I was humbled to be a Keynote Speaker at THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH 2016, put together by The INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY, BERLIN in conjunction with Universal Peace Federation – UK.

My Topic was “CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH – A COMMONWEALTH CASE STUDY OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN PRACTICE”

Special thanks to Mr Robin Marsh and Margaret Ali for inviting me as one of THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH was simply amazing

Dear Family and Friends,

I am humbled to have been invited by THE UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION and THE INSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY as one of THE SPEAKERS at THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN THE COMMONWEALTH taking place this week

The title of my talk, tomorrow -(WEDNESDAY THE 12TH OF OCTOBER) will be themed “Celebrating Black History Month”

Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and Institute of Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) Conference
Conference Venue 43 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NA

Cultural Diplomacy in the Commonwealth 2016
“Cultural Diplomacy as a Means to Build Bridges between the Commonwealth and the World”
(London; October 12th – 14th, 2016)
Held Parallel to the 60th BFI London Film Festival 2016)

Programme: http://uk.upf.org/ukupf/peace-and-development/802-cultural-diplomacy-and-the-commonwealth

We would like to invite you to next week’s conference on Cultural Diplomacy in the Commonwealth 2016. We look forward to seeing you during Wednesday, October 12th afternoon, 13th during the daytime, and October 14th morning.

You are cordially invited to an annual conference on Cultural Diplomacy and the Commonwealth in London. A substantial part of the conference will be in 43 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NA. Amid a wide range of presentations, there will be panels on ‘Radicalisation in the Commonwealth’ and the ‘Post Brexit Significance of the Commonwealth to the UK’. Another theme will promote the October Celebration of Black History Month. A number of other prominent speakers and commentators will be participating. This will continue a series of events by UPF and ICD. For more information on the conference follow this link, Institute of Cultural Diplomacy (http://ow.ly/FHlo304U2v9)

The Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organization of 53 member states, which covers almost a quarter of the world’s entire land area and serves as an influential regional player in global political, economic and cultural affairs. The Commonwealth has a rich and diverse experience of best practices in cultural diplomacy and for this reason serves as a good organization in which to hold an International Symposium. In addition, the Commonwealth constitutes a global community where all members have an equal voice regardless of their size and population. Such a community, with its shared values and history, is the ideal forum for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation through cultural exchange and open dialogue.

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy has therefore created the International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in the Commonwealth in order to build on this past experience and to formulate new initiatives, which will strengthen international relations and encourage cooperation between diverse communities based upon values of peace, democracy, human rights and the rule of law within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy in the Commonwealth will address the most important issues related to cultural diplomacy in the region, and look for methods by which cultural bridges and dialogue can be improved between the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.

We look forward to meeting you and would appreciate your participation in the upcoming conference.

Yours sincerely,

Robin Marsh
Secretary General
Universal Peace Federation (UPF) – UK
Mobile: 07956210768
Office: 02072620985
www.uk.upf.org @ukUPF pa@uk.upf.org
UPF is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

Today is THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL.

Do you know that there are about 1.1 billion girls in the world? This figure makes up for a large part of a vibrant global generation poised to take the future, yet the ambition for gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlights the preponderance of disadvantage and discrimination borne by girls everywhere on a daily basis.

Let’s speak for women. The Girl must have equal access to health care, education, basic human needs and job opportunities.

The Enthronement of the Edaiken as Oba of Benin
The relocation of the crown prince to his traditional domain the Egua Edaiken is a pre-requisite to his enthronement to the throne of the Obaship  of Benin which discretions is that of his father or of the appropriate palace chiefs if circumstances (like ill health) does not permit his father to decide.

This is to allow him go through all the traditional processes before his
coronation on the demise of his father.
Firstly, he will be initiated into the Iwebor palace society where he becomes the Uko n’ Iwobo being the lowest rung in the chieftaincy title hierarchy. This is done before the demise of his father.

When the Oba finally joins his ancestors, the crown prince and his brothers and sisters are taken to Ugha-Ozolua site located within the Oba’s palace where the demise of the Oba is
formally announced to the Benin people by the Iyase of Benin in the palace language the “Orhue Oghe Oba Brurun “which means “the chalk of the Oba is broken”

The royal funeral rites known as emwin n’ ekhua, meaning “the big things” will start off. Meanwhile, the crown prince will be conferred with the Edaiken titles and goes ahead to
perform all the four stages of the chieftaincy ceremonies. He then confers some titles on some selected Uselu indigenes that will perform some functions in the palace.

The royal funeral rites last sometimes (at times three months) because of modern living while in the early days, the crown prince being the eldest son of the demise Oba takes the
responsibilities of the elaborate ceremony, which are performed partly in secret and the open; part of the ceremony is performed at the traditional palace ground of the Edaiken N’
Uselu, and other in the Oba palace as custom demands.

