ITALY LAUNCHES NOBEL PRIZE CAMPAIGN FOR AFRICAN WOMEN

Maathai: The first African woman in Kenya to earn a doctorate, the 64-year-old biologist gained international recognition in 1977 when she founded the Green Belt


To gain international recognition for African Women in both daily life, social and political activities, Italian cooperation, an integral part of Italy's foreign policy, has announced it is working with over thirty local authorities and hundreds of personalities from Italian and international cultural and entertainment and the civil society on a campaign to promote the candidacy of African women for the Nobel Peace Prize.



The cooperation is called the "NOPPAW" (Nobel Peace Prize for African Women) campaign. The exercise is sponsored by Solidarita' e Cooperazione Cipsi and ChiAma I'Africa with the support of the Italian foreign ministry. The cooperation aims to organize many events around the country to promote African women's growing role across the African continent.

"African women are the continent's compelling leaders, both in daily life, social and political activities," said Guido Barbera, president of Solidarietà e Cooperazione Cipsi, in a statement released by the Italian foreign ministry. 

Africa stands on their feet, female entrepreneurs, politicians, promoters of rights, health, peace, and co-existence; it is impossible to imagine the future of Africa without picturing the many ordinary women who carry the weight of this land every day, taking on its tragedies and bearing its hope," Barbera added.

According to the ministry, initiatives will be taken over the coming months, following the campaign's re-launch on International Women's Day, on March 8, 2011, in various regions of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and other African countries. 

The implementation plans will officially be presented to the European Parliament in Brussels on May 23, 2011, by the Italian Foreign Ministry, with numerous activities throughout the year.

LIBYA: GHOSTS OF LOCKERBIE AIR DISASTER SEEK REVENGE ON GHADAFI

Pan Am Flight 103



Almost over three decades, after the Pan Am Flight 103 was blown over Lockerbie, a small town in Scotland, killing 243 passengers, 16 crew aboard and 11 on the ground, in the worst terrorist act planned by the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Ghadafi, it seemed finally the ghosts of the victims are now seeking their revenge on the man who had escaped punishment for a very long time.


The Lockerbie air disaster sparked a lot of controversy over who was responsible. In July 1988, six months before the Lockerbie bombing, the US shot down an Iranian Airbus, killing 290 passengers on board. 

The Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini vowed he would take bitter revenge. An explosive was planted inside a radio-cassette player with a timer, triggered by air pressure. The remains of the radio cassette player were found among the wreckage.

Despite this amazing evidence, further investigation revealed that Gaddafi was the man behind this deadly act. The explosives were actually carried out by Abdelbaset al-Megrahi at the orders of Gaddafi, but Gaddafi denied every allegation, including the one behind the bombing. 

International pressure on Gaddafi and the fear of being attacked by coalition forces made him quickly accept the responsibility for the Lockerbie air disaster.

Gaddafi agreed to pay compensation of 2.7 million dollars to the families of the 270 victims. An agreement that would enable each victim to receive as much as 10 million dollars. The question is, why did Gaddafi finally accept responsibility for something he had previously denied? 

To make matters worse, the release of Abdelbaset al Megrahi, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, caused a lot of provocations and demonstrations worldwide. The family of the victims thought the man should have been kept behind bars for life. The United States of America even called it a "miscarriage of justice".

Coalition forces are now trying to topple Gaddafi since he has refused to step down by the demands of the Libyans. In his effort to convince his people and hold on to power, Gaddafi called the West and  America rats and cockroaches and urged the Libyans to fight them for the sake of their precious oil, which the West and America want so much. 

Unfortunately, he has forgotten that his involvement in the Lockerbie air disaster has also generated more hatred for him than for a very long time. The West and the United States of America have been looking for the best punishment to suit him, and now this is the time.

It's unfortunate for the Gaddafi regime that no amount of compensation paid to the family of the victims of the air disaster could help him. The victims' ghosts are seeking their sweet revenge, and I think the spirits of the dead would never sleep peacefully in their graves until Gaddafi is overthrown.

