DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN HOLDS THE KEY TO RESOLVE RIVERS STATE CRISIS

DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN HOLDS THE KEY TO RESOLVE THE RIVERS STATE CRISIS-SAYS A PROLIFIC WRITER IN SPAIN.

The Nigerian prolific writer in Spain, the Author of The Road We Traveled, and special correspondent of the Daily Independent Newspaper, hon. Uchendu Precious Onuoha has said that Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has got all it takes to resolve and end the lingering Rivers state crisis given her position as the pioneer of the African first ladies peace mission. Hon. Onuoha who wrote after witnessing the inauguration of the renovated embassy and chancery buildings of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid Spain on December 31, 2013 by the first lady felt satisfied with what he observed of her countenance and appearance. According to the writer, “a chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches”.

For the first time of seeing the first lady, I did not see a clunky, but a snazzy and complete woman, an embodiment of a true African lady. I saw a Woman of virtue, a Sister, a Mother, someone original, who knows where to slice her onions, a Precious Woman and a Serendipity. And to obtain the confidence to validate my curiosity to observe the first lady, I listened attentively to grab what she would say when asked by the Ambassador to brief the audience about the African First Ladies Peace Mission which is her pet project. It was interesting to listen to Dame Patience, highlight on the objectives and roles of the mission which the sonum bonum centers on peace, and brokering peace among warring factions. Especially among heads of governments, deputies and their subordinates.

By virtue of initiating this noble organization that is meant to foster peace in the corridors of power one need not to question the stand of the first lady of Nigeria in matters relating to peace because you cannot offer what you don’t have. In that respect, it is no gainsaying to allude that she loves peace and is a peaceful woman and mother and she can bring and make peace where it matters.  Also considering Dame Patients record as a great achiever especially where it comes to gender issues and the immense contributions and achievements which she has made to secure increase percentage of women in top positions in Government, I believe she can achieve peace where it is needed.

During an interview with Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain on January 9 2014, while giving answer to the question on, with the records and achievements Nigerian women have made in government…. The Ambassador eulogized the achievements of Dame Jonathan and said;

“I think that Nigerian women have made giant strides in virtually all areas of development. In government they have shown themselves to be capable, reliable, and effective in discharging their responsibilities. But we must not fail to give credit to the activism of the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who has been at the fore front ensuring an equitable share for women and in all sectors of development and has launched a successful campaign  to promote full participation of women at all levels of decision making in government. And it is really a testament to her tenacity in this respect that there is now a greater degree of gender balance in nomination of women for political appointments. It is to the credit of her campaign to demand on behalf of Nigerian women, greater access to, and full participation in power structures and decision making at the national level that such key ministries as finance, petroleum, telecommunications, aviation, environment, and until recently education and defense are headed by women. The current minister of foreign affairs is also a woman. I believe that it is really a major triumph for Nigerian women. And we should realize that it was not an easy battle.”

Now having pinpointed and enumerated the activities and achievements of our first lady both within and outside Nigeria, the compass now points to Rivers state, the treasure base of the nation and the first lady’s own state. For some time now, Rivers state has been boiling because of the flexing of muscles between those loyal to the State governor and the interest of the powers above. The madness and conflict that has ensued within this period has not left something palatable for the state and Nation in general. Considering the strategic position of Rivers state as the treasure base of the Nation, anything that affects the state is like touching the apple of God’s own eye. And charity it is said starts from home

For that reason, I call on the African mother of peace, your children needs peace. Peace matters in Rivers State, peace is needed in the garden city, Woman of peace, take the peace mission to rescue your own people because, “An elder cannot stay at home and watch the she goat deliver in its tether”. Madam, I call on you to take up the challenge, you have all it requires, don’t keep silence, and rise to the occasion. I believe in the power of a woman, and I believe in you. Remember,” you were put on this earth to achieve your greatest self, to live out your purpose and to do it fearlessly”, Steve Maraboli. Who knows if it is for this purpose that you were given the vision to initiate the peace mission?

Put your vision to action to benefit your own people because vision without action is like a day dream. I call on you to be and play the ‘Esther’ of your time. And in conclusion I leave you with the counsel of Modecai in the Holy books. “For if you are altogether silent at this time, relief and deliverance themselves will stand up for the Jews from another place; but as for you and your father’s house, you people will perish. And who is there knowing whether it is a time like this that you have attained to royal dignity.” Esther 4 : 14. Refer.

Honorable Onuoha is the Author of; The Road We Traveled a Memoir of Two Worlds.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OHANAEZE NDIGBO YOUTH COUNCIL (OYC)

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Spain(OYC) heartily send her felicitations, Xmas greetings and prosperous new year 2015 to Ndigbo and to all Nigerians in Spain, home and in Diaspora. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council as child of necessity has come to stay. We thank our detractors and those who never wished well, you cannot stop us, but our destiny according to the will of God must be attained. Rather than succumb, we have resolved to be more resilient and tenacious in the midst of hindrances and challenges. Just like Nehru from prison to his daughter, I say to you, today we are making history in Spain, and you and I are fortunate to see this happening before our eyes. I cannot say what part will fall to our lot, but whatever it may be, let us remember that we (OYC) can do nothing that may bring discredit on our cause or dishonour to our people (Ndigbo) and to the rest of Nigerians. OYC, may you grow up a brave soldier and a model in the service of Ndigbo and Nigerians among all other associations in Spain. Merry Christmas Ndigbo, merry Christmas fellow Nigerians.

