the african professional network journal 2009 edition

December 2009 9 The African Professional – Houston 3

WELCOME to the Maiden edition of Th e African Professional – Houston.

Th e purpose of the Journal is to build upon the mission and vision of AfriPRO Houston and to continue to build a new positive image of and appreciation for Africa and Africans by informing, educating, empowering, and celebrating Africa and Africans through editorial pieces and special highlights. Th is stated purpose

will be showcased through writings, art, and pictures that educate, empower, and celebrate Africa and people of African descent. We sincerely thank everyone who has submitted a piece for the maiden edition. Sharing original work is often personal and sensitive but these individuals have done it with fi nesse.

Th is edition’s feature is “Africa’s Report Card: Successes and Challenges” and our aim is to show areas where Africans, nations in Africa, and Africa as a continent have worked to eff ect positive change and what successes and challenges have resulted. Additionally, the Journal has fi ve other sections that will be present in every issue: AfriPRO Houston, Business & Economics, Socio-Political, Arts & Leisure, and Editorial. Each section features original works submitted by readers, members, and our contributing editorial staff .

Lastly, I would like to thank each member of our editorial staff for their contributions. Without their writing talents, attention to detail, and creativity, Th e African Professional – Houston, would not have been successfully launched. I sincerely thank you all.

Modinat “Abby” KotunEditor-in-Chief, Th e African Professional – Houston

Th e entire Editorial Committee, the Editor-in-Chief, and I are pleased to bring you the inaugural (Gala) edition of Th e African Professional – Houston. It is our hope that, with this Journal, we are able to appeal to a wide readership, while presenting interesting, apposite, and informative articles. AfriPRO Houston has been very active this

year – we have included some pictures and narrative of our programs and activities inside this Gala edition of the Journal. On behalf of the Editorial Committee, I would like to join the Editor-in-Chief in thanking all those who contributed articles to this Gala edition; you made the publication possible. I encourage AfriPRO Houston members and non-members to contribute articles to upcoming editions of the Journal. Th ank you.

Folake AyoolaExecutive Editor, Th e African Professional – Houston

EXECUTIVE EDITOR’S Note

The African Professional – Houston (ISSN 2152-0593) is a biannual publication by AfriPRO Houston. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or whole for any use whatsoever without the permission of the publisher. For reprint information, email [email protected]. Opinions expressed in The African Professional – Houston do not necessarily express those of The African Professional – Houston or AfriPRO Houston. No information in this journal shall be construed as legal, fi nancial, or medical advice. The publication of any advertisement, advertorial, or article by The African Professional – Houston does not constitute an endorsement of that product, service, or position. The African Professional – Houston reserves the right to refuse any article, advertisement, or advertorial. Only the publication of an article or advertisement shall constitute fi nal acceptance.

5 | Holiday Gala

16 | AfriPRO Houston

16 Founder’s Word 17 President’s Message 20 2009 At a Glance

24 | Feature

24 An Assessment of Social Progress in Africa

25 Lighting Up Nigeria:Challenges & Opportunities

29 | Business & Economics

29 Costly Financial Mistakes:5 Insurance & Financial Mistakes ThatCan Cost You Dearly

31 Spotlight Rwanda:Cautious Promise

32 | Socio-Political

32 Fire on the Niger Delta Mountain 36 Community Non-Profit

Organizations

38 | Arts & Leisure

38 One on One with Lola Ogunnaike 39 Tomorrow 39 Arise O’ Compatriots 41 Life Interrupted 42 Somi: In Her Own Words 44 The Perfect Picture:

A Breath of Fresh Air

46 | Editorial

46 Africans in America:Trends in Post-Secondary Education

C o n t e n t s

Solicitations

Managing Editor Abiola Afolayan

Submission

Managing Editor Fisayo Fadelu

Articles Managing Editor Abdul Ibrahim

Articles Editor Barile Karanwi

Layout Editor Yvonne Pearse

Graphics Contributor Emeka Nwogu

Graphic Design/Layout Timi Owobowale

Print Production Nestto GraphicsEDIT

ORIA

L ST

AFF

Kuumba House, Inc. (Kuumba House) was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a Texas non-profit, tax-

exempt organization in 1984. Kuumba House Dance Theatre (KHDT) is a community-based performing arts

organization whose mission is to produce, preserve, present, create and teach African-centered art forms of

dance, theater, music, visual arts and other creative expression. Through its programming, KHDT is commit-

ted to educating children and adults about the value of cultural arts and promoting cultural diversity.

Call for the information below:

- College Show booking information

- High School Show booking information

- Kuumba House Residency Activities

- Children dance class and life skill program

- Adult dance Class

- Kwanzaa concert

(office and dance studio)

3001 Cleburne

Houston Texas 77004

-524-1079

-524-9170

Tel: 713

Fax: 713

email: [email protected]

www.kuumbahousedancetheatre.org

Decemberr 2009 9 The African Professional – Houston 5

Holiday Gala

Desola Adesina

Ugonna Anosike

Henrietta Ayewoh

Folake Ayoola

Kingsley Ewetuya

Modinat “Abby” Kotun

Humphrey Nnadiotu

Chigozie Obichuku

Bisi Odunbaku

Okechukwu Ofi li

Ijeoma Udenkwo

Uchenna Udobi

Holiday GalaCommittee

Cocktail Hour

Introduction of Host, Ebbe Bassey

InvocationPastor P. T. Ngwolo

Dinner Served | Silent Auction

EntertainmentKuumba House Dance Theatre

Opening RemarksFolake Ayoola, Esq., AfriPRO Houston Founder

The Endeavor for Hope FoundationAda Echetebu,

The Endeavor for Hope Foundation Founder

Scholarship PresentationOkechukwu Ofili, Professional Development Officer

EntertainmentDriven Under the Influence

Presentation of Awards

Community Hero Award – Charles DuzeChioma Nwogu, Holiday Gala Committee Chair

Image Award – Stephanie OkerekeKingsley Ewetuya, Networking Officer

Community Hero Award – Uche BakerChioma Nwogu, Holiday Gala Committee Chair

Merit Award – Dr. Kase LawalKingsley Ewetuya, Networking Officer

Distinguished Professional Award – Kenneth YelloweKingsley Ewetuya, Networking Officer

Member of the Year Award – Humphrey NnadiotuUchenna Udobi, Vice President

Officer of the Year Award – Okechukwu OfiliUchenna Udobi, Vice President

President’s MessageAbby Kotun, President

Special Guest SpeakerChimamanda N. Adichie

Donations | Silent Auction Results | Raffle Drawing

Fashion ShowEstella Couture

Vote of Thanks

Order of Events

Chioma NwoguHoliday Gala Committee Chair

HSF HOPESHARE FOUNDATION, INC.

Sustaining our future through education and healthcare!

www.hopesharefoundation.org

A non-profit organization with a focus on serving the community, HopeShare

Foundation, Inc. identifies and cultivates resources that help restore hope and meaning to

the lives of individuals and groups that lack access to functional education and medical

opportunities in Nigeria.

Through these initiatives, we seek to build capacity by engaging the community,

especially the youths as stakeholders in community development. We encourage active

participation through esprit de corps, to serve our whole community in building the

knowledge base necessary to acquire new skills and build human capacity for an

improved and sustainable quality of life.

HopeShare Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit Organization established and registered in the

State of Georgia, in 2004.

Louis Ebodaghe

President

(404) 343-9776


Holiday Gala

Dr. Kase L. Lawal is the Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer of CAMAC International Corporation, a global energy corporation withinterests in oil and gas exploration and production, engineering services and crude oil and refi ned products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, South America and North America. He is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and the Vice Chairman of the Unity National Bank Board of Directors, the only licensed and federally insured African-American owned bank in Texas. He is a major shareholder in the bank. CAMAC has consistently ranked on the Forbes Magazine list of the 400 largest privately-owned corporations in the United States and on the Black Enterprise Magazine list as the second largest African-American owned company in the United States. In 2006, CAMAC was named the Company of the Year by Black Enterprise Magazine and in 2008 was named the ninth largest privately owned companies by the Houston Chronicle. CAMAC has affi liate offi ces located in Bogotá, Colombia; London, England; Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The corporate headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. CAMAC’s annual revenues in 2008 were $2.43 billion.

Committed to community service, Dr. Lawal provides key leadership on several boards and commissions, including as a Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority Board, where he served as the fi rst-ever African Vice Chairman of the largest Seaport in foreign tonnage in the United States with over $92 billion dollars in cargo value. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Houston Airport System Development Corporation (HASDC), the fourth largest airport system in the United States, a member of the Board of Directors for

the Port of Houston Authority International Corporation and the Greater Houston Partnership Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Lawal serves as a member of the National Urban League Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for Fisk University, a director with the Cullen Engineering Research Foundation and a trustee for The Kinkaid School, a leading national preparatory school. He also co-chairs Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS, a $300 million dollar UNICEF campaign with his wife Eileen Lawal.

He has been very active in developing international trade relations with Africa. He was an appointee to the United States Council on the Business Development Committee of the United States-South Africa Bi-national Commission and the United States Trade Advisory Committee on Africa; served on the Board of Directors of the Corporate Council on Africa; and participated in trade missions to Africa on behalf of the President of the United Sates and the United States Secretary of Commerce.

Dr. Lawal funded a one million dollar endowment, the largest single contribution for an alumnus of Texas Southern University, to establish the Lawal Center for Global Trade in the Jesse H. Jones School of Business. He also established a petroleum engineering endowment at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering for petroleum engineering students. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and Prairie View A&M University with a master’s degree in business administration, fi nance and marketing. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from Fort Valley State University and a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa from Texas Southern University.

Dr. Kase LawalAfriPRO Houston MeritAward Honoree,

The Merit Award is AfriPRO Houston’s most prestigious award and is reserved for a person with accomplishments on a national and international scale; someone who has made public statements; and has had a positive impact in the African community generally. This year, AfriPRO Houston is honored to present the award to Dr. Kase Lawal for his remarkable career and outstanding achievements in the energy industry. His concern for fellow Africans as reflected in his measured and invaluable interventions regarding the social and economic conditions on the African continent, particularly in Nigeria, are inspirational.


