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-- jus me (not verified)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
GABOUREY SIDIBE-OUR BLACK SKINNED BEAUTY IS "THE CAPTAIN OF HER SHIP!|
Gabourey Sidibe: “I’m Captain of This Ship – Without a First Mate!”
She might not fit the mold of a Hollywood starlet, but Gabourey Sidibe is bowling ‘em over anyway!
“Growing up, there weren’t a lot of actresses and singers who looked like me,” admits the breakout star of the gritty drama Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire in V magazine’s Size Issue (on sale Jan. 14.). That’s why her costar Mo’Nique, who plays her mother in the film, has been such an inspiration to the 26-year-old student-turned-actress.
8 Things You Should Know about Gabby Sidibe
“There were no real times that I thought maybe I can do it until Mo’Nique came along,” reveals Brooklyn-born Gabby. “She’s a plus-sized woman who didn’t care about one day being skinny. All my life I’ve been hearing that I’ll never amount to anything until I am skinny. And she disproved everything that everyone has ever told me.”
With a Golden Globe nomination and tons of Oscar buzz for her role in Precious, Gabby admits, “My life is so much different than I ever imagined it being.”
For example, she’s gained confidence and a thicker skin along the way.
Take a look at Gabby's style evolution
“I used to get hurt so badly. Any bit of criticism, I would cry. But at some point I just realized, I count more than anyone else, or anybody’s opinion, because I’m living my life — I’m captain of this ship, without a first mate. And I really, really like who I am. I really, really dig me.”
Did you see Gabby's performance in Precious? Think she deserves an Oscar? Talk back below.
Follow Twinkle on Twitter.
“Growing up, there weren’t a lot of actresses and singers who looked like me,” admits the breakout star of the gritty drama Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire in V magazine’s Size Issue (on sale Jan. 14.). That’s why her costar Mo’Nique, who plays her mother in the film, has been such an inspiration to the 26-year-old student-turned-actress.
8 Things You Should Know about Gabby Sidibe
“There were no real times that I thought maybe I can do it until Mo’Nique came along,” reveals Brooklyn-born Gabby. “She’s a plus-sized woman who didn’t care about one day being skinny. All my life I’ve been hearing that I’ll never amount to anything until I am skinny. And she disproved everything that everyone has ever told me.”
With a Golden Globe nomination and tons of Oscar buzz for her role in Precious, Gabby admits, “My life is so much different than I ever imagined it being.”
For example, she’s gained confidence and a thicker skin along the way.
Take a look at Gabby's style evolution
“I used to get hurt so badly. Any bit of criticism, I would cry. But at some point I just realized, I count more than anyone else, or anybody’s opinion, because I’m living my life — I’m captain of this ship, without a first mate. And I really, really like who I am. I really, really dig me.”
Did you see Gabby's performance in Precious? Think she deserves an Oscar? Talk back below.
Follow Twinkle on Twitter.
Comments
If you know more about this story, contact us at tips@starmagazine.com or 1-800-609-8312
lol..at everyone
- reply
the movie was okay,but i don't see oscar,there was nothing exceptional,we all know these kind of things happens every day in someone's life.it's a sad fact.
-- kew1224 (not verified)
finally!!!! a real girl in a fake world! love it!
-- stephanie (not verified)
Glamorizing obesity is just plane wrong and unhealthy!!!!
-- lisa (not verified)
Absolutely beautiful-inside & out! Wishing her the best
-- MMB (not verified)
Preface: We live in an existential age of alienation. We are strangers to each other until we take time to get to know each other better and, frankly, that takes work. Cinema is a short cut to viewing ourselves as a people. “In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion.” Albert Camus
The actress Gabourey Sidibe was born in 1983 in Brooklyn, New York. She became known for her movie debut portraying the main character in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.
Gabby once made a memorable statement about the publicÂ’s perception of her: "They try to paint the picture that I was this downtrodden, ugly girl who was unpopular in school and in life, and then I got this role and now I'm awesome. But the truth is that I've been awesome, and then I got this role."...
http://psychicnahu.blogspot.com/2009/12/gabourey-sidibe-rare-gift.html
The actress Gabourey Sidibe was born in 1983 in Brooklyn, New York. She became known for her movie debut portraying the main character in Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.
Gabby once made a memorable statement about the publicÂ’s perception of her: "They try to paint the picture that I was this downtrodden, ugly girl who was unpopular in school and in life, and then I got this role and now I'm awesome. But the truth is that I've been awesome, and then I got this role."...
http://psychicnahu.blogspot.com/2009/12/gabourey-sidibe-rare-gift.html
-- Nahu (not verified)
did'nt watch the movie. the previews reminded me too much of a welfare mentality..............
-- perfin (not verified)
THIS IS A REAL WOMEN! STOP SHOWING THOSE SKANKY SKINNY GIRLS AND MAKING US BIG WOMEN FEEL LIKE SHIT! THIS IS WHAT A REAL WOMEN LOOKS LIKE! EXCEPT US AMERICA!!!!
-- Anonymous (not verified)
yes she deserves an Oscar folks are so prejudiced against not only race but size along with the grade of hair and length of hair BRAVO to Gabby she is beautiful inside and out!!!!!I am sure Tyler Perry is watching you God has opened up the door now walk boldly on through!!!!!
-- Miz P (not verified)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
BACK TO AFRICA! - THESE BLACK MAYORS/SISTER VANESSA WILLIAMS WEPT WHEN THE OBA(KING) WELCOMED THEM BACK HOME! -GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER,NIGERIA,FEB. 2011
FROM ngrguardiannews.com.
Why Yoruba Obas Kept Vigil For Ooni In 1903
ITwas the day of historical facts. It was an evening of reminiscences. It turned out to be another occasion for flashbacks. And the spot was the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, the Aroole Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba race.
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Provost, School of Humanities and Culture, Osun State University, Ikire campus and Chairman of 4th World Conference of Mayors went down historical lane. Oyeweso narrated how the great grandfathers of Oba Olubuse II and the institution of the Ooni was revered and feared as the spiritual head of Yoruba nation.
The story went thus; the Ooni was asked to come to Lagos in 1903 by the British Colonial government to testify in a case between the Akarigbo of Remo and Elepe. In those days, no one could look in the face of the Ooni. All Yoruba kings under his authority and who domiciled along the route the Ooni was to pass to Lagos moved out of their bases and they did not sleep until the Ooni returned to Ile-Ife.
The Ooni was feared as a spiritual head. Yoruba Obas had reasoned that what the colonial government demanded from the Ooni was an abomination. For him to leave his palace at Ife and journey to Lagos was unfathomable. A sacrilege!
As Prof. Oyeweso recalled the historical feat, Oba Olubuse II who sat in splendor on the throne, nodded. Then Oyeweso, threw another historical bombshell.
“Only Ede and Ibadan remain cities that developed from military settlements (Army) to state that has people and not state (People) to army!” he said.
That night a crowd of Mayors from all over the world had paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni in the course of the World Conference of Mayors, which took place in Osogbo. Oyeweso, the Chairman of the organising team for the conference, which was supported by the Federal Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Osun State Government, said, “he is a son of the palace because the former Timi of Ede was one of those who used to pay his school fees in those days. This appeared stunning to the Ooni. Oyeweso called himself the ‘son of the warlord’ — the Timi of Ede who was a warrior in those days. It was believed that the arrows of the Timi carried furnaces whenever he shot them. That has become the praise name of descendants of the town.
