*June Abbott is The founder of the Eco Fresh Laundry Hub,

She is based in Huddersfield , West Yorkshire and has made significant contributions to communities in West Yorkshire for very many years.

She also won an Africa4u Award at The City Hall in Bradford, West Yorkshire in 2024

She has lots of experience in building sustainable, inclusive enterprises and demonstrate the power of partnerships and shared goals.

VISIT HER WEBSITE TODAY AT – http://www.ecofreshlaundryhub.co.uk

DECKACY Launch 2025: Shaping the Future of Innovation and Inclusivity Bradford, UK* – The City Library in Bradford will host the eagerly awaited DECKACY Launch event on *Monday, 20th January 2025, at 4:00 PM*. DECKACY is a revolutionary initiative committed to championing *innovation, empowerment, and community*, with a vision to create a more inclusive society for all.

This landmark event will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and creative solutions aimed at fostering inclusivity and advancing opportunities for everyone.

A diverse audience of advocates, thought leaders, changemakers, and professionals will gather to share perspectives and drive collective progress. Key Highlights The DECKACY Launch will feature an exceptional line-up of speakers, each bringing a wealth of expertise and insights aligned with DECKACY’s pillars of empowerment and inclusivity. Speakers Line-up -*Anthony Lane** Founder of Neurolearn.online*, Anthony will present the ‘D’ – Development element of DECKACY. He will unveil Neurolearn’s innovative training programs designed for neurodivergent individuals and Neuro Coaches. Anthony will also share groundbreaking advancements in education technologies, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and will announce a specialised music course for ASD learners. Attendees will also hear a preview of his forthcoming book, *Autism A Superpower – An Awakening’, slated for release on **14th February 2025 –

*Tracy Sheldon* Representing *Kirklees Council*, Tracy Sheldon will discuss the importance of fostering inclusive communities and championing local initiatives aimed at equity and collaboration.

– *Ngamanya Nnorom* From *Uplifting Lives Services*, Ngamanya will highlight her organisation’s work in empowering individuals and creating transformative opportunities for communities. –

*Judith Dembo** Also from Uplifting Lives Services*, Judith will speak about her organisation’s dedication to supporting neurodiverse young adults. Currently based in the West Midlands, Uplifting Lives Services is excited to announce its expansion into West Yorkshire*, where it will continue its mission to provide meaningful impact and support.

*Jerry Crawford* A Yorkshire visionary with over 50 years of experience, Jerry Crawford will explore the ‘C & Y’ – Creative Yorkshire element of DECKACY. Focusing on the artistic and cultural contributions of Bradford and Yorkshire as a whole, Jerry will speak about how creativity drives progress and strengthens communities. –

*June Abbott* The founder of the Eco Fresh Laundry Hub, June Abbott will present on the ‘C’ – Collaboration element of DECKACY. She will share her inspiring experiences building sustainable, inclusive enterprises and demonstrate the power of partnerships and shared goals.

*George Matheson* CEO of DECKACY, George Matheson will lead the discussion on the ‘K’ – Kulture element. George will share DECKACY’s overarching vision for fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment within organisations and communities across the UK.

MC FOR THE DAY- Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez , Online Broadcaster and Founder of Africa4u Association

The event will also offer unique networking opportunities where attendees can engage with thought leaders, advocates, and innovators, creating meaningful connections and collaborations.

# Join Us “The DECKACY Launch isn’t just a one-day event—it’s the beginning of a movement to build a future rooted in inclusion, creativity, and innovation,” said George Matheson, CEO of DECKACY. “We are proud to bring together this diverse range of leaders and changemakers to share their insights and inspire action. Together, we can drive real and lasting change.” #

# Media Coverage The day’s celebrations will be professionally documented by *Milton of Kirklees Local TV*, ensuring all the key moments are captured for a wider audience to witness. #

# Media Enquiries For press materials, interviews, or further information about the event, please contact: *Jo Fisher**Email*: jo@deckacy.org.uk *Phone*: 07551613648 Learn More For more details about DECKACY and its mission to champion inclusivity and empowerment, visit our website at *[www.deckacy.org.uk](http://www.deckacy.org.uk)*. *

DECKACY – Building Potential, Inspiring Collaboration, Igniting Creativity

Birthed in the 15th century as the exoteric [yet esoteric] form of Ekpe or Nyamkpe/Dibo, the Efik’s “Idem Ikwọ” is historically known to be the most famous, accomplished and adorable Ekpe masquerade designed for religious, governmental, social, political and cultural reasons.

While no published historical record exist to guide interested researchers on why Idem Ikwọ is so called and/or its specific originator in the ancients, particularly to guard against myth or speculations that either arise out of ignorance or based on fear that such could be a futile exercise because it appears shrouded in mystery, oral history offers two main Information that etymologically attempt/unveil needed information.

Firstly, undocumented History tells us that the reason Efik ancestors named their “exoteric Ekpe”-IDEM IKWỌ -was because it then mostly appeared to appease the people, run-Ekpe errands/execute Ekpe judgements on Akwa Ikwọ day.