It is after the interment of the demise Oba had been concluded that processes for the coronation of the Oba are initiated; but not without undergoing some coaching or
training about the functions of the Oba of Benin. This training ends in the Usama palace which precedes the return of the Edaiken to the traditional stool of the Oba of Benin.

There are many stages that the Edaiken goes through before he takes his seat as the Oba of Benin, which activities are of elaborate rituals. They include;

1. Installation as the Edaiken:
2. Usema:
3. Evbiekoi:
4. Ego:
5. Iyanhien title:
6. Use and
7. Oba’s palace
It is at one of the above locations that the Oba- to- be chooses the name he will be called on the throne thenceforth, which is made public by the Oliha of Benin at the coronation
venue (Urhokpota) after the crown had be put on the head of the Oba-to-be (Edaiken) and sealed with prayers by the Isekhure; and the Edaiken will be pronounced Oba of Benin by Chief Oliha. This is the climax of the coronation of the Edaiken as the Oba of Benin.

Culled from Edoworld

ARTHUR TORRINGTON CBE

Mr Torrington is a Community Advocate, co-founder (with the late Sam B. King MBE) of Windrush Foundation and The Equiano Society which were both established in 1996 in London.

Arthur publicises the history and heritage of African and Caribbean men and women who settled in the UK, before and after 22 June 1948.

Mr Torrington is the Founder of two organisations

Windrush Foundation, a registered charity, promotes good race and community relations, and designs heritage projects that celebrate the heritage of African people.  The Equiano Society promotes and publicises the life of Olaudah Equiano, a former enslaved African, Royal Navy veteran, sailor, barber, businessman, best-selling author, explorer, and abolitionist who lived in 18^th century London.

Dear Family and Friends ,

I am pleased to inform you that I will be a guest on Wycombe Sound 106.6 FM UK on Monday the 10^th of October 2016 to talk about the momentous Black History Month Celebrations , I shall be organising at The UK House of Parliament for the 4^th year in a row and the work I do to empower Africans in the Diaspora in several communities and regions.

Also get to listen to the music of one of his mentees and The Award winning artist that he manages – PINTINZ

Wycombe World is a new show for Culture Vultures, and those who love positive news stories,  in the Wycombe area and also worldwide. It goes out on Bucks’ newest station the wonderful Wycombe Sound 106.6FM

Wycombe World is presented by amazing hosts – Shah  Saleem,   Lucy Marskell . and the wonderful Debbie Golt. 

You can listen to the show live by logging on to Wycombe Sound 106.6FM at  www.wycombesound.org.uk  from 8pm UK Time Twitter @wycombesound 

Also watch this space for updates on the following

The Talk I will be presenting THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY and THE COMMONWEALTH organised by The Universal Peace Federation

The Black History Month Celebrations I shall be organising at Parliament in a fortnight

I also provide the following services below

MC Hosting for corporate functions, business expos and network seminars
Emotional Well being, Creative confidence and Bespoke educational modules as part of Youth Empowerment projects/programmes & initiatives in Africa

Customised social media services for Campaigns, Entrepreneurs, Start up businesses, and Social Events across various Social media channels

Motivational Talks for Schools, Universities and Community groups

Talks and Video Presentations on themes related to West African History and Black History
CONTACT US TODAY ON +447882809005 TO MAKE A BOOKING, OR DROP US AN EMAIL : afripoet@gmail.com
T.T.F

Dear Elders, Family and Friends,

I will be a guest on (AFRICAN HERITAGE RADIO GERMANY FM 96.Today –  Saturday the 8th of October with your amazing Radio Host –Princeijo Ojo-Amas
I will be discussing The importance of celebrating Black History Month as part of the build up of my organising Black History Month Celebrations at The UK House of Parliament for the fourth year in a row. Also get to listen to the beautiful songs of one of my mentees and a performing artist that I manage – Beffta Awards Nominee – Best Music video Agbonzikilo Franklin Osaserefrom Benin City, Nigeria

SUBMISSION.

like a desert, vacant & wide
with sun, sand & scenery
fill me with your vacancy
that i be wide in your mercy
burn my pride with your sun
& in your sand bury me
that i may rot in your scenery.

#ChristianPoetry
©Nome Patric

Dear Family and Friends,

I am humbled to have been invited by THE UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION and THE INSTITUTE FOR CULTURAL DIPLOMACY as one of THE SPEAKERS at THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON CULTURAL DIPLOMACY and THE COMMONWEALTH taking place next week in London
The title of my talk will be themed “Celebrating Black History Month”