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Interview: Oyotunji African Village was co-founded by my father to promote Yoruba culture – Olori Tade Adekemi Oyeilumi

by Adewale Adenrele on October 13, 2022

American-born ” Olori Tade Adekemi Oyeilumi” is from a lineage of an African American family that discovered the African roots to prevent Yoruba from extinction and promote African customs, traditions, and culture.

In an exclusive interview with ADEWALE ADENRELE, the wife of Oba Oloyotunji speaks about her experience, challenges, lifestyle, and insight into learning the Yoruba language, tradition, and customs.

Below are excerpts:

Can you tell us briefly about how you grew up and your family?

When I was little growing up in the culture here in the USA, it was a growing space. Not as popular, and easy to find now. Spaces where the culture was felt very comfortable as a child. It was an elated feeling of feeling as if you were meant to be somewhere. And so I have a lot of memories of my very, very early childhood of seeing things very traditionally Yoruba and they are very happy memories for me.

Since I grew up already the second generation, it was my parents that got the brunt of sort of explaining to their parents and their family that they were a part of a new culture that has a whole new language, new traditions, and customs. They were like the civil rights movement for the African Diasporas’ movement/ Culture Restoration Movement here in the US.

The Kabiyesi and our story started long before Before Kabiyesi and I were born. After my father returned from the Korean War in 1955, he went straight to New York City to continue to learn and discover his African roots. Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I and my father met in 1955 in Harlem, New York City, and quickly started to work together with a bunch of like minds who were looking to not only discover their culture, traditions, and spirituality but also looking to spread the message to other African Americans in the US. They opened up a temple in 1956 and continue to work together.

In 1969, my father was a part of the caravan of a few who came down from New York City to create and build what we now know as Oyotunji Yoruba African village.

You are an American but promoting African customs, and traditions. Why do you choose Yoruba’s name and language and what do you like about African Culture?

I am an African American promoting African customs, traditions, and culture. But I didn’t choose but it is necessary. I was born the second generation to the African diaspora community here in the US through my Father Chief Adeyemi Oyeilumi an original pioneer of the Ifa culture movement since 1956. My mother Oyafunmike Ogunlano married my father in 1976 and cemented her space in the Yoruba culture. So I was born Iyetade Osunbukola Oyeilumi. As tradition has it I was given my name through Dafa at my naming ceremony just like a traditional Yoruba in Nigeria would get. Since the 1960’s we here in the US have also had the opportunity to be brought up in the culture. The trailblazers who created Oyotunji Yoruba African Village popularized Yoruba here in the USA

What motivated your decision to learn a new language and culture, what was your family’s reaction when you decided to take up African culture and how many languages can you speak fluently?

The family reactions to my parents varied and it varied for a lot of different people whose parents were vanguards. In this culture, you know, some families accepted them and a lot of families did not. Now the popularity of the culture here in the US is more acceptable, and so more people are open and curious as ever before period.

There are about three to four generations of African Diasporas here in North America who were born in the traditional Yoruba culture now. Thanks to the Pioneers of the Culture Restoration Movement here in the USA which started in Harlem New York. These progenitors started Oyotunji Yoruba African Village in South Carolina in 1970. Because of this village, you have second-generation, third-generation, and now fourth-generation children that are growing up learning about the Yoruba tradition. All over the US now it is acceptable to learn about your ancestors and your heritage. There is a big movement of people of African descent learning where their roots come from. And of course, a lot of people’s roots come from Nigeria. And with that, a lot of people are finding their ethnic group, and a lot of people are finding that they are Yoruba. We do have a lot of people around us that speak Yoruba and who are learning Yoruba and are curious about the Yoruba language and traditions, culture, and customs.

Tell us about your journey into the Fashion world, what are the challenges you faced while doing this and how did you overcome them?

I am a fashion designer although I went to school for buying and merchandising at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. I’ve always been a designer for my own clothes and have started small lines with my family throughout the years. My line now is My line now is by Osunbukola and it is culturally influenced by women’s resort wear. We are launching our new culture custom clothing line featuring traditional Yoruba fashions., and we work directly with Nigeria. This is a big part of our collective economic development collaborating with each other Diaspora, and Nigeria.

Do you have American friends who speak the Yoruba language or were you able to teach them?

I’m excited for the day I can say that I’m fluent in Yoruba, but I am learning more bit by bit every day more and more. I speak a little Spanish and a little Yoruba, but I couldn’t say I was fluent yet.

Are you a spiritual person and how do you meet with Oba Adefunmi Oloyotunji?

I’m a very spiritual person. I always say I’m a spiritual being first, and I’m here to enjoy my human experience. And so with that, I am not only a Yoruba culturally inclined person and traditionalist but I’m also a Yoruba spiritualist.

*Olori Tade Adekemi Oyeilumi at Oyotunji African Village*

The Oba of Yoruba North America

Kabiyesi and I first met were kids in the early 80s as children. We did not really stay in contact much because we were in very different directions. Our families however continued to work together in the Yoruba culture here.

Through connecting by loss and the power of the internet Facebook found us able to speak again in 2013. We reconnected and Kabiyesi ask to marry me. We were married the following year, in September 2014. And we had our daughter Adebisola in another year, in July 2015.

Have you been to Nigeria and Africa and what can you say about NIGERIA?

In 1981 my mother was in Nigeria for the first Yoruba conference. She was there to meet her spiritual Godfather, and become an initiate of Oya. She was also there and able to assist and witness Oba Efuntola Adefunmi I receiving His blessing. When I was little growing up in the culture being able to feel comfortable being yourself is an elated feeling. I have a lot of memories of my very, very early childhood of seeing things very traditionally Yoruba and they are very happy memories for me

Do you wish to tour Nigeria with African Development Magazine to take you around?

I am too excited to be able to go to Nigeria in 2023 for the first time. I’m excited to see the customs up close the traditions, to meet people to hear the way people are.

It’s a great partnership for me to actually travel around with a guide such as an African development magazine and actually document my first time in Africa as an African diaspora culturalist.

I am a bit of a globetrotter. I love traveling. It’s a super passion. I’m very excited to get to the continent of Africa, And the different countries I’ve had some amazing journeys in my travels to various places, but also a lot of my amazing memories just come from growing up living and working and learning about fashion and entertainment in New York City. I have so many stories and beautiful memories about that whole period, which was about at least 15 years that I definitely think there is a book in there. And so hopefully, I can share a bunch of memories with everyone. With that book.

Do you like to cook, what is your favourite meal both foreign and local?

I am really busy Oyeilumi means one of many titles. On special occasions, one of my most loved, favorite dishes is Jamaican-style oxtail. It’s really delicious I also love traditional Ground Nut Stew my Auntie taught me the best recipe, and it is so good! shrimp egusi is also one of my favorites. I love seafood so anything seafood with some fresh vegetables like a fresh farm salad. That can be my meal. I’m very happy about that.

With your vast experience in your brand #WomenDressBoutique #WomensResortwears #WomensTravelGear how have you been able to impact other with training and empowerment?

Our goal with my brand by OsunBukola is to be able to train and empower women, especially in the motherland, and connect them with the diaspora community with artists here. If we can work with production companies and tailors in Africa to produce some of our designs here in the US. We can create an eased cross-economic and cultural connection. We can actually do things bigger than China. One of our goals in visiting Nigeria is not only to see the customs and traditions but also to create a real economic development cross-connection between African American artists and African producers and artists.

What’s your secret?

A woman never tells all of her secrets but I can tell you one of my secrets is I am really close to my elevator ancestors. You know what you put out is what you get back. We’re not perfect but if you govern yourself with positive energy, it tends to create a beautiful life for yourself. Period.

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?

I am a world traveler. I love traveling. It’s one thing I’m super passionate about. And so that’s one of the reasons I’m very excited to get to the continent of Africa as a whole. To go to the different countries and the different cities in Africa and learn a lot more up close and personal myself period. So a lot of amazing memories that I’ve had have been in my journey traveling to some amazing places, but also a lot of my amazing memories just come from growing up living and working and learning about fashion and entertainment in New York City. I have so many stories and beautiful memories about that whole period, which was about at least 16 years. I definitely think there is a book in there. Hopefully, I can share a bunch of memories with everyone. With that book.

What advice would you give the younger ones?

My advice to younger people would be to enjoy where they are, at the moment there’s a lot of time to be an adult. There’s a lot of time to have bills. There’s a lot of time to have babies, there’s a lot of time to have relationships. When you are younger you are meant to explore the world explore your creativity, explore your mind, explore yourself, and learn about yourself. Learn about what makes you tick as much as possible. Before you start taking on too much of everything else. So my advice would be to enjoy yourselves where you are at the time that you are there. And to do your best to create a space where you will create generational wealth, and great health!

