Q & A Interview With Elemi J. E. Agbomi

Born to ElderEmin Agbomi Ekoro and Mae Jane Ipam Agbomi Ekoro, practicing physician Elemi John E. Agbomi sits in his studio making beats with Reason and I had to catch up with him at the DEJEA Music Production while he was checking out series of his unpublished songs.

Excerpt:


You were trained in the medical field and some other areas in academia. How about some history regarding your background?

My name is Elemi John Emin Agbomi, also known as Dr. Jeeb Fabro. I was born in Adadama, Cross River State, Nigeria. I received my bachelor's degrees - BA in Physics, and BS in Biology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; my master's degree, MS in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and my doctorate degree in Medicine, MD, from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I did my residency at Westside Family Practice and clinical practice at Akron General Medical Center. I have for over 10 years also been involved with teaching in colleges and universities in the areas of medical sciences - Medical Terminology, Human Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, - and Management Studies in Ohio and California. I have also offered Management Consulting services to area businesses.

Any community service since you moved to California?

Yes. I have been involved in health awareness preventive workshops and educational seminars in the wake of the AIDS epidemic. I also served as a California Precinct Captain in the Barack Obama Campaign for president of the United States of America in 2008.

I'm quite sure, one day you got up and made up your mind to start recording and producing music. How did it all began?

Hailing from a family of musically talented parents and siblings, and in the past serving as a chorister in church choirs, I became a prolific producer, singer/songwriter with an extensive repertoire of yet unpublished songs. I am versed in the “sentimental songs” of the 80's and 90's or earlier era which have reinforced my love for diverse music and my talent as a producer, singer/songwriter. I hope to harness my various expertise in the furtherance of the mission of my foundation, in order to foster the empowerment of the less privileged, and ensure their achievement of self-subsistence; also in advancing an Entertainment Group which will be producing music that captivate the emotion, stimulate the intellect, entertain and heal.

What is your foundation?

My foundation is called DEJEA Foundation USA, Inc. It is a non-profit organization with a mission geared toward development of impoverished rural communities, especially in Nigeria.

Why are you making music just now?

I am a "young" or "new" artist; young only in the music industry sense that I'm just starting out and such is the proper address to neophytes of the trade. However, my passion for making good music isn't. It is almost as a birthright, which is only now surfacing! Also, I am a medical doctor whose passion for making good music is as intense as good medicine, if not over-riding! My present thrust is thus, the making of good soul-searching music that will hopefully, heal the "broken hearted".

How about the song book?

I have for over five years (since 2003) amassed over two hundred (and growing!) thought-provoking, mind-soothing songs - a repertoire that will undoubtedly placate even the traditionally hard-to-please audiophile! The work will be copyrighted in a song book titled: The Elemi Song Book" (I will keep you informed in my newsletter page when the book is completed). The book will not include the tunes; that is reserved for the yet unpublished CDs, which I hope to release periodically depending on the response I get from you, indicating your level of satisfaction. My approach is a bit different. These songs will be organized into need-specific album categories ranging from inspirational/contemplative to endearment/infatuation romance. So that when you are in a certain state of emotional need, you could find an album that will contain only hit songs which would satiate your immediate cravings!

Let's talk about your new CD "Take The First Step".

The album is really making a buzz as a motivational, soulful contemporary R&B album featuring up-tempo celebratory tracks such as "Celebrate The Passing Of Freedom Torch (to President Barrack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden); Celebrating the Legacy Of A King (a tribute to the Dr. Martin Luther King's dream); "Let's Take Time Off To Celebrate," among others. The ten track, 70-minute album with songs written, composed and produced by me, is replete with lyrics that are quite thought-provokingly soulful and reminiscent of sentimental songs of the 80s and 90s or earlier, with soothing contemporary beats that lend themselves to easy listening ballroom dancing and nightclub grooving. The themes of these songs are based on contemporary events with an artistry that seamlessly blends the tracks into a coherent album, much akin to a good story or play with suspense, scenes and plots.

Any favorite of the tracks?

I would say all the tracks are favorites but to answer your question "Take The First Step," would be the one to pick.

And what does the lyrics say?

It's a treatise applauding and motivating anyone who is looked upon with hope, for some kind of redemption or rescue in tough times, and portrays such a character as a "Hope Superstar of Change" or a "Superhero." In the context of gloomy economy, it seemed codign for people to anticipate a panacea as characterized by the tone, response and outcome of the 2008 U.S presidential elections. The public generally want to confide in a superhero, whom in fictions, is seen as being able to afford a solution to their predicament.