Holiday Gala

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an acclaimed Nigerian writer. She comes from Abba in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Chimamanda is a 2008 MacArthur Fellow. Her fi rst novel, Purple Hibiscus, was published in 2003 and won the Best First Book award in the 2005 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. It was also short-listed for the Orange Prize and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and long-listed for the Booker Prize. Her short fi ction has appeared in Granta, Prospect, and The Iowa Review among other literary journals. She received an O. Henry Prize in 2003.

Chimamanda’s second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, named after the fl ag of the short-lived Biafran nation, which will soon be made into an Hollywood movie, is set before and during the Biafran War. It was published in 2006 and was awarded the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction. The novel was well received by critics; it was noted in The New York Times “100 Most Notable Books of the Year.” In a review for The Seattle Times, Mary Brennan highlights the book as “A sweeping story that provides both a harrowing history lesson and an engagingly human narrative”. The Guardian’s Kate Kellaway said “An immense achievement, Half of a Yellow Sun has a ramshackle freedom and exuberant ambition,” after reviewing the war based book. Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe reviewed the book, saying “We do not usually associate wisdom with beginners, but here is a new writer endowed with the gift of ancient storytellers” about the young aspiring writer. He also says: “She is fearless, or she would not have taken on the intimidating horror of Nigeria’s civil war.”

Her third book is a collection of short stories titled The Thing Around Your Neck was published in April 2009 and has gotten great reviews from critics.

Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieSpeacial Guest Speaker


Holiday Gala

The Distinguished Profession-al Award is the newest award with which we recognize distin-guished Houstonians who have excelled in their fi elds and made indelible contributions to the de-velopment of their communities. This year, AfriPRO Houston is hon-

ored to present the award to Kenneth Yellowe. He is a well-known international entrepreneur and among the most dynamic busi-nessmen currently operating on the African continent. He has founded and led successful companies over the years, including those founded in his homeland of Nigeria to those in the United States. Mr. Yellowe served as Partner for a hydrocarbon trading company in the Republic of Nigeria before relocating to Hous-ton, Texas in the early 80’s for studies. In 1987, Mr. Yellowe joined Credit Systems International, Inc (CSI) as Partner and Vice Presi-dent and later served as President and CEO of Best Marketing, Inc.In 1997, Mr. Yellowe founded Global Energy USA Inc., where he currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer. Mr. Yellowe is also founder of Abuja Global Gas Company and

The Image Award recognizes a person who is building a new positive image of and appreciation for Africa and Africans. This year, AfriPRO Houston is honored to present the award to Stephanie Okereke. Stephanie Okereke, the A-list actress with an infectious personality, is the sixth child of eight children. She has always entertained her family but now she entertains the world. In 1997, she featured in two fi lms titled Compromise 2 and Waterloo. A year later she took a break from acting, pur-sued and received her degree in English and literary studies from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Not long after, she got a call from Nollywood to act in Teco Benson’s movie Ter-ror. The rest as they say is history. In 2002, Stephanie won 2nd place in The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant, putting her on the map. The next year, she won the Reel Awards Best Actress Eng-lish and Reel Awards Best Actress of the Year. Stephanie’s’ features in-clude Private Sin, Eye of the Gods, Reload-ed, and Adora which was shot in South Africa.

Stephanie made her mark with the movie

Kenneth YelloweAfriPRO Houston Distinguished Professional Award Honoree,

Stephanie OkerekeAfriPRO Houston Image Award Honoree,

Global Gas & Refi ning Ltd, which is operationally headquartered out of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, an area internation-ally recognized as one of the most prolifi c petroleum produc-ing regions in the world. As founder and owner of Abuja Global Gas Company and Global Gas & Refi ning Ltd, Mr. Yellowe’s companies represent the largest and only independent, indig-enously owned, gas processors and LPG producers in Nigeria. In addition to Mr. Yellowe’s active role as Chairman of various international energy companies, he avidly pursues his life-long dream of empowering the less fortunate in the local populations in which he operates: Houston and Nigeria. Mr. Yellowe, the Phi-lanthropist, actively shares and promotes his commitment to be socially responsible through educational, cultural, environ-mental and healthcare development programs. He serves on numerous boards, civic and community organizations, advisory councils and foundations. He is regularly invited by national and international organizations to speak on business and social is-sues. He has been written about and quoted in several local and international publications including the Houston Business Jour-nal, Wall Street Journal, Vanguard, ThisDay and US Africa.

build her brand in the movie industry. A recent graduate of the New York Film Academy, she has expanded her title to include Director, Producer and Writer with the introduction of her latest movie, Through the Glass which premiered on October 18, 2008 at the Pacifi c Design Center in Hollywood, California. Stephanie received a Recognition Award from the California State Legisla-ture and the city of Carson for the movie Through the Glass. In April 2009, she received a Jewel Award at the 6th Annual African Goodwill Awards for her positive representation of African wom-

en through her charity work and her evolving movie career. Legendary singer Chaka Khan, actor Isaiah Washington,

comedian & actress M’onique, and iconic soloist Hope Foye attended the event. Stephanie’s passion for community service continues to inspire her dedi-cation to bringing awareness to many issues that need focus in Africa and around the world.

Stephanie is also the CEO of Next Page Pro-ductions (www.nextpageproductions.com) and currently an executive of DEL YORK Interna-tional, a media and marketing communications company. Del-York international will be bringing

the New York Film Academy to Nigeria, for a one-month intensive workshop to help inspire the next

generation of fi lmmakers. For more information, please visit www.delyorkinternational.com.

Emotional Crack which premiered at the African Film Festival (New York) in April 2004. With over 90 fi lms to her name, Stephanie continues to

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December 2009 9 The African Professioonal – Houston 13

Holiday Gala

DRIVEN UNDER THE INFLUENCE

(DUI) is an ensemble group of singers, musicians and dancers from Africa and the African Diaspora, who bring a refreshing word of encouragement through songs performed primarily in African languages. We believe that words don’t get lost in translation when we sing in our mother tongue: they stir the soul and take you to a primordial place. A place of true vulnerability.

ESTELLA COUTURE’s de-signs are unique, trendy and exotic. Her designs bring a breathe of fresh attitude on all runways. Estella’s styles & fabric

creativity are standout designs and engaging fashion dy-namics. She uses African fabrics/textiles to create awesome designs. Estella Couture launched with a bang in 2005, and within a very short period became well known for her elegant, versatile and sculpted evening gowns and traditional pieces. Unmistakably classic, yet fresh, Estella Couture designs offer creative fashion options to the young sophisticated, fashion-forward woman who dares to express an uncommon style. Her designs rendered in unusual fabric blends are imbibed with cultural earthy tones and textures. Her elegant red car-pet ready ensembles range from vibrantly colored silks to Af-rican prints. With designs inspired by the ethnic and exotic found in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Europe, Estella Cou-ture has mastered the creative afro-centric design worn for all occasions.

Cultural Entertainment by

Actress

HostEbbe Bassey was born in the Bronx but raised across the Atlantic in the city of Calabar, Ni-geria, West Africa. She attended the William Esper Studio and un-der the tutelage of the estima-ble Maggie Fla-nigan, honed her craft as a method actor. Ms. Bassey went on to be a co-founding member of the Tupu Kweli Theatre Compa-ny through which she explored socially conscious works such as the award nominated Reality, TRAPPED, Guilty But Mentally Ill, One and Wish. She has worked with es-teemed companies such as the Classical Theatre of Harlem (Medea), Manhattan Theatre Source (Swift Encounter), and 29th Street Rep/PACT (Issues). Ms. Bassey has been profi led in magazines and newspa-pers such as the Nigerian Sunday Guardian, Daily Indepen-dence’s Positive People, Momentum MV magazine, Lady-Brille Blogspot and Obaasema magazine. She is currently working on pre-production for her second short fi lm, “Saving Father” that will explore the theme of HIV/AIDS amongst senior citizens.

Music Entertainment For All Occasions!!!

DJ TUNES

M O S T E V E N T S C A T E R E D F O R

Private Parties, Clubs, Bars, Weddings, Conventions, Concerts

CONTACT [email protected]

FACEBOOK.COM/DJTUNES

Global Experience, Right Music, Right Sound, Right Attitude!


Holiday Gala

Humphrey Nnadiotu grew up in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria where he pursued his passion of football (soccer) while struggling through school. Raised in a lower middle class family, he missed the comforts some of his wealthier friends enjoyed but he was also blessed with the ability to count his blessings and to appreciate the little things. Living next to him were other less privileged kids who had to hawk oranges, mangos, or whatever fruit was in season to be able to pay their own school fees. To them, he was rich and his friendship, his kind words,

and his smile were priceless. He came to learn that as much as he missed the comforts that wealth could provide, he was very fulfi lled by the positive impact he could make on the lives of others. He has since dedicated himself to fi nding small ways to create that positive impact on the lives of others by being a friend and doing volunteer work. For Humphrey fulfi llment is always greater than the eff ort. Humphrey has been an invaluable part of the AfriPRO Houston membership. He has served on the Houston African Business Expo committee, the Holiday Gala committee, and has always been willing to lend a hand when needed. Humphrey holds the United States Soccer Federation national”D”, “C” and “B” coaching licenses and has coached and inspired youth across the state and internationally. He also holds a BBA Accounting degree from the University of Houston. Humphrey currently runs his own travel business The Diotu Group (TDG) Travel.

Okechukwu Ofi li is Afri-PRO Houston’s Professional Development Offi cer. He is a design engineer in the Manifolds Group of FMC Technologies. He gradu-ated from the University of Houston in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Me-chanical Engineering. Out-side of work Ofi li spends his time giving back to the community through his website www.ofi lispeaks.com which he created to assist students to get through college. Ofi li is an avid writer and speaker, he enjoys reading and playing soccer. Ofi li is well deserving of the Offi cer of the Year title. He has planned and ex-ecuted numerous Professional Development events including Financial Empowerment Series 2.0 and Get-ting Heard at Work. He has also gone above and be-yond the call of duty by chairing the Houston African Business Expo and the Scholarship committee. With-out his invaluable contributions, our success this year would not have been possible.

