DEBORAH BRAIDE

Deborah Braide founded Sisters’ Impact International in 2014, a network of young women across Africa that promotes youth involvement in community development and educates them on civic leadership.

The foundation has partnered with various local and International Organizations including UNESCO to carry out projects in Gender inclusion, Entrepreneurship education and Community outreaches.

She has over six (6) years’ experience volunteering with various NGOs and has received a number of awards and recommendations for her work. Since 2010, she has served as an administrator for the CEE Gold Foundation, a foundation that supports underprivileged diabetics and diabetic caregivers in Southern Nigeria.

She also manages the RHED (Reviving Preventive Healthcare and Educational Development) Campaign for the Foundation which is a national campaign to provide basic medical support and to educate individuals and healthcare officials on Preventive Healthcare in local communities.

With a deep-rooted passion for children, she is also a tutor and the Managing Director of EDGE LEARNING, an organization which provides private tutoring services in STEM, Music and Arts to a wide range of pupils and students and provides support for underprivileged schools in disadvantaged communities.

She is also the Regional coordinator for EduExtra, an International organization working to provide support for women to carry out Science and Engineering research in Africa.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2015. She is also a writer and a poet.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE True-African Heritage-Awards TAKING PLACE  THIS SATURDAY AT THE RIPPLES CENTRE, – 121 -125 Ripples Road, Barking, IG11 7FN from 5pm on the dot to 10.30pm.

THIS IS AN EVENT YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS
The True African TrueAfrican Heritage Brand was set up by Rukayat Aderewa Basaru

Dear Elders, Family and Friends,

OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTHS CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT TAKES PLACE NEXT MONTH FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW (SPECIAL INVITE ONLY )

I am pleased to inform you that I will be organising BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS at , UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW in conjunction with THE MP FOR READING WEST – MP ALOK SHARMA on Thursday the 27th of October 2016 at 1pm on the dot.
This is A SPECIAL INVITE EVENT ONLY and all 60 invited guests will be notified by email with a SPECIAL INVITATION LETTER very soon.

KEY SPEAKER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS, UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT 2016

DR Winston George Ellis – BLACK BRITISH CELEBRITY ACTOR (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AND DARK KNIGHT) DR ELLIS IS ALSO A THREE TIMES WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPION
Title of Presentation by Dr Ellis –

MR Richard Duke– SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR, HUMAN CAPITAL STRATEGIST AND COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR
Titel of Presentation by Mr Duke – AFRICAN HISTORY- A Kaleidoscope of Efik Migration to The United Kingdom

MR James Henshaw JUNIOR – FOUNDER OF THE JAMES ENE HENSHAW FOUNDATION. THE LATE DR JAMES ENE HENSHAW WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN INDIGENOUS PLAYWRIGHT TO BE PUBLISHED INTERNATIONALLY
Title of Presentation by Mr Henshaw “Bad Business- The legal battle on The abolition of slavery”

MR David Smith– DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH AFRICAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Title of Presentation by Mr Smith “The importance and benefits of Africans and The British working together”

MR ARTHUR TORRINGTON- – PROJECT DIRECTOR OF WINDRUSH FOUNDATION & CO-FOUNDER OF THE OLAUDAH EQUIANO SOCIETY
Title of Presentation by Mr Torrington- Celebrating Olaudah Eqiano, The African

LADY Angie Amra Anderson– Artistic Director of AMRA Productions and PIONEER OF AFRICAN ARTS IN THE UK.
Title of Presentation by Lady Anderson- “The presentation and performance of traditional art”

PERFORMING ARTISTS
ACD ARTS FROM EAST AFRICA MANAGED BY Steven Kasamba
THE TWINING BOYS FROM WEST AFRICA

SPECIAL GUESTS SO FAR
MP FOR READING WEST – MP ALOK SHARMA – SPONSOR
MP FOR NEWCASTLE CENTRAL – MP CHI Chi Onwurah
MP FOR WINDSOR- MP ADAM AFRIYIE
MP FOR OCHIL AND SOUTH PERTHSHIRE- MP TASMINA SHEIKH
SIERRA LEONE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK & IRELAND – HIS EXCELLENCY SIR Edward M Turay