Obama's Legacy Rocks!

Grandfather Onyango never knew what begun
Son Barack Sr. thought of a profound national state
Mau Mau; uprising
Gaol, turmoil and civil unrest
The status quo and cultural heritage
Academia and thoroughness
Ann Dunham, Ruth Nudesand,
Luthuanian-Jewish ancestry
Homeward bound and colony
Jomo Kenyatta; Tom Mboye
Radicalism bonded and Barack Jr.
Hard work and faith; perseverance
Series of continental expedition
Life, stranded and born again
Hardcore robust Chicago politics
Challenges ahead
Internet and a changing world
Revolution in the Arab world
The world we live in;
Just like that
And change came
But it's not yet Uhuru
Uwa Chineke;
Omenala, Agwuisi na Amadioha;
Jesus is Lord; Alaahu Akbar

2011 Time's 100 Most Influential People

Well, here we go again! Time Magazine's most influential peopleis out with some interesting stuff that seems to be changing the world. This year's list has Google executive, Wael Chomim, the spokesman for the revolution in Egypt.

Full List - 2011 Time 100


MOHAMED ELBARADEI ON WAEL CHOMIN

APRIL CAPONE ON MARK ZUKERBERG

BELINDA LUSCOMBE ON ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

RAHM EMMANUEL ON JOE BIDEN


ESPERANZA SPALDING ON STING

JOSEPH S. NYE JR. ON HILLARY CLINTON

KRISTA MAR ON TAKESHI KANNO

JAMIE OLIVER ON MICHELLE OBAMA

ALEX PERRY ON LAMIDO SANUSI

MO IBRAHIM ON BINETA DIOP

Interview with Ngozi Achebe

Ngozi Achebe was born in England by Augustine Ndubuisi Achebe and Matilda Chikodili Achebe. She was raised in Nigeria and also spent time in England, her place of birth. She picked up interest in 15th and 16th Century West African history in which she was inspired for writing Onaedo - The Blacksmith's Daughter, her debut novel. In this interview published exclusively at Life & Time Magazine, she talks about her debut novel and other challenging issues.

Excerpt:

Before we proceed in this interview, we would like to know who you are.

I was born in London to an engineer Augustine Achebe and his wife a Matilda, a nurse. I was raised in Nigeria and later when I became a medical doctor I did go back to England to do further training. Then I came over to the USA to be close to my sisters who had come over earlier. I still have a full time medical practice. I also have two children Jennifer and Nnamdi who are always my first priority in all I do.


The moment you created in your thoughts penning “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter,” what went through your mind, and the environment in which this compelling novel began?

I have always been fascinated by fifteenth and sixteenth century West Africa, the period just around the Portuguese arrival; a period that is unfortunately not taught very well in Nigeria. I imagine what one group must have thought of the other without looking only through the prism of slavery. It all came from this curiosity to know more and share my findings in a dramatic way. Hence Onaedo.

You are in the medical arts, and one would expect you should be writing on the profession you were trained. How and why did you pick up the idea to write about a world of strong women and culture conflicts which the novel depicts?

When I started researching the story I felt I had to create characters that everybody could identify with. Even if you were not African you knew this father, this brother, this aunt this young woman. An ancient story with a modern dimension. We are not so different after all.


Let’s talk about “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter,” from Chapter 1 through 8 and a 16th Century West Africa explored by the Portuguese. First, why 16th Century West Africa, tracing back to the Portuguese exploration and the slave trade?

The Portuguese age of exploration and its impact on the African continent, is a poorly told story in Nigeria, at least in the schools I went to. I wanted to tell this story from a view point that is not often heard. I really wanted people to see how fascinating that whole period was, to see that everything was not all black and white, but was also in varying shades of gray.

The characters are amazing and very familiar with ones upbringing, How did you come up with all these characters like Amechi, Udemezue, Adanma, Dualo, Oguebie, Eneda, Ugodi and the rest in a storytelling typical of growing up in the woods, and a story that had the same resemblance of a commune and a normal village life from around how one grew up?

I did grow up in the woods! During the Nigerian/Biafran civil war we all escaped into the interior, and there my siblings and I experienced village life first hand. It was fascinating and I’m thankful I had that opportunity for this total immersion in this culture even though I could have done without the war part! All those characters are familiar - they are our everyday friends, relatives and acquaintances.