MORE THAN 150,000 JOBS TO BE CREATED FOR NIGERIANS SAYS BIANCA OJUKWU.

MORE THAN 150,000 JOBS TO BE CREATED FOR NIGERIANS SAYS BIANCA OJUKWU.

Unknown to many Nigerians, the award winner of African Most Outstanding Ambassador 2014, Ambassador Bianca Odinaka Ojukwu, who is the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Spain, also doubles as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). She has all it takes to be at the apex position in the United Nations. And we look forward to the day when she will make history as the first Nigerian and first female Secretary General of the United Nations. We can say ‘Yes She Can’.

As part of her interview with our special correspondent, Uchendu Precious Onuoha

In January, Bianca Ojukwu highlighted on the opportunities offered by the tourism industry in Nigeria. Please read more.

Could you tell us about your role as Nigeria's permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)?

My experience as Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with  headquarters here in Spain has been an enriching and highly fulfilling one This involves a lot of travel to different destinations to promote tourism as a fundamental pillar of regional integration not only in Africa but the rest of the world and raise global awareness of tourism as an engine of social and economic development, job creation, investment promotion and currency generation. This is very important to Nigeria especially now that the current administration is trying to diversify the production base of our country's economy from oil to sustainable sectors.

Our government has also realized that travel and tourism holds the key to this much needed diversification of our economy and consequently it has been positioning measures to promote the tourist industry as an alternative source of foreign exchange, and of course through this diversification, travel and tourism is expected to continue gaining considerable recognition as an important tool of stimulating rapid economic growth in Nigeria.

Last year, the UNWTO Commission for Africa was held in Tunisia but in the year 2012 it was held in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state to be precise and the major players and international stakeholders within the global tourism sector from different countries converged in Nigeria. And we know that in the next seven years Nigeria would have created more than 150,000 jobs in tourism. At the UNWTO, we are trying to promote better training facilities, travel and tourism culture, to encourage tour guide operators, and we really want to promote international best practices for the hospitality industry in Nigeria. We recognize the urgent need to diversify our economy due to the declining prices of crude oil in the global economy. We must find alternative sources. This underscores the exigency to make our country a sustainable investment destination by promoting its tourism potentials. We continue to highlight to member states of this organization Nigeria's economic growth potentials as well as our vast oil resources, much improved political landscape and  the various reform plans that have been put in place by the present administration.

The government has also made it clear that missions should try and encourage foreign investment into Nigeria especially in the non-oil sectors of the economy such as, solid minerals, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, transportation and construction. In pursuance of this agenda, Our Embassy here hosted the recently concluded NIMAD 2013. With the theme, translating Market opportunities into robust trade. During this business forum, we were able to link up Spanish businessmen with their Nigerian counterparts as well as provide them with an overview of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to doing business in Nigeria. We reiterated the fact that Nigeria has become a favorite investment destination for any investor desiring a good profit and business friendly environment. We were also able to disseminate to potential Spanish investors on the advantages of investing in Nigeria and our generous tax incentives in addition to allaying their security concerns. A major selling point is the fact that this administration has championed expedited business registration measures that have made the process of registering businesses less cumbersome.

THE SAVE AFRICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION (SAY-F)

SAVE THE AFRICAN YOUTH FOUNDATION (SAY-F)

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Save the African Youth Foundation (SAY-F) is a Non- Governmental Organization NGO and Charity Organization based in Spain established in 2014 to help the African youth both at home and in diaspora to realize their self-value and worth and to encourage them to discover and exploit their God given talents to the utmost use as to pursue a meaningful livelihood to benefit themselves, country, Africa and the world at large. Formed for the interest and welfare of the vulnerable African boys and girls, gender injustice, maltreated and abused young women, who are debased by some obnoxious societal laws, norms and traditions that are contrary to the female gender.  

MISSION.

1.      Save African Youth Foundation (SAY-F) is to promote human values, self-worth, and to instill to the youth of Africa that each person’s life has a value to himself and to the society.

2.      To teach the youth that, because you were born you have a mission to be here.

3.      To promote community out- reach programs and organizing enlightenment programs in schools, colleges and charity homes.

4.      To inform the youths of Africa the dangers of migrating abroad without acquiring substantial qualifications, skills and trainings that will enable them fit in well in foreign lands.

5.      To correct the wrong notion that Europe and America are paradise as to prevent the youth from risking wasting their lives embarking on deadly adventure to come to Europe through the deserts and waters.

6.      To foster inter socio-cultural exchange and relationship among African youths and their Spanish, European and counterparts worldwide.

7.      To liaise with Government and agencies to encourage and promote non-formal/formal education and vocational skills training initiatives for vulnerable children and out of school youths in view of encouraging self-reliance and building a sustainable society with improved standard of living.

8.      To promote female education and stop child girl marriages as female education is bedrock for a nation’s development.

9.      To promote sex education and to prevent untimely death and abortions from the female genders. And to prevent our girls from prostitution which is taboo in African culture, and as required in the Christianity doctrine, good upbringing.