MEDIA PARTNERS –
FOCUS AFRICA – MANAGED BY Focus Atta
AFRICAN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT- MANAGED BY STEVE KASAMBA
9jadiaspora – MANAGED BY Mr Toibudeen Oduniyi
Pamtengo Internet Radio Radio Station – Streaming live on the day
OUTERGLOBE -MANAGED BY Debbie Golt
TrueAfrican Heritage– MANAGED BY Rukayat Aderewa Basaru
AFRICAN SHOW , BLAST 1383- MANAGED BY Real O’Rael
SIMBA MEDIA PRODUCTIONS- MANAGED BY Simba Smp
AFRICANA- MANAGED BY RICHARD Richard Freeman Oluyinka
Esoe Remo – MANAGED BY TOKUNBO

Limited Spaces still available for Sponsorship , For more info, contact is TODAY on +447882809005
AS PART OF ONGOING INITIATIVES FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I AM ALSO AVAILABLE TO GIVE TALKS AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS ON BLACK HISTORY THEMES & WEST AFRICAN HISTORY TO COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & SMALL GROUPS AT AFFORDABLE RATES ON SELECTED DATES IN SEPTEMBER AND SPECIFIC DAYS IN OCTOBER- YOU CAN BOOK EARLY BY RINGING +447882809005, ALTERNATIVELY, SEND ME AN EMAIL TO afripoet@gmail.com
Watch this space for more updates
T.T. F

*I WAS JOBLESS FOR 2YEARS, SO FOR 2YEARS I WAS INDOORS READING*

I visited my mentor in Lagos recently , the first thing he told me is to keep developing myself.

*The truth is that before you go far in life you need to first develop yourself*

And you can’t develop yourself through fasting and prayers or through working hard or through wasting away, No…..but through constant reading and other significant routines/habits of personal development

I spent 2 years indoors reading, you may wonder how  possible could that  could be.

It all started in 2011, I made up my mind to study Engineering  in school in order to please my parents , I passed with flying colours but i still felt there was something missing and i began to feel like an empty void.

I then came to  Lagos to look for a job, so every morning, i would go out and submit my CV’s to companies, come back home and continue my  reading..

So two years no job, i was indoors reading. Most times no food, I will drink Gari with sugar and go back to reading.

I still remember in the year 2014, i emptied my bank account and  used the money to buy books, my Mum was very angry when she heard that.

The first time i ever went for a speaking engagement  and got paid,  the envelope was so huge my mother thought maybe I picked someone’s money.

What am trying to say is that talent is not enough, so go and develop yourself …Many a time we spend time celebrating people’s glory without having any clue of what they went through, My coming this far is not a magic, I went through a lot. I was told, if one must go far in life, one must have to do things differently, maybe my 2 years of reading was part of it.

Note  *Success is very easy not difficult as we were told, only that people find it very difficult to apply the principles*

For now i read only four books each month, which is very poor for me due to my tight schedules but that is not an excuse to develop myself. I need to develop more on my reading habits.. Most times if i don’t read through the day then I will go to bed very late to cover up, that is discipline..

*You can decide to make it a duty to start with at least two books every month*

Thanks for reading, am only trying to share my reading experience and how it all started.. Today i am somebody, who has  inspired many people and this fills my heart with pleasure

*© Copyrights 2016..IfeanyiChukwu Petwise*

BEHIND MY SMILES
Speaking Pen (Abegunde Sunday Olaoluwa)

Look onto my smiling face again;
these glows you see are deceptive Atlas –
joyous mat which covers endless pits of pain,
showing not the buried wrinkles in laughters.

I feel weak and broken into 7 like a week
with heart heavier than a solid brick.
My smiles are miles away from reality;
the lips still sing in spite heart’s impiety
’cause adrift I go from the narrow path
and regret pricks my soul like fiery dart,
shattering four squares of my periscope.

I’m drown in dark waters of hopelessness
of wearing again His gown of righteousness
’cause I’m now a bullet out of a gun
I’m now a dead sea whose breath is gone.
Those visions of the future once daily seen
are now but blurred by the little fox called sin.

