Bola Abisogun OBE FRICS

Bola pursued a career in construction against his parents best wishes in seeking to develop his ‘natural ability’ with all things construction. A straight A-student, he went on to gain a degree in Quantity Surveying & Construction Management, graduating in 1994 as the first black student to achieve a Double-First Class with Honours at the University of Wolverhampton. During his time as an undergraduate [1991 – 94] Bola found that he had to work ‘ten times as hard’ AND often alone having experienced, first-hand, the ‘culturally insensitive’ and at times ‘discriminatory’ culture present within the UK construction industry. He qualified in 1999 and is committed to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [RICS] where he remains a licensed APC Assessor, nurturing the next generation of aspiring Chartered Quantity Surveyors and a member of the London Regional Board.

A Fellow of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors [RICS], Bola was appointed as Chair of the Equality & Human Rights Commissions’ in 2010 to lead the Construction Leadership and Diversity Forum [CLDF] developed in response to the EHRC Inquiry “Race Discrimination in the UK Construction Industry”. Bola’s principal objective is to promote the construction sector / surveying profession and increase the retention of ethnic minorities, active within sector / profession, in the UK. He currently Chairs a unique, pan-London project called Moving on Up (MoU), a multi-million pound initiative supported by the (Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan) and jointly funded by Trust for London and the City Bridge Trust. Phase 2 of the MoU initiative is focussing on ‘Employer Engagement’ across three specific sectors

• Construction;
• Digital / Technology; and
• Finance

Bola’s long term aspiration is to positively influence UK public and private sector policy on ‘diversity of thought’ where opportunities, across the construction sector, in particular are premised upon individual talent and capability. To address the current and longstanding imbalance(s) across the sector, Bola established the first RICS network for BAME surveyors called DiverseCity Surveyors ‘DCS’ [back in 2006], and with full corporate support from RICS was launched ‘formally’ at RICS HQ in October 2017. DCS continues to grow from strength to strength – where ‘difference is both celebrated and empowered through professional excellence’

As a previous Non-Executive Director / Trustee of Construction Youth Trust ‘CYT’ [see here]; Bola is keen to ensure that young people continue to view the construction sector as an aspirational place to start a career. As part of his role on the EHRC Enquiry back in 2010, having successfully cultivated and novated the FIR Agenda [Fairness Inclusion and Respect] under its current administrator, the CITB, working alongside the Chartered Surveyors Training Trust ‘CSTT’ [see here], Bola is focused on promoting the Surveying profession and establishing clear paths to success for young people, with a particular focus on those from non-traditional and BAME backgrounds, with little or no knowledge of what the surveying profession has to offer.

In recognition of his well documented efforts, Bola was awarded the OBE, a Queens Honour, for Services to Diversity and to Young People in the Construction Industry in the 2019 New Years Honours List [published on 28^th December 2018].

MESSAGE FOR THE WEEK (DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER)

You have often heard the phrase ” Don’t judge a book by its cover “.
But today, We live in a world where not only will you sometimes be judged by your cover , we live in a world where sometimes there is a fierce ambition for many to make assumptions so quickly.

Dear Family and Friends,

I am pleased to inform you that my our first event for 2020 has now been confirmed.
My organization (THE AFRICA4U ASSOCIATION) will be organizing THE BRADFORD INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARDS due to take place at The City Library, Bradford, West Yorkshire on Saturday the 1st of February at 1pm on the dot.
Nominees have been shortlisted from all races and backgrounds within the Bradford vicinity and we will also have some amazing Guest speakers on the day
A list of the shortlisted awardees shall be published later next month
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES OF THIS GREAT EVENT taking place on the 1st of February 2020
For more info, contact me on +447882809005

My name is Glynis Fletcher /Sibisi

Born and bred in South Africa, one of the 10 children of Mr and Mrs Sibisi. My upbringing was a very challenging one however I worked with diligence to achieve my degree in nursing which was in university of Western Cape.

In 1999 I came to work in this country,  United Kingdom and bringing 3 children on my own was a big challenge but I used my challenges as stepping stones  to accomplish my goals. In 2005 I met Neil Fletcher, now my husband and IMy daddy haven charity was conceived through my mentor Ps Kofi Owusu/ Alive for a purpose masterclass.

Our objectives is to give underprivileged children a chance to achieve their goals in life. At present we are supporting this children where they live with the aim to build an orphanage in South Africa where their needs will be met in an environment that is conductive to their learning, safety and security.

We are in a process of applying for a charity status so that we will be able to reach out for financial assistance.

We believe that the future of this children is brighter than their past and we are willing to go an  extra mile to see it fulfilled. With God on our side, nothing will be impossible.

5 Good reasons to visit Botswana by Dr Boikanyo Trust Phenyo –
Director Botswana Community UK
I invite you to visit one of the jewels of Africa, my beautiful Botswana; sparsely populated –
the size of Texas with the population of Wales.

1. If you want to meet the origins of humankind, the spirit of your ancestors, then visit
the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in the north-eastern Botswana. Recently BBC news
published this article titled “Origin of modern humans traced to Botswana”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-
50210701?fbclid=IwAR3yFdDXKfoVthEAhlxdjocjKApRU6Am0DTb-
XzuPkXGjHk6z1FHiBzsaTY
2. Botswana is the world's largest producer of diamonds, the trade for which has
transformed it into a middle-income nation
3. We protect some of Africa's largest areas of wilderness – experience the safari
diversity. The Okavango Delta is one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas
of Africa. Don’t leave without experiencing the ancient San paintings at Tsodilo Hills!
4. Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa – we have an excellent human rights
record and the levels of poverty are the lowest in the continent. I invite you to
appreciate the peace and tranquility we have to offer
5. Perfect destination for bird watching – we have over 600 different bird species

Rasheed kayode bushura, a unique and provocative artist, has been painting professionally for over 10 years. Born and raised in London, he studied Graphic arts and illustration at the University of East London. His technique has been described as Old Master and “smooth as silk.” Since 2011, Rasheed has concentrated on realistic portraiture, expertly capturing subtle aspects of personality. He maintains that the most challenging and rewarding subject of art is the human visage. Among other artistic honors, major paintings have been exhibited at the V&A museum, the nunnery gallery, shonibare studios and many more. As well premier private collections.