10.  Providing the disadvantaged young people who are drop outs from schools due to death or separation of parents, victims of drug and child abuse affected and vulnerable youths with a means of survival, and keeping them busy to enhance their positive impact to the community.

11.  To promote civic education through our magazine publications, enlightening the youth on the followings; Human right, duties of the citizens to the government, duties of the government to the citizens, violation of human right, the child right, sex right and gender inequality.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT

1.      Believes in upholding the positive interest of young Africans for the interest and welfare African youths world-wide.

2.      Believes in self-help participation and identifying the potentials among the African youths.

3.      Believes that every African child should live a good quality life.

4.      Sourcing of funding, resources, and networking with Africans in diaspora and International organizations to give back to African continent.

5.      Will work with Government agencies and Embassies to achieve goals that effect and improve the lives of vulnerable African youths and out of school children.

OWNERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

The policy framework of (SAY-F) is guided fully by registered memorandum, constitution, and regulations of the Save African Youth Foundation world-wide and regulated through the NGO board in extending development supports to African continent.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

The executive board is composed of two founding members and an associate partner. Individuals chosen on basis of adequate professional experiences in areas of relevance to (SAY-F).They include, Hon. Uchendu Precious Onuoha, Journalist, Media Correspondent, Author/Writer, (Founder and President). Mrs. Anthonia Nkiru Nduka, Economists, ex- Banker (Co-founder and Secretary), Mabel Mark- Associate partner, humanitarian, and acid attack victim of male chauvinism.

SECRETERIATE

The operations office is located in Madrid Spain as indicated above, with the head office to be in Nigeria and functional offices to be established in all the countries of Africa and world-wide.

PROGRAM FOCUS

-The (SAY-F) will liaise with Government and non-Governmental agencies in Africa, Europe and world –wide to enhance youth development programs.

-The SAY-F will engage in preventive enlightenment programs in colleges, villages and communities and cities to discourage African youths from embarking on dangerous immigration to abroad and help them to realize and exploit the opportunities that abound in Africa.

-The SAY-F will liaise with respective African and European Embassies and authorities to establish rehabilitation centers to carry out enlightenment campaigns in designated areas for preventive and re-orientation measures towards vulnerable African youths who are trapped and rescued in the deserts and boarders in a dangerous immigration process to Europe.

-Exchange of youth program activities among African youths and affiliated youth organizations in Europe and world-wide.

-The overall focus is to encourage the youths to embrace the opportunities offered to them to learn skills and vocations that will enable them harness their full potentials and their capabilities as to be useful to themselves and the society. Also show them a route out of poverty, lifting them out of the streets, away far from the risks of drug, violence and crime. And to prevent the dangerous immigration adventure through the deserts and waters to Europe.

We welcome any support towards this cause.

 Contact: +34632971388, 34672588793

WE ARE THIEVES FROM NIGERIA, DRAMA AT LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

    

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special Correspondent Spain)

BreakingNews  - WE ARE THIEVES FROM NIGERIA, DRAMA AT LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

[ Masterweb Reports ] 

A man sometimes is ensnared by the words of his mouth. Differences in tongues, mispronunciations and misunderstanding of the similarities of certain words have landed people into trouble in the past and continues unto present time. In the Holy book, the mispronunciation of the word “Shibboleth” as “Sibboleth” costed the lives of 42,000 Ephraimites. (Judges 12:6) refer. Not quite long ago, a group of travelers from Nigeria who identified themselves as Tivs from Nigeria at the busy London Heathrow Airport were mistaken as thieves from Nigeria by the Heathrow airport immigration officers.

The incident which looked like a pelicula started when the passengers who were traveling as a group for an event in London arrived at the immigration control and was asked for identity. The leader of the group responding said, we are Tivs from Nigeria and we are going for an event in London. The immigration officer who was startled asked, you are thieves from Nigeria? And they responded in affirmative. Immediately their travel documents were collected from them and they were taken for further interrogation.

The immigration officers wasted no time to contact the Nigerian Embassy in London informing them that they have in detention a group of thieves from Nigeria and they should come and take custody of them for appropriate measures to be taken. The embassy officials arrived, but to their amazement discovered that the detained travelers were free and innocent citizens of Nigeria from the Tivi clan of the Northern region of Nigeria. And the British immigration officers were meant to understand at last that they were not thieves but Tivs.

Such drama or incidents may occur due to words classified as, Homophones by linguistic scholars. Homophones are words that have different spellings, different meanings, but the same pronunciation. It is well known that several people, tribe and nations cannot pronounce certain letters. The sound and letter ‘R’ is pronounced as ‘L’ by certain people and that could cause embarrassment or problems especially to some travelers who pass through the eye of the niddle at foreign immigration control points.

My friends from one of the state in the south east of Nigeria pronounce the word, Robert as Lobert. The group of Tivs from Nigeria were not thieves. But the Holy book says, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned”. (Mt.12:37) Refer.

OBASANJO HOLDS THE KEY TO GBOKO HARAM’S SURRENDER, SAYS OBASANJO TWIN BROTHER IN SPAIN.

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special Correspondent Spain)

OBASANJO HOLDS THE KEY TO GBOKO HARAM’S SURRENDER, SAYS OBASANJO TWIN BROTHER IN SPAIN.