The professor said Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race was not a kingdom but an empire. The Ooni of Ile-Ife then gave Prof. Oyeweso an assignment to find out if Ile-Ife, which existed about 8,000 years ago and 4,000 years before Abraham, the patriarch of Jews and Arabs was a Kingdom, Empire or what?
Earlier, Ms. Vanessa Williams, Executive Director of the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) thanked the Ooni for the warm reception and for his leadership and for being the king of all kings in Nigeria.
“I have had the opportunity to see the Presidents and Kings all over the world. I have never been so nervous as I have been tonight,” said Ms. Williams.
Robert Bowser, President of NCBM looked in her direction. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. Then she added; “we are happy to be back home. We thank you for preserving our history here.”
It was an emotional moment. The entire hall was in deep silence. Then the royal court’s praise singers interjected; Omi ki o! The King is greeting you! The Ooni beckoned on Ms. Williams to move closer to him. He then began to comfort her. The other visiting Mayors were also moved into tears. They were introduced one after the other.
More surprises were to come. Just as Ms. Williams introduced Dr. Jeffrey, one of the members of the American Mayors entourage, Oba Aderemi Adeniyi-Adedapo, the Olojudo-Alayemore of Ido-Osun, one of the Obas in the Kingdom exclaimed: “that’s my teacher!”
Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo called on Funlola Olorunnishola, the Media Advisor of the Ooni, Folusho Adedigba and Mr. Smollett Shittu-Alamu — members of the committee in charge of the visit to the palace to give him the microphone. Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo began to make some revelations.
The Oba told the gathering that Dr. Jeffrey was his teacher in the United States when he was studying for a degree in Architecture.
Said he; “Dr. Jeffrey, you will remember that I used to tell you in America that I am a prince in Africa. I am so overwhelmed tonight. I want to let you know that I am now a king under His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Kabiyesi, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II”
Turning to the Ooni, Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo said: “these are the people who made me what I am when I was in America for 25years. Architecture was my major. Dr. Jeffrey gave us moral, financial support and everything when I was in America. He was a father figure to us.”
Looking in the direction of Dr. Jeffrey, the Oba said; “I cannot thank you enough. You are back home in Nigeria even though I am aware you are very close to Ghana. But this is your real home. The Ashantehene and the King of Accra know their father king is His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile- Ife. You are welcome back home. I thank you and I thank America your country for harbouring me for 25years. I went there with nothing and I came back home as an Architect and I am so proud of that country. God bless America, God bless the black race, God bless Ooni and God bless Nigeria!”
The Ooni later told the visitors that the population of those who claim ancestry to Yoruba race is about 240 million. They are found in Nigeria, USA, the Caribbean, Haiti, Venezuela, Argentina etc. He said even though in a place like Argentina, you have predominantly white people, a large percentage became white because of years of inter marriage.
The Ooni noted that there are several countries outside the USA where blacks also rule like President Barak Obama.
Earlier, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun State said at the opening ceremony that urbanisation in Nigeria had brought municipal challenges like insecurity, housing, food, transportation, health care provision, education, jobs, waste disposal and social welfare.
“While the development countries still grapple with these problems, the situation in developing countries can be worse”, said Aregbesola.
At the closing ceremony of the one-week event Mr. Robert Bowser, President of National Conference of Black Mayors, Atlanta, said that it was a great opportunity for the Mayors to be present in Osun State. Bowser said the Mayors had seen Osun State and they had also seen the challenges the people face in the area of health, waste management, sanitation, infrastructure, education etc. He called on the state government to involve them in schemes to tackle some of the problems facing the state.
A Feast of Return, a dance drama written and produced by the poet, Odia Ofeimun, was performed at the event with other cultural dances. Present at the event were many traditional rulers in Osun State including Oba Oladele Olashore, the Aloko of Iloko-Ijesha; Oba Dokun Abolurin, the Oragun of Oke-Ila, Oba Rasheed Olasubomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji.
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Provost, School of Humanities and Culture, Osun State University, Ikire campus and Chairman of 4th World Conference of Mayors went down historical lane. Oyeweso narrated how the great grandfathers of Oba Olubuse II and the institution of the Ooni was revered and feared as the spiritual head of Yoruba nation.
The story went thus; the Ooni was asked to come to Lagos in 1903 by the British Colonial government to testify in a case between the Akarigbo of Remo and Elepe. In those days, no one could look in the face of the Ooni. All Yoruba kings under his authority and who domiciled along the route the Ooni was to pass to Lagos moved out of their bases and they did not sleep until the Ooni returned to Ile-Ife.
The Ooni was feared as a spiritual head. Yoruba Obas had reasoned that what the colonial government demanded from the Ooni was an abomination. For him to leave his palace at Ife and journey to Lagos was unfathomable. A sacrilege!
As Prof. Oyeweso recalled the historical feat, Oba Olubuse II who sat in splendor on the throne, nodded. Then Oyeweso, threw another historical bombshell.
“Only Ede and Ibadan remain cities that developed from military settlements (Army) to state that has people and not state (People) to army!” he said.
That night a crowd of Mayors from all over the world had paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni in the course of the World Conference of Mayors, which took place in Osogbo. Oyeweso, the Chairman of the organising team for the conference, which was supported by the Federal Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Osun State Government, said, “he is a son of the palace because the former Timi of Ede was one of those who used to pay his school fees in those days. This appeared stunning to the Ooni. Oyeweso called himself the ‘son of the warlord’ — the Timi of Ede who was a warrior in those days. It was believed that the arrows of the Timi carried furnaces whenever he shot them. That has become the praise name of descendants of the town.
The professor said Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race was not a kingdom but an empire. The Ooni of Ile-Ife then gave Prof. Oyeweso an assignment to find out if Ile-Ife, which existed about 8,000 years ago and 4,000 years before Abraham, the patriarch of Jews and Arabs was a Kingdom, Empire or what?
Earlier, Ms. Vanessa Williams, Executive Director of the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) thanked the Ooni for the warm reception and for his leadership and for being the king of all kings in Nigeria.
“I have had the opportunity to see the Presidents and Kings all over the world. I have never been so nervous as I have been tonight,” said Ms. Williams.
Robert Bowser, President of NCBM looked in her direction. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. Then she added; “we are happy to be back home. We thank you for preserving our history here.”
It was an emotional moment. The entire hall was in deep silence. Then the royal court’s praise singers interjected; Omi ki o! The King is greeting you! The Ooni beckoned on Ms. Williams to move closer to him. He then began to comfort her. The other visiting Mayors were also moved into tears. They were introduced one after the other.
More surprises were to come. Just as Ms. Williams introduced Dr. Jeffrey, one of the members of the American Mayors entourage, Oba Aderemi Adeniyi-Adedapo, the Olojudo-Alayemore of Ido-Osun, one of the Obas in the Kingdom exclaimed: “that’s my teacher!”
Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo called on Funlola Olorunnishola, the Media Advisor of the Ooni, Folusho Adedigba and Mr. Smollett Shittu-Alamu — members of the committee in charge of the visit to the palace to give him the microphone. Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo began to make some revelations.
The Oba told the gathering that Dr. Jeffrey was his teacher in the United States when he was studying for a degree in Architecture.
Said he; “Dr. Jeffrey, you will remember that I used to tell you in America that I am a prince in Africa. I am so overwhelmed tonight. I want to let you know that I am now a king under His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Kabiyesi, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II”
Turning to the Ooni, Oba Adeniyi-Adedapo said: “these are the people who made me what I am when I was in America for 25years. Architecture was my major. Dr. Jeffrey gave us moral, financial support and everything when I was in America. He was a father figure to us.”