Rasheed developed his life long interests in art drawings and producing architectural works from an early age. These works were inspired when his mothers house unfortunately burnt down, in a effort to be supportive he embarked on a project to produce the blueprints for the new house, this rather unfortunate circumstance proved to be the road where he would discover his ability to be imaginative and creative in-fact seeing his drawings incorporated in the final masonry enthralled him. The great pride such works brought to himself and his close relatives instilled him a strong ambition to become a renowned artist.

In his teens taking a keen interest in design and technology plus art he outdone himself producing cherished works influence by greats like Picasso, Andy Warhol, Van Gogh and Robert Russienberg, relishing in his ability to be original he adds his own twist to his works though they shadow his role models.

However Resheed’s main theme for his works did not fully develop until completing his B.A honours in graphic arts and illustration, gradating in 2010 his works showed the maturity not only found in his style but in his interests, showing interests in ancient cultures, like the Egyptians, Mayans, Hindu and Greece; these are a small minority of his broad spectrum.

Rasheed has been hosting and directing projects, as of recent he has been involved in contributing his experience gained over the years to schools in east London helping to instil confidence in young people. Adept in using software’s such Photoshop, illustrator and in-design he designs and illustrates using the devices when necessary, he currently oversees RKB Enterprise providing a multidisciplinary art service to client worldwide, coordinating creative events and project management.

ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS?

COPIES OF MY 2ND PUBLISHED BOOK “THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS ORDERS – GET YOUR COPY TODAY AND PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONES FACE

As the new festive season fast approaches, I am pleased to inform you that copies of MY 2ND PUBLISHED BOOK “THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” (PUBLISHED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND REPRINTED) are now available to order for Christmas
“THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” is a gift book of proverbs on personal development and positive thinking aimed at empowering young people and adults around the world with a fulfilling sense of vision and a positive energy which is often lacking in today’s world.

About this Event

 You were created purposefully. You have been created on purpose with a purpose and your presence on earth is proof that you are necessary.

However, many people in the world today are living unhappy lives because they are living from the ‘outside in’ instead of from the ‘inside out’. The result is the high level of psychological disorders in our modern culture that telltale signs that all is not well.

The high rate of anxiety, depression, consumer debt, and suicide is nearing epidemic levels. Another emerging trend that will interest you is our modern inability to create wealth. More and more people are plunging into debts and living lives of financial desperation.

This unique masterclass will empower you with ideas and solutions to become the very best you created to be and much more.

Keynote Speakers

Kofi Amoateng (Host ) He is an Author, Founder and Life Coach. He is a strong advocate of living a life of Purpose, Meaning, and Significance. Kofi in the last 10 years have successfully helped many to discover their Purpose and fulfilled Potential in Life, Business and more.

Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez (Bradford) He is an International Award Winner, Published Author & Poet, Events Consultant , MC and Youth Empowerment Consultant . He is also The CEO of AFRICA4U and The Founder of Africans in The Diaspora Online Network.

Ismael Lea South (Manchester) He is the Director of The Salam Project, a BME/BAME Youth and Community Initiative (Social Entrepreneur).This initiative promotes employment opportunities, accredited training, volunteer opportunities to young people and more.

Many lives have been transformed from these seminars, and it’s our sincere hope that you will be next in line to unleash your gifts, talents, and potentials trapped inside of you.

You will make a difference in somebody’s life by inviting friends and family to this wonderful self-development and financial empowerment masterclass.

Princess Eugene Majuru Bio

Name Princess Eugene Majuru

Works at Princess of Harare

Princess of Harare, Editor In Chief, Journalist/ Public Relations Profesional/ Nurse/ Former Athlete and Sports Administrator/African Cultural Ambassador /Artist Manager

Princess Eugene of Harare is the granddaughter of the Paramount Chief of Harare, Chief Mbari of the Mbari clan and the gurundoro (lion clan) Chief Mbari was the ruler and owner of Harare Mazoe and part of Mount Hampden before Zimbabwe was colonised by the British in 1896.

Harare was named after Chief Mbari , a great man who had special abilities which he used to assist people. People travelled from afar seeking assistance, the people were so many such that Chief Mbari would not sleep, he would work overnight and the people ended up calling him “Harare

Princess Eugene is into Mass Communication and does a lot of media work worldwide and thrives to promote Culture and upholding traditions especially Zimbabwean culture where she comes from.

Princess Eugene has successfully hosted three conferences on repatriation to discuss the repatriation of Zimbabwe and  Royals who were killed and beheaded and whose heads are still being kept at a museum in London.

A lot of awareness has been created on the issue and  work is in progress to ensure the return of the remains to Zimbabwe.

Princess Eugene is a former athlete and sports Administrator as well as a talent scout who has scouted for various talents across the world. She is currently involved in a lot of media and broadcasting work which sees her being invited to most African and Global events.

Founder and CEO of News of The South

Founder and CEO of Great Zimbabwe International Festival

Contacts

Website http://www.newsofthesouth.com

Email: editor@newsofthesouth.com eugene@newsofthesouth.com

Tel 00447426677734