Unknown to many Nigerians is that Uncle Shege, as he is popularly called by many Nigerians has a twin brother. More also even unknown to the ex-two times President of Nigeria (military and civilian) is the where-about of his twin brother whom he thought was always at home. But unknown to him, his brother has checked out  to Europe like “Andrew” during his years of long service to the nation. But as fate would have it, they were to meet again in a foreign land far from home, just like Joseph met with his brothers in Egypt after they sold him to slavery and thought that he was dead.

On June 4, 2014 at Madrid Barajas International airport- Spain, OBJ, on his way to Malabo, met with his twin brother whom he thought was still at home, and a discussion ensued between them. According to the brother, I never knew we were that closely related, and bears the same resemblance until after the photo with Uncle Shege was published and people started commenting that we look like twins. It was by then it dawned on me like a grass-cutter that remembers to bite only when reminded, that I have a legendry twin brother in the person of Uncle Shege who equally claimed he has a twin brother.

While I am writing this piece is because I know and realize the antecedents and pedigree of my brother OBJ. Uncle Shege has always played crucial roles at critical moments of Nigerian history. This is a man who has worked through the valley of the shadow of death and emerged unscathed.

In 1966, at the height of Nzeogwu’s coup, during endeavors for Nzeogwu to yield to the supreme military council, he was the only person that could move the tenacious Nzeogwu to hand over himself and lay down his arms to the Supreme Military Council of Aguiyi Ironsi.

In 1970, after the Nigeria – Biafra civil war that ensued, it was at his feet, General David Effiong and Col. Achuzie the top Biafra commanders laid down their arms on behalf of Biafra. He was a beneficiary of the Murtala Mohammed’s coup and also was called to salvage Nigeria after Murtala was overthrown and killed by Dimka. He led Nigeria through the storm and ushered in the short lived democracy during Shagari civilian era before the khaki boys took over again.

The Abacha moving train which only a mad man dared challenge, that claimed the lives of eminent citizens like Saro Wiwa, and others derailed and summersaulted before him and claimed the life of the power drunken driver. And in 1995, while in Golgotha the cup of death passed over Uncle Shege. Once again from the throes and shadows of death he emerged and led Nigeria out of the grip of a colossus and a draconian and gave the country a sigh of relief.

In 1999, he handled the massacre and military invasion of Odi-Bayelsa state, quenched and silenced the uprising between the oil community and the Nigerian security forces. He proffered the juju antidote to fight apartheid during the racist era in South Africa. Time and space will fail me if I continue to recount great things he has done.    

In the recent Boko-Haram plague and war, to find the solution do not lie in American drones and all the European and Western trumped up support which have yielded no result since they arrived. Going by the antecedents of my twin brother OBJ, he holds the key to Sambisa forest. Let President Jonathan and Nigerians acknowledge his accomplishments and give him the onus to deliver Nigeria from the verge of collapse once-again. He has the magic wand and the key that could make Boko-Haram to bow and surrender to him. He has done it before and he can do it again.

But Uncle Shege, before you go to the battle of Sambisa, remember your word during our meeting and discussion on the state of Nigerians in Spain and abroad. You said that you have always told Nigerians abroad to come back home if abroad is not favorable to them. Many want to heed to that call, but when they remember the state of things at home, they feel scared to go. But no matter in what way home may be, home is home and there is no place like home.  And he, whom his brother is in paradise cannot go to hell. 

Uncle Shege, as your brother, I urge you to listen to my call and the voice of John Donne, that says, “any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee “.The cry of our girls in Sambisa forest and countless Nigerians that have been killed by the insurgents tolls for you. Please arise and salvage Nigeria as you have always done.

BIANCA OJUKWU WINS THE MOST OUTSTANDING AFRICAN AMBASSADOR AWARD 2014

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Posted in: Features

Bianca Ojukwu gets The Most Outstanding African Ambassador Award

By Uchendu Onuoha  /  Special Correspondent, Spain

 Once a winner always a winner, and a star cannot be shielded from its lights. Ambassador Bianca Olivia Odumegwu Ojukwu is like the Northern star whose light remains constant from her position in the firmament. Bianca’s star and winning streaks continues to follow her wherever she goes.

Initially, her appointment as a non-career diplomat was received with mixed feelings in some certain quarters. But according to Shakespeare, “the fault, dear Brutus is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”  Today, the stone, which the builders rejected has become the corner stone of the house. Bianca Ojukwu like a Trojan went to Spain, saw and conquered. And her accomplishments have proved that one does not need to acquire all the qualifications in the world before you become a successful and good leader.

On October 17, 2014, she was honoured with the prestigious award of, African Most Outstanding Ambassador in the Diaspora 2014, in The Netherlands by the Voice of Achievers.

The Voice Magazine Annual Award ceremony is one of the most prestigious and highly rated awards in Europe used to recognise and honour African achievers and friends of Africa who have distinguished themselves in their areas of calling for the advancement of their countries, Africa and humanity at large.

This year’s event, which was held at Hotel Almere, in the city of Almere in The Netherlands, was used to give various awards to deserving Africans and Nigerians. Among them were Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Chief Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, who received award as Personality of the year 2014, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Dikko, the Comptroller General of Customs in Nigeria, Chief Joop Berkhout, and Chairman/CEO. Spectrum Books, among others.