Contextually note that preceding the Akwa Ikwọ Day on the Efik’s eight Calendar Week Days is AKWA EDERI (the equivalent of Hebrews’ Sabbath Day/Sunday in modern Christianity sense; reserved mainly as Holy Day or public holiday for the worship of Ata/Akwa Abasi Ibom Enyọñ-God) and AKWA EYIBIO (set as spiritism or pantheism day for the worship of the gods, juju and ancestral spirits -Ndem, Ibọk, mbukpo etc), while AKWA ỌFIỌÑ (the day after Akwa Ikwọ) was mainly reserved as the day for Nyamkpe outing; restricted to only Ekpe initiates and forbidden against non-Ekpe initiates, women and children.

Secondly, another version of oral history informs that the Idem Ikwọ might have simply derived its name from the fact that it is mostly sung, eulogized or charged to dance or yọrọ by auditory stimuli as song (ikwọ), drumming, chanting (utaña Ekpit), cheering/applauses. Mainly when seen in cheery-appeasement of it large audience amidst heavy singing and drumming provided as external stimuli by a large choric force on street parade/display or daance during yuletide/festive seasons; a new King’s coronation; [Ekpe] chieftaincy events and/ or Nyọtọ festival.

Despite their distinct informative nature, it is deductively perceived that above oral histories respectively guide interested researchers to what probably is/could be the etymology of Idem Ikwọ because both rightly connect to the Efik homonym for Ikwọ day and song/auditory art.

Finally, kindly provide additional information if available and/or different from what is provided in this post.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

© Holyns Hogan, 2025

We are pleased to inform you that the re-launch of the amazing DECKACY BRAND shall be taking place on Monday the 20th of January at The City Library in Bradford at 4pm on the dot.

COME AND BE PART OF THIS AMAZING RELAUNCH

DECKACY represents a Movement of Change, celebrating innovation, empowerment, and community with the aim of building a more inclusive future

This amazing event will be hosed by the CEO of DECKACY – Mr Geroge Matheson with Tony Tokunbo Fernandez as MC.

There will also some amazing speakers on the day including Bradford based Community Champion- Jerry Crawford, Huddersfield based Community champion- June Abbot and many others

COME AND BE PART OF THIS AMAZING RELAUNCH TAKING PLACE AT THE CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD .

#bradford2025 #cityofculture20225 #bradford #huddersfield

We extend a warm welcome to the inaugural Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo, organized in collaboration with The Growth Company.

The primary objective of the Greater Manchester Black Tech Expo is to address the digital divide, stimulate business development, and enhance inclusivity within communities that constitute the global majority. This event serves as a platform for connecting businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators from the Black diaspora, Africa, and the Caribbean, thereby facilitating opportunities for networking, funding, and strategic partnerships and job creation.

The event will feature distinguished speakers who possess diverse backgrounds along with substantial experience, knowledge, expertise, and proven track records. Dr Emilee Simmons, Samantha Lubanzu, Adewale Omoniyi, Esther Aluko, Ali Olad , Ahmed Rimi , Dionne Taylor, Saeed , Sam Freakes, Fatima Abrar, Mary Fashanu , Nick Shepherd, Michael Livingston, Angel A ,Effa Ettah, Otis Thomas, Leanna Cameron , Michael Ekpechue

Join us on Friday, January 31st 2025 and Saturday, February 1st 2025 from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Windrush Millennium Centre located in Moss Side, Manchester M16 7WD.

#manchester #businessexpo #techexpo #blackbusiness #sme #mossside #africansinthediaspora

An Accomplished business owner , builder of people, social change and inclusion campaigner , digital technology enthusiast, who believes skills and knowledge development as a vital tool of development for individuals in reshaping our communities. I have been involved in various human and community development projects, focused on helping individuals gain and upscale their knowledge and become employable and socially relevant. With over 17years experience, I have nurtured and mentored several individuals, impacting them with needed skills-set and knowledge needed to chart a career pathway of value. My industry experience is widely spread, from the corporate sector of Banking to telecom, security to healthcare..
As a business owner, his skills and knowledge impactation in the art of males grooming and service delivery is legendary, as many individuals have become entrepreneurs and successful craft masters in male grooming through this. In the last 2years, I have passionately embraced smart technology and the ethical use of it.

My background experience sales, account and business management gained from working with top UK blue-chip organisations, I am set to light up the BAME communities with smart technology and innovations. Furthermore, I am involved in a lot of charity work across different ecosystem and communities , with the singular goal of adding his bit in ensuring the world remains a better place and bright future for the next generation. I believes in working the talk. At the moment , I am working on some smart technology projects , whilst lauching various startups in the UK to support inclusion, diversity, skill development and community support in the BAME communities. I am a He4She advocate, a supporter of women inclusion in leadership and development.
I head TWAA UK, a women empowerment and mentorship platform that building a community of affirmed and aware women. Smart technology health sector is an area I have personal connection with, hence my passion driven involvement in driving Afya Rekod in the UK , a digital health platform focused on better healthcare systems and patient management.
I am the Director Adanian Labs UK (AKA Adalab Technology Ltd) , Ada Animation UK , Ecobba UK.

SOURCE – B2B GROWTH EXPO