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130 Years After, Nigerian Researchers Declare Bishop Ajayi Crowther National Hero

on December 29, 2021

From The Archives Lagos Nigeria West Africa

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Osi Umenyiora Has Been Finding Football Talent in Nigeria, But He Wants To Do More

on December 29, 2021

Essay Igbo Diaspora NFL Sports

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Nigeria’s Deadly Tug Of War Over Free Expression

on December 29, 2021

Buhari Essay Journalism Nigeria

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EXPLAINER: Lbya Future At Stake After Failing To Hold Vote

on December 29, 2021

Africa Associated Press Libya News Desk

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Tutu’s Advocacy For LGBTQ Rights Did not Sway Most Of Africa

on December 29, 2021

Associated Press Desmond Tutu News Desk South Africa

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Young South Africans Learn Of Tutu’s Activism For Equality

on December 27, 2021

Associated Press Desmond Tutu News Desk South Africa

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Obama Calls Desmond Tutu The World’s ‘Moral Compass’

on December 26, 2021

Apartheid Barack Obama Desmond Tutu South Africa

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Desmond Tutu, South Africa’s Nobel Peace Winner, Dies At 90

on December 26, 2021

Apartheid Desmond Tutu Religion South Africa

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COVID-19 Spike Worsens Africa’s Severe Poverty, Hunger Woes

on December 25, 2021

Africa AP News News Desk Zimbabwe

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Gambia Commission Recommends Ex-Dictator Jammeh Face Trial

on December 25, 2021

African Union Gambia News Desk The Associated Press West Africa

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Sudanese Rally In New Anti-Coup Protests Amid Tight Security

on December 25, 2021

African Union AP News News Desk Sudan

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How Multiple Generations Of The Disney Family Come Together To Fund Social Justice In LA and Beyond

on December 23, 2021

Blog Essay World View

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Igbo Journal Review

Culture and Ideas for the Igbo Nation

Popular Posts

UN Forum Says People Of African Descent Still Face Discrimination And Attacks, Urges Reparations

Morris Griffin of Los Angeles, speaks during the public comment portion of the Reparations Task Force meeting in Sacramento, Calif., on March 3, 2023...(Paul Kitagaki Jr./The Sacramento Bee via AP, File) BY EDITH M. LEDERER UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. body formed to promote respect for and protect people of African descent around the world says in its first report that they continue “to be victims of systemic racial discrimination and racialized attacks” and calls for reparations. The report, which was delivered to the U.N. General Assembly on Monday, says reparations are essential to rectify past injustices against people of African descent and are “a cornerstone of justice in the 21st century.” Epsy Campbell Barr, chair of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, said at a news conference Tuesday the report underlines that “the legacies of colonialism, enslavement and apartheid are still alive today.” These legacies still have a real impact on the lives of millions of p

The Buzz and What's Cracking

Ever since the tragedy in her family, all has just been going on well for this hard working girl whose movie, "Dream Girls", earned her an Oscar in a brilliant supporting female role. The movie, I will tell you, is one of the best I've seen when it was released on Christmas Day, 2006. Jennifer Hudson is everywhere and she is doing stuff. She will be among the lineups for NBC's "Today" summer jams and her appearance will be in June. Expect some damn good stuff when she delivers at Time Square in New York. I read Emma Okocha's interesting response to David Ejoor's interview "The Reminiscences of David Ejoor..." which has erupted another Igbo-bashing. Okocha set the record straight with facts. I have no beef with Ejoor, but I have a problem with his theme of the said interview which lacked merit; and, all in all, fabricated and full of lies. Ejoor is a midget in the history books of the 'Nigerian' crisis, and for him to insult the lat

"We Owned the '80s" -- Quincy Jones on "Remembering Michael Jackson"

As a baked in the gene music freak and one who grew up embracing an era music of all genre evolved and had been basically the same in terms of studio time sessions when crossovers could play in any band, regardless, which brought about the best generation, ever, and with Michael, according to the original studio rat, Quincy Jones, "we owned the '80s" from Michael changing all that musical divide and establishing a kind of music that gave us a sense of belonging, throwing his craft for all. The studio rat, Jones, is absolutely right, penning his piece "Remembering Michael Jackson," last week, for the Los Angeles Times' Calendar Section. Who else could have said it better other than Mr. Jones, the studio rat who had worked from the 50s with the likes of Frank Sinatra to our present day Generation "Z?" On the legendary King of Pop, the studio rat had this to say in his delight article: "Michael Jackson was a different kind of entertai

That African Presidents Wives' Annual Health Summit In Beverly Hills

Not much was talked about it. Not much was known about it. Not even the mainstream media mentioned it. In fact, it was not a big deal, because, as usual, knowing what should be expected from such a gathering of the wives of inept and corrupt African presidents, the errand boys, the opportunistic organizers had to run the show their own way which is typical of deceit and fraud. We've seen this kind of stuff happen many times as it ends up being a picnic and a loophole for money laundering. I was socializing with some friends when the event and its issues popped up. We were discussing about a retarded African continent, Nigeria in particular, and what should be done about it until one curious-minded fella among us brought up the topic, and stressed on how we lost it here in Diaspora as a collective and the failure to complete ourselves. "Did any of you hear about the summit held in Beverly Hills? Can you imagine the wife of our president was here and nobody knew about it?"