Among former recipients of the award are President Olusegun Obasanjo, Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma  among others.

Ambassador Ojukwu whose presence dominates and arrests her environment wherever she enters, was the cynosure of all eyes as all guests were falling heads over heels to catch a glimpse of her and have snap shots.  The award was presented to her by her counterpart, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. N.N.Akanbi. Speaking during the occasion, Ojukwu thanked the organisers of the event and those who recommended her for the award. She dedicated the award to the staff of the Nigerian Embassy, Spain whom she said that without their collaboration and support, she may not have attained that height.

She also thanked the Federation of Nigerian Community Spain (FNCS) and all Nigerian citizens in Spain for their support. Accompanying her to receive the award was what could be described as the “operation swift” crack squad of the embassy whom she humorously name tagged. Among them were, The Head of Chancery, Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan, she described him as the pillar of chancery and facilitator of the renovation of the embassy and chancery buildings, Head of Consul, L.D.G. Boko, Consul Nze Nnamdi, coordinator and investigator of the embassy’s rescue operations, Joshua Luka (accountant) she tagged him the CBN of the embassy, Adekemu Ajayi, the mother of rescued Nigerian children, a known face at the airport and who could be mistaken as a child trafficker, as she is always carrying two or three Nigerian children rescued from adoption while accompanying them to Nigeria to their families.

Others include, Ruth Dauda, who is on attachment and Wendy Van Der  Veen, a Dutch woman and founder of the Black and White Association, a good friend of the embassy.

Answering questions from our special  correspondent on how she feels and what the award means to her? Ambassador Ojukwu said that she feels happy and encouraged as this goes a long way to show that her pursuit and implementation of the citizens diplomacy as was directed as a priority area of attention to all missions by the President while commissioning them as ambassadors is yielding fruits. She stated that the Nigerian Embassy would continue to protect the rights and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in Spain and in the Diaspora.

She asserted that the embassy is of the people, by the people and for the people. And that it remains a sanctuary for all Nigerian citizens in Spain.

She also used the occasion to commend the government for the efforts it made to contain Ebola in Nigeria and called on all Nigerians to join hands with the government to make Nigeria great and a better country for all.

HIDING UNDER EBOLA TO DEHUMANISE AFRICANS

The inhuman treatment meted out by the Spanish security and health authorities to African immigrants under the guise of Ebola scare is worsening everyday. Naturally the Spanish do not hide their dislike and discriminatory attitude towards black immigrants.With the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), a deadly virus which Sawyer and company, an Liberian/American sowed the seed in African soil, Spain has exhibited a high rate of nonchalant attitude and harsh treatment to black immigrants that show any sign of ill health in their territory. Their approach has been to abandon them to die or stew in their own juice.

The most recent incident is the case of 23 black African immigrants who got to the Canary Island of Gran Canarias on their rickety boat on Wednesday November 5, 2014. According to report made available to our Special Correspondent in Spain, the Red Cross volunteers tested their temperature on arrival to the Spanish territory and found out that six among them were running high fever. The voluntary organisation tried to activate their own Ebola protocol, which was not adequate. They asked for help from the regional and national health authority. The health authorities who hesitated to respond, instead they were blaming each other for the delay and alleging it was each other’s responsibility. It took about four hours before health workers arrived on the scene. Police made sure the immigrants were secluded from a distance where nobody got closer to them

On arrival of the health workers, they asked the immigrants of their origins, demanding to know if they were from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the countries most affected by the virus before they were certified free. The four most serious cases were taken away for medical attention by the Red Cross. While the rest were loaded like guinea pigs in a dirty truck used for garbage loading and cleaning on which they were taken to the police for identification prior to subsequent deportation process.

According to the report, the coordinator of Red Cross complained that a garbage truck was by no means suitable to convey human beings. The mayor of the region responding by saying that no other four wheel vehicle large enough to carry many people over the beach was available. It could be recalled that a similar incident occurred on October 18, 2014 at the Madrid Barajas Airport where a Nigerian was abandoned unattended to for the scare of Ebola until overdose of cocaine drugs he swallowed burst inside his stomach thereby leading to his death. The Spanish authority should be cautioned on their inhuman treatment towards black immigrants in their territory. And not to hide under the scare of Ebola to subject black immigrants to their own peril.

THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN SPAIN RECOGNIZES THE WORKS OF A NIGERIAN JOURNALIST

THE AMERICAN EMBASSY IN SPAIN RECOGNIZES THE WORKS OF A NIGERIAN JOURNALIST

“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” Anais Nin. For Uchendu Precious Onuoha the above citation implies. For the Nigerian born journalist and writer living in Madrid Spain, he has been consistent and boldly saying what others could not say from Spain. For the past three years he came on board as a writer, and foreign correspondent in Spain for the Daily Independent Newspaper and special correspondent to Nigeria Masterweb, he has brought to limelight Nigerians living in Spain through regular reports and publications about Nigerians in Spain and the activities of the Nigerian Embassy as it affects the life and welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora Spain. During this period, the Special Correspondent who is a talented writer and author wrote a book titled; The Road We Travelled, A Memoire of Two Worlds, published by iUniverse in U.S.A. The book which has been translated into Spanish language is currently making waves in Spain and other Spanish speaking countries.