PAUL GASCOIGNE IS THE RIGHT MAN TO HELP VICTIMS OF ALCOHOLISM

Paul Gascoigne: A great footballer who couldn't free himself from alcohol



If Britain needs to educate the youth and alcoholics against alcoholism, then Paul Gascoigne would be the best person to do this job. Experience is the best teacher, they say. Paul has been in alcoholism before and is now out of it. 


He has therefore acquired a certain experience that he could use to help other people who alcoholism is gradually being their toll on them.


I quote "I could drink a bottle of whiskey, but give me six cans and I will be drunk. It was getting too much for me. I was trying to fill my days doing my dad's garden or things for my mum, playing football on the street with my nephews." 

That is an emotional speech of once one of the best Britain's, or probably the world's, best footballers, Paul Gascoigne. At his highest peak, this great footballer's only problem was alcohol.

Paul Gascoigne couldn't leave alcohol alone, even though he knew alcohol and sports can't work together. Paul is quite happy about his present life after kicking alcohol. 

Paul Gascoigne's great moments on the field


He has just completed a three-month course at a Bournemouth center. The course has brought his awareness of an understanding of how alcohol can destroy one's life.

Even though alcohol ruined the career of Paul Gascoigne prematurely, he still has a lot to do to help people who are trying to fight against alcoholism without success. 

Paul, I know that you can do it. Happy to see you once again in the news with the best solution for your life.

HOSNI MUBARAK'S KINGDOM FALLEN IN A DISGRACEFUL MANNER

Hosni Mubarak's kingdom came to an end after his own people rejected him.



If a soothsayer had warned Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, that his own people would one day revolt against him, I am sure that he wouldn't have admitted it. 


Because of Mubarak, he needs no dream or vision to see the future, or afraid of any forthcoming political chaos in his country. After all, for over three decades, he had kept the Egyptians under his control without any fear of his losing his throne.

Mubarak, like many of the African leaders, created a one-party state to dominate and dictate to the people in a grand style, with corruption and a flamboyant lifestyle. 

As a president, Hosni Mubarak survived many assassination attempts on his life, but he couldn't escape the wrath of the Egyptians, who demanded his resignation in one of the biggest demonstrations in the history of Egypt.

According to an Arabic news site, the "Akhbar al-Arab", Gamal Mubarak, the 47-year-old son of Hosni Mubarak, together with his family, including Suzanne, 69,  Mubarak's wife, fled with a private jet to London to occupy a villa already bought by the corrupt Hosni Mubarak at 9 million dollars (6.5 million euros). 

Mubarak's family arrived in London with 97 suitcases. Corruption is always associated with African leaders. They deposit large sums of money at foreign banks while the common people suffer in poverty.

The world is rapidly changing. Even the Arab world wants democracy, though some don't agree with the USA. Power belongs to the people as well; this is what African leaders must know. 

What has happened to Hosni Mubarak is an experience that one-party state leaders should learn from. This is also a warning to corrupt leaders. 

Whatever one sows in life, exactly what one shall reap. Disgrace will always await them at the end of the tunnel, as Hosni Mubarak.

Judge Ian Trigger, Ignore The Chief Justice And Do Your Job

Judge Ian Trigger spoke the truth

In the course of duty as a judge or lawyer, many are those who come under attack within the judicial premises. 

In my opinion, there was nothing wrong when Judge Ian Trigger spoke against Britain's lax immigration policy in 2009, which the chief justice found a bitter pill to swallow. 

Judge Trigger, you have spoken the truth, nothing but the truth.

There is a problem in Britain. The ministers and members of parliament speak about it daily, yet the problems continue to exist because in their opinion, "Word speaks louder than action." 

There is never a solution to a problem if an action is not taken. I need to remind them.

For example, there are so many crimes in Britain. It is not because there is no job, but most people are lazy. I quote Judge Trigger, "People say there are no jobs around, but why are immigrants flooding in and working hard? 

They are just dirty jobs, and the people don't want to do them." Despite this statement, Judge Trigger feels tied or handicapped to deliver the right punishment for a criminal, because of the way he was attacked by the Chief Justice in 2009.

