Here are the very best of Birthday moments
The birth of new transitions, gently wrapped in foils of grace .
Wisdom feeding from the food of the present moment.
We are blessed, by the presence of your thoughts and prayers
and the new stories that unfold from the dance of fertile foot prints
We are blessed today to feel the sun
and all the rays from its pleasant music.
and as more blessings unfold,
We celebrate you on this special day.
Happy birthday Mother
Lots of love
Tony
MR DAVID SMITH WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219
INFORMATION ABOUT MR DAVID SMITH CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Speaker Profile –
David Smith is Chairman of the British African Business Alliance Ltd – a diaspora-led business network focused on bringing business professionals together to stimulate innovative investment, business partnerships, development projects to create jobs and widely-held wealth in Africa.
He is Chair at MPH Rail Development Ltd, a company developing rail opportunities in Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
David is Chief Executive of Rainbow Interchange Ltd, a technology company delivering a
cohesive solution in the banking, remittances and financial inclusion markets.
His career includes 30 years in advertising and marketing for a number of leading UK
agencies, where he specialised in retail marketing and worked with major UK companies.
He also gained wide experience in the IT, Financial Services, Electrical, Property and DIY
markets.
David has worked in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, USA, and Uruguay and relishes the cultural and commercial challenges of International Business.
Linked in Profile: linkedin.com/in/britishafrican
You may contact him at david.smith@britishafrican.org
#britishafrican #globalsummit #davidsmith #publicspeaking
The Diaspora Investment Summit is a pivotal event designed to connect Cross River State’s indigenes living abroad with investment opportunities back home. This summit provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and resource mobilisation aimed at driving sustainable development in our state.
The summit brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and members of the diaspora community. Here’s why you should consider attending:
The Diaspora Investment Summit features a range of activities designed to maximise engagement and learning:
The Diaspora Investment Summit is an essential opportunity for Cross Riverians abroad to reconnect with their roots and explore ways to make a tangible impact in their home state. Whether you are an experienced investor or new to the idea of investing back home, this summit is designed for you.
For more information about the Diaspora Investment Summit and to register, please visit our website or contact us at.
Together, let’s build a prosperous future for Cross River State through active and engaged diaspora investment!
The annual summit shall be taking place from the 16th to the 18th of NOVEMBER 2025 IN LONDON
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES
#investmentsummit #crossriverstate #calabar #investcrossriver #globalsummit
URFANA AYUB WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219
INFORMATION ABOUT URFANA AYUB CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Urfana Ayub is a qualified Social Worker & Counsellor. She is a Mother, an Author, Speaker, Teacher, Student, Trainer, and qualified Interpreter & Translator (Law/Health). She has a very special connection with Grief, Loss & Bereavement due to her personal loss and experiences.
Urfana is a BACP Registered Counsellor and a Clinical Supervisor. She understands sometimes it can be hard to find the reasons behind the pain we feel and she believes “All we need is Sakoon”. Sometimes in our life we have to go through hardships, damage, loss, pain, tests, betrayal, misunderstanding, mistrust and search for the needed “Sakoon” (Peace).
She is originally from the city of Karachi from Pakistan. She is the mother of four children and lost her eldest son at the age of 18 years. After the death of her son she started writing which gave her a new recognition as an Author. She is the Author of “After You Were Gone”, “My Letters To You” and “Sentiments” all her three books are also available in Urdu with the titles of “Taray Janay Kay Baad”, “Maray Khat Taray Naam” and “Ahsaas”. Additional information is available from her website:
Urfana is a trainer for Approachable Parenting programmes; Train the trainers, Practice Educator for Social Work students. She has been part of many TV and Radio show interviews including Islam Channel UK and BBC Radio Leeds etc. She has been GUEST SPEAKER for many charitable organisations in UK and abroad and local community events including events and talks in Pakistan at Qasim Ali Shah Foundation.
More about Urfana Ayub: https://www.adamayub.co.uk
#bradford #publicspeaking #bradford2025 #counselllor
Citation for Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke, Nominee – Reporter of the Year Nigeria Broadcasting Awards 2025 – Bold. Visionary. Unrelenting.
Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke, Head of Production, Head of Environment Desk, LN247 and Producer/Presenter of SPACE.COM, has redefined environmental journalism in Nigeria with a powerful blend of storytelling, investigation, and visual clarity.
Through her pioneering reporting across 2025, Gimalo has bridged the gap between complex environmental crises and public consciousness, educating, inspiring, and challenging both policy and perception.
In a year marked by environmental reckoning, Gimalo delivered deeply-researched, internationally relevant episodes and 3 sets of ECO NOTES totaling 52 original graphic explainer cards, fusing journalism with data visualization to amplify critical messages.
Key Episodes Highlighted:
• U.S. Wildfire: Impact on Communities – a sobering look at the human and ecological cost of wildfires in developed nations.