Looking in the direction of Dr. Jeffrey, the Oba said; “I cannot thank you enough. You are back home in Nigeria even though I am aware you are very close to Ghana. But this is your real home. The Ashantehene and the King of Accra know their father king is His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ile- Ife. You are welcome back home. I thank you and I thank America your country for harbouring me for 25years. I went there with nothing and I came back home as an Architect and I am so proud of that country. God bless America, God bless the black race, God bless Ooni and God bless Nigeria!”
The Ooni later told the visitors that the population of those who claim ancestry to Yoruba race is about 240 million. They are found in Nigeria, USA, the Caribbean, Haiti, Venezuela, Argentina etc. He said even though in a place like Argentina, you have predominantly white people, a large percentage became white because of years of inter marriage.
The Ooni noted that there are several countries outside the USA where blacks also rule like President Barak Obama.
Earlier, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor of Osun State said at the opening ceremony that urbanisation in Nigeria had brought municipal challenges like insecurity, housing, food, transportation, health care provision, education, jobs, waste disposal and social welfare.
“While the development countries still grapple with these problems, the situation in developing countries can be worse”, said Aregbesola.
At the closing ceremony of the one-week event Mr. Robert Bowser, President of National Conference of Black Mayors, Atlanta, said that it was a great opportunity for the Mayors to be present in Osun State. Bowser said the Mayors had seen Osun State and they had also seen the challenges the people face in the area of health, waste management, sanitation, infrastructure, education etc. He called on the state government to involve them in schemes to tackle some of the problems facing the state.
A Feast of Return, a dance drama written and produced by the poet, Odia Ofeimun, was performed at the event with other cultural dances. Present at the event were many traditional rulers in Osun State including Oba Oladele Olashore, the Aloko of Iloko-Ijesha; Oba Dokun Abolurin, the Oragun of Oke-Ila, Oba Rasheed Olasubomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji.
BLACK VIRGINITY! - BEHOLD,NIGERIAN VIRGINS!- FROM THE NATIONONLINENG.NET
 | ||
| BLACK VIRGINS ALL-AND PROUD TO BE! |
VIRGINITY!-AN AFRICAN VALUE THAT STILLS LIVES!-LET’S BRING IT BACK AGAIN COMPLETELY!
By Yeye Akilimali Funua Olade FROM thenationonlineng.net
!
Behold Nigerian virgin!
* By Taiwo Abiodun
Virgins during the testing programme
Girls proud to be virgins confidently offered themselves for tests at Ekemode Memorial Hospital and Women’s Infirmary, Surulere, Lagos as the Nigeria virgins celebration organised by Princess Adunni Adediran marked its third anniversary. The virginity tests were done by Dr Ade Ekemode, an experienced gynaecologist and involved 45 young women from across the country.
Three years ago, Adediran launched her campaign to help Nigerian girls keep their virginity and avoid unwanted pregnancies, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, barrenness and broken homes. Above all, she wanted them to be chaste, protect their virginity for their husbands, to honour and give them respect.”
According to her: “Women and innocent girls are always on the receiving end.The girls are lured into prostitution, put in the family way and made barren as a result of infection or induced dangerous abortion that could affect their future; while during the burial of the men or the so called husband the wife would be surprised when the children her husband had out of wedlock come to attend the burial service. We have seen many.”
Giving reasons why young girls should keep their virginity, the princess said “charity begins at home, my daughter who is now a practising lawyer is still a virgin. I have to practise what I preach and I am proud that our girls are beginning to understand what we are saying ‘’.
Dr Ekemode praised the girls for keeping their virginity, and advised them to keep it till their wedding day. “In Nigeria now we are proud to still have some of our young girls who believe in chastity. Pre spent 41years in the profession and I am proud that we still have some of our children that are decent.”
Love David (22), from Okokomaiko, Lagos, said she came to do the test to prove to the world that she is clean and would not have sex until her wedding day. “I will keep my virginity until I meet the man who is ready to pay my bride price,’’ she asserted.
Augusta Aishen from Delta state said she is a student of River State University where she is studying computer science. She heard the news of the virginity test over the radio. “My mother is a cosmetologist and my father is an engineer, they trained me not to destroy or spoil my life because of any boy or man. I am happy that my parents trust me and they even paid my fare to come to Lagos for the test,” she told The Nation.
Akada Ikada (22), a mass communication student, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, described the medical test as the best way to prove virginity “I will keep my virginity until I am ripe enough to marry,” she said, adding that she wasn’t ashamed of being a virgin.
Awawu Ismail, a devout Muslim who was dressed in a hijab, said, Islam respects chastity. “Islam respects virginity and we have to keep ourselves until the day we are going to get married. I am proud to say that I am a virgin.
Others who came for the test include; Olawumi Opelola from Oyo state,Ajayi Oluwabukola, Oluwatoyin Vincent, Suliat Suberu, Islamyat Yisa,Mukoro Juliet, Ibirogba Ololade, Blessing Paul, , Mariam Bello.
Hajiya Basirat Yusuf said the virginity test was not painful. “They will only ask you to remove your undies and the doctor would check to confirm one’s virginity and that is all’’ she said.
Some mothers who came to witness the occasion were happy to see their daughters participating in the programme. Madam Muyidat Bello, (mother of Mariam) said it was a great programme the government at the local, and state levels should contribute to. Madam Bello said when she heard over the radio that there would be a virginity test, her daughter, Muyidat beat her chest that she is a virgin and she came with her to ascertain the truth. “When the doctor confirmed her virginity, I was happy and I love my daughter the more. She is brilliant and it is because there is no money for her university education that she has not gone to school; yet she did not go into prostitution because of our poverty level.”
Adediran who started the programme said, “They called me many names, some said I wanted to use the girls’ virginity for ritual to make money while some said I wanted to be a trafficker. I received nasty, abusive text messages but in the end most of the parents appreciated what I am doing.”
Now that her programme is gaining credibility, she wants support from government. “I want the state and local government to be involved and assist my programme for it is the first time such thing would be organised,” she said. “I am using my own money to finance the programme as many of the girls who wanted to participate had no money and I paid their transportation fare this year. I want private organizations to support us. I have been ejected from the office I was using before and I need an office’’ the woman stated.
Virgins during the testing programme
!
Behold Nigerian virgin!
* By Taiwo Abiodun
Virgins during the testing programme
Girls proud to be virgins confidently offered themselves for tests at Ekemode Memorial Hospital and Women’s Infirmary, Surulere, Lagos as the Nigeria virgins celebration organised by Princess Adunni Adediran marked its third anniversary. The virginity tests were done by Dr Ade Ekemode, an experienced gynaecologist and involved 45 young women from across the country.
Three years ago, Adediran launched her campaign to help Nigerian girls keep their virginity and avoid unwanted pregnancies, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, barrenness and broken homes. Above all, she wanted them to be chaste, protect their virginity for their husbands, to honour and give them respect.”
According to her: “Women and innocent girls are always on the receiving end.The girls are lured into prostitution, put in the family way and made barren as a result of infection or induced dangerous abortion that could affect their future; while during the burial of the men or the so called husband the wife would be surprised when the children her husband had out of wedlock come to attend the burial service. We have seen many.”