Instead of working hard to revive the ailing economy of Britain, many choose to indulge in crime. At the moment, Britain is the leading country in Europe, with teenage pregnancy and alcoholism. 

David Cameron has a big responsibility on his shoulders if he wants to make Britain a crime-free and healthy country.

SUICIDE, IS THAT THE ONLY OPTION TO ESCAPE LIFE TURMOILS?

Depression often leads to suicide, but you can overcome those suicidal tendencies.



In response to extreme life problems, such as poverty, emotional pain, marriage problems, child abuse, debt, poor health, emotional upset, terrible living conditions, mental disorders, injury, chronic disease, and a lot of others, many choose to take their own life. 

Unfortunately, the people seemed not to value life any longer and would rather resort to this act that the scriptures speak against in the Holy Bible.

I have never met any suicide victim before because it's only a few who survive when quickly saved. But one day I met a beautiful mother of two nice daughters in Antwerp, at the central library, and we became friends. 

During our conversation, she told me the stupid thing she did when she was seventeen. She jumped over a bridge and fell onto a highway to end her life, but no vehicle ran over her.

As I look at her, I know that she was saved because the Lord wants her to survive to tell others not to attempt suicide during emotional stress or any other problem. 

Then I asked her if she has faith in God. She shuddered negatively but said she believes there is a certain spirit that guides us. I said Yes! That unseen spirit that guides us is the Lord, Jesus, the unseen guest.

In fact, suicide is an evil thing to do. I feel sorry for those who take other people's lives by their own request when gravely ill. The wounds suicide leaves in the lives of those left behind are often deep and long-lasting. 

Many people underestimate the Bible. But that Holy Book is powerful in healing a tormented mind than the doctor's prescription.

Pray without ceasing in the time of distress and see the miraculous result afterward. Life is beautiful and precious, so we mustn't waste it.

BELGIUM IN GOOD SHAPE AS ECONOMY IMPROVES

The port of Antwerp

Despite the bank crisis in 2008 and the severe global economic recession in 2009, Belgium's economy has improved rapidly as ever thought.

The economy recovered by two percent against last year, when the crisis was at its peak, and hopefully, 37,000 jobs will be created this year. What are the reasons that improved the economy at a very fast rate?

The export played a very significant role in Tonsin Belgium's economic growth in 2010.

 Belgium's goods leave the harbor daily to most of the European countries, including the United States of America, thereby generating much capital to sustain the economy.

BART DE WEAVER AT FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION END OF YEAR MEETING

The mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, and the writer Joel Savage


Saturday, December 4, 2010,  the Flemish Journalists Association held its end-of-year conference at the venue NOVOTEL in Antwerp. 


Present at the conference were various journalists representing different media, including Mr. Bart De Weaver, the president of N-VA, a Flemish Party that strives for independent Flanders in a United Europe.

The conference was officially opened by Mr. Walter Van Den Branden, the current chairman of the Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging. 

Key members of the association, including the head of the recognition commission, discussed the management and analysis of financial condition and results of operations at the conference. 

The role of journalists in this new environment and the many sacrifices journalists around the world make to do their job well were also discussed.

Members who have been within the association in the past 25 years were rewarded with gifts presented by the chairman for their hard work and dedication to keep the association growing from strength to strength. 

One of such members is the well-known cartoonist Mr. Bob Vincke.

Bart De Weaver's appearance at the meeting generated many questions from some of the members. He patiently answered every question. 

Some of the members had the opportunity to take photographs with him. The meeting finally came to an end after a buffet and drinks for the members.

CONINCKPLEIN IN ANTWERP, STILL DRUG PEDDLING NEIGHBORHOOD

The new library, 'Permerke,', 'Permerke,' has transformed Coninckplein in Antwerp.Antwerp.


Coninckplein, a neighborhood within the municipal zone of 2060 in Antwerp, has been a center of all notorious and nefarious activities in the past. 


Just an hour's investigation and survey of the area on Saturday, November 20, 2010, revealed that the place has increased in its criminal activities more than ever.

Drug peddlers, criminals, scavengers, alcoholics, and thieves have chosen Coninckplein as their haven or paradise. 