A Beautiful Holiday Weekend In Los Angeles

About a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine had talked me into going to the Bay area to watch Stephen Bishop perform at the Intramuros, South San Francisco, in a benefit concert. She had wanted to see the concert so bad. I had been preoccupied in Los Angeles. She wants to play a role in the concert for worthy causes. For the concert, and about our friendship, we are a study of compare and contrast. She's into old-school -- the Norman Whitfield/Barrett Strong and Kenneth Gamble/Leon Huff composition-era. I'm into all vibes, a musicologist. She's a hardcore liberal; garrulous. I'm reserved, a somehow liberal conservative; a centrist. She's a fashion freak. I'm careless, fashionwise. She reads fiction and believes in the Zodiac signs. I'm the non-fiction reader kinda guy and have no faith in astrology. She's Libra. I'm Virgo. She cooks good. I'm a mixologist. She has shoulder length curly hair. I'm ishi nkwocha , shaved bald. She'

“Vulture Capitalism: Corporate Crimes, Backdoor Bailouts And The Death Of Freedom” - Book Review

BY DOMINIC ALEXANDER The ‘free market’ was supposed to liberate us from the looming ‘serfdom’ of the potentially totalitarian ‘nanny’ state, according to the neoliberals. However, as Grace Blakeley argues in Vulture Capitalism, there’s nothing ‘free’ about the free market. In reality, actually existing capitalist markets are dominated by powerful corporations. Historically, indeed, the putative importance of free trade in the history of capitalism is highly questionable. Mercantilism, as in the state licensing of monopolies such as the East India Company, was the form capitalism took in eighteen-century Britain. The East India Company’s colonial domination of India, in effect as the state power, allowed for British textile exports to saturate the Indian market, destroying the indigenous craft textile industry and impoverishing Indian artisans, but fuelling the profits of British manufacturers. Rather than the abstract principles of market economics bringing about prosperity, this was p

Caring For Older Americans’ Teeth And Gums Is Essential, But Medicare Generally Doesn’t Ccover That Cost

BY FRANK SCANNAPIECO AND IRA LAMSTER C. Everette Koop, the avuncular doctor with a fluffy white beard who served as the U.S. surgeon general during the Reagan administration, was famous for his work as an innovative pediatric surgeon and the attention he paid to the HIV-AIDS crisis. As dentistry scholars , we believe Koop also deserves credit for something else. To help make the medical profession pay more attention to the importance of healthy teeth and gums , he’d often say: “You are not healthy without good oral health.” Yet, more than three decades after Koop’s surgeon general stint ended in 1989, millions of Americans don’t get even the most basic dental services, such as checkups, tooth cleanings and fillings. Americans who rely on the traditional Medicare program for their health insurance get no help from that program with paying their dental bills aside from some narrow exceptions. This group includes some 24 million people over 65 – about half of all the people who rely

What You Eat Could Alter Your Unborn Children And Grandchildren’s Genes And Health Outcomes

BY NATHANIEL JOHNSON, HASSAN KHATIB AND THOMAS D. CRENSHAW Within the last century, researchers’ understanding of genetics has undergone a profound transformation. Genes, regions of DNA that are largely responsible for our physical characteristics, were considered unchanging under the original model of genetics pioneered by biologist Gregor Mendel in 1865. That is, genes were thought to be largely unaffected by a person’s environment. The emergence of the field of epigenetics in 1942 shattered this notion . Epigenetics refers to shifts in gene expression that occur without changes to the DNA sequence. Some epigenetic changes are an aspect of cell function, such as those associated with aging . However, environmental factors also affect the functions of genes, meaning people’s behaviors affect their genetics. For instance, identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg, and as a result, they share the same genetic makeup. However, as the twins age, their appearances may differ du

Culver Club Chit-Chats

Image courtesy of Dissolve On October 30, 2009, my buddy, classical music basoonist and pianist, Rudolph Porter, had agreed to locate a spot "and we can hang out." Culver Club was the place. He had performed there before. And Culver Club is where West Coast finest jazz pereformers display their arts, and it is a place of hangout for jazz enthusiasts on Fridays, on the Westside. On this particular day while Rudolph and I were poking around the lobby my phone vibrated and a friend's text message had timely popped up on my screen to check what I was up to and how I'm doing. This fella, Ebere, loves African-related media hyped issues, news and views, and he is so fascinated about it, especially when it comes to show-biz and the tap of fine leather we call Ahia Mgbede. Knowing my spot, he hopped on his car and found himself at where Rudolph and I were hanging out for the evening. On his arrival, after our bumping fists, he noticed jazz at the Culver Club was alive a