Now that your juiced novel “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter” has done pretty much well as I can tell, coupled with the reviews which is still overwhelmingly pouring in, what should we be looking for in your next project? A storytelling-fictional characters, or something of a non-fictional characters like the pogrom, life events, and, or biography, or maybe some unpublished works, sort of?

My next project, now in later stages of completion, is a coming of age novel, about a girl growing up in the midst of a war. It is purely fictional but is based on some experiences of mine and others during the period of the civil war that engulfed Nigeria in the 60’s leading to the creation of the short-lived republic of Biafra which was in south eastern Nigeria. I’m excited about it, because it has been a labor of love. I was writing it before I diverted into ‘Onaedo’. I also have other works in progress but will not talk about them yet.



We discussed in several occasions about the pogrom and civil war in your native land, and how vile that was while back from London which I’m still sure you remember what it looked like. Besides the novel “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter”, could you tell us a little bit about your experience as a child and why horrors of war especially the most blood soaked event in Africa, the anti-Igbo pogrom, must not cease to be told?

War is never good and a fratricidal one such as the Nigerian/Biafran war is even worse. It was a sad time. A government should protect its own citizens from atrocity otherwise it is not really a government at all. The Nigerian government then failed to do so for one section of its population and failed to stop the genocide that took place. I was a child at the time but I remember the anguish of it all. We should tell these stories so that never, never again. Evil pervades when good men do nothing. I want to believe we have come a long way from that.


Besides your profession as a medical doctor and your passion to pen down your thoughts as in “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter,” what else fascinates you as in passion and things like that?

I love to hike and explore especially with family. I try to be as physical as possible, and as a medical doctor, I try to lead a healthy life so I’m an example to my patients. I’m also an avid reader. I used to draw and paint at one time but I wasn’t that good at it, so I gave it up. My sisters loved them though and a few hang still in their homes and offices.

Did your Uncle Chinua Achebe’s works inspire you to follow the literary giant’s footsteps?

I have been asked that question often and the answer has to be yes .Growing up in his shadow has been a great influence in my life. My one regret is not starting early to get my work published but my people have a saying that whatever time in the day you wake up, becomes your own morning.

I read your uncle Chinua Achebe’s piece “Nigeria’s Promise, Africa’s Hope” for the New York Times and he seems to be still angry regarding the state of affairs in a African national state. Uncle Chinua Achebe writes:

“In my mind, there are two parts to the story of the African peoples ... the rain beating us obviously goes back at least half a millennium. And what is happening in Africa today is a result of what has been going on for 400 or 500 years, from the “discovery” of Africa by Europe, through the period of darkness that engulfed the continent during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and through the Berlin Conference of 1885. That controversial gathering of the leading European powers, which precipitated the “scramble for Africa,” we all know, took place without African consultation or representation. It created new boundaries in ancient kingdoms, and nation-states resulting in disjointed, inexplicable, tension-prone countries today.”

What’s your take on Uncle Chinua Achebe’s comment? Are his comments still relevant today and how the flow has changed over time?

I agree that European colonialism did not augur well for Africans, however I also believe that despite all those early missteps that we should have fashioned our own path by now. A country like Nigeria blessed with rich resources and people should have done better at fifty years of independence. Some of our wounds I’m afraid are self-inflicted. Uncle Chinua speaks passionately for Nigeria at all times and his disappointment is palpable. He is of a generation that dreamed big dreams for us and most of it has remained unrealized.

What do you think Uncle Chinua Achebe’s talking about here, and why is he still angry despite the novel “Things Fall Apart,” over fifty years ago that had foretold the social problems in such a society?

I think his novel ‘A Man of The People’ is even more relevant in speaking to how far or not we have traveled. I read that book again recently and it was difficult for me to believe that that book was written in 1966. It’s like Nigeria hasn’t moved, hasn’t made significant progress in social and economic justice for the average Nigerian in over 40 years. It’s even worse today because there has been a systematic wipe out of the middle class which was not the case in 1966. It’s really a crying shame.

Did you see yourself putting up characters in the novel “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter?

I did try to dissociate myself from the characters but as a writer there’s always a part of you in one or two of your characters. I don’t fight it; I just go with the flow of whatever works to bring a character to life.


What do people around you tell you about the novel “Onaedo: The Blacksmith’s Daughter”?