Giving reasons why young girls should keep their virginity, the princess said “charity begins at home, my daughter who is now a practising lawyer is still a virgin. I have to practise what I preach and I am proud that our girls are beginning to understand what we are saying ‘’.
Dr Ekemode praised the girls for keeping their virginity, and advised them to keep it till their wedding day. “In Nigeria now we are proud to still have some of our young girls who believe in chastity. Pre spent 41years in the profession and I am proud that we still have some of our children that are decent.”
Love David (22), from Okokomaiko, Lagos, said she came to do the test to prove to the world that she is clean and would not have sex until her wedding day. “I will keep my virginity until I meet the man who is ready to pay my bride price,’’ she asserted.
Augusta Aishen from Delta state said she is a student of River State University where she is studying computer science. She heard the news of the virginity test over the radio. “My mother is a cosmetologist and my father is an engineer, they trained me not to destroy or spoil my life because of any boy or man. I am happy that my parents trust me and they even paid my fare to come to Lagos for the test,” she told The Nation.
Akada Ikada (22), a mass communication student, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, described the medical test as the best way to prove virginity “I will keep my virginity until I am ripe enough to marry,” she said, adding that she wasn’t ashamed of being a virgin.
Awawu Ismail, a devout Muslim who was dressed in a hijab, said, Islam respects chastity. “Islam respects virginity and we have to keep ourselves until the day we are going to get married. I am proud to say that I am a virgin.
Others who came for the test include; Olawumi Opelola from Oyo state,Ajayi Oluwabukola, Oluwatoyin Vincent, Suliat Suberu, Islamyat Yisa,Mukoro Juliet, Ibirogba Ololade, Blessing Paul, , Mariam Bello.
Hajiya Basirat Yusuf said the virginity test was not painful. “They will only ask you to remove your undies and the doctor would check to confirm one’s virginity and that is all’’ she said.
Some mothers who came to witness the occasion were happy to see their daughters participating in the programme. Madam Muyidat Bello, (mother of Mariam) said it was a great programme the government at the local, and state levels should contribute to. Madam Bello said when she heard over the radio that there would be a virginity test, her daughter, Muyidat beat her chest that she is a virgin and she came with her to ascertain the truth. “When the doctor confirmed her virginity, I was happy and I love my daughter the more. She is brilliant and it is because there is no money for her university education that she has not gone to school; yet she did not go into prostitution because of our poverty level.”
Adediran who started the programme said, “They called me many names, some said I wanted to use the girls’ virginity for ritual to make money while some said I wanted to be a trafficker. I received nasty, abusive text messages but in the end most of the parents appreciated what I am doing.”
Now that her programme is gaining credibility, she wants support from government. “I want the state and local government to be involved and assist my programme for it is the first time such thing would be organised,” she said. “I am using my own money to finance the programme as many of the girls who wanted to participate had no money and I paid their transportation fare this year. I want private organizations to support us. I have been ejected from the office I was using before and I need an office’’ the woman stated.
Virgins during the testing programme
BLACK GIRLS KEEP YOUR VIRGINITY-IT IS YOUR TREASURE FOR YOUR HUSBAND AND BRINGS YOU VIRTUE!
Monday, March 21, 2011
BLACK PEOPLES' WOOLLY HAIR IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HAIR IN THE WORLD-STOP IMITATING WHITE GIRLS AND GO BACK TO WEARING YOUR GOD GIVEN MOST BEAUTIFUL HAIR FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE THAT YOU ARE NO LONGER A BRAINWASHED SLAVE!
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| COPYRIGHT BY PRO ON FLICKR |
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| FROM dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
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| from dawnali.com |
http://naacforum.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2209247%3AVideo%3A39832http://naacforum.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2209247%3AVideo%3A39832Tuesday, March 15, 2011
GELE!- YORUBA WORD FOR AFRICAN HEADTIE!- LEARN TO DO THIS BLACK BEAUTY FEATURE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht_HNCPKKM0
http://naijadateline.com/blogs/blog1.php/fashion/segun-gele-master-of-nigeria-s-gravity-d
07/16/10 Segun Gele: Master of Nigeria's gravity-defying headgear
Houston, Texas (CNN) -- Segun Gele, or to use his full name Hakeem Oluwasegun Olaleye, is a man making a name for himself in a woman's world.
The Houston-based businessman has made an artform out of tying a gele -- the gravity-defying headwraps worn by Nigerian women.
To meet him is to understand how he became a celebrity in a field only a few years in the making. He's not only a vivacious self-promoter; he's also clearly thrilled to find himself making money doing something that comes so naturally to him.
Watching Segun Gele whip the material into graceful folds and arcs in less than five minutes, you know he is the master.
Geles come in different fabrics such as damask, brocade and "aso-oke" (hand-woven fabrics popular for Yoruba special occasions in Nigeria). The most popular fabric among Nigerian women is a metallic fabric made from jacquard.
They have been worn by Nigerian women for generations, but in recent years has become the ultimate fashion accessory for important parties and events in the U.S., something that Segun Gele partially credits himself for.
He says when he moved to Houston, Texas in 2003 from Nigeria, many Nigerian women had stopped wearing their gele because it was just too difficult to tie by themselves. To Segun Gele, this was a great tragedy.
"I mean, you would not find a woman wearing a good headwrap," Segun Gele said. "They would rather wear pantsuits to a Nigerian party. They would rather wear their jeans to a Nigerian party. And when they had the headwrap made, it was just okay."
He first noticed he could turn his skills into a promising business when he offered to tie a woman's head wrap at a friend's wedding.
Within minutes, he had whipped the two-yard fabric into a headturning, vertiginous shape that left other women at the party impressed. Before long a queue had formed and he started charging $7 a piece to tie gele at the wedding, Segun said.
Over time his rates grew to $10, then $15, and now he rarely ties wraps at parties but reserves his services for weddings or other special occasions.
"In the past, I used to have so many people. I think I had about 20, 30 people standing in the line to have their hair tie tied. But it got to the stage where it was overwhelming," he said.
Segun Gele now charges $650 to tie wraps for brides and their party for Houston weddings, and $1,000 plus hotel, rental car and airfare for out-of-town weddings.
This wedding season he's already flown to Georgia, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts and Maryland. Knowing brides reserve him a year in advance, well aware of his popularity.
It's the only business he's done since he moved to the U.S., and one that's showing no signs of slowing down. He has students that pay to train with the master, flying in from around the U.S. and London.
So long as gele remains a fashion statement for Nigerian women, Segun Gele is sure to remain king of his domain.
Fashion 4 comments »
4 comments
# New York Giants Tickets on 08/04/10 at 06:23
Football season is almost here, cannot wait to see my GIANTS stomp the competition out.
# chi flat iron on 08/12/10 at 03:53
Good article. I would recommend more friends to come by.
# vivi on 09/08/10 at 07:03
fashion is a life style
# Sales jobs website tailored for only sales jobs on 09/24/10 at 15:49
Good read ¦ headline catchy ¦ good points, some of which I have learned along the way as well (humility, grace, layoff the controversial stuff). Will share with my colleagues at work as we begin blogging from a corporate perspective. Thanks!
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BLACK MAYORS GO BACK TO AFRICA AND WEPT WHEN THE YORUBA SUPREME KING,THE OONI OF IFE WELCOMES THEM "BACK HOME"!