Though I’d eloped with pseudo-dreams,
I’m back never to sing Him farewell hymns
This flowing poesy sea of a story
concludes with to God be the glory.
To God be the glory I’m yet alive today
to right my wrongs of yesterday
and as his sun, shine from cross to throne.
In this back-to-the-Father quest, I’m not alone.
The Son is with us in the sail back home
Never can we do it on our own.

By Abegunde Sunday Olaoluwa
(Speaking Pen)

BIOGRAPHY

ABEGUNDE SUNDAY OLAOLUWA is a zealous African poet and public speaker.
He is a good ambassador of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun
State. He is the author of “Unleash Your Potential: Beyond Just
Motivation”, Christian book, “Young Christians and Love” and a poetry
book, “In His Realm”. He is the curator of some poetry anthologies
among which are “We Cry for Peace”(2014), “Voice of Humanity”(2014),
“Love poem Anthology”(2015) and “Peace is Possible”(2015). An
exclusive interview with him was also published in the book “The First
Chronicle of New Generation of Nigerian Authors” (2015)
Sunday’s poems are contained in several international anthologies
including two volumes of “Art of Being Human” compiled and edited by
Daniela Voicu and Brian Wrixon, “Muse for World Peace Poetry”, “Wind
of Change” and “The Phenomenal Woman: Maya Angelou”.

Laurels include (among others):

+ Winner of World Union of Poets Prize 2016

+ Rate Top 20 on EGC List 2015

+ Association of Christian Journalist Writers’ Award, Outstanding
Young Achiever 2014

+ Creative Writers Association of Nigeria (CWAN) Award as Literary
Emperor Award 2014,

+ EGC Top 50 Poets That Rocked Nigeria 2014 and

+ Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti Student Union Award, Most Inspiring
Writer of the Year 2013.

Sunday is the principal director of Speaking Pen International
Concept, Lagos, Nigeria and an official representative of Caprecon
Development Foundation, Luton, UK.

Trust in the power of possibility.  Regardless of what you are facing.  Create an opening for growth in all circumstances.  Do not demand it or force it.

Create a space for growth in your life.

Nurture this space and make it expansive.  Know that it is present and available for you…even if you can not see it, touch it or feel it at the moment.

It will come, in time. Believe it and you will achieve it. You have something special.

You have GREATNESS within you!

OKOLI CHUKA

Peach Friday.

ember lipsticks, lips parch ajar.
mirror holds filigrees of elegance

pinkish regalia, purplish sandals
the shape of a spinning tornado

mama’s in the kitchen slicing Ugwu
the way she does to xmas cockerels

nkechi’s is breaking lemon
the way she breaks into a song ‘nnem oo nnem oo’

the kettle’s muttering rapidly
drowning Nkechi’s voice into hers.

i swing this way, like that
the way an African does under the sun

if he smiles at me that way
i’d pretend to bite his lips then chew him

He’s going to love it like that.
i sneak into his arms

we frenzy before loud radios
the type that sinks the bass but tenor

hearts intertwined in locks of embrace
his burning breath chases my icing fears

feeling safe in a teacher’s, being 18,
not asking for roses but romance

i moan [nnem] —a song of passion
He, in salt & water under groans & thrusts.

i crawl into the foot of the garden
a tortoise praying home for survival.

whispers under breaths [nkechi]
at half opened windows. till the body of the wallpaper

growls & scowls. I’ll
rumple lust between evangelism.

the brethren who plucks my smiles
with winks and grins explores my rudiments

like Mr. Jacob the biology teacher.
before I allow a thrust from sleep

i’ll put my eyes on the bible & throw
my thoughts around the passion’s conventions

with the brethren and teacher.
later his regards sending to Nnem

and she saying: ‘Mr. Jacob’s such
a good teacher and godly brethren’

My eyes chuckling at her eloquence.
I ‘pretend Mr. Jacob didn’t have my nectars.’

this is how a teen drowns in thoughts
on a peach friday of licentiousness.

© Nome Patrick.

5 Good reasons to visit South Africa

South Africa is a country that has glorious beaches, lively people and a wealth of history. Here is a list of some great places to visit and explore when you get there

1 Kruger National Park

There is a lion that sleeps tonight in the mighty jungle. This park is located in the Northern part of the country in the Mpumalanga province. It boasts of being one of the largest game reserves on the continent. One can enjoy safari drives and spotting wildlife which is so delightful for humans of all ages.