Unfortunately, the modern library built a few years ago to transform the place is not yielding any good results for the continually terrorized neighborhood.

Junkies, alcoholics, the homeless, homeless, and criminals in possession of stolen items and fake jewels interrupt decent people and pedestrians with their fake ornaments, ornaments, forcing them to buy. 

People who are not interested in buying stolen items and fake ornaments can't even secure their freedom easily. It can take them minutes to break free from the frustrated criminals.

Coninckplein has been a center of concern for every administration of the past and present of elected mayors of Antwerp. Unfortunately, nothing has been achieved so far. 

One thing I have observed so far is that any time the police in Antwerp set up a "Police Mobile Office" at the place, the activities of the criminals and drug peddling dwindle or subside. They only resurface when the police move away.

As a matter of fact, another issue causing more problems within the vicinity is the sale of alcohol by many cafes and alcohol shops in the area. 

Coninckplein is under such a state that the mayor of Antwerp, Patrick Janssens, should realize that he has a big responsibility to make the place safe, hanging on his shoulders.

Antwerp needs citizen action for neighborhood safety. A community strategy must be enforced to improve the quality of life. Coninckplein really needs a facelift. Facelift. 

If necessary, necessary, all the alcohol and cafes brewing crime and drug peddling in the area must be permanently shut down.

SUU KYI FREE AT LONG LAST

Suu Kyi


World leaders hailed the release of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest Saturday, but warned the country's junta not to restrict her, even as a senior government official insisted she was "completely free". This is history in Burma, as the military junta bows to democracy.


Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi holds a bouquet of flowers as she appears at the gate of her house in Rangoon. World leaders have hailed the release of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest but warned the military junta not to restrict her in other ways and called for all political prisoners to be freed.

US President Barack Obama said that "while the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma."

"She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world," said Obama in a statement, using the country's former name.

While the United States welcomed Suu Kyi's release, it was "time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners," added Obama, in Japan for a regional summit, echoing sentiments aired by other world figures.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, "an inspiration" to the world, a UN spokesman said.

"The secretary-general expects that no further restrictions will be placed on her, and he urges the Burma authorities to build on today's action by releasing all remaining political prisoners," said the spokesman.

"France will be extremely attentive to the conditions in which Madame Aung San Suu Kyi enjoys her refund liberty," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement issued by the Elysee Palace.

Any "restrictions on her freedom of movement and expression would constitute a new unacceptable denial of her rights," he said.

But a senior Burmese official said no conditions were tied to Suu Kyi's release. "She is completely free -- there are no conditions at all," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called her release "long overdue", branding her detention for 15 of the last 21 years a "travesty, designed only to silence the voice of the Burmese people."

"Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration for all of us who believe in freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights," he said. "Freedom is Aung San Suu Kyi's right. The Burmese regime must now uphold it."

Britain is the former colonial power in Burma, which achieved its independence as Burma in 1948, and Suu Kyi's late husband was British.

Desmond Tutu, chair of the group of retired senior statesmen known as The Elders, called Suu Kyi "a global symbol of moral courage" and said her release "offers hope to the people of Burma."

For his part, Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Burma, told AFP he was "very, very relieved" at the news.

Pitsuwan said he hoped Suu Kyi would be able to play a role in bringing national reconciliation, while the Japanese government urged Burma to take "further positive measures."

In Brussels, European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso called for Suu Kyi to be granted "unrestricted freedom of movement and speech" so she could "participate fully in her country's political process." He echoed the call for the release of political prisoners.

Similar reactions came from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the governments of Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, and South Africa.

In Geneva, United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay called Suu Kyi's release "a positive signal" by Burma authorities and said she could "make a major contribution" in the transition to democracy and national reconciliation.

"I urge the authorities of Burma to now release the other 2,200 political prisoners as a clear sign that the new government intends to respect human rights and forge a new future for the country," Pillay said.

China, one of Burma's closest allies and a mainstay for the junta through trade ties, arms sales, and using its veto on the UN Security Council against sanctions, had no immediate reaction.

But the official Xinhua news agency, reporting her release, did describe Suu Kyi as "a noted political figure."