FROM 234next.com
Black Mayors look towards Africa’s redemption
By Akintayo Abodunrin
March 5, 2011 11:24
Osogbo, renowned in Osun State and beyond for its rich cultural heritage, recorded another first when it hosted the fourth World Summit of Mayors. The meeting, themed ‘Global Engagement of Local Leadership for Universal Progress’ held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding from Friday, February 25 to Wednesday, March 2.
Given that plans for the hosting commenced during the sacked Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration, some had thought that Rauf Aregbesola, the incumbent governor, would jettison it, being an initiative championed by his predecessor. But obviously sharing Oyinlola’s vision of consolidating Osogbo’s place on the world’s cultural landscape, Aregbesola and his team decided to go ahead with the conference, which focused on seven areas. Trust, training trade, treasury, twin cities, technology and tourism were among issues discussed by the local government leaders from Africa and their colleagues from the Diaspora.
The five-day meeting organised in collaboration with the National Conference of Black Mayors (USA) and the World Conference of Mayors, opened on a colourful but late note (it started almost three hours behind schedule) on February 25. Expectedly, there were speeches further highlighting the goals of the summit as well as performances.
The state governor and chief host, Rauf Aregbesola, set the tone. He noted that the selection of Osogbo to host the conference was apt because, “The city has been a bastion of the arts and culture and has been the home of great art scholars and cultural icons like Ulli Beier, Susan Wenger, Duro Ladipo, Oyin Adejobi and others. The city has hosted important meetings in the past and the most recent being Global Conference of Black Nationalities, in August last year.” The governor who sold the state’s tourist sites to the gathering, also touched on the ubiquitous nature of municipal government in modern states. Mr. Aregbesola, who noted that Nigeria uses local government instead of municipal government, also spoke about urbanisation and its challenges for administrators. He however noted that the “biggest challenge of municipal administration is leadership. Where leadership is lacking at national and state levels, it is trite that it is not going to be available at the local level either.” Aregbesola promised that , “The local government is going to play an important role in our development programme.” Felix Akhabue, national president, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said resources available to local government leaders are limited while their challenges are enormous. He reiterated the need for the optimal utilisation of available resources to benefit people. “Local government chairs have the responsibilty to ensure that good governance is at the doorstep of people and we must act in the best interest of our people,’ he charged his colleagues.
Solidarity and brotherhood
President, National Conference of Black Mayors, Robert Bowser, noted that it was appropriate, blacks in the Diaspora come to Osun to celebrate “solidarity and brotherhood.” He also commented on the “awesome” theme chosen to empower Africans all over the world. Mr. Bowser, who had earlier spoken about the Black History Month and its evolution, decried the negative effects of the ‘‘brain drain’’ on the continent. Certain states in the US, he added, are facing the same problems. But he urged his colleagues to be of good cheer because “this is a new day.” The American further charged that the mayors must be decisive and build a nation Africans elsewhere will be proud of . Bowser reiterated that Black people have roles to play in structuring the world and that collaborations and innovation are needed to ensure this. “Africa’s redemption is coming,” he prophesied.
Rebuilding Africa
Vice president, World Conference of Mayors, James Wallis said it’s “always good to come home, to come home to mother Africa.” Executive Director, National Conference of Black Mayors, Vanessa Williams, who described herself as daughter of Africa said the conference was not a mere meeting. “We are here not to meet but to do the work of our people. The only way African people can be one uplifted people is by being connected. Language and geography should not separate us,” she said. Williams also made a case for the rebuilding of Africa, noting that, “it is in the rebuilding of Africa that we too can be rebuilt. We can’t correct what was done in the past but we can set an agenda for the future. This won’t be the last time you will see our faces.” The American, who disclosed that the Black Mayors are working with Mr. Aregbesola in the areas of agriculture, job creation and establishment of industries, later presented a gift to the governor on behalf of the others.
Adebayo Williams, a professor who represented Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and chair of the occasion, described the meeting as an important cultural occasion and ecxhange. He commended the vision and magnanimity of the state governor to continue with the programme initiated by his predecessor, noting that “it epitomises the supreme culture of the Yoruba, tolerance and liberalism.” Williams added that it is a salute to the spirit of the Yoruba and Oduduwa. The academic and newspaper columnist expressed hope that the exchange would be fruitful since culture is a two-way thing and that myths would be exploded at the end of deliberations. He also suggested that since the since the idea of the nation state is becoming frayed at the edges, the world might have to go back to the Yoruba city states.
Building bridges
Director General of the Centre for Black African Arts, Civilisation and Culture, Tunde Babawale noted that since Africa is the least regarded continent in the world, the meeting has to come up with ideas that will be used to confront the challenges of the continent. Mr. Babawale also touched on governance on the continent. “Governance is too distant from the people, we have to reform political parties and develop a democracy that has democrats.” Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan said “it is no accident of history that we are gathered here at Osogbo, an historical town known for its rich cultural heritage and unparallel hospitality.” He also spoke on the growth of cities and problems of urbanisation. The president who decried the impact of slave trade, colonisation and globalisation on Africa’s cultures offered a solution. “To obviate the domineering influence of other cultures, Africans and people of African descent must build a bridge of understanding and a shield of cultural resilience so that a time tested African values of tolerance, chastity, mutual respect, respect for elders, sanctity of life would begin to exact its own residual influence on global trend.” The speeches dispensed with, the American Academy Choir comprising children opened the performance session with Michael Jackson’s ‘Heal the World’and Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song, ‘Waka Waka’.
To the gods
Eesa of Iragbiji, Muraina Oyelami and some drummers also treated the gathering to some drum recitals. Oyelami who disclosed he had prepared a 35 minutes presentation to introduce the functions of Dundun drum to the gathering was given about 10 minutes to do his thing and he acquitted himself well. He rendered homage to deities including Osun and the Egungun during the educative and entertaining recital session.
The Osun State Cultural Troupe was not exempted. They rendered some interesting cultural songs but the highpoint of their performance was a young man who looked and dressed like Aregbesola. He added the governor’s goatee for effect. The Aregbesola Junior Drummers, a traditional freestyle band also entertained before the summit got down to real business the following day.
777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
from http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/arts/life-midweek-magazine/30184.html
In the face of rising inequality between leaders and followers, the World Summit of Mayors held at Osogbo, the Osun State capital once more beamed its searchlight on some endemic problems which have militated against grassroots development.
The summit was the rubbing of minds by those who have successfully managed their mayoral jurisdiction, particularly in the advanced world to nip in the bud the recurring dismal and retrogressive management of grassroots governance in Africa and other developing economies.
It will also remain fresh in the minds of participants from Africa and the African Diaspora who had the opportunity of examining such issues aimed at restoring, strengthening and uplifting working relationships and collaboration amongst the various participating leaders.
Expectedly, local leaders at the conference would harness some lessons from the conference, as the Osun State government promised to provide a template for others.
Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said given the abysmal interference in grassroots politics, particularly by state governments, most councils have not been able to meet up their statutory obligations to the people.
He said the undue meddlesomeness has impoverished the people, stalling development and making the councils unattractive not only to residents but also to potential investors. He added that in most cases, it has led to rural-urban drift further increasing cases of crime and social vices in the cities.
The governor said, henceforth, local governments in Osun State would no longer have their funds tampered with. According to him, it was better to allow councils to manage their statutory allocations to speed up development at the grassroots and to further engender true federalism.
The governor noted that the fundamental belief is that the unified work on the development challenges facing cities on the global landscape is essential to the improvement of the well-being of humanity.