Most say they love it, a few tell me what I should remedy or what I didn’t get right, how I should have made this person do this or that person do the other. I take it all in good humor. I appreciate each reader and each critic or critique no matter how outlandish - and I have had a few of those! It makes me all around, a better writer.

How about a movie deal on “Onaedo”?

I’m all ears! If it comes, I will be ready.

Laurent Gbagbo bunkers down as assault steps up

Men captured by forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara are detained at a checkpoint in Abidjan yesterday. Picture: AP Source: AP

FORCES allied with Ivory Coast's internationally recognised President Alassane Ouattara vowed to launch new attacks overnight on the underground bunker where strongman Laurent Gbagbo remains holed up and refusing to surrender.

Already, airstrikes have pounded holes in his garden and destroyed his weapons depots, and fighters have encircled his home and stormed the gates.

But forces allied to Mr Ouattara, the recognised winner of last November's presidential election, fear killing Mr Gbagbo and stoking the rage of his supporters. About 46 per cent of Ivorians voted for him in the ballot that unleashed chaos.

Mr Gbagbo, 65, who has made an art of staying in power years past the end of his legal mandate, is now fighting for each day, even each hour. "He will not surrender," said Meite Sindou, a defence spokesman for Mr Ouattara. "We will have to take him."

Fighters loyal to Mr Ouattara have made it as far as the gate of the presidential mansion Mr Gbagbo has occupied for the past decade. They attacked it with a barrage of fire, and residents reported concussive blasts. They breached the perimeter only to be forced to retreat in the face of the heavy artillery unleashed by the ruler's inner circle of guards.

Mr Ouattara has pleaded with the international community for months to intervene and remove Mr Gbagbo by force, arguing it was the only way he would leave.

Mr Gbagbo still controls the Ivorian army and has repeatedly used its arsenal of heavy artillery to attack areas of Abidjan where people voted for his opponent. Security forces are accused of turning a machine gun on a group of unarmed women and lobbing mortars into a market.

UN attack helicopters, acting on a Security Council resolution, this week bombarded six arms depots in Abidjan, including a cache inside the presidential compound. "Obviously they didn't get all of it," said a senior diplomat. "When they came after him, he pulled out more stuff.

"Remember, he has had a long time to prepare for this."

Among the preparations was the choice of where Mr Gbagbo would make his last stand. He is said to be holed up in a tunnel originally built to link the president's home and the adjacent residence of the French ambassador.

Ivory Coast's first president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, built the tunnel so he could take refuge inside the ambassador's residence in the event of a coup, said Ivory Coast expert Christian Bouquet, a professor of political geography.

Hoha! (Pointblank): The Talkingheads on the April Elections

"Our best and sincere contribution toward achieving successful and better Nigeria with the coming elections is by community awareness on the need to ensure peace, security and progress. I have read in newspapers people talking about constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the new Constitution. I’m telling you frankly that traditional rulers should be confined to their respective communities for peace and security and to take care of their communities. If it is enshrined in the Constitution that traditional rulers should be responsible for peace, security and progress in their communities, it will be a very good development."

-------Igwe Ezeoba Alex Nwokedi, Immediate past Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional rulers


"The Commonwealth is worried about violence. It will mar the elections to the extent that it takes place. I am, however, positive that violence will be contained before the elections. I grant that in those affected areas, it may affect the quality of elections but it may not affect the overall result of the election. I am concerned. I am apprehensive but I choose to believe that the level of violence will not affect the overall result of the elections...Unless Nigeria gets it right, everybody will be dismissive of black Africans."

-------Festus Mogae, former president of Botswana speaking to the press on the forthcoming elections.


“There was a time policy makers told us there will be education for all by the year 2000, housing for in the year 2000, health for all in the year 2000 and all that. This is 2011 how much of that in terms of percentage can we give to the promises...We have been taken one step forward, two steps backward and that is precisely what we are talking about. And if must stop this then we must tackle corruption, upgrade our education and health services."

-------Cletus Emein, Retired Brigadier-General and former Niger State Gorvenor, urging One time military Governor of Niger State, Cletus Emein, has urged Nigerians to keep a check list of all the promises made by political office seekers in the run up to next month’s elections to hold them (politicians) accountable when they get into office.


"I have a better pedigree than any candidate in my constituency. And the people know that because they are wise, they know the person that is a grassroots person, we are not talking of someone, who does not know anything about the constituency. I know that given what is on ground today, I am sure that victory is certain for the Labour Party. I am only appealing to our people to ensure that they vote and protect their votes. They should stand at the polling centre and ensure that no one tampers with their votes."