Charles Duze grew up in Nigeria, where he developed a real understanding and passion for the plight of orphans. One of the defi ning moments of Charles’ childhood occurred when he saw children going through the garbage behind his high school cafeteria in search of food. He planned on starting a nonprofi t to help the needy once he made his fortune, but later determined he could help without immense wealth. In addition to his full time position as a software engineer at Microsoft, Charles started LittleDrops Orphanage Fund in 2005 with the idea that every child should have the best chance at a successful future. LittleDrops, through generous donations and incredible volunteers, provides orphans and vulnerable children with support in their formative years. The orphans are provided food, clothing, and education, which would in turn improve their chances of a bright future. From the time it was founded, LittleDrops has gone from supporting 6 orphanage homes to 26 throughout Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda) and has helped over 2,000 children.

Uche Baker has worked as an assistant for Houston Surgical Group for the past 23 years in Houston. She has also been dedicated to the “Save the Children” program for over 20 years, the fi rst ten years of her involvement being sporadic and spent as a hobby. Aft er her 1998 diagnosis with Stage 4 breast cancer, “Save the Children” became her life endeavor.

She prayed and said, “God if you help me survive this I will dedicate my life to saving children.” Aft er being declared cancer free in 1999, Uche Baker did just that and has provided thousands toys to and meals for poor children in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Also, her charity recruited a team of plasti c surgeons to donate over $100,000 plasti c surgery services to a Nigerian girl born with a severe facial defect that threatened her life and emoti onal well being. For her eff orts, Uche was honored as a Hollywood’s MGM Studios “Heroes Among Us.” Uche Baker also received an award from the Obosi Development Union Internati onal acknowledging her, not only in the U.S., but also in the European and West African chapters.

The Community Hero recognition is reserved for people who have served in the community with their time and energy and whose eff orts benefi t the African community. This year, AfriPRO Houston is honored to recognize Uche Baker and Charles Duze as its community heroes.

d f l h h d h h h d

Uche Baker & Charles DuzeAfriPRO Houston Community Heroes,

Humphrey Nnadiotu & Okechukwu OfiliAfriPRO Houston Officer & Member of the Year,

16 6 December 20099 The African Professional – Houston –

AfriPRO Houston

Obiamaka

Anyaegbu

Director

Folasayo

“Babs” Ayoola

Director

Temitope

Ayoola

Director

Abayomi

“Qudus”

Majiyagbe

Director

Oluwaseun

Oyeniran

Director

Modinat

“Abby” Kotun

Director

On behalf of AfriPRO Houston (AH), I am delighted to welcome you to our 3rd Annual Holiday Gala. Th ank you for supporting us with your presence as we celebrate AH’s continued progress in advancing its mission and

objectives, recognize the achievements of our award recipients, and raise funds for Th e Endeavor for Hope Foundation. We are honored that our guests this evening include public offi cials,

philanthropists, corporate executives and leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, volunteers, family and friends, and are delighted that our Special Guest Speaker is the internationally acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

At diff erent points in our lives, we all have been called to sacrifi ce that which is so precious – our time and resources – for causes in which we believe and for the common good of others in our communities. Some fi nd it easy to take on such responsibilities, while others fi nd it a deep challenge. Whichever is the case for each of us, I want to appreciate and congratulate AH’s Leadership for stepping up to the task in 2009. It has been an incredible year.

In 2008, AH Board approved, and at our 2nd Annual Holiday Gala I promised that we would launch our Mentoring Program, Scholarship Program, and Journal. Under the direction of our exceptional president, Abby Kotun, and with the hard work of members of all committees, particularly the Executive Committee, we launched the said programs and were able to achieve all we set out to achieve. With the navigation of the Board and the tireless eff orts of the Executives, we exceeded all our expectations for 2009, including becoming a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profi t organization. With our 6th year in sight, we are deeply focused on expanding our membership base and we will continue to pursue the advancement of our mission with greater vigor. We will strengthen our established programs and will continue to honor our commitment by organizing business and professional networking events as well as community focused programming.

Th is year, the Board created a new award category – Distinguished Professional – and today, we continue with our tradition of honoring the eff orts of remarkable individuals and begin the tradition of awarding outstanding high school seniors and college students with the AH Scholarship Award. Congratulations to all our well deserving 2009 award recipients.

Th is year has been such a paradox of experiences. On the one hand we have been able to accomplish so much, while on the other hand, we were faced with the grim reality of the economic downturn which has signifi cantly impacted fundraising for most non-profi t organizations. It is on this note that I would like to thank all our sponsors, as well as all other individuals and organizations who have stood with us and supported our activities, and those who have contributed to the success of this event. We greatly appreciate your support and goodwill, and thank you for identifying with the ideals of our association.

I thank AH members–particularly those who powered AH Committees, who attended our events (or contributed to our programming) and those of you here tonight – for your continued support. I appreciate the relentless eff orts of the Holiday Gala Committee in organizing this wonderful event. I am profoundly grateful to the Board for your service and to the Executives for your hard work and dedication. Th is year could not have been the success it was without you. Th ank you!

As we proceed with the task set before us, we go with the trust and confi dence you have placed in us to lead AH. We are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead but are incredibly attentive to the numerous opportunities available to be harnessed for the organization. We humbly ask that you continue to support us with your time, eff orts, and resources. I wish you all a splendid evening, a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance. Enjoy AH’s hospitality.

Folake Ayoola, Esq.Founder & Chair of the Board of DirectorsPresident (2005 – 2007)

2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUNDER'Sword

MEMBERS ON BOARD COMMITTEES:

Nkem OjiFundraising/Marketing/Membership

Temilolu AyoolaJournal & Mentoring

Henry NwabuzorGala/Awards

Humphrey NnadiotuProfessional Development

Perry MasonWebsite

Fisayo FadeluScholarship Fund


AfriPRO Houston

2009 HAS BEEN A WHIRLWIND YEAR for AfriPRO Houston: cultural belly dancing at Betz Gallery; learning to save “fi ves” at the Financial Empowerment Series 2.0; hearing about African relationships fi rst hand from experienced couples

and individuals; the fi rst ever Houston African Business Expo; hosting Nigeria’s Speaker of the House at the Vegas Nigerian Dialogs, an SAT book drive; and now, honoring seven deserving individuals tonight and hearing from renowned author Chimamanda Adichie. We also received our 501(c)(3) non-profi t charity status enabling our members and the community to make tax-deductible donations toward our fi rst scholarships, and other programs that fulfi ll our mission. December 2009 marks the second year of my two-year term.

All I can say is THANK YOU! Th ank You God for never leaving us. Th ank you Executive Committee for your ideas, your follow through, and your patience. Th ank you Madame Founder, Folake Ayoola, for your tireless eff orts even from several states away and for your long-term vision for the organization. Th ank you Board of Directors for taking care of the longer-term so that the Offi cers could take care of the shorter-term; it worked out well. Th ank you volunteers on the various committees—you brought a fresh perspective and helped us keep up the momentum. Th ank you donors, sponsors, and vendors – your fi nancial support enables us to fulfi ll our mission and without it, our successes this year would be impossible. Th ank you Chioma Nwogu, Gala Committee Chair, for making the collective dream for this year’s gala a reality. Last but not least, thank you MEMBERS—AfriPRO Houston is not a network of African professionals without you. I thank you for having a stake in the game by paying your membership dues. I thank you for heeding the calls to action and participating. And I thank you for building a new positive image of and appreciation for Africa and Africans.

It is to you, fellow AfriPRO Houston members (past, present, and future), that I pose this question and challenge:

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?AfriPRO Houston is uniquely poised to use the power of our African community to

positively aff ect Houston, the United States, Africa, and the world. My challenge to you is to dream big for AfriPRO Houston and to get deeply involved. Run for an offi ce. Join a committee. Propose ideas. Grow the network. Use your network. Do what you would if you knew you couldn’t fail.

Th ank you,

Modinat “Abby” Kotun2008-2009 President, AfriPRO Houston

Uchenna

Udobi

Vice President

Ugonwanne

Onwudiegwu

Treasurer

Joyce Olewe

Secretary

Okechukwu Ofi li

Professional DevelopmentOffi cer

Kingsley

Ewetuya

Networking Offi cer

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Marvin Mbamalu

MENTORING PROGRAM COMMITTEE

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AfriPRO Houston

afriPRO Houston was founded in 2005 as a chapter of the Global African Professionals Network (AfriPRO). Experiencing steady growth since inception, our programming now reaches hundreds of professionals

in the Greater Houston area and beyond. Our membership consists of attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, nurses, accountants, IT specialists, and entrepreneurs, to mention but a few.

Our 2009 ProgrammingCommunity Outreach & Service

AfriPRO Houston seeks to support and promote in African professionals a sense of responsibility toward their communities and provide them with opportunities to engage in charitable activities and community based programming. Below are some examples of our programming:

• Th e AfriPRO Houston Mentoring Program is a struc-tured program designed to give our members the platform to support the development of one another and others who are less experienced. In this program, we matched mentors with mentees to support specifi c goals including leadership development and career path selection and provided group opportunities for mentoring to take place.

• We volunteered multiple times at the Beacon helping with client intake, preparing lunch, and laundry for homeless individuals in Houston.

• Earlier in the year, we partnered with another organiza-tion to assist with SAT tutoring and also provided 39 SAT study books for the students.

Professional Development & Educational Workshops

We seek to foster a stimulating and interactive environment for African professionals to grow in their local community and we encourage professional excellence in the workplace by fostering individual development. In addition, we help facilitate increased communication, interaction, and the exchange of ideals among African professionals, enabling them to learn new skills and acquire knowledge from each other. Below are some examples of our programming:

• Th e 2009 Financial Empowerment Series (FES) was

aimed to educate our members and the community at-large about how to “Survive the Global Recession”. Th is year’s topics included Financial Planning, Keeping Your Job, Taxes, and Real Estate Investment during a recession.

• Our second workshop of the year, Getting Heard at Work, enabled members to improve their public speak-ing by giving attendees the opportunity to practice their speech skills in the company of experts and having those skills constructively critiqued.