Interestingly, the conference session provided opportunities to enhance capacities of local governments to discuss and develop strategies to solve universal problems. It noted that in the provision of housing, education, healthcare, gender equity, agricultural development, tourism, trade, good governance, environmental protection, justice and public safety, Africa has been the worst hit because of corruption in low and high places.
Prof Adebayo Williams, who represented the chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the benefit of the summit was a two-way traffic because Nigeria would learn from the American culture while the visitors would learn from the Nigerian culture.
He said there was no need crying any further about the era of slave trade or colonisation. Instead, Africans should examine how to get back what rightly belongs to them by engaging in constructive dialogue, which the summit has provided.
He said: "The only way you can get this back is to bring these people here and let them interact with us and that is the essence of the Summit of Black Mayors. And let me tell you the government of Osun State is already doing some fantastic jobs and you only need to see what is going on in terms of infrastructure, youth empowerment and the general peaceful atmosphere of the state."
Prof Williams explained that he expected a book to come out from the deliberations for local and international consumption. He corroborated the state government’s position on the fact that Africans and, indeed, black people the world over are increasingly demonstrating their prowess in various field of human endeavour.
"We are also conscious of the fact that our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora are encouraged by development in culture and tourism in Africa, particularly Nigeria. And in Osun State, it is reputed for its works of arts and crafts which have gained international recognition.
"It would certainly interest you to know that Ile-Ife, an ancient settlement in the state, is believed to be the origin of black people all over the world. The Osun Osogbo festival and its grove have been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a world heritage site."
The conference attracted participants from places such as Haiti, Caribbean, Europe and the America.
Dr Abubakar Momoh of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo said the concept of local government and the perspective of local governance in Africa generally have been misplaced. He noted that most times people are alienated from their leaders, thus the people are not connected to the grassroots. This disconnection, he said, works against the spirit of development.
According to him, a local government is supposed be the closest form of governance to the people where there is local participation and empowerment, but unfortunately the local governments have abandoned the grassroots people.
He said: "This summit itself is not mainly to look at local governance in term of what is happening on the continent and most especially our own black mayors in the Diaspora on what they are doing for their people and what we can draw and benefit from that. Some of our mayors will cross fertilise ideas with a view to enrich local inputs in grassroots administration."
He stressed that the conference would fine-tune methods of knowing how they have achieved success in their area of jurisdiction, what they needed to benefit from each other and how to make it effective and touch on the lives of the ordinary people.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the summit, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, told The Nation that Osun State would take the lead in addressing development problems at the grassroots. "The crux of this engagement is that local governments should exist for the people, which is our business and that is the basis for their relevance in the society. So far so good. Local governments in Nigeria have not been able to meet the need to the people except in some exceptional cases where they have been able to address issues of education, particularly in Osun, Adamawa and Nasarawa states."
 |
| CREST OF THE WORLD SUMMIT OF BLACK MAYORS |
 |
| OSUN STATE GOVERNOR OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA PRESENTS GIFT TO ONE OF THE MAYORS Governor Rauf Aregbesola receives a gift from one of the visiting Mayors. Photo: AKINTAYO ABODUNRIN |
Black Mayors look towards Africa’s redemption
By Akintayo Abodunrin
March 5, 2011 11:24
Osogbo, renowned in Osun State and beyond for its rich cultural heritage, recorded another first when it hosted the fourth World Summit of Mayors. The meeting, themed ‘Global Engagement of Local Leadership for Universal Progress’ held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding from Friday, February 25 to Wednesday, March 2.
Given that plans for the hosting commenced during the sacked Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration, some had thought that Rauf Aregbesola, the incumbent governor, would jettison it, being an initiative championed by his predecessor. But obviously sharing Oyinlola’s vision of consolidating Osogbo’s place on the world’s cultural landscape, Aregbesola and his team decided to go ahead with the conference, which focused on seven areas. Trust, training trade, treasury, twin cities, technology and tourism were among issues discussed by the local government leaders from Africa and their colleagues from the Diaspora.
The five-day meeting organised in collaboration with the National Conference of Black Mayors (USA) and the World Conference of Mayors, opened on a colourful but late note (it started almost three hours behind schedule) on February 25. Expectedly, there were speeches further highlighting the goals of the summit as well as performances.
The state governor and chief host, Rauf Aregbesola, set the tone. He noted that the selection of Osogbo to host the conference was apt because, “The city has been a bastion of the arts and culture and has been the home of great art scholars and cultural icons like Ulli Beier, Susan Wenger, Duro Ladipo, Oyin Adejobi and others. The city has hosted important meetings in the past and the most recent being Global Conference of Black Nationalities, in August last year.” The governor who sold the state’s tourist sites to the gathering, also touched on the ubiquitous nature of municipal government in modern states. Mr. Aregbesola, who noted that Nigeria uses local government instead of municipal government, also spoke about urbanisation and its challenges for administrators. He however noted that the “biggest challenge of municipal administration is leadership. Where leadership is lacking at national and state levels, it is trite that it is not going to be available at the local level either.” Aregbesola promised that , “The local government is going to play an important role in our development programme.” Felix Akhabue, national president, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said resources available to local government leaders are limited while their challenges are enormous. He reiterated the need for the optimal utilisation of available resources to benefit people. “Local government chairs have the responsibilty to ensure that good governance is at the doorstep of people and we must act in the best interest of our people,’ he charged his colleagues.
Solidarity and brotherhood
President, National Conference of Black Mayors, Robert Bowser, noted that it was appropriate, blacks in the Diaspora come to Osun to celebrate “solidarity and brotherhood.” He also commented on the “awesome” theme chosen to empower Africans all over the world. Mr. Bowser, who had earlier spoken about the Black History Month and its evolution, decried the negative effects of the ‘‘brain drain’’ on the continent. Certain states in the US, he added, are facing the same problems. But he urged his colleagues to be of good cheer because “this is a new day.” The American further charged that the mayors must be decisive and build a nation Africans elsewhere will be proud of . Bowser reiterated that Black people have roles to play in structuring the world and that collaborations and innovation are needed to ensure this. “Africa’s redemption is coming,” he prophesied.
Rebuilding Africa
Vice president, World Conference of Mayors, James Wallis said it’s “always good to come home, to come home to mother Africa.” Executive Director, National Conference of Black Mayors, Vanessa Williams, who described herself as daughter of Africa said the conference was not a mere meeting. “We are here not to meet but to do the work of our people. The only way African people can be one uplifted people is by being connected. Language and geography should not separate us,” she said. Williams also made a case for the rebuilding of Africa, noting that, “it is in the rebuilding of Africa that we too can be rebuilt. We can’t correct what was done in the past but we can set an agenda for the future. This won’t be the last time you will see our faces.” The American, who disclosed that the Black Mayors are working with Mr. Aregbesola in the areas of agriculture, job creation and establishment of industries, later presented a gift to the governor on behalf of the others.
Adebayo Williams, a professor who represented Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and chair of the occasion, described the meeting as an important cultural occasion and ecxhange. He commended the vision and magnanimity of the state governor to continue with the programme initiated by his predecessor, noting that “it epitomises the supreme culture of the Yoruba, tolerance and liberalism.” Williams added that it is a salute to the spirit of the Yoruba and Oduduwa. The academic and newspaper columnist expressed hope that the exchange would be fruitful since culture is a two-way thing and that myths would be exploded at the end of deliberations. He also suggested that since the since the idea of the nation state is becoming frayed at the edges, the world might have to go back to the Yoruba city states.