-------Dapo Durosinmi-Etti, Senatoril Candidate of Labor Party in Lagos Central Senatorial District, when asked about contesting in same zone with Mrs' Oluremi Tinubu, wife of former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu

Naija Newspaper Cartoons

SOURCE: THE PUNCH


SOURCE: DAILY INDEPENDENT


SOURCE: DAILY SUN

Q & A Interview with the House Chairman

This syndicated publication would like to know who you are. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am the Ekwueme 1, Iyi 1, Oshimiri 1, Ego Obara 1 of Ezidinma Village in the city of Mgborogwu. I am also the Osuohia 1 and Nwakaraka of the Ahia Mgbede Group of Companies. And also, to let you know, I know men of high places.

Gosh! What the hell are you talking about? I asked about your 'humble' beginnings; things like, say, where were you born, your family background, etc. Can you tell me about it, please?

I attended cosmocollagial Akirika university. I have First School Leaving Certificate; West African School Certificate; High School Certificate; BSc Hons, Otimpku Market; A London Diploma in Fishology; MA Imanjakiri Square; PhD Talkology and another PhD in Clearing and Forwarding. I also run paralegal errands. And I teach Mbamara at Zik Ekwuo Aru University. Do you have more questions to ask me? I don't know what is wrong with you people who don't respect we the chiefs, the omemgbeojis of alaigbo.

Answer my question. What's your origin?

Do you know who I am? Where did you go to school? Have you built a house? Look if you know who I am you will not ask me all these rubbish questions. Ask Chief Nkolo who I am. Ask Lolo Urembaukwu who I am. Ask Barrister Nshi Umuagbarandi who I am. When they tell you who I am you will fear me. As Osuohia, I will clear your village. I am Onukwu Eze Obodo 1 of Nkwo Ndi Na Elo Gari Village of Obodo Ocha. I conquered onye ocha, and my grandfather, the Mbuzo of Obodo Ocha, took all the land where he built mbari, now a historical monument. I have spoken to presidents and royals of all nations.

Ok, now I see, you are from Obodo Ocha. At least, you are now making some sense. So, what are you doing with all these titles in an era the whole world is changing? Is it still relevant?

Yes it is. Mrs.-m, get me some nkwobi and make sure you add plenty, plenty ugbakala and okporoko' and some tombo liquor, too (calls 'lolo' for a bowl of nkwobi dish and palmwine and laughter all over...). You know (as he eats his nkwobi), you little men of no title don't respect me who have built mansions in ozara, ikpa, and elu-ugwu in alaigbo. I have fleet of cars -- danfo, nnabe krota, nze benz, and for your information, nd'ahia alanshi just gave me another title, the Uzo Ukwu of Nd'Aru.

So, why are you telling me all these stuff that has nothing to do with building bridges?

You see what I have been saying? Are you one of those that parade around to say the government is not doing well? Are you one of those that keep talking bad things about ahia mgbede? Are you one of those that sit down and say we chop, chop, chop and chop? Look, my friend, the governor is my best friend, the president is my buddy, we go to the whore houses together with bags of money full to the brim. Now shut up!

I will not. I have the right to free speech. Let me ask you, who is the local government chairman of your remote village?

His name is Dr. Nwagbaraochandigele Gburugburu and he is my friend. I helped elect him so he gives me a lot of dash and we also go to point and kill in Abuja where women bokwu. Too many women and I always carry my tube. These are wild women and it is dangerous out there, you know...Don't ask me any question about Biafra.

What is point and kill?

Ahaa...you see, I told you I am the alpha and omega and I do go places, dine and wine with royals and presidents. Point and kill is a fish place where only the rich go to pick up a fish and it will be fried on the spot along with nkwu elu.

That's a fish market. Why is it a big deal?

It is ndi ji ego that goes there. Poor people like you cannot go there.

What is ndi ji ego?

Ndi ji ego is rich people who have built mansions and have patronized the whore houses.

That is cheating on your wife. Don't you know that?

How about you? Don't you cheat?

I don't have to cheat. But anyway, what do you think about the forthcoming elections?

None of my business. All I want is more contracts and the things I do on the road for my PI office runs.

Thank you, sir, it's a pleasure having you!