I also love to give advice to parents that we shouldn’t put too much pressure on our children at 18. To say that they are adults is an outdated concept.. They are not adults at this point, and science backs up that their brains are not fully developed until 25-28 making them unacceptable of fully rational behaviors. And so if we can change the ideology in our communities, especially here in America, I know over there you all can be more traditional and not necessarily push your child out at 18 years old. By continuing to work with your child at 18 and beyond you are putting you are creating a pretty cool foundation for a solid contribution to society, and generational wealth.

Interviews

Buhari’s administration has done tremendously well, scoring 65% across sectors- Amb. Zainab Mohammed

by Adewale Adenrele on August 14, 2022

Leadership has been described as the ability to influence others. An effective leader moves followers into action not with coercion but by eliciting their desire and conviction in the vision and goals articulated by the leader. Misused influence can bring about catastrophic results. But properly channeled, positive influence can bring about great change as individual actions align with group efforts to produce gains that grow exponentially. A leader, who, through focused and deliberate effort, exerts a positive influence on others, will build trust and become a true driving force toward excellence.

Ambassador Zainab Mohammed is one of the leading women who uses her platform to advocate for education, empowerment, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She is the National Coordinator for Rural Women Development (P4RWD) and the Nigerian Young Women Political Forum (NYWPF).

As a role model, an ambassador, leader, political adviser, grass-root canvasser, public speaker, and mother, Ambassador Zainab has carved out a niche in the world with her captivating educational background which enables her to hold various political positions in different capacities, lead various organizations and worked on many projects.
To her credit, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed has over two decades of local and global experience with sterling awards and recognitions. Her influence and impact cut across all the 36 states of Nigeria and across the globe.

In this exclusive interview, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed shares her views with ADEWALE ADENRELE on leadership, entrepreneurship development, and evaluation of the APC-led administration in Nigeria.

Below are excerpts:

Leadership is a dynamic process, which deserves study. It is a relational process involving interactions among leaders, members, and sometimes outside constituencies. What have been the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of leadership for you?

Some of the biggest challenges is having to deal with some multifaceted issues that evolve in our everyday ever-changing world. Ironically, in providing needed Leadership to sort out these challenges, there is this sense of rewards that satisfying from within me and again becomes the propeller to do more. And this has improved a lot in relationships with other leaders across the micro strata of leadership.

In the past 20 years, sub-Saharan Africa has achieved some of the most dramatic breakthroughs in the world. The number of female legislators on the continent has increased, would you consider yourself as a legislator someday, and what would you do differently?

The democratization process has taken root in the sub- Sahara Africa and as such the sense of freedom or franchise is growing & emancipation of women is naturally flowing along this, hence, the increasing numbers of women in Politics today!! Varying it directly with the question, I still feel we are still at the embryonic stage as far as women’s participation or holding elective legislative positions is concerned and why not, if am privileged to have the nod for my constituency for representation, I would ensure that every women emancipation related bill is lobby upon to get passage to law, ensure serious laws are passed for the restructuring of the Nigeria State functionally.

Reports put forward a new narrative of fear in the mind of Nigerians due to insecurity: from insurgency to banditry and kidnapping with no proactive measures from the govt. Do you think PMB’s administration has failed Nigerians, what would you advise the president?

To say that President Buhari has failed Nigeria is in bad taste as far as am concerned. This FG with all sense of fairness has done well across the tripod of it administration which is the Anti-corruption crusade, economy, and security.

This is the least FG in revenue earnings since 1999 and this is the only government that has done legacy-based economy and social infrastructures in this fourth republic. As we speak there is no state across the 36states without a President Muhammadu Buhari huge Project, no State or LGAs that’s not benefited from his NSIP(National Social Investment Program), no LGAs without a Buhari health center, roads repairs, the rail revolution, power generation, etc. Three gigantic sign post legacy projects that Buhari would be remembered for, are: Lagos -Ibadan six lanes expressway (South-West), Abuja-Kano (North), and Second Niger-Bridge (South East) the combination of these three projects in cost is more than 2trillion

A video went viral a few days showing some Nigerians in captivity including teenagers, adults, and aged parents being flogged mercilessly by their abductors. How would you react to this?

As much as it’s disheartening to watch, we should not also forget that the plot and ways of the bandit, and abductors used such as weapons of propaganda. The FG as a matter of urgency should do everything possible to rescue these people within the shortest possible time.

Do you think FG should maximize forests for Agricultural development to curb kidnapping and banditry and to create more jobs?
Firstly, I think as journalists, you guys need more research on the responsibility of government in a federal structure like Nigeria. The question should rather be asked how forest utilization should be well maximized across the three tiers of government for agricultural purposes and thereby curbing the use of forests as hideouts for banditry and kidnapping business.

Agriculture is in the second schedule of the Nigeria Constitution and as such, every LGAs, and state has equal constitutional rights and responsibilities as the FG to promote, formulate and drive agricultural policies independent of the FG!! If all the tiers of government do half in programs and policies as the FG, we would have moved faster. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of all the tiers of government to maximize the utilization of forests to curb crimes.

It’s been over five months that University lecturers are on strike over payment of salaries among other issues with FG, what is the lasting solution to end this?

The university is in the education sector that’s also in the second schedule of the Nigeria Constitution. All the 36states. Government by such implications also needs input in providing solutions. The FG has been blackmailed over time into this poor narrative of “ASUU VS FG” as if states’ own University lecturers are not ASUU members. The issues are clear to any sane and non-sentiment-driven group or individual to know. The FG has the right as an “Employer” of ASUU to determine the platform for their salary payment to curb corruption and anything outside that is unpatriotic on the part of the lecturers.

The lasting solution is for a total declaration of a state emergency in the education sector.

As a party member, leader and mother, do you sincerely think this administration has done well, if you are to rate or evaluate, what % would you have given, from which sector?

Beyond partisanship, even I would rate the Buhari-led FG in the following rate across sectors.
1. Economy stability in the midst of world economy crises = 60%
2. Security has been challenging for him as he tamed the terrorists in the northeast, another kind of banditry came in the picture and he is hurting them down so I give it 50%
3. Infrastructural revolution; I score this administration 70%
4. Corruption; = 50%
5. Social welfare scheme= 75%
6. Health: 65%
7. Solid minerals development; = 70%
Overall I score him 65%

What will it take to build entrepreneurship and employment in Nigeria? And what are you/ your organization trying to do to move the needle?

The following are needed for entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.
* Refine your interpersonal skills,
* Be confident, friendly and approachable–consistently.
* Connect with other entrepreneurs
* Join communities in your industry
* Make a book list
* Practice resilience.
* Ring fence time to de-stress
* Keep your learning activities.

But to drive employment, we as a people must begin to encourage the production of those things we have the comparative advantage of and reduce our consumption of things we can produce here!! Encouraging production by extension means encouraging employment generation.

In our organization, our core interest is serving as the needed big bridge within the strata of commerce and Industries. We bring the commercial value and worth into the effort in industrial production is what’s needed to drive entrepreneurship amongst producers and consumers, thereby serving as a catalyst for employment generation.

Thank you for sharing with African Development Magazine.

You are welcome. Thanks.

ADM2022

Africa Arts Entertainment Interviews Lifestyle

ENTERTAINMENT: Lack of funds is killing actors in the movie industry- Martini

by Adewale Adenrele on August 12, 2022

Martins Omosigho Ogbebor is a fast-rising actor who has got a lot to offer in the movie industry.

Since 2016 when he joined the industry, he has been putting on foot ahead of the others gradually and he has been working hard to make sure he’s part of the new breed of actors who are changing the narrative of Nollywood movies.

In this interview with ADEWALE ADENRLE, the fast-rising actor Martini shares his experience and challenges in the movie industry and how eager to work with living legends.

Below are excerpts:

Can you tell us briefly about yourself, your family, and your educational background?

I am Martins Omosigho Ogbebor, popularly known as Martini. I was born on the 8th of May in Benin City but grew up in Lafiaji, Lagos State. I am the first child with two siblings. I graduated from the University of Benin (Ekenwan campus), Edo State where I obtained a Degree in studied fine and applied art. I later joined the Itele D-icon school of performing art and graduated with a certificate.

How did you begin your acting career?

I started my career professionally in 2016 as a trainee and in 2017, I was introduced to the ” D-icon school of performing arts, owned by Ibrahim Yekini Bakare a.k.a ITELE, by one of my big sisters, Bimbo Oshin. Where I was awarded Theatre Art Certificate in November 2019. I met Bimbo Oshin through her elder sister MUMMY OGUNYE, who handed me over to sis Bimbo Oshin and she advised me to join the school of art then since then my Acting Career.