Building bridges
Director General of the Centre for Black African Arts, Civilisation and Culture, Tunde Babawale noted that since Africa is the least regarded continent in the world, the meeting has to come up with ideas that will be used to confront the challenges of the continent. Mr. Babawale also touched on governance on the continent. “Governance is too distant from the people, we have to reform political parties and develop a democracy that has democrats.” Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan said “it is no accident of history that we are gathered here at Osogbo, an historical town known for its rich cultural heritage and unparallel hospitality.” He also spoke on the growth of cities and problems of urbanisation. The president who decried the impact of slave trade, colonisation and globalisation on Africa’s cultures offered a solution. “To obviate the domineering influence of other cultures, Africans and people of African descent must build a bridge of understanding and a shield of cultural resilience so that a time tested African values of tolerance, chastity, mutual respect, respect for elders, sanctity of life would begin to exact its own residual influence on global trend.” The speeches dispensed with, the American Academy Choir comprising children opened the performance session with Michael Jackson’s ‘Heal the World’and Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song, ‘Waka Waka’.
To the gods
Eesa of Iragbiji, Muraina Oyelami and some drummers also treated the gathering to some drum recitals. Oyelami who disclosed he had prepared a 35 minutes presentation to introduce the functions of Dundun drum to the gathering was given about 10 minutes to do his thing and he acquitted himself well. He rendered homage to deities including Osun and the Egungun during the educative and entertaining recital session.
The Osun State Cultural Troupe was not exempted. They rendered some interesting cultural songs but the highpoint of their performance was a young man who looked and dressed like Aregbesola. He added the governor’s goatee for effect. The Aregbesola Junior Drummers, a traditional freestyle band also entertained before the summit got down to real business the following day.
777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777
from http://thenationonlineng.net/web3/arts/life-midweek-magazine/30184.html
In the face of rising inequality between leaders and followers, the World Summit of Mayors held at Osogbo, the Osun State capital once more beamed its searchlight on some endemic problems which have militated against grassroots development.
The summit was the rubbing of minds by those who have successfully managed their mayoral jurisdiction, particularly in the advanced world to nip in the bud the recurring dismal and retrogressive management of grassroots governance in Africa and other developing economies.
It will also remain fresh in the minds of participants from Africa and the African Diaspora who had the opportunity of examining such issues aimed at restoring, strengthening and uplifting working relationships and collaboration amongst the various participating leaders.
Expectedly, local leaders at the conference would harness some lessons from the conference, as the Osun State government promised to provide a template for others.
Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said given the abysmal interference in grassroots politics, particularly by state governments, most councils have not been able to meet up their statutory obligations to the people.
He said the undue meddlesomeness has impoverished the people, stalling development and making the councils unattractive not only to residents but also to potential investors. He added that in most cases, it has led to rural-urban drift further increasing cases of crime and social vices in the cities.
The governor said, henceforth, local governments in Osun State would no longer have their funds tampered with. According to him, it was better to allow councils to manage their statutory allocations to speed up development at the grassroots and to further engender true federalism.
The governor noted that the fundamental belief is that the unified work on the development challenges facing cities on the global landscape is essential to the improvement of the well-being of humanity.
Interestingly, the conference session provided opportunities to enhance capacities of local governments to discuss and develop strategies to solve universal problems. It noted that in the provision of housing, education, healthcare, gender equity, agricultural development, tourism, trade, good governance, environmental protection, justice and public safety, Africa has been the worst hit because of corruption in low and high places.
Prof Adebayo Williams, who represented the chairman of the occasion, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the benefit of the summit was a two-way traffic because Nigeria would learn from the American culture while the visitors would learn from the Nigerian culture.
He said there was no need crying any further about the era of slave trade or colonisation. Instead, Africans should examine how to get back what rightly belongs to them by engaging in constructive dialogue, which the summit has provided.
He said: "The only way you can get this back is to bring these people here and let them interact with us and that is the essence of the Summit of Black Mayors. And let me tell you the government of Osun State is already doing some fantastic jobs and you only need to see what is going on in terms of infrastructure, youth empowerment and the general peaceful atmosphere of the state."
Prof Williams explained that he expected a book to come out from the deliberations for local and international consumption. He corroborated the state government’s position on the fact that Africans and, indeed, black people the world over are increasingly demonstrating their prowess in various field of human endeavour.
"We are also conscious of the fact that our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora are encouraged by development in culture and tourism in Africa, particularly Nigeria. And in Osun State, it is reputed for its works of arts and crafts which have gained international recognition.
"It would certainly interest you to know that Ile-Ife, an ancient settlement in the state, is believed to be the origin of black people all over the world. The Osun Osogbo festival and its grove have been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a world heritage site."
The conference attracted participants from places such as Haiti, Caribbean, Europe and the America.
Dr Abubakar Momoh of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo said the concept of local government and the perspective of local governance in Africa generally have been misplaced. He noted that most times people are alienated from their leaders, thus the people are not connected to the grassroots. This disconnection, he said, works against the spirit of development.
According to him, a local government is supposed be the closest form of governance to the people where there is local participation and empowerment, but unfortunately the local governments have abandoned the grassroots people.
He said: "This summit itself is not mainly to look at local governance in term of what is happening on the continent and most especially our own black mayors in the Diaspora on what they are doing for their people and what we can draw and benefit from that. Some of our mayors will cross fertilise ideas with a view to enrich local inputs in grassroots administration."
He stressed that the conference would fine-tune methods of knowing how they have achieved success in their area of jurisdiction, what they needed to benefit from each other and how to make it effective and touch on the lives of the ordinary people.
Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the summit, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, told The Nation that Osun State would take the lead in addressing development problems at the grassroots. "The crux of this engagement is that local governments should exist for the people, which is our business and that is the basis for their relevance in the society. So far so good. Local governments in Nigeria have not been able to meet the need to the people except in some exceptional cases where they have been able to address issues of education, particularly in Osun, Adamawa and Nasarawa states."
Monday, March 14, 2011
OSEOLA MC CARTY -A GREAT BLACK WOMAN-GAVE HER ALL FOR BLACKS TO GO TO UNIVERSITY IN MISSISSIPPI(WHERE THEY JUST LYNCHED A BLACK MAN LAST YEAR!)-THIS IS BLACK CARING-TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN TO RISE!
