to give up! I work extra hard and put myself in a place and position where I am equal to the competition.
I have met amazing human beings who believe in me, who stand for equality and diversity, who are fair and just.
They gave me a chance - a position that I so wanted!
There are people of great integrity like this who stand for what is fair and right.
There is much more that needs to be done about racial issues in Great Britain. There is still the issue of institutional racism and racism that is internalised and not spoken but manifests in a myriad of ways.
Regardless of the rhetoric that suggests that those who were not born in England are not true Brits, there is no doubt in my mind that I am not one.
Who I am and the attributes used in categorising and giving me an identity does not stop me from being me, carrying out my passions and living my dreams. I am still passionate about finding solutions to poverty, bad governance, war etc in Africa.
If you ask me, who are you Lily? I would give you a philosophical answer and also tell you that I am who I am.
I am very proud of my identity. I am of African origin and I am British. I live in a multicultural England and I am one of the many that call the United Kingdom home.
My family is interracial and race, if anything is appreciated and celebrated in my home. I am proud of my African heritage. I am who I am and I am happy and proud of who I am.
There was a time I used to be afraid of speaking out because I was scared that my color and accent would cause me to be ostracized and not be accepted as a true Brit.
I was afraid that my accent would cost me jobs. There was a time that I thought that there was no need to apply for certain positions because none of my kind were in the organisation never mind being in that position. What was the point I'd ask myself.
But I say to myself 'I am who I am and my accent is part of who I am'. No more fear!
There are black minority ethnics who are doing amazing things, who have worked so hard and are in positions of influence. This gives me hope!
I tell myself never to give up! I work extra hard and put myself in a place and position where I am equal to the competition.
I have met amazing human beings who believe in me, who stand for equality and diversity, who are fair and just.
They gave me a chance - a position that I so wanted!
There are people of great integrity like this who stand for what is fair and right.
There is much more that needs to be done about racial issues in Great Britain. There is still the issue of institutional racism and racism that is internalised and not spoken but manifests in a myriad of ways.
Regardless of the rhetoric that suggests that those who were not born in England are not true Brits, there is no doubt in my mind that I am not one.
Who I am and the attributes used in categorising and giving me an identity does not stop me from being me, carrying out my passions and living my dreams. I am still passionate about finding solutions to poverty, bad governance, war etc in Africa.
If you ask me, who are you Lily? I would give you a philosophical answer and also tell you that I am who I am.
Saturday, 1 October 2016
1st October - Nigeria's independence day!
Nigeria is a land blessed with both human and natural resources yet, is one of the poorest in the world. Currently, the country is neck deep in recession, with schism between ethnic and religious groups. This is not to mention the effects corruption has had in the economy and governace.
All that said, the average Nigerian is very resilient and has the ability to make light aggravating issues.
How are people feeling right now in Nigeria?
To all those who believe that things will get better one day, who still have faith in the country and who are doing one thing or the other to be the positive change and contribute to the advancement of the country, I hope your dreams come true one day! Maybe when the baby boomers are too old to hold the country in ransom.
*Independence Day in Nigeria is celebrated and commemorated every October 1st. It is the day Nigeria got it's independence from British colonial rule!
All that said, the average Nigerian is very resilient and has the ability to make light aggravating issues.
How are people feeling right now in Nigeria?
To all those who believe that things will get better one day, who still have faith in the country and who are doing one thing or the other to be the positive change and contribute to the advancement of the country, I hope your dreams come true one day! Maybe when the baby boomers are too old to hold the country in ransom.
*Independence Day in Nigeria is celebrated and commemorated every October 1st. It is the day Nigeria got it's independence from British colonial rule!
A friend sent this picture to me. Not sure who baked this cake or who took the picture. Whoever you are, job well done!
Friday, 30 September 2016
October - Black History Month!
Some may ask 'why does it matter to celebrate black history month'? Others may ask 'why does black lives matter'? Why is race still an issue?
I would like to hear your stories. Your stories of survival, your stories of faith! Please keep it coming. Black history month starts tomorrow.
And in the words of John Adams
"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right... and a desire to know; but besides this, they have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean of the characters and conduct of their rulers" John Adams 1735-1826
Thursday, 29 September 2016
Ontological perspective!
What is reality? What are the things you see, encounter that defines the reality of life? Who are you and what is your purpose in life?
I am told that I am female, black minority ethnic, immigrant, Christian, African origin as infinitum.
Am I really all these?
What is reality I ask? Who makes the rules? The answers - yes the answers, who says it is right or wrong.
Time for introspective reflection.
I am told that I am female, black minority ethnic, immigrant, Christian, African origin as infinitum.
Am I really all these?
What is reality I ask? Who makes the rules? The answers - yes the answers, who says it is right or wrong.
Time for introspective reflection.
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
Counterfeit drugs - the impact on Nigeria
More than 120,000 people a year die in Africa as a result of
fake anti-malarial drugs alone, says the World Health Organization, either
because the drugs were substandard or simply contained no active ingredients at
all.
Even medicines that are substandard - containing an
insufficient dosage of active ingredients, say - can be deadly, leading to drug
resistance, a particular issue for infectious diseases like malaria and By some
estimates, about a third of all anti-malarial drugs in sub-Saharan Africa are
fake. And these fakes can find their way into pharmacies, clinics and street
vendor stalls, or be sold online via thousands of unregulated websites.
But a handful of start-ups have been trying to tackle the
issue using technology.
But if such tech solutions are working, why are so many
people still dying and suffering as a result of fake medicines?
"Most of the fake drugs are made in Asia and then
imported into Africa," says Mr Simons. "The scale of the trade is
huge and what we're doing is tiny compared to the size of the problem.
"And the very big multinational pharmaceutical
companies have been very conservative - they've taken a long time to get on
board," he says. "Tech start-ups can't solve the problem by
themselves."
Corruption is also to blame, says Mr Simons, with government
ministers often purloining subsidised medicines and selling them privately at
inflated prices, and inspectors accepting bribes to turn a blind eye to fake
shipments.
"There's a black hole of accountability; we need far
more transparency throughout the whole system," he says.
Culled from BBC News. Read more:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37470667
Monday, 26 September 2016
Here comes Monday!
So great to start the week meeting people from all over the world. It has been an awesome day. The weather was wonderful. Not too cold and just the perfect feel.
Went to the cash machine yesterday to get some money out. Looked at it and didn't recognize ever seeing this type of £5.00. About to panic that I have been given notes I didn't recognize, I was told it was the new £5.00. Have you seen it?
Went to the cash machine yesterday to get some money out. Looked at it and didn't recognize ever seeing this type of £5.00. About to panic that I have been given notes I didn't recognize, I was told it was the new £5.00. Have you seen it?
Sunday, 25 September 2016
Saturday, 24 September 2016
My Saturday at Cambridge!
I love Cambridge! The weather was fantastic today and I was in great company. I am so tired now after walking and looking around. Bought so many books. I have to plan which ones to read first.
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