• Land Pollution – unpacked the root causes of pollution with preventive strategies tailored for Nigerian contexts.
• The Legacy of Gold Mining – exposed long-term environmental degradation in extractive regions.
• The Built Environment – 2025 Outlook – a two-part special forecasting infrastructure, sustainability, and urban resilience.
• Elon Musk’s Dubai Loop – introduced audiences to the future of transportation and its implications for African cities.
• Made-in-Nigeria Innovation Special – spotlighted sustainable, local design solutions redefining the Nigerian eco-space.
• Myanmar’s Earthquake – a globally connected human-interest report on natural disaster survival.
• Otedola Bridge Infernos – a bold local investigation into safety failures and recurring tragedies on Nigerian highways.
• Making Nigeria Clean Again – a rousing call-to-action and solutions-driven report on national waste management challenges.
• Future Of Real Estate In Africa: Technology And Digital Evolution
• Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: The Landmark Beach Demolition Story
• Makoko Demolition Story: Interaction with stakeholders and residents
Beyond her reporting, Gimalo-Angel was honored as Real Estate Reporter of the Year at the Africa Real Estate Summit & Awards, further affirming her versatility in combining environmental intelligence with infrastructural insight.
Her innovative EcoNotes visual explainers (52+ cards in 2025 alone) simplified climate literacy for mass audiences, making her one of the most trusted environmental voices on screen.
Why She Stands Out:
• 
Investigative depth matched with on-the-ground reporting
• 
Consistent, thought-provoking presentation style
• 
Data-driven storytelling, including custom graphics
• 
Commitment to solutions journalism in environmental reporting
• 
Global-local perspective with Nigerian relevance
In every frame and every word, Gimalo-Angel Olowogoke shows that journalism is not just about reporting the world — it’s about reshaping it.
A NOTE OF APPRECIATION*
The Birmingham gathering was a resounding success.
On behalf of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora (CRID) Organization, I wish to most sincerely appreciate all Cross Rivarians at home and in the Diaspora for gracing the occasion.
We are particularly excited for having the personalities of ‘People First’ Governor of our dear State, His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear wife, the First Lady of our State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Edet Otu (Mma Adiaha) grace the 1st CRID gathering with their presence.
His Excellency came with members of his cabinet, the Chairman of Cross River Diaspora Commission and his team, Boki Local Government Chairman, elders of the State, and leaders of various persuasions to grace the occasion.
We are also grateful to the Lord Mayor of Birmingham City, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, whose presence added value to our event.
We cannot forget the contributions of our key note speakers, delegates from Europe, Asia, USA, South America, and the entire world. We are, indeed, indebted.
Let me most especially thank every member of the Central Planning Committee and the LOC who worked tireless at the background to ensure that every attendee had an eventful experience. May God bless you all. Worthy to note are Dr Justin Udie, Hon Ignatius Oli, Mr Augustin Obi, Mr Kelvin Osim, Mr Davies Davies, Prof Valentine Ntui, Dr Vincent Ogar, Ms Blessing Illifu. Not forgetting the regional coordinators and other leaders who rolled up their sleeves to support such as Mrs Thelma Ogbeche, Chief Jacob Orok, and a host of others whom I apologise if I have not mentioned their names. I will not forget to thank my brother Mr Idagu Odey for sponsoring the Convention Cake which turned out to be the high point of the event. May the good Lord bless you.
Let me also thank the members of the media team for their contributions.
We cannot thank you all enough for attending the event. The Lord will bountifully replenish the expenses you incurred to come and honour CRID and return you safely home.
The gathering provided us a wonderful opportunity to interact, dine and wine while reflecting on our duty to our dear State – The duty to contribute through Home Remittances (Diaspora Investment Fund) to the development of our dear State. You showed practically during the call at the event for contributions to the development of our State that we can make it –Yes We Can! We are all proud “CRIDians.”
We look forward to the same robust engagements in CRID’s future events.
The Birmingham gathering has come and gone but the journey to purposeful engagement with our roots; – Think Cross River – has just begun. The executive will meet and come out with a program of action for future engagements. We look forward to your usual cooperation and effective participation. The joining of our ‘People First’ Governor to build a new Cross River State of our dream is a task that must be done. You are all change champions of modern Cross River State.
Finally, I wish you all the very best as you return to your base. Your contribution in cash and kind for the sake of our motherland will not be in vain. Our president and the entire executives of CRID remain accountable and transparent in our service to you all. We look forward to meeting you again in 2027!
Thank you so very much, and may the blessings of the Lord reside permanently in your domain.
Mrs Patience Oluwaseto Chairman, Convention Planning Committee/Vice President of CRID
#crossriverstate #crid #convention #nigeriansinthediaspora #southsouth
My name is Olusegun Michael Ogunjobi. I’m a native of Ayede Ekiti. I was born over fifty years ago and got married happily Phoebe Aanuoluwapo with four kids which included twins.