What are the challenges faced when you started acting?

The only challenge I have is finances, leaving a paid job for acting. It has not been so easy but I still thank Almighty God that has been using my Boss “Itele” for me all along. Financial assistance is killing all actors in the industry, the Government is not supporting too and Pirates are not helping as well because we hardly see our profit.

Who are some of your contemporaries in your industry?

I’ll say Rilwan Ologolo (BENZEMA), Olotu Yusuf (OLOTU), Akeem Adeyemi(SUGAR BOY) Kiki Bakare, Feranmi Oyalowo, Babatunde Aderinoye just to mention a few.

How many movies have you produced?

Two movies at the moment OLOGBOJO and ASOGBA ( the gardener). But presently working on another project, so my fans should be expecting another great movie from me. Y’all should watch for my next production.

Do you have any favourite actors whom you would love to act alongside? Yes sure,

I’ll love to work with Zubbi Micheal, Ramsey Noah, Gabriel Afolayan, Osas Ighodaro, and other great icons. Though have worked with big shots in the industry but still wish to work with the likes of Richard Mofe Damijo, Kemi Adetiba, Funke Akindele, Dakore Akande, Joke Silva, and a lot more. I will love to work with these people because their acting inspires me, when I see them acting, I can see other professional acting skills in them.

Which particular Yoruba movie brought you to the limelight, and which is the defining movie?

‘WURA MI’ brought me out, produced and directed by ITELE D’icon. The magnificent role in the movie earned the attention of many producers and directors. WURA MI is an intriguing movie where a child decided to marry his mother as a wife simply because of the love he had for his mother and the promise the mother made for his husband before his demise. I played the role of the husband (Bode) a man who loves his wife but dies when his wife was pregnant.

How do you take negative stories and comments?

Critics is very important to growth. Negative critics make me double up, I don’t let negative comments bring me down because people will surely talk even when you are doing the right thing, I am not perfect and I go with the positive ones and it makes me work harder.

If one pays too much attention to noise, one would put oneself in trouble.

What do you do next?

Like I said earlier if one pays too much attention to noise, one would put oneself in trouble. I ignore the ones that are not useful to me because if you pay attention to it, it’s gonna bring you down. People will surely talk but for me No Negative vibes

*Martins Omosigho Ogbebor a.k.a Martini*

When did you get your first shot at a financial breakthrough?

I’m yet to get that financial breakthrough though, still praying for more grace upon my career so as to get to the peak but I still thank God that I’m not where i used to be. Hallelujah!!!

Poor subtitling of Yoruba movies has been recurring; do you think it can be nipped in the bud?

The subtitle is very important in both Yoruba and English movies. However, the mistake is inevitable though, I’m not indulging them, and I can only beg the part of production that handle it to please pay attention to details.

What do you like about African Culture?

African culture is rich in cultural values. Edo, for instance, has the most beautiful traditional wedding attire, I like our language. I also love Yoruba food, dance, traditional festivals, and many more.

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?

The most amazing memory is when I emerged the 1st runner-up in Glo Rock and Rule in 2011 in Benin City. Because I remember I was not even expecting it. Someone back then in school forced me to go for it. And he noticed I was reluctant to go get a form that was free. He told me “MARTINI, go get the form, I believe in you”. I now thought about it that someone else believes in me and I don’t believe in myself. So I went to get the form. And the rest was history.

What advice would you give to people wanting to pursue your profession?

Advice to those who are coming into the industry, firstly, they have to be sure they are really passionate about it, and focused, they have to go to either a film academy or University to study it because fundamental knowledge about the industry is very important. Again, they should remember persistency and consistency wins the race here.

No competition but be determined to win and bring others up. Lastly, they should put every in the hands of God.

Thank you for sharing with African Development Magazine (ADM)

Thank you.

Africa Culture & Tourism International Interview story Interviews Personality Interview

I promote African culture, tradition and spirituality of our ancestors- Fabunmi, Yeyeoba of Oyotunji Kingdom

by Adewale Adenrele on June 16, 2022

Fabunmi Adefunmi Sands is a scientist 1, licensed phlebotomist, certified orthopedic technician, and Echocardiogram reader who is currently working as an Emergency room technician II, and as a shop steward for SEIU-United Health care workers, a part-time lobbyist who assist with debating on the Capital floor in Sacramento, California, dealing with health care bills and rights for the people of California.

She graduated from American River College with an associate’s in Health and Science with an emphasis in psychology and emergency medicine and Bachelor’s degree in health and Administration with an emphasis in the Emergency room and National.

Fabunmi is a part-time Human rights activist, a peace ambassador for the Black race, an African American Historian who hosts traditional and spiritual educational events, and the Yeyeoba of Oyotunji African Village who practice priestly ways that were learned from her parents and global travels on traditional events.

In this exclusive interview with ADEWALE ADENRELE, the Yeyeoba of Oyotunji speaks about ancestral lineage, spiritual journey in the Sango temple, and African culture and tradition, plus her major role as Yeyeoba of Oyotunji Kingdom.

Below are excerpts:

Can you tell us briefly about yourself, your family and educational background?

I am a Dahomean/ Yoruba diaspora who was born in Black Mecca, you would know it as Harlem, New York. I was born and named “Ifabunmi Olubiyi Adesoji Adefunmi’’ by way of my African naming ceremony, and my American name is Fabunmi Olubiyi Adefunmi’ which was on my American government papers. As the daughter of Oba Adefunmi I and Olori Olubunmi Adesoji, I am a diaspora child of the Oyo and Ile Ife Empire by my diaspora blood line.

I was born to the ruling house of Adefunmi, first Oba of Oyotunji African Village ‘Osejiman Efuntola Adefunmi I, and the first Olubunmi Adesoji the queen of Lukumi and the first Queen of Oyotunji. My parents, who were very strong traditionalist Yoruba priests, were very renowned in the priesthood in North America. I was born to a clan of Obatala priest on my father’s side. My mother’s clans are warrior women / iron women as well as Christian preachers, and Native Indian (Black foot and Edisto) medicine spiritualists.

*Fabunmi riding horse at Oyotunji African Village*

I was raised in the USA with western colonial ideology all around me; I am a grand descendant to Alexander Hamilton, the first treasure to the United States of America, also the grand descent to Robert Smalls, the first freed slave Senator to South Carolina. I am the grand daughter to Roy King who worked alongside the General Marcus Garve to help the Black star liner and assisting with the birth of Liberia. I was at the birth of the beginning of the nation we all now call Oyotunji African Village. I was raised in the Sango temple in New York until I was age 5, where for many nights my Yeye and baba with other priest held bembe’s and called the ancient Orisas to the earth.

Who influenced you the most in life and why?

My mother was the most influential in my life, she made me to be strong and never scared of anyone or anything, she made me very proud of my blackness when in this country call America frowned on the black people. My mother instilled in me the four elements of courage and I have lived by the rules till this day.

You are the Yeye-Oba of Oyotunji Kingdom, a royal princess and an ambassador of the royal crown; At the most simplistic level, an ambassador acts as a representative which you are one, what are your responsibilities and how have you impacted lives with your position?

Yes! I am the mother of King to Oyotunji African Village, I am the daughter of the first king of Oyotunji, I am the eldest sister to the reigning king of Oyotunji. I am in perpetuity to the Royal Crown, West African culture tradition spirituality of Ancient African religions.

I am also a representative of healing of the mind and body when in crisis, which is ruled with the divinity of the creator’s touch. My responsibilities are to work hard to educate and put forth the truth about our people and to help continue pride and proof of the great royals and rulers of great empires before antiquity, before slavery interrupted our ancestor’s time in the Empires of the humblest of humanity. I helped the spiritual children understand what that force is that compel them to want to return to Momma Africa. That force that they cannot understand, for my people in the diaspora, as well as globally, I supervise, manage and negotiate for the betterment for the kingdom of Oyotunji and the nation of the Yoruba and black race.

I hosted Black history events on the west coast of the United States. I promote the Orisa festivals held in Oyotunji African village every month, which is the only authentic African village in North America. I work in collaboration with the chiefs and Egbe’s of Oyotunji African village and villages globally to help promote the West African culture tradition and spirituality of our ancestors in its purest form.