Rights group Amnesty International said Suu Kyi's release was not a "concession" by the regime and should not take attention away from other prisoners of conscience being held in "deplorable conditions".

Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch called the junta's move a "cynical ploy" to deflect criticism of its recent election.

"If the military government is serious about increasing political space after the elections, then it will release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally," said HRW official Elaine Pearson.

FEMALE CIRCUMCISION IS BARBARISM

Dangerous implements used for female circumcision in Africa


Oppression and discrimination against women have become major concerns in many parts of the world, including Africa. 


Many women have become subject to all kinds of horrible situations, ranging from rape, sexual harassment, and physical battering to psychological abuse.

In some parts of Africa and Asia, men hold the view that "as a husband, to that woman," they have the right to beat up their wives any time they wish to do so. The ignorant idea that girls are not as important as boys views women as sexual objects rather than industrious, hard-working people.

An outdated practice going on in Africa, which has caused many health hazards to women, is female circumcision. In the Republic of Sierra Leone, an ethnic group calling itself "The Bondo Society" still carries this practice. 

Why female circumcision? The idea behind this barbarous act, which has caused so much misery and sickness to thousands of women across Africa, is to "help" the woman to be faithful and stay with only her husband.

Female circumcision is practiced in 26 countries across Africa, and the significance behind this act is totally meaningless and not beneficial to women in any way. Women are not going to be tied down by this outdated tradition. The world must fight against this wicked act. It's totally inhuman.

INTERVIEW: GREGORY ISAACS SPEAKS TO JOEL SAVAGE

The writer Joel Savage and Gregory Isaacs



Reggae superstar Gregory Isaacs has rocked the world with his countless hits in the field of reggae over the past thirty years. Known in Jamaica as “The Cool Ruler” due to his slow style of cool melodious love tunes, the star was born in 1951 in Kingston-Jamaica. 


Gregory died at the age of 59, after a long illness at his London home on Monday morning.


His numerous hits, which include “Night Nurse, Mr. Brown, Slave Market, Black Liberation Struggle, Diplomatic Fools, Not the way, Hard drugs, made the ultimate reggae star unique and gained international stardom. 

On May 2, 2008, supported by a Jamaican reggae group called “Live Wyya,” Gregory thrilled the audience when one of the ladies that night gave him a bunch of roses.

After performing live, we sat down for a conversation of which I want to share with reggae fans worldwide.

Joel: It’s been over thirty years since you stormed the reggae world. You are still serious in the field of reggae. What has kept you strong all these years?

Gregory: Jah is my guide, my light, and my salvation.

Joel: You have released a great number of hits, including “Hard Drug,” which hit the British charts in the middle of the eighties. Could you please tell me which of your albums has that song and which of your albums is the best?

Gregory: To me, the best of everything hasn’t come out yet, and that song is on the album “All That I Have Is Love,” the second version.

Joel: Often, great reggae stars are tainted with scandals many times, which has led them to jail. Do you think it’s just a way to ruin their career or frustrate them because they often sing against the government?

Gregory: Well, some people do good things and others do bad things. But when people are in control, they can do whatever they want because they can. Also, the devil is everywhere. Gregory then laughed hysterically.

Joel: I always asked every reggae star I interviewed the same question. All over Africa, the name Gregory Isaacs is regarded as one of the greatest stars in reggae music. However, have you ever visited any of the reggae countries?

Gregory: Yes, I have been all over Africa. I have been to Zimbabwe, Ghana, Gambia, and Ethiopia. I have been right there, truly speaking.

Joel: Reggae music is a crowd puller; everyone loves it. You can imagine the fans who came to watch you tonight. Everywhere is fully jammed. But why is the music given less recognition compared to other music?

Gregory: The music is sensitive because of the truth. Bob was once asked in an interview if reggae preaches violence. Bob said positively that before rasta came on the scene, there was violence. The truth is bitter to swallow, sharper than an arrow piercing through the flesh.

Joel: As a family man, how many children do you have?

Gregory: Eleven children.

Joel: When you finally retired from music, what do you think would be your next ambition?