I completed my primary school education at St. James’cathedral primary school at Oke Bola in Ibadan. I gained admission and completed my secondary school education at The prestigious Ibadan Boy’s High school before I moved to Ilorin in Kwara state where I gained an admission to study Performing Arts and majored in drama.
After completing tertiary education in uniIlorin, I went to serve in lafia narawa as corp member in 1999
I completed my youth Corp service in the early part of the year 2000 where put in for my second post graduate degrees in Theatre Arts where I specialized in directing. Before leaving school and service as a corp member, I won many awards among which are best in drama and dance with nasarawa troupe, commendation certificate by the nasarawa state government, best stand up comedian with the Nigerian breweries and ait and a federal government scholarship to study my second degree
My journey in radio Nigeria began in 2006 when I got employed as a senior producer on grade level 9 and ever since I got employed it has been a bumpy ride with some smooth sailing between Ibadan and Lagos. Bulk of what I encountered in broadcasting are theatrical so it made it easy for me to understand.
While working, I had the opportunity of being given a scholarship by Mr. Yemi Sonde the CEO of yes fm radio station to study basic production at the prestigious FRCN Training school now National Broadcasting Academy.
I also got trained by the BBC Media action for three years and became their awardee after the training before being nominated for intermediate production at the NBA where I also got distinction.
Today, I’m an Assistant director programmes and currently an appointed General Manager of the first terrestrial radio station in Africa premier fm 93.5
My passion for spirituality and cultural revival is top notch.
I enjoy light and warm meals than heavy and cold ones. My social life is moderate.
My interest is to work for the emancipation of human race from mental and spiritual slavery.
Curating with PanAfrican Cinema Archives
The June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive (JGPACA) and Cinema Africa! at Hyde Park Picture House are working together to deliver an eight-week traineeship with bursary opportunity in Pan-African Film and Archive Curation for three people between September and November 2025 in Leeds.
In conjunction with the Building a PanAfrican Screen Heritage programme, this collaborative training programme, developed by the June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive and Cinema Africa! at Hyde Park Picture House, offers participants a unique opportunity to explore film curation through the lens of a globally significant Black-led archive.
This is an opportunity to learn all about PanAfrican cinema, how to curate a film event and how to work with archives.
Created with the support of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery funding.
Participants will:
Each trainee will be allocated a bursary of £784, inclusive of tax. There are no travel or other expenses included, but trainees will be provided with learning resources. Trainees can apply to the BFI Individual Skills Fund for travel and other expenses.
For full information about the training opportunity see here: https://hpph.co.uk/journal/curating-with-panafrican-cinema-archives
To apply, please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2BPvo4Imn6_rf8YMQtTaLlgxeyAulQUTKgGa-WqILXvROrA/viewform
If you have any questions, please email mosa@hpph.co.uk
Deadline to apply is Sunday 24 August 2025.
#panafrican #leeds #leeds2023 #curating #archives
BRADFORD BASED LARA OYEDELE WILL BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS VIRTUAL SUMMIT ON THE 28TH OF AUGUST 2025.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO GET YOUR FREE TICKET FOR OUR GLOBAL SPEAKERS SUMMIT. DO NOY DELAY – LIMITED SPACES
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/global-speakers-summit-2025-tickets-1505783913219
INFORMATION ABOUT LARA OYEDELE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Lara Oyedele – Housing Champion, Social Justice Advocate and Community Leader.
Lara Oyedele is a Londoner turned proud Bradford resident who has dedicated her life to tackling inequality, homelessness and the lack of diversity in leadership. She made history as the first Black female President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, using her platform to challenge the lack of diversity in the leadership housing associations and local authorities.
She is Chair of Trustees at Hope Housing, a Bradford based homelessness charity. Lara is also a private landlord, providing affordable homes in the city as part of her long standing commitment to housing justice and community wellbeing.
As founder and CEO of Black on Board, she trains and mentors people from underrepresented backgrounds to take up leadership roles on boards across the UK. Her work is helping to shift the balance of power and ensure decisions are made by people who reflect the communities they serve.
A former journalist and lifelong campaigner, Lara brings clarity, courage and lived experience to every stage she stands on. Her voluntary work spans mentoring, grassroots action and national policy influence. She never misses an opportunity to speak truth to power.
When not working or volunteering, Lara enjoys a strong cup of tea, great shoes and watching Eastenders.
Follow Lara Oyedele on LinkedIn for updates on leadership, housing and social change.
The tannins from the body of an old wine, breathes through the beauty of this new season.
Our years have been filled with stories, and the complex dance steps of trials and triumph.