Also, part of my responsibility to the king is to report on my findings pertaining to the family of the Adefunmi and the village of Oyotunji, also to know of the crimes against the Diaspora Africans that were scattered across the world and to make the Diaspora in America and the world to know that you have a home in Oyotunji. I educate on the name of the land called Oyo and Ile Ife, the birthplace of our ancestor. For generation we in North America were never allowed to know the names to return home to. I give the names of the ruling Kings so when they return to momma Africa, they can visit the crown that ruled over our ancestors across the ocean back in mommas Africa’s arms long before the diaspora became diaspora. I educate on how to practice our ancestors’ ways opening without religious persecution. My responsibility is to give hope to our oppressed brothers and sister who are being gun-down in cold blood here in the diaspora on how to spiritually protect them and by shielding themselves with the Orisa.

You attended the World Obatala Annual Festival 2022 edition held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria under supreme auspices of the His Imperial Majesty, Oba Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ile-Ife and the leadership of His Divine Grace Oba (Isoro) O.O.O Dada, The Obalesun Obatala Worldwide. What was the inspiration and motivation that drives your spiritualism on the attendance?

Its closeness of defining me, inline that gives birth to my ancestral lineage where I originated from, they made me who ways show me the way back to the creator to better understand the quality of being.

The two-weeks annual festival programme that celebrates Yoruba religion, customs, culture and tradition through spirituality in purity, with the aim to bring together a wider audience of Obatala devotees, traditional worshipers, traditional and cultural institutions. What do you like about African Culture and traditions?

Being a Diaspora African American, my ancestor’s culture is unwavering, I love the ancient customs they still hold to be true. I love the mystic and the beauty of the beginning of humanities manifestation of traditions that survive the birth, death and rebirth of Momma Africa’s children.

Visitors from different parts of the world such as; USA, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Argentina, Cuba and more were in attendance of the festival. Can you share with us your experience?

An awesome experience!!! I lived in America with hundreds of different ethnicities, but to spend quality time with those many different devotees from around the globe was spiritually uplifting, it made my soul feel more of a connection to being home.

The festival continuously engages in by promoting the Yoruba Cultural agenda towards a veritable socio-economic and political emancipation of our people globally as a yardstick towards global development. How would you use your visit and experience to motivate other Americans who are African descent especially Nigerians-Americans to join you?

I use all my experience to educate and give proof and facts that knowledge is power and always seek the truth, my culture; tradition spirituality has been proven through science, throughout time, our ancestors’ ways is that of the ways of divinity that lives in us all.

This year theme for International Women’s Day, is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. Can you tell us how to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all?

Women are the ones who give birth to nations, we are the ones that raise the children of that nation, we are the ones who half to have equal sitting at the table of building and sustaining a nation for we are the mothers of that nation.

A lot of African nations are fashioning their democracy after the west, yet we exist in some level of neo-colonialism. Well, is there a way to localize democracy that will fit the African context?

Our ancestors left us a blueprint, remember if you look at the Ogbonis, and the Oba council, they already have what we need but the seed of evil scamming, deceitfulness has manifested, and we must remove it from our DNA. We must know how to remove the corruption tree and we must burn its roots.

Researches put forward a new narrative explaining the variations in African ancestry in the Americas and how these variations were shaped by the transatlantic trade, how has you and many others changing the narrative for development?

African Ancestry in North America, the land of the free the home of the brave, those words where never meant for us Chattel Diaspora , American Africans who built this nation. USA Diaspora who still used as target practice for the white man’s fear prophesy preparation for the last stance of the pure white race. I as a decedent of chattel slaves, has study the reason for the debauchery of my people here in North America. Just the fact that I am allowed to read and write, look a white person in their eye when I speak and not be murdered for it is a gift from the great Brave Black Men and women who came before me.

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade took my ancestors humanity for generations, along with millions of ancestral lines. The slave trade took my ancestors language for generations upon generation from us and gave us the oppressors tongue. Still to this day we struggle to learn our ancestor’s original tongue we struggle to go back to Africa for we don’t know where to go, that is until Oyotunji African Village. The strength and resilience of my people brought forth survival tactics to live in this land, first they learned to survive by speaking to one another in an invented language called Geechee talk, , the Geechee talk was invented to help talk about things so the slave master could not know what was going on and used to trade with Indigenous of the North America .

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?

My most amazing memory was with my Yeye and Baba, they both were singing and drumming to SANGO my yeye was singing oriki (Eulogy) while my baba was drumming and me and my sister Fabayo were dancing, best memory ever.

How many languages can you speak fluently?

I speak 2 languages fluently and several others like Yoruba and French I struggle with it . Though the language was spoken amongst the free blacks and the red skin Indians of this land. As a DESCENDANT I speak Gee Chee fluently like I speak English. In America the chattel slaves lost their culture and their spirituality. As their descendants we fight every day to return to our ancestors’ ways.

We had to fight and scratch for every breath we take on this soil which has been fertilized by the blood of my people the Diaspora of North America, time after time. We the awaken generation now know the names of our ancestors lands the names of the kings, the names of the villages, we know the names of our Gods our ancestors’ ways. We know the name and way to Oyo Empire, We now know the name and place of the Ancient Holy city of Ile Ife, we know that we are from the land of the Benin the village of Abomey where my direct royal ancestor was stolen from. We no longer cry for home for we know where she is now…

What advice would you give the younger ones?

I would tell them to never forget who they are and where they came from REMEMBER your culture tradition and your own people’s spirituality

Thank you for sharing with ADM

Thank you. Alaafia o!

ADM 2022

Culture & Tourism

Nepal has the highest mountain in the world Mount Everest 8,848 meters- Bishwombhar Lamsal

by Adewale Adenrele on June 15, 2022

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and its largest source of foreign exchange and revenue before the Covid-19 outbreak that claimed lives crashed the economy and affects the growth of tourism. It suffered a setback because millions of tourism workers are jobless due to the pandemic. Even though Nepal possesses eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hot spot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers, and people seeking adventure.

Bishwombhar Lamsal, a tourism expert, consultant, and founding chairman & counselor, Vraman Holidays Pvt. Ltd shares his view with ADEWALE ADENRELE on “Pandemic and its Impact on Tourism”.

Below are excerpts:

Can you tell us the major attractions in Nepal; how would you educate interested students and potential tourists to visit Nepal?

Nepal is a country that lies between two giant countries India and China. Nepal has been blessed with the youngest and highest mountain on earth also known as the Himalayas. Nepal boasts of having eight the fourteen 8k meters mountains, the highest mountain in the world Mt. Everest 8848 meters is also in Nepal.

Nepal is rich in culture. We have around 125 ethnic tribes living in Nepal and each ethnic tribe has its traditions, customs, and culture. This multi-dimensional heritage combines the varieties of Nepal’s ethnic, tribal, and social groups, and it manifests in music and dance, art and craft, languages and literature, festivals and celebrations, and foods and drinks. With the diversity in altitude ranging from the Terai region to the Himalayan range. The landscape also varies from the lowland agricultural area and deserts to the high-altitude mountain range. Each landscape has its beauty.

Nepal is famous for Trekking; Peak Climbing; Mountain Biking Tours; expedition; Day Tours; Rafting; Wilderness Trekking; Adventure Sports Activities; Helicopter Tours; Honeymoon Tour Packages and Yoga Meditation Treks/Tours among several others. You define it; we tailor-made it. We have been continuously promoting our tourism/hospitality ventures/products and NEPAL as a whole at nearly all of the major international platforms viz: WTM; FITUR; ITB: OAS; CMT Stuttgart; MTS; VIT to name a few. On such platforms, we not only promote our company’s individual products/services but also NEPAL as a whole. We distribute our promotional materials in flash drives; brochures; websites and ads. This way we not only educate; we compel people of varied professions to come to Nepal at least once in their lifetime for life experiences.

What are the challenges you faced while doing travel and tourism business and how did you overcome them?

Tourism is always evolving and it never remains the same! Because the way we were bound to do business during the 90s/2000s and now has drastically changed! Major challenges at that time were guests visiting destinations on their own and facing problems on their way… We have numerous examples of guests missing/lost and death reports simply because they chose; to travel on their own without the support/assistance from the local experts/authorized service providers. Though problems persist, it has been drastically reduced to a significant degree. We become able in educating our guests about the consequences of traveling alone! We solopreneurs in collaboration with our government entity – Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) – are working for the welfare of our industry.

In tourism, we have aspects of tourism like educational tourism, religious tourism, medical tourism, and cultural tourism, which area is Nepal’s selling point of tourism to the world?