Gregory: Those who need uplifting shall be uplifted, but physically and financially, men are at the forefront and the work shall continue.

Joel: What advice do you have for your numerous fans worldwide on drug abuse?

Gregory: It only loves; the love of God could conquer drug abuse

Joel: Mr. Isaacs, thank you very much for this interview.

Gregory: Jah love.

Read other artists' interviews, in 'The Passion Of Reggae And African Music available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Joel-Savage/e/B008SCTYI6

The Children's Story: WHY ANANSI -THE SPIDER ALWAYS HIDES AT THE CORNER

Ananse the spider: African folktales.

Grouping children and telling them stories is one of the African traditions. This is a story about the spider known by the Akans, Fantis, or Twi in Ghana as "Anansi."

According to the story, Anansi visited his mother-in-law on an empty stomach. He was really starving to death. 

On arrival, he was welcomed by his in-law, and since her delicious meal of beans was ready, his mother-in-law served him.

 Even though Anansi was on the edge of collapsing with hunger, he refused to eat the food with the excuse that he had eaten a couple of minutes ago.

According to the narrator of the story, Anansi was just playing gently. He was actually feeling shy about eating at his mother-in-law's house. 

This is actually a stupid thing to do by Anansi; after all, what is the shamefulness in this when someone eats at the wife's mother's house?

Just then, someone knocked on the door. As soon as the mother-in-law went to answer the call, Anansi sneaked into the kitchen to fill his hat full of the hot bean stew and quickly put it on his head.

The extremely hot cooked bean stew was peeling off his hair from his skull. He told his mother-in-law that he wants to leave. Then, both went out talking. 

He told his mother-in-law, "Please go back to the house; I can go on my own." His mother-in-law, not suspecting anything, decided to escort him further.

When Anansi couldn't persuade his wife's mother to return home, and also couldn't stand the pain any longer, he lifted his hat, and the hot beans spilled all over his body.

The shocked mother-in-law stood motionless, watching as her son-in-law fled in agony. The shame Anansi cast on himself was too much to bear; from that period, he went into hiding.

This is the reason Anansi the Spider is always seen at the corners of buildings or places. Actually hiding from his disgrace.

HOME OFFICE MUST CONSIDER GAMU

Rejected X Factor hopeful Gamu Nhengu must leave the UK voluntarily, the UK Border Agency has said.


The 18-year-old singer was allowed to stay in the country as a dependent while her mother, Nokuthula Ngazana, studied at university. But the visa has now run out, and the family's application to remain in the UK has been rejected as they did not meet all the criteria set down by the Home Office.

Gamu Nhengu must leave the UK?

They must now leave the UK voluntarily or face deportation to their native Zimbabwe. A spokesman for the Home Office said the decision to axe the student from X Factor was the "business" of the television show. 

He could not say whether the omission by Judge Cheryl Cole had been decided after talks between immigration officials and the program's bosses.  

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "The applications made by Miss Ngazana and her family were considered in line with the published immigration rules.

"Miss Ngazana's application was refused as it did not meet all of the conditions for approval. Her family, who had applied as her dependents, was therefore also refused." 

So far, more than 210,000 fans have signed up to a Facebook page called Gamu Should Have Got Through, protesting against the decision by Cheryl on Sunday to leave Gamu out of the final 12.

At least one of the rejected contestants will be given a lifeline over the weekend as a wild card on Saturday night's program. Bosses have denied reports that Cheryl was influenced by fears that Gamu's visa was due to run out. 

A spokeswoman for the ITV1 talent show said: "Gamu's visa being processed was not the reason that she didn't make the final 12." This is really a sad story that has touched many people across the world.

STEVE BIKO: LEGEND OF A POLITICAL HERO

The great Steve Biko

He sacrificed his life to make what South Africa is today.

In the political history of South Africa, many are those who fought against the evil apartheid, oppression, mass arrests, detention without trial, etc. 

Along the line with Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Chief Buthelezi, etc, in the struggle to emancipate blacks from hardships was Steve Bantu Biko, who died in detention before he could see the fall of apartheid years ago, in South Africa.