According to the lyrics of the song by Bette Midler; “from a distance, God is watching us”…Unknown to the writer, the American Embassy in Spain has been watching from a distance and keeping track of his works and publications in the media. Recently he was invited for an interview at the Embassy in Spain where he was asked questions about his book, press interviews, and newspaper publications. In recognition of his works and activities in the media, the U.S.A. embassy offered him two years multiple visas as a special correspondent. This is a class of visa given to only recognized top class media professionals. By this he is privileged to cover events as an authorized foreign correspondent in the U.S.A. within the period.



Among those who commended Onuoha for his recognition include, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the Nigerian Ambassador in Spain, ex- president Olusegun Obasanjo to whom he is acclaimed to be his twin brother, and Ted Iwere, the MD of the Daily Independent Newspaper Nigeria. Ambassador Bianca, who expressed her happiness, commended the journalist for his diligence and strides towards his profession saying that it’s quite a spectacular feat to be given approval and recognition by such a foreign authority. Ex-president Obasanjo, in His text message to the twin brother wrote; Congratulations and more grease to your elbow. Also in his message, Ted Iwere the MD of the Daily Independent stated that it was great. The publisher of the Nigeria Master web, Chief Charles Okereke also called to congratulate Onuoha.

A NIGERIAN PROLIFIC WRITER LAUNCHES BOOK IN SPAIN

Uchendu Precious Onuoha speaking at the book launch

The Road We traveled; A Memoir of Two Worlds, written by Uchendu Precious Onuoha a Nigerian born journalist, writer, author and poet was launched on August 31, 2013 in Madrid Spain. The Nigeria, Spain based author who hails from Abia state has sojourned in Europe for about a decade now. He holds a bachelors degree in Mass Communication, Aviation diploma in Flight Despatcher, poet, and winner of Editor’s Choice Award in poetry 2008, from the International Library of Poetry. The author who is a statesman among Nigerians in Spain is the Founder of, Save African Youth Foundation (SAY-F), Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) Chairman Spain, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Nationals Madrid Spain, the Ex- Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Spain, Secretary General of the N.G.O. Precious Women of Faith International Spain and Foreign Correspondent of The Daily Independent Newspaper. The Author has published hundreds of articles in both National and International press media. He and his wife Anthonia and daughter Annabel live in Madrid Spain.

The event which was used by the author to pursue and foster unity among Nigerians with the objective to healing and bridging the gap in a community that predominantly toes along ethnic streaks. For the first time, all the leaders of the Igbo, Yoruba and Edo communities were in attendance. Including the Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Yoruba community, Edo community, presidents of all Igbo state unions, among them were, Abia state association, Anambra state association (ASA), Enugu state union, Imo state association, Ihiala town union, Igbo bu Igbo among others. Also the event attracted a good number of other nationals from Spain, Columbia, Peru, Dominican, Ecuador, Guinea, Cuba, Cot Devoir etc. Also present during the launching and presentation were representatives of companies especially from the Madrid Barajas International airport where the author works.

The event also showcased various artistes, musicians and models. Among them were, Nwanne Campo, the Voice of Achievers prestigious award winner, African Diaspora Woman of the Year 2013. The stylish, glowing actress, model and event planner currently making waves in Europe, who was the event planner, leading a couple of dazzling young models, moderated as the master of ceremony. Also at the event to perform was the top rising Nigeria’s pop artiste, Dry Cap, who held the audience spell bound with his scintillating raps.

The book, which is already translated into Spanish language, was reviewed by three known Nigerian scholars in Spain, Professor Ogbonnia Onuoha, Dr. Joe Illoh, and a former radio Nigeria broadcaster Mrs. Chidimma Ezike who presented the book. Various comments were made during and after the occasion by the reviewers and others. According to Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, Nigerian’s ambassador to Spain who commended the author for a good literary work said that her son after reading the book was moved by a deep sense of emotion and grief for the author on the epitaph dedicated to “a departed sister” in the book. Bianca endorsed the book stating;

“This event filled book catalogues the writer's odyssey through life, from his early childhood experiences to his present day realities, and it is both frank and philosophical in its interpretation of his encounters and the circumstances surrounding each episode, from the sweet, the bittersweet to the downright unsavory but the great charm and magnetic appeal of this little book lies in its surreptitious humor and some of the hilarious incidents that are captured within. It is delightfully engaging and highlights a few life lessons which remain constant through the ages. It is, above all, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit against all odds and in the course of his voyage of discovery, the writer, by his reactions at every instance gives credence to the oft quoted maxim that there is no chance, no destiny, no fate that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul”.(Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu)

The Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Rivers state, Dr. Obinna Nwodim who also endorsed the book stated;

“The Road We Traveled is a lucid prose, captivating and inspiring. It tells the story of a lad from an idyllic rural setting in Nigeria, who sought for greener pasture in the Whiteman's country. It has deep lessons to be derived from, even as it is informative and entertaining”.

Commenting on the book, Prof. Ogbonnia said;

The work of literal creativity is among the most complicated to accomplish. The range in interest groups and opinions to meet with is vast. The diversity of opinions, even in the same topic, is as wide as the eye can reach. As I read through the pages of the book (The Road We Traveled) my mind could not stop retroceding to my own very infancy and village upbringing, as my own parents were farmers and traders as well.