Nepal is diverse and rich in every aspect of Tourism/Hospitality. Nobody will return empty hands/minds once they are in this amazing piece of land! We do outstandingly promote NEPAL as a destination for Education Tourism; (concept broadening) Medical Tourism; Cultural Tourism; Photography & Movie-Shoot Tourism; Honeymoon Destination and many more…

Nomination ceremony as President at home club – Kiwanis Club of Everest, Nepal – of Kiwanis International

A marriage ceremony of company staff organized in Kathmandu at Smart Durbar

Kathmandu Durbar Square in the capital city of Nepal

While exhibiting VRAMAN HOLIDAYS PVT LTD at TIE – Tourism Industry Exhibition; Sydney 2018 with my Tourism Colleague Mr Narayan Neupane

As the founder, chairman, and counselor of Vraman Holidays Pvt Ltd. in Nepal, how long precisely do you think global travel will resume to its normal pace?

Tourism/Hospitality is the HARDEST-HIT industry sector among ALL because of the Pandemic! This is no doubt! And, an amazing part of our industry is – it is capable of rejuvenating at the FASTEST pace among ALL, as well. Let me define this; for instance, people in agriculture, under normal circumstances have to wait several months to have their product being harvested, and we cannot do this all year round! Whereas in Tourism/Hospitality, we can serve our guests all year round! The industry impacts all other sectors! Tourists’ flow means increments in activities; many people get employment; there in consumption in provisions; food, local people are deployed at specific areas as per the needs of tourists. All sectors revive just because TOURISM revives!

Thus, under normal circumstances, I presume TOURISM is the fastest-progressing industry among ALL.

Early 2020 before the pandemic outbreak, global tourism celebrated a record year of travel. Now, it’s decimated and facing a recovery that could take some time. Can you tell us how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the travel and tourism industry?

Words will be insufficient to describe the (global) impact – adverse effect – of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Tourism/Hospitality. This is a service industry and services are meant for luxury. When there arose a situation to choose between luxury and survival; anybody can choose between the ONE. For instance, people need products/goods to survive. But services are for thriving. During the Pandemic, our quest was the SURVIVAL! Thank God, we survived! And, we are confident that now we will thrive at the fastest pace!

The pandemic affects millions of people who depend on tourism and were laid off or furloughed. How do you think tourism can bounce back and survive?

Optimism | Faith | Resilient – we tourism stakeholders bear this trait to the highest degree than anyone in another industry sector! There is no doubt that we – the tourism industry – will be the fastest recovering industry sector among ALL. Tourism/Hospitality is the HARDEST-HIT industry sector among ALL because of the Pandemic! This is no doubt! And, an amazing part of our industry is – it is capable of rejuvenating at the FASTEST pace among ALL, as well.

Let me define this; for instance, people in agriculture, under normal circumstances have to wait several months to have their product being harvested, and we cannot do this all year round! Whereas in Tourism/Hospitality, we can serve our guests all year round! The industry impacts all other sectors! Tourists flow means increments in activities; many people get employment; there in consumption in provisions; food .. local people are deployed at specific areas as per the needs of tourists. All sectors revive just because TOURISM revives!

Many destinations anticipate travelers’ behavior will change in the virus’s wake. What measures have you put in place to sensitize and educate potential tourists/travelers to erase the fear of covid-19?

We are all aware at this point that Covid-19 is no JOKE. Standard health protocols are being deployed everywhere, at least in my country – NEPAL. We are sincere; desperately; in a healthier environment – awaiting our international guests to arrive; enjoy; entertain and thrive!

African Development Magazine would like to partner us with media tour promotion and coverage of tourism activities, would you support this development and give us a chance?

For sure; we are together at every step of your action. Please go ahead.

Thanks for sharing with ADM

Thank you too.

ADM 2022

International

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Interview with Ronald Kato

by Adewale Adenrele on March 21, 2022

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the U.S. Representative to the United Nations spoke with Ronald Kato of Africanews, a media outfit on the invasion of Russia in Ukraine and how the economy is affected among other pertinent issues.

QUESTION: Welcome to this special interview on AfricaNews. So the war in Ukraine is happening far from Africa, but its consequences are being felt on the continent. From skyrocketing fuel prices to difficulties importing food, countries in Africa feel caught up in a conflict they thought they had nothing to do with. To hear more about the ramifications of the Ukraine war for African countries, I’m joined by the U.S. Representative to the UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Ambassador Greenfield, thank you very much for your time. Are you concerned that soaring food prices in Africa could drive social unrest or another upheaval?

AMBASSADOR LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD: Thank you, Ronald, and it’s really great to be here with you. We know that the impact of this war of aggression that the Russians initiated in Ukraine will have an impact on the world. Ukraine has been one of the major exporters of wheat to Africa for example. I think the figures I have is about $2.4 billion in 2021 of trade between Ukraine and Africa. But it is the war that has led to this, and this is why Africans need to be part of the solution to bringing this unconscionable war to an end. The impact is not just being felt in Africa. We’re seeing oil prices increase in the United States. We’re seeing food prices increase in the United States. It is because of Russia’s aggression that this is happening.

QUESTION: Ambassador Greenfield, this is a major international event. When things like this happen, African countries tend to be on the periphery. We heard last week the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, saying he had been approached to try and mediate a way out of this crisis. What role can African countries do to bring this war to an end, for peace to prevail in Ukraine?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: The voice of every leader, every country, calling on the Russians to end this war, I think, is is important. No voice is too small. No president is unimportant in this effort. And this is why in New York, in the General Assembly, the African vote is so important. So that we can say to the Russians they have no allies in this war of aggression against Ukraine. That we all stand with the Ukrainian people with this attack on the integrity of their borders, this attack on their sovereignty and their independence, this humanitarian crisis that is being created by the Russian actions in Ukraine. So every country is being impacted by this, and every country ought to stand against this aggression.

QUESTION: Are you engaging African ambassadors? Are you in touch with the African Union?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: I am working with African ambassadors on a daily basis. As you know, there are three African elected members of the Security Council, the A3, Ghana, Kenya and Gabon. I engage with them on these issues regularly. And I meet with and engage with other African permanent representatives to encourage them to speak out on this issue. The head of the AU was in Washington last week, Mr. Faki, and he met with Secretary Blinken and met with others in Washington. And certainly, a number of issues were on the agenda on how we can partner with Africa on a broad range of issues, but Ukraine was certainly one of those areas where we need African engagement, we need African partnership.

QUESTION: Ambassador Greenfield, the global economy is emerging from the pandemic. And now you have rising fuel prices that threaten to scuttle growth. I know that this isn’t primarily your topic, but what is your government going to bring down oil prices?

AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: We have done a number of things to mitigate the impact of this war and the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia – to mitigate the impact of that on other countries, including our own where we are also seeing oil prices and gas prices skyrocket. The idea is to look for other sources of oil to build up and promote other countries who are oil producers. There are a large number of countries who are oil producers on the continent of Africa. How can we use those resources in a in a more efficient way that will provide support across, not just in Africa, but across the world? Those are all issues that we’re trying to address as we address the impact of the war and helping countries come out of the COVID pandemic.

QUESTION: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, thank you very much for your time.

AMBASSADOR THOMAS-GREENFIELD: Thank you very much, Ronald. And I was delighted to be here with you.

Africa Cover Interviews Investment

Unveiling Africa’s Talents, Creating Sustainable Future Livelihoods !!!

by Mohammed on March 19, 2022

Canon’s MIRAISHA Program Leads the Charge

…..As 5,950 Youth in 10 African Countries benefit

Interview Story: Mohammed Abu, ADM, Accra.

Last year Africa’s youth was said to have constituted 40 percent of the continent’s population far outstripping the global average of 26 percent .Some experts have raised concerns that job creation as it relates to the youth doesn’t commensurate with the ever rising youthful population.

Canon Africa on its part, sees this as a great opportunity and prefers addressing the youth of the continent as “Africa Talents”. It appreciate them as a vital component of the continent’s human resources potential that needs to be judiciously nurtured and supported to play a useful role towards changing the African narrative.

Giving prime attention to Canon’s African customers constitutes an important component of its strategy in the African market. Canon ensures they are fully equipped with all the knowledge and skills as that enables them to handle Canon’s equipment with maximum efficiency on the continent’s imagery landscape.

Canon also greatly values its users and other non-customer members of the wider African communities including slams. Job creation that gives special attention to the youth forms an important component of the company’s Corporate, Social, Responsibility (CSR).

As it’s contribution towards vocational education in Africa, Canon’s photography and videography curriculum has benefited both professionals and amateurs photographers and videographers on the continent.

Canon’s affirmative action plan for unlocking African talents and creating sustainable future livelihoods is driven by it’s MIRAISHA PROGRAMME which embodies Canon’s corporate philosophy, “KYOSEI”, meaning, living and working together for the common good.