Although Steve Biko is gone, his great achievement and his part in the struggle to free South Africa, under the previous white minority rule, will always be remembered. 

Steve Biko, the man popularly known as the "Father of Black Consciousness Movement," was born in King William's Town, Cape Province in South Africa, on December 18, 1946. He lost his father at the tender age of four.

After his primary and secondary school education in South Africa, he left for the Lovedale institution in Alice. He received his higher education at the Roman Catholic Marianhill in Natal and entered the medical school of the University of Natal in 1965. 

As an active member of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS), his heart was increasingly in politics. He left NUSAS and formed the South African Students Organization (SASO).

Regarded as one of the fearless critics in South Africa, along the line with Nelson Mandela, despite both having different views and options, Biko faced the white regime squarely. 

Not by violence, but through his writings, which he named "I write what I like." The white regime found his writings as nothing but the simple truth and thought his letters posed a threat to national security. He writes:

Black consciousness seeks to talk to the Black man in a language of his own. It is only by making familiar the basic setup in the Black world that one will be aware of the urgent need for the reawakening of the sleeping masses. 

He stressed, "It urges black people to judge themselves as human beings and not to be fooled by the white society, which has white-washed itself to enjoy privileges at the expense of blacks; Biko pointed out that the logic behind white domination is to prepare the Blackman to serve and give him respect. 

Even in sports, Whitman wants to do everything for themselves, all by themselves, by keeping Blacks to stand at touchlines to witness the game they are playing.

In his writings, he always stressed and talked openly against whites, saying that "there is no doubt that the color question in South African politics was originally introduced for economic reasons. 

Because the selfish white leaders installed a barrier between blacks and whites so that they could enjoy what belonged to Blacks. 

To avoid influencing the various Black groups in South Africa, which gave him much support and recognition, Steve Biko was arrested and detained many times under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act in South Africa.

In many cases, he was always released. But on August 18, 1977, when Steve Biko was arrested and detained under the same offense of terrorism, little did everybody know that he would not be seen again. 

He was taken to Port Elizabeth, stripped naked, and tortured to death. His autopsy stated that he died of brain damage. Those responsible for his death lied that he died on a hunger strike in detention.

Unfortunately, Steve Biko wasn't alive to see what he sacrificed his life for: the fall of apartheid. However, on the eve of the 33rd anniversary of his death, it is worthwhile to say that "September 12 of every year should be declared as a public holiday in the Republic of South Africa, in honor of that great man.

If a day in America is observed as a holiday for the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., then the late Steve Biko should be given that recognition, too, in South Africa. Steve Biko died at the age of 31. He left behind a widow and two boys aged seven and three.

WORLD BANK GRANTS LOAN TO REPUBLIC OF BENIN

The World Bank



The World Bank has granted a loan amounting to six billion FCFA to the Republic of Benin to finance the country's development projects. 


The project is to lead to the development of the poorest communities to have basic socio-economic services and towards education, health, and water sectors.

The financing will also help carry out several activities within the framework of the initial project, particularly the strengthening of institutional capacities within communes and communities. 

The main purpose of the project, which was launched in 2005, is to promote the development of Benin's fragile infrastructure.

The project will be recognized to focus on the sectoral ministries, communes, and village communities to increase access of the poorest communities to the basic social and financial services.

PROMOTING CHILDREN'S INTEREST IN BOOKS

A child needs education for future development.


In many Third World countries, there is a decline in the reading standard of children, due to many problems, such as the inability to purchase books and the failure of parents themselves to read and teach their children to follow their steps.

Most of the time, when the performance of a child at school is poor, the fault is placed at the doorsteps of teachers, but then, as parents, what help do we give our children when they are out of sight of teachers?

Educationists had often said that in Africa, the reading ability of children is poor because they are not encouraged to read and learn. Parents who did not get the opportunity to be educated may feel that education is a waste of time, and therefore, the child should engage in trade.

But now it is well accepted that since a child out of school is a waste of natural resources, the children's interest in books should be a priority and considered a responsibility for every parent and teacher. The library is said to be the heart of a school. It plays a major role in teaching and encouraging children to read.