At 56 – I AM BLESSED TODAY TO OPEN MY EYES
As many men have been swallowed by the unknown valleys
Our world is a stage of fascinating actors, dressed in the make up of designer smiles, for there is so much that lies beneath the pleasant surface.
But today is another opportunity to look within.
Today at 56 – a new dawn visited a pregnant space in my heart and planted new seeds of a fresh encounter.
At first, it felt strange, but after some time, i felt fertile- ready to drink from this new silver season .
And i keep asking – WHO AM I TODAY ?
This morning A new door opened – the birth of a childlike celebration.
The phone calls from my elders woke me up and reminded me of my purpose on earth
For today is just not any other day
It is the present moment wrapped in the foils of ageless blessings.
Gratitude is our greatest prayer.
Time prepares us with the option to move and make choices.
Today at 56, i am able and blessed,
feeding from the fruits of a constant beginning
At 56, there are at least 4 valuable life lessons that are close to my heart
1.The Importance of being yourself and aiming to be the very best version of yourself
The essence of life has more value and spiritual fulfilment when authenticity unfolds every day.
There can be nothing more beautiful than to be yourself and to aim to be the very best version of yourself in a changing world of distractions and peer pressure.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where the expectations, lifestyle and trends of society play a strong role in influencing people of all ages .
We live in a world where many people struggle to be themselves and are greatly influenced by the need to belong.
But do we sometimes take time to slow down and think about who we really are and what makes us tick ?
Do we take time to slow down, question ourselves and look within?
What truly makes you happy and what is the definition of success in your own world ?
Being and knowing yourself gives us clarity, it gives you the opportunity to be true to yourself based on who you are.
It is a beautiful and bold feeling of self validation.
So if you are reading this birthday message to the world right now, my message to you is to aim to be the very best version of yourself and celebrate loudly what maker you different.
But equally, also address your shortcomings and fallts in the process
We should never ever be in denial of our short comings
2. What is your purpose and your calling ? Have you been able to find it ?
From the very day that we were born – our journey through time and the chapters of life was all for a reason.
We have a short time to spend on earth and it is part of our duty to know our purpose and calling in life .
The realization of this vision can be a very fulfilling journey
If we listen carefully, in the beauty of quiet moments, God speaks to us about this .
Be rest assured that this does not come easily as one of the most difficult challenges can be the ability to know oneself and ones purpose.
Knowing your purpose and your calling gives us more fulfillment in the journey in serving mankind and playing our part in the grand scheme of things.
At 56 , i feel as if i am still growing in my purpose and calling – and I speak to God each day in the process.
I share my thoughts, i share my fears but I also try to listen and when we listen carefully, the answers are revealed.
I have been blessed to serve others, inspire others , listen , bring people together to celebrate their stories, promote, love, give and share .
I have also make mistakes, had many challenges and had many failures.
But i also sometimes feel that i have reached a point where God now has bigger expectations from me to explore a deeper story bigger than my box .
But, Here is a question.
1. What is your purpose?
2. Who are you?
3. How well do you know yourself?
3 NOT EVERYONE HAS THE WISDOM TO SEE AND FEEL BEYONG PERCEPTION
We are all human and we all make mistakes , there are periods in our life when we go astray and do the wrong thing, however at some point, it is our duty to take ownership of our shortcomings and imperfections and try to change our ways.
One of the greatest mistakes you can ever make in the journey of life is SELF DENIAL
However there are also times in our lives that the perception people might have of us are totally wrong and what might appear to be very obvious might actually turn out to be a total opposite.
A wise man sees and shares beyond perception . He does not make assumptions based on reading in between the lines or observing from a distance.
He has the foresight to embrace understanding by coming closer and being a part of the full picture of other people by sharing in their space.
He is also not blinded by what he hears and understands that the essence of lived and shared experiences is a deeper classroom of growth.
In life, too many people are too quick to make assumptions . It is important that we get to know people for ourselves to experience the full picture of their world, simply through sharing their space.
We should always take time to experience people and situations for ourselves for there is always more that meets the eye .
I
4 BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF TO EMBRACE YOUR FLAWS AND SHORTCOMINGS
The more we are honest with ourselves, the more we are able to come to terms with the flaws and shortcomings that hold us back from becoming better people.
It is important to look within and work on our imperfections.
Self reflection opens new doors to a sense of understanding , clarity and the urgency to improve on oneself
How often do you have a deep and honest conversation with your inner self and evaluate your dark sides that needs to be improved on?
Liking yourself also entails being honest enough to look within and address those flaws that exist in each and everyone of us
Here is a question
TODAY AT 56 – I am still reflection over some of LIFE LESSONS.
I will always be on a journey to grow, relearn, evaluate, strategize, listen and grow
I will always be WORK IN PROGRESS
But one thing is for sure- I will always be there to serve you as a friend and a family member
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES
I LOVE YOU
TONY FERNANDEZ
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 