The name of the programme is a blend of Japanese and African (Swahili) language as it was initially started in Kenya, East Africa region .A strategic partnership with the Kenyan Film Corporation (KFC) ensured maximum impact.

The programme was gradually extended to the Northern and West African sub- regions. Nigeria is reputed as a spectacular case where people without previous educational backgrounds thanks to MIRAISHA, were not only able to acquire mastery in photography, but moreso,are today running their own business most successfully, earning income and making a living.

Creation of sustainable future livelihoods is at the heart of the programme. Thus, it is aimed at supporting the establishment of jobs in key African markets, facilitate local sustainability,to use Canon’s core imaging skills and in the process, generate community brand awareness and business links with key stakeholders in the region.

The Canon programme supports the youth to develop livelihood in professional photography, videography and professional print, film making as well as facilitating local sustainability.

This is done through running Canon lead workshops, symposiums and other training activities while collaborating with different local organizations, associations, festivals, events and nongovernmental organizations.

Re-affirming Canon’s commitment through the Miraisha programme,the company has been developing young talents through various educational workshops encompassing inspirational, practical and theoretical sessions intended to provide emerging young artists the skills and training needed to gain knowledge in their field while harnessing new talents and giving young students hands-on access to canon equipment.

This will support and improve the knowledge, skills and industry understandings in country to build capacity and grow the vibrant creative sector overall while empowering locals to take the lead and push the visual imagery industry further forward.

A train the trainer programme was implemented across Africa as part of Miraisha-It invests in training local trainers in country to be able to teach, share knowledge and skill sets with fellow photographers /filmmakers and the next generation.

Over the past seven years, MIRAISHA STUDENTS have participated in the programme and received photography training on a variety of different genres from fashion to street to sports and storytelling and much more.Canon values Africa’s youth as its future customers and leaders and as such they are Africa’s future of which the company is poised to be part of.

As of October, last year, ten African countries in the Eastern, Northern and West African sub-regions were covered with 5950+ participants trained up till date. Participants who received paid commission were 550+, participants whose works was exhibited or published were 350+, while 18 local professionals are even Canon trained.

These were disclosed by Amine Djouahra, Director of Sales and Marketing, Canon Central and North Africa(CCNA) during an exclusive interview with ADM, Ghana.

On what sets Canon apart from others ,he said, his company believes in constant interaction between its customers and users since that generates useful feedback .This,he noted puts Canon in a better position to bring its decades long international experience on pertinent issues as they crop up .Thus, at the end of the day, solutions are proffered and that could be adopted to suit into the local African situation to best serve the needs of its customers and users..This, he noted, was more prudent than just simply shipping goods to African customers.

Canon he said, believes partnership should be long lasting and mutually beneficial to both sides and it should also be able to stand the test of time. That is, during good times as well as during trial moments. Mr.Amine intimated that Canon was able to demonstrate this during the covid-19 pandemic.

Canon greatly values fostering mutually beneficial collaborations with local institutions including photography associations as both sides learn from each other’s experiences that also ensure better business understanding between the two sides.

Canon believes that in order to serve its African customers better, it has to be close to them and as such, Canon has established offices in 6 African countries with more than 80 African employees who represent fifteen(15) African nationalities. Canon values on-going interaction between it and its African customers and partners.

On what Canon is doing towards marketing the investment opportunities offered by Africa, he said, Africa is young and has a lot of development moving forward.Canon is therefore poised to be part of this future. Thus, Africa occupies top priority in Canon’s future plans.

Aside Canon’s substantial investments across the continent, as a leading imagery brand, Canon, Mr. Amine said, has been fostering collaborative partnerships and sponsoring the production of local content that showcases what Africa has to offer and which he said,is viewed through films, carried by the media and shared on social media.

Africa’s rich cultural heritage in terms of story telling, festivals, music,fashion among others, he observed, offers a great opportunity. This he said,if it were well packaged and showcased on the international scene,that could be exported to generate substantial revenue to support the development funding of the continent.

Interviews

Our aim is to meet the social, economic and health challenges of vulnerable communities- AHC founder, Clarisse Mefotso Fall

by Adewale Adenrele on March 13, 2022

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2022 and celebrating the virtuous, ambitious women with selfless contributions and commemorating the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women across the world.

Clarisse Mefotso Fall is one of the powerful leading women with great achievements, track records, and a multi-award winner. She hailed from Cameroon, a wife, mother, and dedicated professional woman in the field of public health having graduated from Mount Saint Vincent College with a master’s degree in public health in the area of policies and systems, and served in various positions.

In this interview, Clarisse Mefotso Fall shares her experience, challenges, and success stories with ADEWALE ADENRELE

You are the Global President of 1000 African women’s Networks; can you tell us the aims and objectives of this organization?

*Eric Leroy Adams,*
*New York City Mayor with Clarisse Mefotso Fall*

I am the founder and executive director of the African Hope Committee, a non-governmental organization that was founded in 2003, and registered in 2004. And before that, I was a manager in an NGO in New York for 5 years. Which makes nearly 20 years of career in Public Health. AHC is based in New York and more precisely in Harlem. We provide services to the African population and other immigrant groups in the field of social, education, health, and immigration. AHC serves an African community not only locally but also across the United States as part of its immigration services. Internationally, AHC has developed activities in the field of education, health, and the eradication of poverty in French-speaking African countries such as Senegal, Niger, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as English-speaking countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Ghana.

What have been the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of leadership for you?

The secret of my success is multiple. From the beginning of my career, I surrounded myself with a committed (dedicated) and competent team with which I shared a common mission and objectives. Supported by a board of directors dedicated to my vision, I have drawn up a development plan for each of the staff who have and work for AHC. As a public health expert, I was able to define and assess the needs and problems within the African community living in New York and developed and implemented social, health, and educational activities there. responding to these challenges. I have continually cultivated professional and cordial relationships with our donors, sponsors, and partners

What are your major responsibilities as DOJ Accredited Representative and how have you impacted your position on the populace and what are your success stories so far?

I serve as The DOJ Accredited Representative at the African Hope committee. As defined our mission, we provide immigration as well and this came out at the time, we were aggressively creating outreach campaigns on HIV/AIDS in the community. The immigration needs were well demanded. The board saw it as a huge service to provide in the community even if this was to begin by educating families about their illegal and legal status. I was then proposed to join immigration programs that will prepare me to be accredited. I have been accredited for 12 years, being that one must renew its accreditation every 3 years. African Hope Committee ROSE immigration service ( ROSE) Right to Organize for Social Equality. ROSE is my mother’s first name, a woman who likes justice and fairness for all and continues to live her through HOPE and FAITH. I deal with the immigration cases that come our way, namely asylum and refugee immigration applications, family reunification, obtaining immigration visas for students, changing statutes, work permit applications, and more. AHC has been able to meet the demand of the African immigrant community living in New York under this program by assisting them in securing their green cards through some of the immigration programs mentioned above. This is our pride.

With your leadership role and vast experience working with international organizations, accredited organizations on global projects linked to United Nations; what are the needs in Africa? What will it take to build entrepreneurship and employment in Africa? And what are you trying to do to move the needle, especially in Cameroun?

With my leadership role and my experiences working in community health, with the board members, AHC has always aimed to meet the social, economic, and health challenges of vulnerable communities by providing lasting solutions. The African community residing in New York is confronted with problems of integration, health, housing, learning the English language, finding employment, a complete lack or inadequate medical coverage, and faced with unprecedented immigration problems. Unlike in Africa, people are more confronted with poverty in general. The need to build more schools that are adequate to compete with the kids in America or Europe, to build a vocational program that builds our kid’s skills where some can progress to become great entrepreneurs, businessmen, and computer technicians. What we’ll take to build not only entrepreneurship in Africa but programs geared towards building our children’s skills is to mobilize government institutions and continue to address the SDGs 20230. AHC has begun to address programs that build youth skills so they could grow to be independent and this to a country like Cameron, Senegal, The Republic of Congo/DRC, Niger, Nigeria Through our member presidents and vice-presidents under AHC Network called 1000 African Women Network.

*1000 African Women Network members attended the 2019 CSW63 at the United Nations* ??

This is a question that most people asked me. Currently, I serve as an African Commissioner at the Newark Mayor’s Office in New Jersey. I was appointed in June 2021. I have worked for more than 20 years in the social areas. Our work will never be achieved without reaching out to politicians and partnering with their offices to address issues that affect our communities. The question you asked if I consider myself a politician one Day? We never know where our career will take us. Working in this area of public health does not distance you from working with politicians. I meet, Presidents, Ministers, congressmen and women, Mayors, Deputies, Elected Officials from around the world from these high level social, economic, and political forums, especially during global events such the CSWs, The General Assembly, and during some of the State Address by Assemblymen and member s of the Congress.