Moral to this story: A clueless and disorganized bunch

Memorable Images and Time: 80s Big Fights

Challenger Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (L) of Youngstown, Ohio and WBC Lightweight Champion Alexis Arguello exchange blows during the 11th round of their 15-round title bout here 10/3. Arguello retained his title with a TKO in the 14th. Date: October 3, 1982. Location: Atlantic City, New Jersey. A Bettmann Colection.


4/15/1985-Las Vegas, NV- Referee Richard Steele counts over middleweight Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, who lies flat on his back in the ring after being knocked down by Marvelous Marvin Hagler in the third round. Hearns regained his feet, but Steele stopped the middleweight title fight.


4/6/1987-Las Vegas, NV: Sugar Ray Leonard taunts Marvin Hagler during the middleweight title bout.


Deuk-Koo Kim, 134 1/4, drops to the canvas as he is knocked out in the 14th round by World Boxing Association lightweight champion Ray Mancini. Mancini retained his title and Kim was hopitalized without regaining consciousness. Date: November 13, 1982. Location:Las Vegas, Nevada


9/21/1985-Las Vegas, Nevada. New world heavyweight champion Michael Spinks connects with a left to the head of Larry Holmes in the early rounds of their title fight 9/21. Spinks won a unanimous decision.


8/21/1981-Las Vegas, NV- Puffy-eyed Wilfredo Gomez (L) looks dazed after being hit by defending champion Salvador Sanchez for the last time during eighth round action of their title bout. Referee Carlos Padilla stepped to stop the fight after this blow to the head of Gomez. Sanchez won in the eighth round TKO to retain his title.


September 9, 1983-Las Vegas, Nevada: Aaron Pryor lands a left on Alexis Arguello (Right) in the fourth round of their WBA Junior Welterweight title fight at Caesars Pavilion. Bettmann.

Hoha! (Pointblank): The Soundbites

"Left unchecked, we have every reason to believe Gadhafi (will) commit atrocities against his own people... and destabilize North Africa and the broader Middle East...The democratic values that we stand for would be overrun, and the words of the international community would be rendered hollow...The United States will provide the unique capabilities that we can bring to bear, including enabling our European allies and Arab partners to effectively enforce a no-fly zone..."

-------President Barack Obama Warning Libya's Moammar Gadhafi on Friday to immediately stop the "brutal repression" of Libyan civilians or face military consequences from a unified international community.


“With no less than 17 elections coming up this year [in the region], human rights are going to be key to those elections being peaceful...We need to insist on the centrality of human rights in the electoral process...These bad examples could serve as a lesson to be proactive in mainstreaming a culture of human rights..."

-------Patrice Vahard, Senior Human Rights Adviser, United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) on Human Rights being the key to successful elections in West Africa.


"The Nigerian government is not doing enough to bring people to justice in connection with the violence, and this is creating and fostering a culture of impunity, which is allowing an escalation of violence leading up to April's elections... So we've seen political assassination. We've seen bombs. We've seen fighting between candidate supporters. We've seen attacks on rallies," said Freeman. "We've seen what seems to be an excessive use of lethal force by security officers resulting in children being killed who were just bystanders at a political protest. So it's an extremely worrying level of violence across the country."

-------Lucy Freeman, Amnesty International on the forthcoming elections in Nigeria

Memorable Images and Time

ARTHUR ASHE (USA) & JIMMY CONNORS WIMBLEDON FINAL 1975. A Michael Cole Collectio


A smiling NFL Commissioner Peter Rozelle stands with the President of the Pittsburgh Steelers Art Rooney who holds the Superbowl trophy and one of the game balls presented to him by his team after their 16-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Dte: January 12, 1975


Boxer Emile Griffith Being Carried by Coaches after Victory
Original caption: A smiling Emile Griffith gets a victory lift by his handlers after gaining a 15-round decision over middleweight champion Dick Tiger at Madison Square Garden April 25th. Griffith became the third welterweight in history to win the middleweight title. At left, pointing toward camera, is ring announcer Johnny Addie. Location: Manhattan, New York, New York. Date: April 25, 1966


1958 FIFA World Cup: 17 Year Old Pele is Celebrating and Crying
Brazilian players and goalkeeper Gilmar (2nd from R) are hugging and cheering and pick up 17 year old crying Pele (top). Pele scored two goals during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final at Stockholm's Rasunda stadium in front of 53.000 spectators on June 29th. Brazil beats Sweden 5:2, and this is the first time Brazil wins a world cup title. Pele scored six goals during the whole tournament.