Professional Networking

AfriPRO Houston hosts monthly professional networking events to foster and promote in African professionals, among other things, a sense of responsibility toward their communities. Th e year 2009 has been fi lled with many activities designed to cater to the diverse tastes of our members. Some of the activities:

• March - “Culture, Cocktails and Conversation” – Mem-bers viewed and purchased the fi ne works of art displayed, enjoyed wine with scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, and partici-pated in a cultural lesson in bellydancing.

• June – “Before You Get Married” - A moderated panel that included newlyweds, a long married couple, and divorcees were on hand to share their views and experiences and ev-eryone left illuminated.

• October – “Spotlight Karaoke” – Brave AfriPRO Houston members participated in this team-building-like network-ing event.

Nigerian Dialogs

Th is year, AfriPRO Houston collaborated with the Nigerian Reunion Corporation to host “Nigerian Dialogs: Resourcing and Rebranding.” Th e program’s educational seminars focused on educating and empowering the attendees to consider professional, developmental, marketing and business opportunities in and for the continent of Africa. It also served as a community forum to explore issues that aff ect Nigerians in the Diaspora. Panelists of the event included members of the fi eld of business, non-profi t and government, including Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives Honorable Demiji Bankole and Chair of the House Sub-Committee on the Diaspora Abike Dabiri. Th e event

contd. on pg. 23


AfriPRO Houston

was well attended gathering a rousing crowd from college youths to veteran professionals with keen ideas for Nigeria. Th e end product was a communiqué delivered to Chairwoman Dabiri to help shape future decisions by the Nigerian House.

Th ank you to the following Nigerian Dialogs Committee Members: Ngozi Otum, Chair; Nekpen Osuan; and Abby Kotun.

HABETh e purpose of the Houston African Business Expo (HABE)

is to showcase African owned businesses to the Houston community and to provide business development expertise to current and future business owners. On August 22, 2009, AfriPRO Houston, in conjunction with the African Business Council, hosted the event at the International Trade Center in Houston. Th e event drew over 150 attendees and 30 businesses in the exhibition hall. From Graphic Artists and Event Planners to Financial Advisors and Oil and Gas Servicing Companies, Houstonians were able to see the diverse services Africans off er in the metropolitan area. Th e HABE also featured a series of seminars and workshops designed to equip businesses for success particularly in light of the recent economic downturn. Attendees were able to interact with speakers and address particular matters germane to their businesses or careers. Th e event was a smashing success and AfriPRO Houston looks forward to an even more successful event next year. AfriPRO Houston expresses its most profound thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Edebor of the African Business Council and to the members of the University of Houston Chapter of the Nigerian Students Association for their unwavering support.

Th ank you to the following HABE Committee Members: Okechukwu Ofi li, Chair; Nkem Oji, Co-Chair;

Abby Kotun; Eghosa Edebor; Tina Edebor; Kingsley Ewetuya; Ozzie Ilaboya; Humphrey Nnadiotu; Afolabi Ogunnaike; and Nene Otum.

Scholarship Program

We launched our Scholarship Program in 2009 to alleviate the rising costs of college education by awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors entering accredited colleges and universities, and students who are already enrolled in accredited colleges. We are proud to honor our 2009 recipients at our 3rd

Annual Holiday Gala.

We would like to thank everyone who donated to this year’s Scholarship Fund.

Silver Donors: Folake Ayoola, Okechukwu Ofi li; Bronze Donors: Abby Kotun, Jude Nwoko, Ehis Otoikhine; Community Donors: Abiola Afolayan, Temi Ofuya, Afolabi Ogunnaike, David Soneye.

Chinedu I.ANYAEJI

is a Biomedical Engineering student at the University of Texas

at Austin. Outside of class, he participates in scientifi c research

and loves to read, write, and draw.

KasieIFESINACHUKWUis currently a senior at Westlake High School. In collaboration with her church, she started an

educational foundation that sends basic supplies to schools in

Nigeria.

MbereMONJOK

is an Economics and International Relations student at the University

of Texas at Austin. She hopes to work for the United Nations and help governments of third-world

countries.

LotannaIKEOTUONYE

is currently a senior at Michael E. DeBakey High School for

Health Professions. In the near future, she would like to become

a Pediatrician with ambitions to open her own free clinics in Nigeria and the United States.

2009 Scholarship Recipients:

AfriPRO Houston Silver Scholars

AfriPRO Houston Gold Scholar

24 4 December 2009 9 The African Professional – Houston

Feature

The deplorable conditions in many of the nations that make up the African continent make it diffi cult to gauge signifi cant progress in the lives of inhabitants in those nations. Outdated and unproductive beliefs touted by leaders – such as Moamar Gaddafi ’s recent claim of swine fl u being a military weapon – hinder any real progress

from being made toward alleviating the social ills affl icting the African continent, including epidemics, poverty, human rights and illiteracy. In the absence of signifi cant improvements, the only yardstick that can be used as an indicator of social advancement is the collective eff orts of some African governments and foreign organizations to better the lives of Africans victimized by the sometimes devastating state of aff airs.

In connection with these collective eff orts, the few signs of commitment to social progress displayed in certain African nations and regions have been encouraging. Th ey include:

• As noted on its website, the Clinton Foundation along with other organizations, partnered with the Rwandan government to renovate an aban-doned hospital into a fully functioning hospital that now serves 265,000 people.

• Statistics from the United Nations indicate that in sub-Saharan Africa, enrollment in primary education has increased by 15% from 2000 to 2007. Th e AIDS epidemic, while still of foremost concern in on the continent, is being tackled head-on by certain global and regional initiatives. Certain regions are beginning to see some stability, and in some countries like Uganda, even a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of the AIDS epidemic.

• Some regions are also witnessing an improvement in human rights. Th e recent power-sharing political ar-

An Assessment ofSOCIAL PROGRESS IN AFRICA

rangement in Zimbabwe has been deemed somewhat successful, with supporters pointing to a reduction in human rights violations against the media and political opposition.

• Also, the movement for female empowerment got a major boost from the election of Africa’s fi rst female President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.

Sadly, such signs of improvement have not been translated into social successes in other African nations. Too many reminders remain of Africa’s inability to move past the hurdles aff ecting its many communities. UNICEF reports that 21 African nations have adult literacy rates below 50 percent

and, in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, about 45 million children remain uneducated. Th e continent continues to lose lives – at an alarming rate – in

civil unrests motivated by tribalism and poverty. Governments undermine the legitimacy of

their judicial systems by routinely ignoring due process, as seen recently in the Nigerian Boko Hiram crisis.

Since it can be argued that the eff orts of these African governments and foreign

organizations have yielded little or no results, there is no way the continent can be graded above a D – poor, with signifi cant room for improvement. While the steady stream of support is

promising, there is still daily evidence of the continent’s blatant disregard for human

life, lack of attention to poverty, and an unacceptable level of illiteracy. Africa remains mired in poverty and while

witnesses to this stagnation wonder if it will ever change; victims know that their lives and those of their unborn generations depend on it.

ABDUL IBRAHIM

Decembm er Theh Af f

FeatureFeature

e ember 2002 9mber 20020099mber 2009 9 TheThe Africcan a ProrofesfessiosionalaAfrican Professional – Houstoon – Houston 25225

The importance of electricity to the quality of life manifests itself in its impact on productivity and economic growth. Nigerians have found ways to cope with the challenges of unstable electricity supply for

over 35 years. Th e visible eff orts of successive government to address these challenges have been well publicized and very costly. Unfortunately, these have failed to make a positive impact on the problem. Th e cost to public enterprises, private enterprises, and consumers is tremendous and has yielded no economic return. More devastating is the impact of having hundreds of thousands of standby diesel generators on the environment and on the health of the people. Th e current government, like other governments in the past, has adopted a development slogan: 20-20-20. Th at is, the nation will be one of the 20 major economies in the world by the year 2020. For Nigeria to reach this goal, the importance of electricity to economic growth and social development must be understood.

Th e state of the electricity sector in Nigeria is not surprising when its operating facilities are compared with those of other African countries. South Africa, with a population of 49 million, has installed capacity of 40,000 MW with a dynamic capacity growth plan. Its electric utility, Eskom, will spend $53 billion to build additional facilities over the next four years. Ghana, with a population of approximately 22 million, has installed capacity of 1,800 MW. Nigeria, with a population of 140 million, has

an installed capacity of 5,958 MW of which only 2,800 MW is currently available for distribution. Th e Nigerian system is obviously stressed and has no provisions for emergency or peak demands. Even if electricity is generated at the level of the current installed capacity, the supply will fall far short of the estimated demand of just under 40,000MW, while demand will increase by at least 4% per annum. It is noted that the offi cial Nigerian position is that demand is only about 10,000 MW. Th e capital cost for generation, transmission and distribution projects to increase capacity from 5,958 MW to 40,000 MW could top $100 billion. Th is has far reaching economic implications if we wish to achieve the 2020 objective.

Th e general dissatisfaction with the current situation led the Federal Government to deregulate power generation by encouraging private sector participation. Th ere are two models of private sector participation. One is the joint venture between the public sector and private independent power producers to generate electricity to the national grid. Th e other is the production of electricity by private enterprises as independent power producers (IPP) under licenses issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission. To provide the legal basis for these models, the Electric Power Reform Act of 2005 was signed into law on March 11, 2005 by President Olusegun Obasanjo. Th e Act provides for the establishment of companies to take over the functions, assets, liabilities, and staff of the National Electric Power Authority; to develop competitive electricity markets; to establish the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission; to provide for the licensing and regulation of the generation, transmission, distribution and supply of electricity; to enforce such matters as performance standards, consumer rights and obligations; and to determine tariff s. Since the enactment of this law, the government has entered into four NIPP agreements while NNPC has entered into joint ventures, such as the 960 MW NNPC-Agip power station in Delta State for electricity generation. Th e government’s goal of 6000 MW by the end of 2009 is based on the completion of these projects.