In 2009, Former First Lady Michelle Obama recognized your humanitarian work and activities; would you tell us what she told you and the kind of award?

Since 2004, thanks to an effective referral system and the collaboration of our local partners, NGOs, and government institutions, we were able to provide health education and host health summits for more than 7 years consecutively. Reaching women, men, girls, and boys in New York. For example, I have been honored with several awards as well as proclamations from members of the American government, including members of Congress and Former New York City Mayor Bloomberg on 3 occasions in 2006, 2007, and 2008. The most rewarding award was the Awards from The NYPD, where I was the first African Descent woman to receive such an award in New York for caring for the immigrant community. In 2009, we also received The Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s recognition with her own words: “Movement for real and lasting change is sustained by the relationships we build with one another. Thank you for your support. Michelle Obama.” This is simply a recognition of the hard and sustainable work we bring to the community. A lasting effort, durable and lasting. As a humanitarian herself, she understands what it takes to bring a community together to create a sustainable service.

You are the Founder & Executive Director at African Hope Committee, Inc, what motivated or inspired this great concept?

Once again thank you for the opportunity to speak in your journal. My name is Clarisse Blanche Mefotso Fall. With my background in public health, I have developed a great passion for education. My father is a retired educator in Cameroon and had worked all his life in educating kids. I guess I got that from my father with the only difference being that I am in the Field of Health, Public Health and I have obtained a master’s degree in Public health with tracks in policies, systems, and community health.

Attending The C3-Arab Summit during UNGA 2018 - Picture with Honorable Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. UNGA is United Nations General Assembly — *Attending The C3-Arab Summit during UNGA 2018 – Picture with Honorable Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. UNGA is United Nations General Assembly*

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. Can you tell us how to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all?

African Hope Committee as an accredited organization with the United Nations ECOSOC Program works to reinforce the UN Women ideas that act to empower women and girls across all its programs and advocacy. We continue to address each year at the CSWs Gender Equality with the hope to make progress towards sustainable development by 2030, leaving no one behind. In 2020, right before CSW64, we hosted a Gender Equality forum in Cameron by reaching out to students and bringing them together at the Ecole Bilingue Wafo in Douala Cameroon. This was a great success in empowering young women and boys with the issues of inequalities. We hope to conduct such a program in Africa by mobilizing government and private institutions to develop a program that will not leave anyone behind in terms of education and employment.

African Development Magazine would like to be part of your team reporting your activities; will you give us this chance and support us?

Communication is key in our society. Social media and marketing are very important in the progress of our society. We continue to build partnerships with news media and social media that will help advance our mission and bring exposure to the work we do. We are honored to build a partnership with your journal to help cover African issues around the globe.

African ethnic groups and tribes have customs and traditions that are unique to their culture. What do you like about African Culture?

African Culture is the most ancient culture starting with Egypt. As we all know, of all the countries around the world, African culture stands out. From its beautiful attire to the languages, food, arts, and nature itself. It is rich and very diverse as it keeps changing from country to country in Africa. Many cultures and traditions are found in the country. And this brings the attraction to many people to visit the continent. People are kind, polite, and very humble in general.

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can u share with us the most amazing memory?

Before talking about some of the amazing memories in my life, are the wonders of life that define me daily and bring joy, pride, satisfaction, and motivation in my life. I am a happy wife and mother of 4 young adults including 3 grandchildren. The best memories are working and guiding young college and high school students to aim high in their lives; to work with men, women, girls, and boys even children to create a positive image of our community around the globe. Imagine bringing together the African Community to partake in the AIDS WALK for over 4 years. Hosting High-Level Health and Social program by mobilizing the international and the local community to partner and participate at the events. To expose members of the international communities at the United Nations, High Level, Social and Economic Forums. To build Ngo’s skills and provide them with more tools that will reinforce that knowledge, especially with the SDGs. To create a global network that brings people from around the globe. To travel to different countries to address public health issues. As an author of a book entitled CLARISSE BLANCHE released on March 5^th, 2019, I get to talk to people about my book which is found in Amazon and other major book stores around the world.

What advice would you give the younger ones?

My advice for young people is that the most important thing is to build faith, hope, and trust yourself. Focus on your education and be positive and stay away from trouble. Respect your parents, your elders, your teachers, and yourself. Invest as soon you begin to work because this one thing lacking especially in the Black and African Communities. We must advise our children to invest earlier to minimize financial stress. Not to be strained financially as you grow older.

Thank you for sharing with us.

You are welcome!

ADM2022

Africa Africa Asia Economy Health Interview story Interviews Personality Interview

Digitization helps reduce redundancy, improves efficiency of healthcare professionals – Sudhir Rathore

by Adewale Adenrele on March 10, 2022

It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is complex and fast-growing with hundreds of laws, policies, and regulations, the wide range of potential professions and jobs, and daily developments in diagnosis, treatment, and medication, healthcare organizations have a lot to keep track of — and doing so thoroughly and professionally is vital to their success and the health of their patients.

Healthcare consultants are so valuable. Although becoming a healthcare consultant takes years of education, time, and skill development, it’s a position that’s crucial to the success of healthcare organizations across the globe.

Sudhir Rathore is a Healthcare entrepreneur and consultant with a primary focus on the African continent and he has worked in senior positions in various capacities with healthcare organizations like Fortis healthcare and Aster healthcare, also with prestigious groups like Aditya Birla Group and TATA in India. He bagged Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration degrees.

Sudhir founded SURJEN, a Healthcare delivery start-up, and integrated technology, health for medical services providers to achieve better healthcare delivery objectives in Africa. He is rated as among one of the best healthcare executives in Nigeria.

Sudhir Rathore is also a co-founder, director, and principal consultant at Troika Consulting. He shares his experience with ADEWALE ADENELE on why he focuses on Africa, the role of digitalization, and the future of the healthcare industry.

Below are excerpts:

How and why did you begin your journey as an independent consultant?

After working with various organizations for 15 good years in senior positions one thing I realized was that the independence to work on your dreams is not something that comes easy. So, it’s like searching for absolute freedom in my professional career has encouraged me to start afresh as an entrepreneur. My years of experience in the Nigerian healthcare system helped me to contribute and add value to the healthcare industry.

Which industries or work areas are you typically involved in?

My work area is exclusively Healthcare, which includes working with Hospitals, Laboratories, Pharmacies, etc. The idea is to change the way healthcare is delivered in Nigeria. We want the healthcare delivery system to be more accessible, economical, and trustworthy

Can you think of any client story in the healthcare industry that you are especially proud of?

We have helped more than seven thousand patients in accessing quality healthcare through us, be it heart surgery for small kids, kidney transplants, gynecology surgeries, spine and brain surgeries, gunshots, or accidents we have assisted all sorts of patients. One specific patient I would like to mention was a few years back when he was shot in the head in Makurdi during a random shooting incident by armed robbers. We received a call around 11:30 pm to evacuate him and bring him to Abuja. It was very difficult in the middle of the night by the road looking at the security situation, we arranged an air ambulance to airlift him to Abuja and performed successfully in one of the hospitals in Abuja. We were able to save a life.

Do you think the pandemic has affected consulting in the healthcare industry, and have you seen an increase in a specific type of project?

Pandemic has affected many industries at large; however, it has given a stimulus to the hospitals around the world. We are a part of the consulting team of a private University Teaching Hospital coming up in Abuja, which was conceptualized and built during a pandemic. Pandemic also has helped diagnostic laboratories to build their infrastructure and provide quality and comprehensive services to the masses in Nigeria. A lot many investors are now investing in healthcare diagnostic businesses in Nigeria.

What role do you think digitalization will play in the healthcare industry?

To me, digitalization is the basis of easy accessibility and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services delivery to the masses in Nigeria especially primary healthcare. Web-based digital healthcare services like www.surjen.com provide primary healthcare services to the patients from the comfort of their homes, be it blood sample collection, booking hospital appointments, Teleconsultation, second opinion for chronic diseases, or referral to hospitals in case of advanced treatments. Such digital healthcare services are not only cost-effective but easily accessible by the patients. In secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions digitization not only helps reduce redundancy but also improves the efficiency of healthcare professionals.

What trends will have the biggest impact on the healthcare industry? And how do you think companies should better prepare?

Healthcare industry is one of the most challenging industries as compared to others like software, space, or automotive. The industry is regulatory heavy, approvals for new products and procedures take years leaving less room for innovators and investors. However, there is a change in both the attitude of the regulatory bodies and investors in the last couple of years. The way various vaccines are developed against pandemics using newer technologies within a limited time has opened up a newer avenue for industry players, regulators and investors. They are more receptive now and willing to move ahead together.