The Road We traveled has come to depict in a very simple and intelligible way, the typical community structural organization of our society – a typical Igbo society. The record the author of “The Road We Traveled”, Mr. Uchendu Precious Onuoha, has put together will always be there for posterity to read and learn from.

A part from the author biography of the author which it represents has come to break the silence or rather, the TABU and veto implicit on talking openly about our individual adventure to Europe. This feature is what I ‘count as gain’ for the African. From the time our people started scrambling to travel to Europe/the developed World in search for a better future/knowledge, nobody (at least non that I know of) has so far dared tell the true story of their own personal experiences in the sojourn in the “Land of milk and honey”, bringing out comprehensibly the discrimination, total rejection and other hostilities Africans undergo in Europe and which they keep silent about, thereby inducing others to follow their footsteps and depriving that continent of her youth.

Congratulations Uchendu Precious and more grease to your elbow.

Dr.Joe Illoh’s Comment; Uchendu Precious Onuoha has wittily created a cosmic realities of today's global village from a fistful memories of his background.

The Road We Traveled holds in it what the great literary works can hold because not only that it submerges you but also it takes you deeply through history lanes into the socio-economic, political and cultural divides between the North and South.

It is a wonderful book about the in quietude of the writer to search and discover facts outside the sphere of his infant and rudimentary knowledge, written with exuberance to entertain and refresh the minds of its readers, a book which each page must be read and reread in order to savour its wisdom and message.

It is carefully constructed, sensitive to issues that matter and funny enough that it creates a conducive atmosphere and a rethink for both those in the diaspora and the home-based folks.

Dr. Joe Illoh is an itinerant lecturer, Politics & International Affairs Enthusiast, Ex-president of FNC Spain and an Avid Socio-cultural Advocate based in Madrid, Spain.

Mrs. Chidimma Ezike (Journalist/Broadcaster) comments: The Road We Traveled is a book written by Uchendu Precious Onuoha. The setting is a typical African scene particularly in Igbo land Nigeria. It explores the living standards of the author in particular and Igbo race in general with a pre and post Biafra war experiences.

The book is divided into four parts.

PART ONE; is about the authors birth and upbringing. His family hierarchy and social status. Integration into the community’s norms and values, and paying off with woes of Biafra war.

PART TWO; Education an Awakening Experience. He talks about what education means for him and about the general embrace of Education immediately after the war. Primary school experiences, college Education. The high standard of Education he enjoined in his days and stepping out into the world with assurance.

PART THREE; this is the memories of his life. Losing his four sisters and dramatically finding his missing ribs.

The last part talks about his travels; Experiences living in Europe and making a comparison of his past life to the present. Europe as generally conceived in Africa is a fertile land with money bearing trees. Reading this book balances up the general conception of expectation and reality in Europe. The author used a lot of figurative languages and poetry to beautify his work. He is also an award winning poet.

For this book , Precious deserves the blessings of past and present African writers like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Elechi Amadi, Flora Nwapa, Ngugi wa Thiongo, Chimamanda Adichie, John Pepper Clark, Christopher Okigbo etc.

Finally, I call on the Nigerian school curriculum planners to consider this book as one of the recommended texts for our secondary schools. It is very worth reading and a representation of the memories lost. We welcome another rare African and Nigerian Author and poet.

BLACK IMMIGRANTS TRANSPORTED IN A GARBAGE TRUCK BY SPANISH AUTHORITY

The inhuman treatment meted by the Spanish security and health authorities to African immigrants under the guise of Ebola scare is worsening every day. Naturally the Spanish do not hide their dislike and discriminatory attitude towards black immigrants. With the outbreak of the Ebola, a deadly virus which Patrick Sawyer and company, an American sowed the seed in African soil, Spain has exhibited a high rate of non - chalant attitude and harsh treatment to black immigrants that show any sign of ill health in their territory. Their approach has been to abandon them to die or stew in their own ruins. 

The most recent incident is the case of 23 black African immigrants who got to the Canary Island of Gran Canarias on their rickety boat on Wednesday November 5, 2014. According to report made available to our Special Correspondent in Spain, the Red Cross volunteers tested their temperature on arrival to the Spanish territory and found out that six among them were running a high fever. The voluntary organization tried to activate their own Ebola protocol which was not adequate. They asked for help from the regional and national health authority. 

The health authorities who hesitated to respond, instead they were blaming each other for the delay and alleging it was each other’s responsibility. It took about 4 hours before health workers arrived to the scene. Police made sure the immigrants were secluded from a distance where nobody got closer to them.

On arrival of the health workers, they asked the immigrants of their origins, demanding to know if they were from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the countries most affected with the virus before they were certified free. The four most serious cases were taken away for medical attention by the Red Cross. While the rest were loaded like guinea pigs in a dirty truck used for garbage loading and cleaning on which they were taken to the police for identification prior to subsequent deportation process.