Newsroom Update

Indicted Representative William Jefferson of Louisiana Loses Seat in House Runoff Election The investigation of Jefferson began in 2005 when Jefferson was videotaped by the FBI receiving cash in leather briefcases in Virginia for a deal in Ghana that he wanted a financial stake in. The money was to be split with the Nigerian Vice President to insure that their contracts would go forward. READ MORE>>> Nigeria opposition doubts Yar'Adua's electoral reform Lagos, Nigeria - Angered by the recent praises heaped on the embattled Nigeria's electoral boss Maurice Iwu by Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, the country's opposition has expressed doubts that the government is serious about its much touted electoral reform. READ MORE>>> Jailed: The prayer group fraudster who swindled worshipers out of tens of thousands of pounds A pensioner who used 'prayer sessions' to help defraud a church minister and a worshipper out of tens of thousands of pounds, has

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FROM THE ARCHIVES: 2015: Leadership and Sins of Nd'Igbo

Click on image to read full story and analysis

FROM THE ARCHIVES: BIAFRA: Relative Discourses

I signed up because I had little experience in Africa, after having served in the United Nations forces in Congo. Also upset about what happened in Biafra and Czechoslovakia, I did not want to stand next to and just watch.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: INTERVIEW: JULIUS KPADUWA

The problems that confront Imo State are really not unique. It is the same problem that confronts almost every state in Nigeria, and it's one of economic development. The primary thing or my clear vision for the people of Imo State will be getting all the able-bodied men and women back to work, so that we can begin to have the quality of life that has so far eluded the people of Imo State.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Where We Met

But seeing a Nigeria headline on my screen it then occurred to him I must either be a Nigerian or perhaps a curious minded fellow who is reading to find out about the notorious Boko Haram, if they have captured more of their victims, or if there's an ongoing battle between the insurgents and the nation's security forces. Elevating my head up and starring at each other, I told him I was Igbo

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The Otokoto Saga Interview

Now, the main question is about eleven year old Ikechukwu Anthony Okonkwo whose head was found dripping with blood with the convicted murderer Innocent Ekeanyanwu on a police tip-off inside a traveling commercial bus at Eziama in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE AMBROSE EHIRIM-CHIKA UNIGWE INTERVIEW

Every writer has to be able to live in the head of her characters. I had to make myself a blank blackboard for the characters to inscribe their lives on me. I had to wipe off that board every time a new character had to be created and totally surrender myself to that new character.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: INTERVIEW: THE SYLVESTER MENSAH STORY

The idea of writing a book had always engaged my thoughts based on reflections and the desire to share my experiences. The motivation was however triggered after reading the book of a gentleman l consider the busiest in Ghana, H. E. John Dramani Mahama

FROM THE ARCHIVES: INTERVIEW: DR. APOLLOS NWAUWA

Contrary to what many think, the Igbo Diaspora is not really a homogenous, coherent group. Like other ethnic nationalities in the USA, the Igbo Diaspora consists of peoples from all walks of life separated by everything and only united by the fact that they are all Igbo. Serious social class disparity exists between them; therefore, presenting a united front in influencing or engineering actions at home continues to be a challenge.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: INTERVIEW: OZO'S KENI SAINT GEORGE

It was indeed a very boisterous, purpose driven, well-to-do Royal family. I come from a lineage of Royals and a well groomed family unit. My Father, Chief George Ozuloke, was a Court Judge for all of 18 years. He was both a Christian and Animist. He had 7 wives of which my mother was the first. I went to St. Martins Primary School and later to a wonderful School – Abbot Secondary Grammar School in Ihiala, my town. I even did a stint in Ihiala Seminary trying to be a Catholic Priest

Sovereign National Conference: A Symposium

A sovereign nation is born when, out of civilization, any such populations of human assemblage pledge loyalty and confide their trust to a governing body which they elect to oversee to their security, welfare and yes, to their happiness. The ensuing system of governance thrives and becomes sustainable by the wishes of the people whose interests it caters for.

ARETHA FRANKLIN (1942-2018)

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Aburi Accord Plays On

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Nchamere Nd'Igbo: Evidence of Anti-Igbo Pogrom

Obafemi Awolowo's orchestrated "Economic Blockade" denies food and medicine to Children of Biafra during Yakubu Gowon's-led genocidal campaign against the Igbo Nation. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW ALL PICTURES

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Inside Nigeria's Fourth Republic: Nothing But A Messy 14 Years

In the fourteen years of said democracy, things that never happened in the past - the way it had now turned out - started happening at an alarming rate and spooky by its nature.......Click on image to read full story

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