LIGHTING UPNIGERIA:CHALLENGES &OPPORTUNITIES BY:

Ayo OlagundoyeI3M Power Systems Limited,

Victoria Island, Lagos

More on page 27

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Feature

In the last 3 years, 31 licenses have been granted to private enterprises to generate electricity for on grid and off grid transmission. While licenses have been granted for the establishment of independent power plants, none of these licensees have produced electricity. Th ere is great enthusiasm on the part of the independent power companies in view of the opportunity to contribute to the resolution of this long standing problem and the projected attractive profi tability of the proposed plants. However, there are challenges that they must deal with before achieving their goal of producing and selling electricity. Th e opportunities arising from these challenges are attractive areas of investment.

An independent power plant project is comprised of a number of building blocks which will determine the project’s economics and its access to funding. Most important of these are:

1. Technology: the type of plant, availability of fuel, fl exibil-ity in operation, proven performance and Operations and Maintenance experience are key issues.

2. Land: generally available; however, for effi cient fuel supply, should be in reasonable proximity to the existing gas lines and to the uploading stations of the national electricity transmission grid.

3. Fuel: while gas is the preferred choice, the issues of pric-ing and security of supply remain unresolved. Even though Nigeria has the 7th largest proven gas reserves in the world, production and distribution of gas require substantial ad-ditional investment and the market is naturally oligopolis-tic. Other options for fi ring turbines are diesel, fuel oil, and coal. In the case of coal, while Nigeria has large reserves, additional investment will be required in some of the coal clusters due to the low heat value of the coal and environ-ment considerations in coal fi red plants.

4. Th e market: Th e Power Sector Reform Act distinguishes the businesses of electricity generation and distribution. In the medium term, any electricity generation project will be able to sell all of its output. Th e challenge is in the distribution. Investments in distribution projects in the private sector will further facilitate the setting up and operation of IPPs by providing a system for bankable Power Purchase Agree-ments (PPAs). It is currently estimated that the current active demand is about 10,000 MW. However, if the target of generation of 6,000 MW is achieved by the end of this year, though doubtful, the crisis will be greatly eased. Th e estimate of demand for competitive levels of productivity and quality of life is around 40,000 MW.

5. Funding: the local fi nancial system is inadequate to meet the funding requirements of electricity generation and transmission projects in terms of structure, volume, and maturities. However, provided the critical building blocks of a power project are put in place, there will be a competi-tive interest in this sector locally and internationally.

Th e challenges of fuel supply and power purchase agreements in

power projects are areas of opportunities for entrepreneurs. Fuel is a challenge because of inadequate supply and distribution of gas. Power plants may need to use heavy fuel with the attendant supply logistics. Th e fuel segment of a project is, therefore, a candidate for outsourcing. Th e need for additional production of gas and transportation pipelines is also a prospective business opportunity. Th e second area of opportunity is distribution. While a power plant may organize itself to supply electricity directly to large private off takers, the supply to consumers requires bulk purchasers who would handle the retail distribution. Th e existing distribution sector is mainly in the hands of the public sector. Securing PPAs with the public sector remains a major challenge due to the need for security of cash fl ow. Private sector investment in distribution will facilitate the sale of electricity to consumers.

Electricity supply in Nigeria should not continue to be the intractable problem it has been for many years. Th e management of the sector by successive governments has been wasteful and has not produced good results. Th e critical importance of sector development, industry competitiveness, and quality of life requires that the government commit resources to facilitating the participation of private enterprise through policy and fi nancial commitments thereby moving Nigeria towards its 20-20-20 development goal.

LIGHTING UP NIGERIA ... from page 25


Business & Economics

Ose T. OkojieNew York Life Insurance

Company

Costly Financial Mistakes:5 Insurance & Financial MistakesTh at Can Cost You Dearly ...

Costly Financial Mistakes:5 Insurance & Financial MistakesTh at Can Cost You Dearly ...

Everyone wants fi nancial success for themselves and their families. Th e dreams that we spend long hours working toward— whether it is a fi rst home, a college education for the children, or a retirement home somewhere warm —are

all goals on the path to fi nancial security. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to stumble on the way to your destination. Below is a list of the most common errors people make in achieving their insurance and fi nancial goals. Th ey are all potentially costly and they could mean the diff erence between fi nancial success and failure.

and number of dependents. It is best to sit down with an insurance professional to go over your needs and look at the available options.

4. Inadequate Disability Income Insurance: Your earning power is the generator that keeps the wheels of your household running smoothly. But what if that generator breaks down? Th e risk of disability, as well as its potential cost, is simply too great to ignore. Once again, a company-

sponsored plan may be too limited for your needs. Typically, disability income insurance plans will cover 50 – 60% of your annual income for a pre-deter-mined period of time. You will want to study the policy carefully to understand all of the provisions,

including the defi nition of disability, the waiting period fol-lowing disability before you can collect, and the length of the payment period.

5. No Estate Plan: Some people have the impression that estate planning is just for the rich. Unfortunately, that view can be costly to their heirs. Your estate includes such items as your home, cash, investments, personal property, and other assets you and your spouse may own jointly or as community property. Th ese may add up to a lot more than you thought you were worth. Federal estate taxes apply to estates valued at more than $2 million in 2007 and 2008*, and can climb to over a 45% tax rate for large estates. Add in state death taxes and fi nal expenses and your death can be quite costly to your loved ones. You owe it to your family to have an estate plan in place. An eff ective will, a trust arrangement, and adequate life insurance are some of the options available to you to help your heirs get what they deserve.

“To err is human” is yet another pearl of wisdom. Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but all of the ones outlined above can be avoided. With proper insurance products and fi nancial strategies you can steer past those costly blunders and be on the road to fi nancial success.

1. Failure to Plan: An old saying goes, “Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.” Th is is particularly true when it comes to insurance and fi nances. If any planning is done, it is on a piecemeal basis but that’s just not enough. To have a shot at accomplish-ing what we want, we must fi rst set our goals, analyze what it will take to achieve those goals, and then implement a plan. Th e plan should include everything from savings and checking accounts, to longer-term vehicles like annuities, CDs, and IRAs, and the protection provided by life, health, and disability income insurance.

2. Insuffi cient Diversifi cation: Another old adage still rings true: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Diver-sifi cation is generally considered a key to reducing risk and enhancing potential return. Some people believe that because they have CDs in three diff erent banks they are properly diversifi ed. True diversifi cation cuts across product types, lengths of maturity, and asset categories. With a well-diversi-fi ed portfolio, you are never too dependent on how well one product performs.

3. Insuffi cient Life Insurance: We are quick to insure our cars and our homes but too often we overlook our most important asset — ourselves. With mortgages, tuition, and bills to be paid, it’s important to have proper coverage on all income earners. Some people may have group term life insurance through their employers but this alone may not be suffi cient. Be careful not to be overly dependent on group term, for these plans can be infl exible, may not be portable, and may not be available when you need it most — after age 65. Look into purchasing individual coverage to suit your particular needs. How much life insurance is enough? Th at depends on a number of personal factors including income

For more information about insurance and other fi nancial products, contact Ose T. Okojie, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company, at 713-963-4287. New York Life and its agents do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult with your professional advisors regarding your particular situation.

*Th is amount increases to $3,500,000 by 2009. In 2010, the estate tax is repealed for one year only. It resumes in 2011 at $1 million.

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Business & Economics

Fisayo Fadelu

This issue’s Business Spotlight is cast on the nation of Rwanda - to applaud its recent international recognition as a trailblazer in business reform eff orts on the African continent, as well as, to highlight

commendable areas of progress and discuss opportunities for improvement.

The GainsAccording to the World Bank’s 2010 Doing Business

Report, Rwanda is the world’s leading business reformer. Overall, Rwanda introduced reforms in 7 out of 10 categories, rising from 143rd to 67th place on the ease of doing business rankings. (Source: http://www.doingbusiness.org)

Th e World Bank reports that Rwanda’s US$4.5 billion economy grew by approximately 7.9 percent in 2007 and 11.2 percent in 2008. Th e novelty of industrialization to this largely agriculture-based economy aff ords entrepreneurs lucrative avenues to start businesses in uncultivated sectors of the economy and to benefi t from fi rst-to-market advantages. Furthermore, the combination of steady demand from local and neighboring countries, fairly mild competition, lower labor costs, and government reform, continues to make Rwanda a haven suitable for growth, expansion, and quick gains with relatively little eff ort.

Rwanda has in the past year introduced a new law that has simplifi ed business start-up and strengthened minority shareholder protections. Entrepreneurs can now start a business in two procedures and three days. Rwanda has also enacted new laws to improve regulations and ease access to credit which while benefi cial to local businesses will also elevate Rwanda’s stature on the continent and give the nation a competitive edge in the bid for foreign investment.

The ChallengesA key impediment to growth in several African countries,

including Rwanda, is the dearth of building, energy, technology, and intellectual infrastructure. With regard to business in Rwanda, the import and export sectors are particularly adversely impacted. Th e average cost of standard imports to and exports from Rwanda in 2009 is approximately twice that of the average Sub-Saharan African nation and almost fi ve times that of the average developed nation, as reported by the World Bank’s 2010 Doing Business Report. Ineffi ciencies due to poor infrastructure are costly and often discourage entrepreneurship. (Source: http://www.doingbusiness.org)

In conclusion, as we celebrate the triumphs of many accomplishments, one must admit that much more is yet to be done. Th e progress of Rwanda, though fragile, is a refreshing change that lights a spark of hope for a region of the world that is too often considered irrelevant.

32 2 December 20099 The African Professional – Houston

Socio-Political

NIGER DELTA

FIRE ON THE

NIGER DELTA MOUNTAIN

gasoline, has kept it at the frontier of energy politics. It is estimated that oil and gas exports constitute 95 percent of Nigeria’s export revenue. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Nigeria has an estimated 36.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, placing it among the ten highest nations in reserve capacity. Oil industry supply-side dynamics are changing and Nigeria stands to gain. Th e U.S. is looking away from autocratic Middle East regimes to Nigeria. Industrializing economies such as China seek to meet massive and increasing energy needs from Africa. Russia is reportedly seeking to consolidate its hold over European Union gas supply by entering energy deals with Nigeria. Basically, as Johnnie Carson, the new U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, declared this summer, “Nigeria is the most important country in Africa, bar none”. But Nigeria stands to forego all of these gains and lose just as spectacularly if it does not address the crisis in the Niger Delta.