2. Durban City

This place is for those who love sand, sea and surf. It is located in the warmest part of the country and has stunning beaches to excite any thrill seeker and is a paradise to those that like to lounge and catch up on some Vitamin D. For ultimate luxury you would have to check out Umhlanga Rocks with its high end resorts.

3. Drakensburg

Fancy some balloon riding and viewing some breathtaking scenery? Then Drakensberg is the place to go.

There is a world famous boys school with a choir of angelic voices. You do need to book months in advance to enjoy the choristers and enjoy some afternoon tea. Drakensburg also offers hikes as it has a lot of valleys and mountains.

4 Cape Town

This place is known as the Mother City. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy in Cape Town including wine tasting and visiting the vineyards and learning the process which happens to produce world class wines. Cape Town is home to table mountains which are named so because of their appearance.

5. Johannesburg

Affection known as Egoli , Johannesburg is known as the city of gold. You get an insight of the hardships during apartheid and find out the fascinating history of the country. There is a vibrant night life and a mix of people in this area.

There are many reasons to visit south Africa and I hope I have enlightened you on a few of those. Do not be too fearful of this country things have improved since the world cup was hosted here.

The country is stunning with such a rich heritage of 11 official languages. Book your trip to SA. You would not regret it

By Nokhukanya Hlazo

Richard is a Human Capital Strategist, Social Entrepreneur and Community Historian. Richard is currently the CEO of Duke Consulting (UK) Ltd and consults for various public/private sector organisations in UK, U.A.E and Nigeria.

Richard has a B.A (Hons) degree in Public Administration from the Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria; Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of Calabar; Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management from the London Metropolitan University, Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Westminster and an MBA degree from the University of Wales.

Richard’s academic interest lies in Strategic Leadership, HR Transformation and Old Calabar History/Slave Trade.

As a Social Entrepreneur/Community Historian Richard is one of the founders of the Efik History Project, a social network of over 7,000 members based in UK,US, Cuba and Nigeria dedicated to the publication and research of local history, preservation of artefacts, archives and using history as a tool for sustainable Community Development.

Richard is a strong advocate of the Black History Month and believes that the time is always right to teach our children about black history and instil the spirit of excellence in them.

5 GOOD REASONS TO VISIT KENYA – WRITTEN BY LYDIA TETT OLET

Who wants to visit Africa. Well looking for one of the best, and l quote one of the best countries to visit in Africa, why not choose Kenya: ?

Well l will give you only 5 reasons why you should visit this beautiful country

. 1) Kenyan people are really friendly welcoming and warm especially towards visiters.

2) The great one and only mecca animal migration in the month of July to October is in Kenya or passes through Kenya

3) Our national parks allows you to witness the animals up close and personal while in your vans. You can be as close as posibble with any animal not forgetting Lions and elephants.

4) Our beautiful Different cultures especially the Massai people with their colour full costumes and hair. Not to be missed

5) You will feel at home because this is a land of contrast and diversity. Best beaches, Volcanic Landscapes, Fantastic mountains, just call it Twende Safari Kenya is your dream destination to Africa

Written by Lydia Tett Olet

Big Dog Kayaks Team Paddler Giles Chater travels to Kenya for some big volume whitewater kayaking.

ABOUT LYDIA

Lydia Tett Olet is the Founder and Director of Malaika Dance Unique. MDU was created in 2008 after Lydia worked  and gained experience and skills in a large number and wide range of performing organisations including: The mushrooms, Jabali Africa, Adzido Pan African Dance Ensemble, Sundance with Patti Boulage, African Heritage ,Ceremics, Iroko Theatre Company, Assistant director of Bantu Arts, Global Fusion and MDD Company.

Lydia is also involved with TY Moore concept productions and Chima movie empire productions in acting, writing, making and producing movies

She is a writer of the first Kenyan play (The Darkest Hours of Victory) and has just completed her first screen writing London Nollywood movie called “Captivated” with TY Moore concept productions.

Lydia is also The assistant director and presenter of royalgreenwichtv.com – An online TV Initiative.

She organised  and hosting the first ever event Kenya in the Park on the 29th August 2015 and has been nominated to receive an award on the 26th September 2015 by True African Heritage.