According to the report, the coordinator of Red Cross complained that a garbage truck was by no means suitable to convey human beings. The mayor of the region responding said that no other four wheel vehicle large enough to carry many people over the beach was available. It could be recalled that a similar incident occurred on October 18, 2014 at the Madrid Barajas airport where a Nigerian was abandoned unattended to for the scare of Ebola until overdose of cocaine drugs he swallowed burst inside his stomach thereby leading to his death. The Spanish authority should be cautioned on their inhuman treatment towards black immigrants in their territory. And not to hide under the scare of Ebola to subject black immigrants to their own peril.

EBOLA SCARE TAKES THE LIFE OF A NIGERIAN AT MADRID BARAJAS AIRPORT, SPAIN

Late Ikenna Nzeako

*Ebola Scare Takes The Life of A Nigerian At Madrid Barajas Airport, Spain

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Masterweb Special Correspondent-Spain)

The fear of Ebola is the beginning of life. Ebola is the most dreaded terror and scourge to humanity at moment. It is no respecter of persons, color or race, white and black, it is without boundary. Mere glimpse of any sign of Ebola at a distance will make even the American Special Strike force to take to their heels. The best of medical personnel cannot stand at the sign of Ebola. So was the case on October 18, 2014 at Barajas Madrid Airport Spain, where a Nigerian drug peddler was mistakenly abandoned and left to stew in his own juice by the airport security and medical team because of Ebola scare. If not for the Ebola fear the life of the Nigerian may have been saved.

According to information gathered by our Special Correspondent at the airport, the 38 year old Nigerian, identified as Ikenna Nzeako from Owerri Imo state on the fateful day arrived on a Turkish airline flight from Istanbul to Madrid. As he was about to leave from the airport he started shivering and collapsed. The airport security men and the emergency medical team realizing he was a Nigerian felt scared and hesitated to attend to him. Time elapsed as he was left alone on the floor before a special medical team arrived and confirmed that it was not Ebola case. But was as a result of overdose of cocaine inside his body which has busted inside his stomach. Subsequently he died few minutes after the medical team attended to him. 

Our Special correspondent traced where he lived in Madrid and met with his live- in girlfriend who is the mother of his one year old baby girl. According to the lady who said that the deceased came to Spain in 2008 and they have lived together for almost three years. Responding to questions by the Correspondent, she said that the late Ikenna called her two hours before he died and was talking to her in Igbo dialect a language she could not understand as she is from Edo state. And she never knew that was his last word until she was called by the police to inform her about his death later. The late Ikenna came from a family of eight with his parents still alive with three elder brothers before him and two sisters all in Nigeria. One of the sisters in Nigeria, who spoke to our special correspondent on phone, said that they saw him last in 2012 when he visited Nigeria. She pleaded that the Correspondent should on behalf of the family appeal to the Nigerian Embassy and the Nigerian Community in Spain to help bring back the corpse, saying as we did not see him in life again let us see him at death.

Also the deceased fiancée who was carrying their one year old baby girl during the interview with the Correspondent requested for help from the Nigerian Embassy and the Spanish government for accommodation and financial assistance to enable her take care of the baby as she has no work now.

The Nigerian Embassy, in line with their citizen’s diplomacy was quick to react to the incident by demanding for explanation from the Spanish authorities on the circumstances surrounding the death of the Nigerian. According to the Ambassador, Bianca Ojukwu who spoke to our correspondent over the incident said that the facts had to be established clearly that it was not as a result of Ebola as was initially feared. She lamented that its quiet unfortunate the circumstances that led to his death. And the Ambassador condemned the act of Nigerian citizens who involve themselves in heinous crimes risking their lives and tarnishing the image of the country in their quest to make fast money. She said that its high time they withdraw themselves otherwise they stand the risk of grave consequences for their actions as the host country would not take it lightly with anyone who constitutes himself a nuisance to them after giving him residence and work permit. Ambassador Bianca appealed to Nigerians living in Spain to always respect the laws of their host country and stay away from crime. She encouraged them to look for work and engage themselves in meaningful activities.

A cross section of Nigerians who spoke to our Correspondent over the incident expressed their displeasure with the situation of things at home saying that due to corruption among those at the corridors of power and the mis-management of the country’s resources has forced Nigerians to migrate and turned to beggars abroad, compelling many to take to crime against their wish. They appealed to the Federal Government to set up measures that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian citizens in Spain and Diaspora.

If not for Ebola scare, perhaps the life of Ikenna may have been saved first, after which he would have faced the wrath of the law for his crime. However, Ebola “though like the toad ugly and venomous yet it wears a precious jewel on its neck” (Shakespeare). Nigeria has been certified Ebola free country by WHO, thanks to the rapid response the Government gave to that and the cooperation of the citizenry also. At least the Ebola fear has shown that things can work in Nigeria if we really want. If the approach that was used to combat the Ebola case is applied in all sectors of governance in Nigeria, the country will turn to a paradise overnight. Hence with the fear of Ebola, Nigeria will be free of corruption and the economy will recover. Nigerians will stay at home and would not migrate. Those abroad can go back home to enjoy the milk of the land and the likes of the late Ikenna would be saved from untimely death. Therefore let all the incoming politicians and office holders come 2015 take an oath and be sworn in by the spirit of Ebola. As the fear of Ebola that made the Spanish airport security and medical team to abandon the Nigerian citizen will scare away corrupt politicians from embezzling public fund and save the nation.