Parallel Tracks of Destruction

In the shadow of these interlocking geopolitical interests involving Nigeria is the Niger Delta and its predominantly Ijaw citizens. Th is community numbers about 14-15 million in several states and comprises Nigeria’s fourth largest ethnic group. Oil exploration is centered precisely in this region of Nigeria and it has been the victim of severe consequences. Oil exploration has unleashed parallel tracks of economic and environmental devastation. Th eir waters are today fi lled with oil sludge endangering both economy and subsistence. Th e environment is not spared either. Gas fl ares emit toxic gases into the air putting

KEN Saro-Wiwa may be proving prescient after all. In his address to a military-appointed tribunal before he was executed, he warned that while Shell had

“indeed, ducked this particular trial…its day will surely come” whereupon the “ecological war” waged in the Niger Delta by the company would be duly called into question. In June 2009, Shell was compelled to pay $15.5 million—after 13 years in court—to representatives of the Ogoni community in Nigeria. Th is is certainly a paltry sum considering that Royal Dutch Shell earned revenues of over $458 billion in 2008 in spite of global recessional conditions and an energy crisis, and also, considering the level of environmental hazard attributed to Shell operations in Nigeria. Legal publication Th e Am Law Daily noted that the company likely paid more to Wall Street fi rm Cravath, Swaine & Moore who handled its case than it settled for. Still, the settlement represented a tacit admission of responsibility for many of the problems in the area and, thus, a measure of victory by the Ogoni. Saro-Wiwa perhaps saved his most ominous lament for the Nigerian nation and its government. He pondered whether the denouement of the Niger Delta riddle would be borne of the non-violent fi ght he had espoused, casting the Nigerian government as sole arbiter of any eventual outcome. Th e implicit challenge to the government was whether it would embrace his platform as a means to solving the problems of the Niger Delta or risk the carnage he feared would ensue otherwise. Th e government chose the blue pill favoring a state of disconnect and disengagement. Carnage has ensued.

THE DILEMMA

Foregoing Optimal Gains

For the balance of its history, Nigeria’s crude oil, which trades at a premium because it is light and sweet and easily processed into

the community at risk for respiratory illness and cancer. Th e ecosystem, which boasts the fourth largest mangrove forests in the world, has suff ered irreparable damage. In far too many areas, oil exploration has left a near-apocalyptic landscape in its wake, leading to cries of “ecological genocide” by indigenous activists.

Historical Fissures and Uprising

For many citizens of the Niger Delta, their shadow is obscure no longer and they seek their reckoning. Th e reality is that a lot of the problems in the Niger Delta are decades in the making. In 1957, the Willink Commission sought to allay fears of the Ijaw that the political structure set in place by the British would

Onimi K. Erekosima


Socio-Political

leave them underrepresented and ultimately disenfranchised, by declaring the Niger Delta a “Special Area” to be monitored and developed. Isaac Adaka Boro would later commence what was called the “12 Day Revolution” to attain political autonomy for the Niger Delta region. In subsequent decades, as Nigeria suff ered a rash of coups and erratic military leadership, the Niger Delta would suff er from even more neglect. All of these events have culminated in a Niger Delta turmoil that harkens to Saro-Wiwa’s warning. It is a very muddled picture. Young men have taken to kidnapping oil workers and destroying oil facilities and have been declared renegade insurgents. Notably, their rhetoric captures the idealism of Saro-Wiwa and similar Niger Delta activists and they have generally sworn against deliberate attacks on life. Ultimately, everyone, including prominent Nigerians like Wole Soyinka and Gani Fawehinmi, has agreed the circumstances in the Niger Delta are unconscionable and innocent people are caught in the crosshairs, victims of infl uences outside their control.

SOLUTIONS

Th e inaction by Nigeria to swiftly cure the issues in the Niger Delta has created a de facto stalemate in the current Presidential amnesty dialogue. Th e government’s request for cessation of insurgent activity as a precursor to further discussion on Niger Delta issues is met, by both insurgent leaders and community leaders, with scorn as they quickly call out an abysmal record of failed promises. Good faith suggests that the government acknowledge that for all the action of the insurgents, the current crisis is wholly a direct result of its inertia, which has rendered energetic youth unemployed and hopeless. Discontent does not progress to revolt in any society where even a modicum of economic and liberty interests are protected. Prudence suggests the government must, at once, aggressively deal with the issues that underlie the confl ict, which will have the eff ect of pacifying the citizenry, and fi lter idealists from opportunists among the insurgents.

Home-Derived Action

Th e Nigerian government can best seize this moment of political and cultural arousal and make it a transformational one for the country. Rather than attempt to squash dissent, it can forge a deliberative climate of discourse, illustrating its maturity as a republic by solving a complicated social issue. Th e federal government should make any necessary legal reform and embark on substantive institutional remedial measures to resolve deep systemic defi ciencies. It cannot abdicate responsibility for Niger Delta welfare by emphasizing mismanagement of funds at the state level. Rather, it must creatively establish checks that ensure accountability on the state and local government area (LGA) levels. Th e government can also enlist select Non-State Actors (NSAs), or NGOs, to facilitate administration of specifi c developmental projects. Th ere is precedent for a collaborative relationship with NSAs, and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) initiative is an example. If the government under President Yar’ Adua is successful, it would go a long way towards building a true national identity—both redeeming and rewarding—in which all have stakes irrespective of ancestry, culture or religion.

Going Forward

Policy recommendations have poured in from all corners. In December 2006, a commission comprised of 65 Nobel Prize Laureates (the “Commission”) considered the Niger Delta situation. In their resulting report, they suggested that oil companies adopt remedial measures aimed at infrastructure building and environmental clean up through a “Community Investment Fund” that would funnel a percentage of revenue directly to local organizations working in health, education, micro-credit, and infrastructure development. Th e fund would also support environmental conservation and restoration. Th e eff orts of the oil companies can be tracked by following the audit reports of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Th e federal government must then implement, if the recommendations of the Commission is to work. Th e NEITI audit published in July 2009 highlights the inadequacy of Nigeria’s fi nancial reporting and record keeping systems nothing that it was diffi cult to account for some federal disbursements.

Other proposed solutions address current despair as well as wounds of disenfranchisement. Dr. Orikaye G. Brown-West, a professor of mathematics in the U.S., has devised a “numbers” model illustrating how the creation of more states will benefi t the Niger Delta population. He posits that a disproportionate percentage of national revenue trickles down to the Niger Delta communities most aff ected by oil exploration. Th e Ijaw community received just 0.56% of federal revenue allocation in 2008 despite comprising 10% of the Nigerian population. He further notes that the Ijaws have the least number of LGAs as compared to the Ibibio/Efi k/Annang community who make up 3.5% of the Nigerian population but have more than double the number of LGAs, and the other major ethnic groups each of whom have at least four times the number of LGAs. In the Nigerian federal revenue allocation system, disbursements are primarily contingent upon the aggregate number of LGAs in a community and Niger Delta citizens fi nd themselves systematically disenfranchised by the current zoning standards. Th e worst agenda the federal government can pursue is an escalation of military attacks. Th is would widen existing schisms and the resulting upheaval could be disastrous culturally and economically. Th e October 4, 2009 deadline to conclude Presidential amnesty discussions looms ahead. Again, the Nigerian federal government fi nds itself in the role of ultimate arbiter. Which way this time around?

Sources:1 http://amlawdaily.typepad.com/amlawdaily/2009/06/a-win-for-wiwa-a-win-for-

shell-a-win-for-corporate-human-rights.html 2 http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Nigeria/Full.html 3 http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fi ps=NI 4 Green, Matthew, “Gazprom’s $2.5bn gas deal with Nigeria raises European concerns”

(June 26, 2009) Financial Times 5 Joseph, R. (2009, August 11). As Clinton Arrives, New Partnership with U.S.

Beckons. All Africa.com. Retrieved from http://allafrica.com 6 R. T. Akinyele, “States Creation in Nigeria: Th e Willink Report in Retrospect”,

African Studies Review, Vol. 39, No. 2 (Sep., 1996), pp. 71-94 7 http://www.sweetcrudemovie.com/pdf/Nobel_Laureate_Report.pdf 10 Brown-West, Orikaye, “Th e Mathematics of the Demand for More Ijaw States in the

Federal Republic of Nigeria: Quod Erat Demonstrandum” (May 30, 2009)

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Socio-Political

COMMUNITY NON-PRO

Technology in AfricaTechnology in Africa,

Inc. (TIA) is a nonprofi t/NGO

corporati on that strives to buildup the

Informati on and Communicati ons Technology (ICT)

infrastructure for economic development

throughout Africa. By way of technical insti tutes, research and development of ICT

along with providing informati on and communicati ons technology services to local schools and businesses in urban and rural communiti es.The purpose of Technology in Africa, Inc. is to educate and transmit the latest Informati on and Communicati ons Technology (ICT) to rural and urban communiti es and areas throughout Ghana, West Africa.

The vision that Technology in Africa, Inc. (TIA) has for its insti tuti ons is to provide a signifi cant Informati on and Communicati ons Technology (ICT) structure that will promote educati on in the various regions

KUNAK FOUNDATION, INC. (KFI), a non-profi t organization and 501(c)(3) public charity, wasestablished in 2005 with the aim of improving health by providing medical supplies, equipment,

and water resources to hospitals and communities in Africa. Inspired by the plight of the people of the African continent, KFI is determined to partner with philanthropic organizations and hospitals to collect medications, medical equipment, and usable medical supplies for distribution to communities in need. KFI has several cost saving measures to reduce administrative cost so that a large percentage of funds donated will reach the people who the donors wish to help. Other measures include dealing directly with local communities and getting them involved in all phases of the project, including the development and maintenance of the website. For more information, visit their website: www.kunakfoundation.org.