Oseola McCarty
O1996 — Feature Writing
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FROM sithru.blogspot.com
O1996 — Feature Writing
All She Has- $150,000 -Is Going to a University
August 13, 1995
| HATTIESBURG, Miss., Aug. 10 Oseola McCarty spent a lifetime making other people look nice. Day after day, for most of her 87 years, she took in bundles of dirty clothes and made them clean and neat for parties she never attended, weddings to which she was never invited, graduations she never saw. She had quit school in the sixth grade to go to work, never married, never had children and never learned to drive because there was never any place in particular she wanted to go. All she ever had was the work, which she saw as a blessing. Too many other black people in rural Mississippi did not have even that. She spent almost nothing, living in her old family home, cutting the toes out of shoes if they did not fit right and binding her ragged Bible with Scotch tape to keep Corinthians from falling out. Over the decades, her pay -- mostly dollar bills and change -- grew to more than $150,000. "More than I could ever use," Miss McCarty said the other day without a trace of self-pity. So she is giving her money away, to finance scholarships for black students at the University of Southern Mississippi here in her hometown, where tuition is $2,400 a year. "I wanted to share my wealth with the children," said Miss McCarty, whose only real regret is that she never went back to school. "I never minded work, but I was always so busy, busy. Maybe I can make it so the children don't have to work like I did." People in Hattiesburg call her donation the Gift. She made it, in part, in anticipation of her death. As she sat in her warm, dark living room, she talked of that death matter-of-factly, the same way she talked about the possibility of an afternoon thundershower. To her, the Gift was a preparation, like closing the bedroom windows to keep the rain from blowing in on the bedspread. "I know it won't be too many years before I pass on," she said, "and I just figured the money would do them a lot more good than it would me." Her donation has piqued interest around the nation. In a few short days, Oseola McCarty, the washerwoman, has risen from obscurity to a notice she does not understand. She sits in her little frame house, just blocks from the university, and patiently greets the reporters, business leaders and others who line up outside her door. "I live where I want to live, and I live the way I want to live," she said. "I couldn't drive a car if I had one. I'm too old to go to college. So I planned to do this. I planned it myself." It has been only three decades since the university integrated. "My race used to not get to go to that college," she said. "But now they can." When asked why she had picked this university instead of a predominantly black institution, she said, "Because it's here; it's close." While Miss McCarty does not want a building named for her or a statue in her honor, she would like one thing in return: to attend the graduation of a student who made it through college because of her gift. "I'd like to see it," she said. Business leaders in Hattiesburg, 110 miles northeast of New Orleans, plan to match her $150,000, said Bill Pace, the executive director of the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, which administers donations to the school. "I've been in the business 24 years now, in private fund raising," Mr. Pace said. "And this is the first time I've experienced anything like this from an individual who simply was not affluent, did not have the resources and yet gave substantially. In fact, she gave almost everything she has. "No one approached her from the university; she approached us. She's seen the poverty, the young people who have struggled, who need an education. She is the most unselfish individual I have ever met." Although some details are still being worked out, the $300,000 -- Miss McCarty's money and the matching sum -- will finance scholarships into the indefinite future. The only stipulation is that the beneficiaries be black and live in southern Mississippi. The college has already awarded a $1,000 scholarship in Miss McCarty's name to an 18-year-old honors student from Hattiesburg, Stephanie Bullock. Miss Bullock's grandmother, Ledrester Hayes, sat in Miss McCarty's tiny living room the other day and thanked her. Later, when Miss McCarty left the room, Mrs. Hayes shook her head in wonder. "I thought she would be some little old rich lady with a fine car and a fine house and clothes," she said. "I was a seamstress myself, worked two jobs. I know what it's like to work like she did, and she gave it away." The Oseola McCarty Scholarship Fund bears the name of a woman who bought her first air-conditioner just three years ago and even now turns it on only when company comes. Miss McCarty also does not mind that her tiny black-and-white television set gets only one channel, because she never watches anyway. She complains that her electricity bill is too high and says she never subscribed to a newspaper because it cost too much. The pace of Miss McCarty's walks about the neighborhood is slowed now, and she misses more Sundays than she would like at Friendship Baptist Church. Arthritis has left her hands stiff and numb. For the first time in almost 80 years, her independence is threatened. "Since I was a child, I've been working," washing the clothes of doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, she said. "But I can't do it no more. I can't work like I used to." She is 5 feet tall and would weigh 100 pounds with rocks in her pockets. Her voice is so soft that it disappears in the squeak of the screen door and the hum of the air-conditioner. She comes from a wide place in the road called Shubuta, Miss., a farming town outside Meridian, not far from the Alabama line. She quit school, she said, when the grandmother who reared her became ill and needed care. "I would have gone back," she said, "but the people in my class had done gone on, and I was too big. I wanted to be with my class." So she worked, and almost every dollar went into the bank. In time, all her immediate family died. "And I didn't have nobody," she said. "But I stayed busy." She took a short vacation once, as a young woman, to Niagara Falls. The roar of the water scared her. "Seemed like the world was coming to an end," she said. She stayed home, mostly, after that. She has lived alone since 1967. Earlier this year her banker asked what she wanted done with her money when she passed on. She told him that she wanted to give it to the university, now rather than later; she set aside just enough to live on. She says she does not want to depend on anyone after all these years, but she may have little choice. She has been informally adopted by the first young person whose life was changed by her gift. As a young woman, Stephanie Bullock's mother wanted to go to the University of Southern Mississippi. But that was during the height of the integration battles, and if she had tried her father might have lost his job with the city. It looked as if Stephanie's own dream of going to the university would also be snuffed out, for lack of money. Although she was president of her senior class in high school and had grades that were among the best there, she fell just short of getting an academic scholarship. Miss Bullock said her family earned too much money to qualify for most Federal grants but not enough to send her to the university. Then, last week, she learned that the university was giving her $1,000, in Miss McCarty's name. "It was a total miracle," she said, "and an honor." She visited Miss McCarty to thank her personally and told her that she planned to "adopt" her. Now she visits regularly, offering to drive Miss McCarty around and filling a space in the tiny woman's home that has been empty for decades. She feels a little pressure, she concedes, not to fail the woman who helped her. "I was thinking how amazing it was that she made all that money doing laundry," said Miss Bullock, who plans to major in business. She counts on Miss McCarty's being there four years from now, when she graduates. |
© 1995, The New York Times
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FROM sithru.blogspot.com
Oseola McCarty: The lesson of simplicity
Filed under Inspired , Simplicity , by sudara || සුදාර... on Saturday, December 25, 2010
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She is one of the most amazing women in the world who is inspired by millions of people around the world for her donation of $150,000 for the scholarship of the University of Southern Mississippi. While this may not have been the largest single donation the school ever received,what was unique was that she had saved the money over the course of her life time from her modest earnings washing other people's clothes.
Oseola McCarty was born, reared and started her education in Mississippi. When she was in the sixth grade, McCarty left school to care for her ailing aunt and never returned to school. For more than 75 years, she earned her living as a laundress. She did laundry for three generations of some Hattiesburg, Miss., families.
McCarty never owned a car; she walked everywhere she went, pushing a shopping cart nearly a mile to get groceries. She rode with friends to attend services at the Friendship Baptist Church. She did not subscribe to any newspaper, considering the expense an extravagance. Similarly, although she owned a black and white television, she only received transmissions via the airways. In 1947, her uncle gave her the house in which she lived until her death. She also received some money from her aunt and mother when they died, which she also placed into savings.
"I want to help somebody's child go to college," she said after announcing the donation. Her gift endowed the Oseola McCarty Scholarship. "I'm too old to get an education, but they can." When asked about her ability to save so much money she says simply, "I didn't buy things I didn't need, The Lord helped me, and he'll help you, too. It's an honor to be blessed like that."
In 1998, she was awarded an honorary degree from USM, the first such degree awarded by the university. She received scores of awards and other honors recognizing her unselfish spirit, and President Bill Clinton presented her with a Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second highest civilian award, during a special White House Ceremony. She also won the United Nations' coveted Avicenna Medal for educational commitment. In June 1996, Harvard University awarded McCarty an honorary doctorate alongside Maya Lin, Walter Annenberg, and Judith Jameson.
She passed away Sept. 26, 1999 from a cancer leaving a golden lesson of simplicity for all of us. A collection of McCarty's views on life, work, faith, saving, and relationships can be found in her book, Simple Wisdom for Rich Living, published by Longstreet Press in 1996.
Read the original story of donation
Read the original story of donation
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