I think genetic research coupled with AI technology is a new goldmine for investors and will bring out better resources for healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies to treat diseases like sickle cell which is predominant in Nigeria, cancers, Alzheimer’s, etc.

How do you think the healthcare industry will change over the next 5 to 10 years?

Healthcare industry in Nigeria is already going through a positive transformation. There are treatments and surgeries which were not happening in Nigeria before but are being done frequently in hospitals in Abuja and Lagos. So, things are changing. However, we need to aggressively counter the challenge of brain drain. A lot of young doctors after training from Nigerian institutions move abroad for greener pastures leaving the country’s healthcare system to suffer. I think both the Nigerian government and private healthcare players should bring out opportunities in terms of training and growth of these doctors within Nigeria so that such migration can be discouraged.

Nigerian Healthcare delivery system can change with the intervention of the government by providing subsidies on importation of equipment, consumables, medicines, etc. It should also be liberal on imposing various taxes on healthcare facilities and most importantly is to make available capital at single-digit interest rates through banks. Covid intervention fund from CBN is one such welcome move by the federal government but this should not be the only one.

Do you think there are any advantages for companies using independent healthcare consultants?

*Pix; Middle: Sudhir Rathore and his staffs*

Consultants bring a wealth of experience and knowledge with them that’s why they are called consultants. Expecting a good doctor to be a good businessman and a good management professional at the same time is asking too much from him. It takes a lot of people with different skill sets and knowledge to successfully run a healthcare institution be it a hospital or a laboratory, it’s a team effort always. A consultant guides the total business entity to a growth path by integrating each department cohesively and eliminating any friction.

What are the most exciting aspects of working in the healthcare industry?

Respect before money. This is probably the only industry where you respect your customer and your customer equally respects you. Secondly, the blessing you receive when you have done your job well and the patient has recovered, nothing can match that. However, this is also an industry that comes with heavy responsibility

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?

Yes, one amazing story I would like to share with you. This family whose one-year-old daughter was detected with a hole in the heart and was referred to me by one cardiologist to undergo surgery in India. When I discussed with the hospital in India the bill was coming out to be around 6000 dollars for the surgery. Meanwhile, the father of the child sought to meet me; I didn’t go to my office on that day so I invited him to my house. When he came what I saw was a military sergeant in uniform. I discussed with him the process and cost of surgery, and he said that he can’t pay as he is not that financially strong and he has much support from his family. That pained me as much as I could emotionally connect to him as my father was also in the Military. I vowed to help him within my best capacity. I called the hospital in India and pleaded with him that we need to get this surgery done within the bare minimum cost. After initial hiccups, the hospital thankfully agreed and they diverted the patient through an NGO making the whole surgery free of cost for the family. Later the father sends me an emotional email with lots of blessings. I will never forget that man, what I saw in him was my father. Life is good, that’s what I can say.

African Development Magazine would like to be part of your team and report your activities, will you give us this chance?

Sure, why not.

Thank you for sharing with us.

You are welcome, Thanks to ADM

ADM 2022

Interviews

I founded ‘AAAA’ after I lost my parents to HIV/AIDS- Carine Siltz Kapinga

by Adewale Adenrele on March 9, 2022

Carine Siltz Kapinga, a former Miss Congo, DRC-USA 2003, and founder of the African Advocates Against AIDS Inc, use her organization to sensitize, educate and orientate the community about the risk in the disease HIV/AIDS, raising awareness and helping them access, adequate testing, care and treatment services.

The journey started after she lost her parents to HIV/AIDS and joined a program supported by World Health Organisation through the Amo Congo in Bandal/Kinshasa/DRC. The program was aimed to train AIDS Orphans about HIV/AIDS and how they can educate and sensitize others around the world.

Carine Siltz Kapinga shares her experience with ADEWALE ADENRELE on the struggle many HIV orphans go through, the stigma, and the need to educate our community about the risk and protective factors of this decease

The mother of 3 who bagged an associate degree in Journalism is currently running a street outreach initiatives effort for HIV AIDS awareness and covid-19 prevention

Below are excerpts:

You are the Founder of African-Advocates Against Aids What are the aims and objectives of this organization?

The African Advocates Against AIDS Inc., aim and objectives is to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS virus with African immigrants and the African American community in the United States of America through education and raising the awareness of this disease and helping them access, adequate testing, care and treatment services through referral to our partners and supporters among whom are: The African Immigrant commission of NY and CT, NYC Health and Hospitals/ Test and Trace outreach corp, The NYC Emergency Management, the Bridge Builder’s Community Partnership, the Alliance of Positive Change, the Boots on the Ground Street Outreach Ministry, The Greater Highway Deliverance Temple, the Bethel’s Emanuel Temple ( BET), St Mark Catholic Church, Jabba African braiding salon, the Ryan and Nina health center, the Institute of family health, African Paradise and Aisha braiding salon. We are grateful for their unflinching support. Together we are stronger!

What have been the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects of leadership for you?

The most challenging moment for me was to initiate our current and ongoing street outreach initiative efforts for HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 prevention by being in the shelter due to family matters and also during a global pandemic with the added challenges of maintaining one’s confidence while building a team and experiencing setbacks like the Covid-19 Pandemic. I’ve learned that during times of crisis, one can produce much fruit by leading one’s self to build. It is important for a leader to be seen involved for your team’s success depends on it. Leadership cannot be a Lone Ranger endeavor.

The most rewarding moment for us is to see how well we all came together to serve during the Covid-19 crisis, thus our Mantra. ‘We’re Stronger Together” During this Covid crisis, we were found on the frontlines, and under an unprecedented circumstance, we found the strength in working together to do what it takes to fight back and expand lifesaving resources to those communities in need, this was done through collaboration, and working with our partners, including community’s faith organizations(CFOs). Community-based organizations and (CBOs) local participating, local businesses such as pharmacies, barbershops, African hair braiding salons, and volunteers that all came together to support our initiative.

How would you describe the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak and what have been the challenges and the success stories to your organization?

As an organization, we have been operating under unprecedented circumstances as I was in the NYC Shelter system where women are experiencing homelessness at even higher risk than men and contracting the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 Virus. In that regards we initiated our street outreach initiative efforts for HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 prevention where we distributed on a weekly based to the community in need: Masks, hand sanitizers, face shields, and resources provided access to vaccination, testing, care, and treatment services provided through our referrals and partners.

If we can come together and utilized resources to create adequate infrastructure to carry out those interventions that have been successful here in America, we can address the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 crisis in Africa and Globally.

When are you taking the outreach to the African continent for street outreach and awareness?

We are hoping to work with African countries very soon to raise the awareness of this virus, the risk, and protective factors, so we can prevent the spread and expand lifesaving tools information, and resources to those African countries that have been severely impacted by HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 virus.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges leaders to play a vital role in their community combating the pandemic by sensitization and outreach; would you tell us what your organization has done in this regard?

Our organization has played a vital role in communities severely impacted by sensitization and outreach.

Women are supposed to be celebrated every day for their selfless contribution to the community but there is a low level of participation of women in politics, do you wish to contest in the future?

We see low levels of participation of women in politics over the years but the tide appears to have turned judging from the role of women now in the workforce and politics. I support these women political leader and their services to those populations in need and may consider running with God’s willingness to improve the lives of those affected or infected by HIV/AIDS and build better infrastructure to address the current crisis.

African ethnic groups and tribes have customs and traditions that are unique to their culture. What do you like about African Culture?

Of all the countries in the world, I find that African culture stands out; it is rich and very diverse as it is considered the motherland with strong characteristics in Arts, Languages, Traditions, and Culture.

African Development Magazine would like to partner African-Advocates Against-Aids for Sensitizing, educating, and orientating the Africans through our platform, would you support this development?

Yes. AAAA would support this development and welcome your organization as one of our partners.

Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?

The most amazing memory is Our World HIV/AIDS Day/Outreach Initiative where all of our participating CFOs and CBOs came together to serve the community

What advice would you give the younger ones?

We cannot disregard the needs of those we seek to serve, know that there are going to be challenged in life and though there may be great, there are not impossible. Don’t look for excuses or make excuses for failure to grow. “Take the bull by the horn, for you are the Bull” There are numerous entrepreneurship and opportunities to serve your community. We believe this can be accomplished through: mentorship, training, education, information sharing, and available resources, however, sometimes, like a needle in a haystack” one must search and seek it out. If we can invest in our youth, truly we believe they are the future.

Thank you for sharing with us.

You are welcome.

ADM2022