SUCCESS STORIESWhen Shehu Mohammed arrived at Zonkwa General

Hospital, he had been suff ering with a fever, diarrhea, and a rash on his trunk for more than two weeks. 20 year old

Shehu was so lethargic that he had not been able to farm or perform any of his normal chores. In fact, he had to be physically carried to the hospital. He was diagnosed with typhoid (infectious disease from contaminated food and drink) and enteric perforations (holes in the intestine). Enteric perforations have a high rate of morbidity and mortality and require surgical repair is required. Thanks to the recently donated supplies from Kunak Foundation, doctors had the needed surgical supplies and equipment necessary to perform the operation. The surgery was a success and Shehu will make a full recovery.

Yau Ibrahim is a 6 year old with an umbilical hernia (outward bulging of the abdominal lining through the navel). His mother said that Yau would cry all day due to the immense pain which was worse when he stood upright. To lessen this pain, he began to lie on his back throughout the day. He stopped going to school, and stopped playing which was sad for Yau and worrisome for his mother. Because the hospital had received much needed supplies from Kunak Foundation, they were able to repair Yau’s hernia at minimal cost and relieve his pain. He’s back in school and playing again!

Kunak FoundationFounder, Gideon Nyan


Socio-Political

A SOCIA L ENTERPRISE

IN ACTION

Founded in November 2006 by Matthew and Th omas Mitro, Indego Africa, a 501(c)(3) non-profi t organization, is an innovative award-winning non-profi t organization that is using a social enterprise approach to empower hundreds of Rwandan women and help them lift themselves out of poverty. Indego Africa is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and was the 2008 winner of the Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation Competition. Indego Africa’s model is simple, yet powerful:

a) partner with cooperatives of world-class artisans in Rwanda, made up entirely of women;

b) sell their masterful fair trade handicrafts – from stylish yoga bags to vibrant wine coasters to exquisitely hand-crafted baskets – at high-end retailers across the U.S. and on Indego Africa’s WebStore;

c) pay the women a fair wage, including 50% in advance of production;

d) return 100% of the profi ts to its Hand Up program for culturally-tailored training pro-grams in Financial Management, Entrepre-neurship & Microfi nance, Literacy, Comput-ers, & Global Commerce; and

e) harness local talent to conduct the training programs through a ground-breaking intern-ship program with Orphans of Rwanda In-ternational (ORI), a nonprofi t that provides university scholarships to high-achieving orphans.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

INNOVATIONS

Indego Africa sets itself apart from both commercial handicraft exporters, which provide only income, and traditional non-profi ts, which focus only on skills or hand-outs, by off ering an innovative hybrid approach. Th is business model helps the women in our partner cooperatives to take care of their immediate needs, diversify their income-generating and entrepreneurial skills, and cultivate self-worth and confi dence. Indego Africa’s social enterprise model is also replicable and transparent – institutional values that promote both sustainability and growth.

POPULATION SERVED

Indego Africa partners with more than 250 remarkable women in Rwanda, many of whom cope with HIV/AIDS; suff er from psychological trauma; have little formal education; care for several children, including orphans from the Genocide in 1994; and are the sole providers for their households.

For more information on Indego Africa, please visit, http://www.indegoafrica.org.

OFIT ORGANIZATIONS

of Ghana. Technology in Africa primary focus is educati on; with the intent to take part in the research and development of Ghana’s informati on and communicati ons technology infrastructure. Technology in Africa’s ICT insti tuti ons will assist Ghana in becoming the fi rst African nati on with a solid ICT infrastructure, by becoming instrumental in propelling the economic development in this global technological revoluti on.

To learn more about this organizati on or to get involved, please visitwww.technologyinafrica.org.

38 8 December 2009 9 The African Professional – Houston

Arts & Leisure

Can you describe your career trajectory?

I began writing for the New York Times and Vibe magazine while earning my masters degree in journalism at NYU. Upon graduating, I landed a job as an editorial assistant at the Daily News. I eventually became a features reporter, writing

about trends and pop culture. After three years at the Daily News, I joined the New York Times where I worked for fi ve years as a feature writer for the Arts and Leisure and Style sections. During this period, I began appearing on television off ering pop culture commentary on the Today

Show, MTV, VH1, BET, and CNN. I left the Times for CNN nearly three years ago.

What skills are necessary to be a good journalist? What

are some of the most rewarding aspects of your current

engagement?

Th e best journalists have a boundless curiosity, a need to know and understand why. Th e best part of being a journalist is that you are paid to learn.

What would you and others say are three

of your personality pluses?

I’m curious, funny, and personable. People have always liked telling me stories and I’ve always liked hearing them. More people should learn to talk less and listen more. It can be very rewarding.

How do you stay competitive?

I am a voracious reader. Books, magazines, newspapers, various websites. I can’t get enough. If I could read in the shower, I would. A well-read person is more fulfi lled and ulti-mately more engaging. I always try to cultivate relationships.

What advice would you give those who one day hope to

become journalists?

Acquire as many skills as possible. Th ese days, journalists have to be multiplatform experts. Print reporters must be web savvy. Television reporters should know how to shoot and edit their own video.

Did you have mentors who helped you during the earlier

stages of your career? How did you seek them out? What did

you learn from them, and how did they help you?

I have had several mentors throughout my career. Profes-sors, co-workers, accomplished friends. Flattery will get you far, but only if it’s sincere. No one likes a kiss up but don’t be afraid to tell someone why you admire their work. Be specifi c. It shows you’ve done your homework. Over the

years, my mentors have taught me about everything from writing features to read-ing the teleprompter.

How do you spend your time outside of

work, including hobbies, interests, sports,

family, and volunteer activities?

My husband and I have very demand-ing careers, so whenever we have a free moment we try and spend it together. I also enjoy kickboxing and spinning. Sweating helps relieve stress.

Folake Ayoola

Lola Ogunnaike, the talented and personable journalist, has interviewed personalities from all walks of life, including actors, musicians, and politicians. Her work in high profi le media organizations such as USA Today, Vibe,

and CNN has informed and entertained the world. She is truly a Nigerian treasure. Th e Executive Editor of Th e African Professional – Houston, Folake Ayoola, had a rare opportunity to interview Lola Ogunnaike, the former

CNN Entertainment Correspondent. Lola shares the secret of her success as well as insights about her life.


Arts & Leisure

NIGERIA’S fi lm industry, also known as Nollywood, ranks third highest in gross revenue only behind H o l -

lywood and Bollywood, respectively. It has also had some signifi cant exports with leading actors performing in works produced in neighboring markets. Native Ni-gerians performing overseas are not doing so badly either. Actors like Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje who starred as “Heavy Duty” in G.I. Joe: Th e Rise of Cobra (2009) and Sophie Okonedo who starred in Th e Secret Life of Bees (2008) have garnered measurable attention for their outstanding perfor-mances and received several accolades honoring their work. Es-pecially impressive is the general consensus that they seem to be holding their own as great thespians in Hollywood, recognized worldwide as the ultimate powerhouse in the global fi lm industry.

Nigeria, over the years, has also had her fair share of musicians with success in overseas markets. Nigerian legends such as the great singer King Sunny Ade and the late Afro-beat musical sen-sation Fela Kuti, have thrilled audiences worldwide and put Ni-geria on the map musically with rhythms that refl ect their African roots. Other talented acts such as Sade Adu and Seal have made Nigerians proud with their ability to entertain global audiences; their soulful styles infl uenced more by the Western genres of R&B and Jazz.

Unfortunately, while the success of local Nigerian musical acts is undeniable, as evidenced by the throng of fans that attend the numerous concerts off ered, the current generation has yet to make a huge impact on the global stage. Th ere is some hope, though, in performers such as Wale (Olubowale Victor Folarin), the Wash-ington D.C. born rap artist and protégé of the conscious rapper Nas (often mistaken for being a native Nigerian but who actually just bears the Nigerian name given to him by a Yoruba priest, Oludara), who has been getting a lot of praise for his thought provoking lyrics.

Although millions of Nigerians are thrilled about the contribu-tions Nigerians have made in the entertainment arena worldwide, there is still great room for improvement. History has shown that Nigerians have the ability to compete for a global audience and win the hearts of fans worldwide. Th ere is certainly more op-portunity now than ever before for aspiring acts to realize their potential in the international entertainment arena.

sohirdbehind H o l -y. It has also had ing actors performing g markets. Native Ni-

ot doing so badly either. Agbaje who starred as

AriseO’ Compatriots

Oloruntoyin Olorogun

If earth is truly a sphere

Then ‘Origin’ must be the start and end as

well

If the sun sets in the west

Tomorrow, the east will see her fi rst

If labor hails the advent of life

Perhaps some gain may tag along her pain

If the sun does smile a constant ray

Beyond this night is certainly a brighter day

If life is a play with acts and scenes

The irony of this stage too shall pass,

indeed

If crisis has the ‘powers’ on its marks

Then could her time be now to shine?

If the world truly does turn

The reign of Africa will surely return

Someday, tomorrow…

TOMORROWFisayo Fadelu

Professor Banji Ayoola, MD FACP CEO HEAL Medical Group, Eden Hill Medical Center Dover, DE

Founder and President of AFRINAM Forum - USA

&

Mrs. Victoria Ayoola, RN SCM proudly support

AfriPRO Houston And their daughter

Folake Ayoola, Esq.

Founder & Chair of Board of Directors

and congratulate

2009 AfriPRO Houston Merit Award Recipient Dr. Kase Lawal

2009 AfriPRO Houston Distinguished Professional Kenneth Yellowe

2009 AfriPRO Houston Image Award Recipient Stephanie Okereke

2009 AfriPRO Houston Community Heroes Uche Baker & Charles Duze

2009 AfriPRO Houston Officer and Member of the Year Okechukwu Ofili & Humphrey Nnadiotu


Arts & Leisure

Barile Karanwi

INTERRUPTED

My family and I arrived in the U.S. from Africa on September 19, 1996. Our long and arduous journey to the United States began

almost a year earlier in November 1995. As a nine-year-old, I didn’t really understand why we had to leave everything and everyone we loved in our native country of Nigeria and travel to a new place. Neither did my seven-year-old sister and fi ve-year-old brother, I imagine. However, we would soon learn that it was a life and death matter.