The numerous books in the library are a source of delight to children, as they take in and take out books regularly. This improves their reading ability.

AFRICAN FILM: “LOVE BREWED IN THE AFRICAN POT”

Kwaw Ansah's Love brewed in the African pot.


African films continue to face many problems competing with other films on the international level. The more the film industry fights for international recognition, the more it lags due to many reasons. 


African films are only watched by Africans and other Third World countries. According to film critics, the stories used for most of the African films are insignificant, and thus, if the African film industry wants their films to be accepted on an international level, then they must base the films on good stories.

Kwaw Ansah’s “Love Brewed in an African Port” tackles the residual effects of still-recent colonialism on the minds and hearts of the Ghanaian people. Despite the problems and barriers, Kwaw Ansah’s “Love Brewed in an African Port,” released in 1981, achieved success both in Africa and on the international level. 

Ansah’s hope in making the film was that it would prove to be popular both with African audiences and well-regarded critics and peers. He was successful on both grounds.

The film earned awards worldwide, including the prestigious Omar Ganda Prize for most “remarkable direction and production in line with African realities” at the seventh Pan-African Film Festival (FEPACO), the first to be awarded to a film from an Anglophone country; the UNESCO film award in France; and the Jury’s Special Silver Peacock Award for a genuine and talented attempt to find a national cultural identity at the International Film Festival of India.

CAMARA LAYE's THE RADIANCE OF THE KING - Le Regard du Roi

Camara Laye


"The Radiance of the King" is one of Guinean-born Camara Laye's symbolic novels. A white man called Clarence has just arrived in Africa, but has already lost all his money at gambling. 


As a result, he has been thrown out of his hotel; he finds refuge in an African Inn.

Clarence goes out to find the African king of the country to enter his service. The king arrives on one of the rare occasions when he does appear in public, but Clarence cannot get more than a glimpse of him. 

He is joined by an impudent beggar and subsequently by a pair of boys, Nagoa and Noaga, who are full of bounce.

The king leaves for his palace, and the beggar follows him to see if Clarence can gain access to him. 

He comes back to tell the white man that there is no place for him and advises him to go south, where the two boys were also going. The innkeeper insisted that Clarence should part with his jacket to pay his debt.

This is a very interesting book that once someone starts reading, they may not like to put down until the reading is over. Camara Laye's style of writing and interesting books made him one of the best African writers. 

Some of his books are currently used as literature books in many countries in Africa, and somehave been have been translated into other languages.

The Radiance of the King is available at Amazon..

http://www.amazon.com/Radiance-King-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1590174550/

WWE FANS AWAIT FOR THE RETURN OF THE GREAT UNDERTAKER

'Undertaker,' the mysterious wrestler


A few weeks ago, after defeating Rey Mysterio, Mark William Gallaway, popularly known as "The Undertaker," appeared no more in the ring to wrestle. 

Later, Theodore Long, the manager of SmackDown, announced that the Undertaker had been seriously attacked by unknown assailants and was now in a vegetative state.

The news appeared to be true, firstly because the Undertaker failed to appear in the ring after his last fight with Rey Mysterio, and secondly, the search for the culprits by his half-brother Kane is enough to convince WWE fans that the reports are true rather than mere false.

Many said that the Undertaker is dead, while others think the wrestler is still living. Because he is someone known to have faked his own death many times. 

But what makes this wrestler so special from other wrestlers? I have never ever seen a wrestler tough and brave in the history of WWE more than this fearful wrestler called "The Undertaker".

Many have tried to get a name for themselves at his expense, and all have gone down the drain. His gimmicks, casket matches, and hell in a cell matches are frightening to watch. 

He has defeated more opponents than those who have defeated him. Many are those that say that wrestling is fake. If you think is fake, then step into the ring with the Undertaker to taste the "tombstone piledriver".

It was announced last week that the Undertaker is coming back after his long absence from the ring, and his first appearance will be in England. Now, all WWE fans are waiting for his return. His impact on the WWE scene is awesome. 

The Undertaker is not only a professional, talented, brave, and fearless wrestler but a legendary wrestling hero.