As it happens, my family left Nigeria for political reasons. President Abacha had ordered many human rights activists, including my father, to be imprisoned because they were trying to stop the government from drilling for oil in the Niger Delta region. My father and others were fi ghting to end the violence and destruction in their native villages that came with the oil drilling. Unfortunately, their eff orts often resulted in imprisonment and even death. After my father had been jailed for the second time, my parents made the diffi cult decision to leave the country. Just a few months earlier, my dad’s friend and fellow activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, had been executed by the government. My parents feared that the same fate awaited my dad and, therefore, had no choice but to move us out of the country.

I still remember our last night in Nigeria as though it were yesterday. My siblings and I had just fi nished eating dinner and it was about 9 pm. We were excited because there was a trip to an amusement park planned for the next day. At about 10

pm, two Nigerian soldiers knocked on our door and asked to speak to my dad. I later found out that they told him he would be arrested the next day. After the soldiers left, my parents calmly told us that we were going on a trip and should start packing immediately. Everything we packed fi t into three large suitcases and three backpacks.

Early the next morning, I went next door to my best friend’s house to tell her goodbye. Because my parents had warned me not to tell anyone the real reason we were leaving, I just told her we had to go. I’m sure my friend must have thought it was a little strange to take a trip at the beginning of the school year. Two hours later, we loaded our belongings into my dad’s Jeep and left our house in the city to begin the long journey to America and, ultimately, freedom.

After we left Nigeria, we traveled through Benin and Togo by bus and fi nally arrived in Ghana in early December. Over the next nine months, we lived in three diff erent places: two hotels and a two-bedroom house that we shared with seven other people. Finally, on September 17, 1996, my family and I got the news we had been awaiting for almost a year. We were going to America!

Life

Arts & Leisure

DecDeceember 2009 9 TheThe AfAfricrican an Prorofessiionnal –– Houuston 42

Arts & Leisure

Executive Editor: Can you describe your career trajectory? How did you get your current position?

SOMI: I began my career as a musician when I moved to

New York 10 years ago. At the ti me, I had no idea what the journey of

making a living as a professional musician would be like, but over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from both countless opportuniti es and the generosity of other industry professionals. I started out primarily as a singer/songwriter. Soon, I began to perform regularly with my band in the New York City area and then nati onal and regional touring opportuniti es came up. In 2008, I began to do more theater work – debuti ng a multi media piece that I wrote at The Apollo Theater. I also have begun producing more cultural events to give platf orm to other contemporary African arti sts under a non-profi t organizati on that I founded called New Africa Live.

Executive Editor: What career successes are you most proud of having accomplished?

SOMI: Having had the opportunity to share my music in places all over the world—from South America to Siberia and everywhere in between. I am also very proud of the work I’ve been able to do with my organizati on New Africa Live and challenging homogenized noti ons of contemporary African cultural producti on while giving a space of cultural belonging to progressive African arti sts in the literary, visual, and performing arts. I am also honored to have had the chance to recording with the legendary Hugh Masekela on my third album. The most rewarding aspect of my career is being able to engage with and inspire the human spirit.

Executive Editor: What advice would you give those who one day hope to become performers/entertainers/musicians?

SOMI: Practi ce, practi ce, practi ce… and listen to your heart. The

most important aspect of being a performer is “preparedness.” You never know when your “break” will come, so it’s important to keep challenging yourself to take more risks and grow while always staying true to your arti sti c voice and integrity. No matt er the color of your skin, remain true to yourself and never be afraid of celebrati ng who you are through your creati ve work and performance. I made a lot of mistakes in my fi nancial management when I was starti ng out that most young arti sts make. At the ti me, I did not keep my personal and business fi nances separate and over ti me (and the busier you get), the two became very “sti cky.” I incorporated a small business about 6 years ago aft er years of mismanagement. Learning how to actually run a business is defi nitely not something most arti sts anti cipate ever having to do, but it is so important that we know that this is, indeed, a business and our work is the commodity. Proper fi nancial planning and management of your creati ve work only makes your work as an arti st more valuable, your standard of living more sustainable, and your career development opportuniti es more tangible.

Executive Editor: What professional organizations are you associated with and in what ways—member, board, treasurer, etc.?

SOMI: I am a songwriti ng and publishing member of American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. I also serve as the Arti sti c & Executi ve Director of New Africa Live. Lastly, I am a special consultant to the board of Sauti Yetu: Center for African Women and Girls.

Executive Editor: The theme of our inaugural journal is “Africa’s Report Card: Successes and Challenges.” In your opinion, what successes would you say Africa has had and what challenges remain?

SOMI: Well, that list is probably very long, but what I can say as an arts professional is that while it is incredibly refreshing to see all of the young arti sts coming on the conti nent who are actually being celebrated in their home countries and making a good living at it now, there is sti ll a lot of work to be done in terms of intellectual property rights, arts educati on, and creati ng more resources to place Africa’s brightest talent on a global cultural stage.

Folake Ayoola

On a bright Fall Saturday afternoon, TAPH Executive Editor, Folake Ayoola, caught up with Somi before the

release of her latest album. Somi’s music mirrors the diff erent seasons of the year and the fl avorful cultures

of Africa. Before moving to Illinois, USA, Somi lived with her family in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, and

Tanzania—a true child of Africa. Her third album, If The Rains Come First (ObliqSound), is a refreshing and stunning

collection of self-penned story-based songs. Somi’s music evokes the transcendence of the rains of life full of all

the challenges and blessings they promise. As her career has taken off , Somi’s talents have been called upon for

collaborations and live performances with such greats as John Legend, Casandra Wilson, Mos Def and Paul Simon.

During the interview, Folake learned about Somi’s career, successes and challenges as a promising artist.


Arts & Leisure

DIAGNOSTICS IMAGING ADV

Watching an African movie is almost like playing Russian roulette in reverse. For most people, the chance of actually getting a good movie is just not worth taking the time to seek it out. Th at is why Th e Perfect Picture is a breath of fresh air. It goes against the norm with most movies produced in Africa in that it aims to tell a simple story in a poignant manner. It does not assume Africans are too unsophisticated to understand the art of storytelling or fi lmmaking. It is certainly a must see.

Th e Perfect Picture begins with a bride sharing her wedding day with loved ones including her two best friends. Being a newlywed is exciting for her except for one thing: she and her new husband can’t seem to make the magic happen in the bedroom. From that point on, the story begins to explore the response an African woman is predisposed to have in such circumstances. Th e movie also makes commentary on the themes of friendship and romance. How far will a friend go for another, and when are the lines crossed? Are we looking for the right qualities in a mate, or do we leave it to society to determine who our best match is?

Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the director, also manages to make the movie a visual and audio success. Th e audience does not

The Perfect Picture:A Breath of Fresh Air

have to tolerate the poor sound quality, which is the staple of most African movies, because Th e Perfect Picture delivers clear sound and an appropriate selection of background music. Th e scenes appear well lit and the settings are appropriate. All the technical elements that are essential in any decent production are seamlessly woven together to create a thrilling movie that is up to par with Western titles.

Th e Perfect Picture encourages fans of African movies to look forward to productions of much higher quality in the near future. Frimpong-Manso, a Ghanaian native, has made Africans proud with her creativity and commitment to delivering an excellent movie. Filmmakers in competing African markets, especially Nigeria, who desire to be distinguished as authentic artists should look up to her movie as the standard to emulate.

Excerpt;

For most people, the chance of actually getting a good movie is just not worth taking the time to seek it out. Th at is why Th e Perfect Picture is a breath of fresh air.

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Editorial

To many people, education is the key to success in any number of ventures. Whether a person aims to be a music producer or a neurosurgeon, some knowledge must be acquired in order for

him to achieve his goals. Such knowledge is often obtained through a college education. In today’s world, one’s level of education typically correlates with the degree of success and income-earning potential: the more educated you are, the better your chances of securing a “good” job. A “good” job is usually defi ned as one that pays very well, utilizes a person’s educational background, and provides potential for growth in that career path.

As a college student, I noticed several trends in the education and career paths of my fellow Africans. First, the majority – probably about 90% - were engineering or science majors. T he engineering majors typically chose the petroleum and electrical fi elds while the science majors overwhelmingly chose biology, health, or chemistry. Th e few outliers, like me, chose the less traveled path with majors in business and liberal arts such as political science, English, and economics. A trend within this trend was that the engineering majors were mostly males and the science majors were mostly females. Th e outliers were split down the middle with essentially equal numbers of males and females.

Another important trend evident among my African peers was that most, if not all of them, planned to further their education beyond the baccalaureate level. Th e engineering majors intended to pursue Master’s degrees and PhDs, the science majors were looking towards Master’s or medical degrees, and the business and liberal arts majors had plans to obtain Juris Doctorates, Master’s degrees, or MBAs. Only one or two people felt that they would be able to accomplish all their long-term goals with a Bachelor’s degree.

Th ere are many reasons why these trends in education exist among African students - several of which I will highlight. Th e most prevalent one is the desire for that “good job” as well as job security. People want to have fi nancial stability that will in turn enable them to live comfortably and provide for their families. Consequently, they pursue advanced degrees to aid them in reaching their highest potential. My peers understand that having an advanced degree would make them more competitive in the workforce and perhaps also lessen the prejudices that minority populations in the United States sometimes face in the workplace and other aspects of life. Th ey also know that, ceteris paribus, someone with a PhD would have more job security than a peer with a Bachelor’s degree.

Another explanation for the trends in the education of Africans in America is that some of these students plan to return to Africa upon completion of their studies. Typically, an American degree - particularly an advanced one - in the arsenal of an African has signifi cant implications to employers in Africa. Th e degree gives its owner a distinct competitive edge in the job market and can exponentially increase his or her earning potential. It is very common for U.S.-educated Africans to earn substantially more money working in Africa than they would in the U.S. Returning home to work is an encouraging trend because it helps to ease the brain drain that many African nations face.

In conclusion, the reasons why Africans pursue advanced college degrees are numerous and diverse. However, we all have a common goal in mind: to live a fulfi lled and stable life while making an impact on the world around us. Whether we are engineers, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, or professors, we should all strive to use the many avenues available to us to live the best life possible while aff ecting our communities for the better.

TRENDS IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAfricans

in America: Barile Karanwi

the african professional network journal 2009 edition

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