MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR,, CORPORATE MC, MENTOR, PROMOTER & AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION. WE PROMOTE THE SUCCESS STORIES OF AFRICANS & CARIBBEANS AROUND THE WORLD. CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005
Felabration kicks off in Lagos this week — and we’re keeping the spirit alive here in Hull as part of Black History Month, celebrating Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat.
Join our Thought Leadership Conversations with voices from music, media, art, and fashion as we explore: • From Vinyl to Streaming – Afrobeat’s Global Journey • The Business of Music & City Identity • Fela Kuti’s Influence on Music, Arts, Media & Fashion
Elizabeth Charles-Dede is a dynamic voice in the creative arts, whose passion for storytelling and performance has now taken literary form.
With a strong foundation in voiceover and music, Elizabeth has spent years enriching the creative landscape through sound, performance, and community-driven artistic expression. Her journey into the world of creativity began with a six-month intensive in presentation and acting at PEFTI (Wale Adenuga Productions), where she graduated with distinction.
Her exceptional talent soon found its way to the stage as she became one of the selected vocalists for the beloved Nnena & Friends Band, a regular feature of the Wale Adenuga Production Series. Her work on this platform brought her voice into the homes and hearts of many.
Her creative impact doesn’t stop at the screen. She has served as an Assistant Music Director in her local assembly, where she helped lead a diverse team of artists and musicians. Under her guidance, the group released a soul-lifting single titled “AYO”, which garnered attention across streaming platforms for its heartfelt message and cultural vibrancy.
Now, Elizabeth adds a new title to her creative repertoire: Author. In her debut work, “Art: A Tool for Social Impact and Change”, she offers a passionate reflection on how creativity can inspire transformation in communities and give voice to the unheard. Her writing is a natural extension of her artistic mission—to use every platform she touches as a space for connection, empowerment, and change.
She gained recognition for her commitment to community development when NY Weekly Magazine named her one of the 20 female disruptors to watch in 2025. She earned a master’s degree in Advanced Practice in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution from the esteemed University of Bradford as a result of her quest for knowledge. Her love and enthusiasm for the arts during her academic year allowed her to further explore art through writing and singing and find solutions to problems.
She has spent the most of her life honing her artistic abilities, encouraging and grooming children, and helping people reach their objectives. She advocates for social change in society by using her love of art.
She is a member of Forbes as well as a member of Black-Led Arts Network in Bradford. In addition to all of the aforementioned, she has thrived in the aviation sector for 11 years, beginning as a confidential secretary and rose through the rank to Principal Human Resources Officer.
She was a shrewd administrator until February 2025, when she left the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to devote herself full-time to her artistic endeavors while resident in the UK.
Cross River Positions for Global Spotlight with Caribbean Diaspora Homecoming
Chairman of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), Prince Otu Okor, has reaffirmed the State’s readiness to host over 300 Caribbean diasporans for the forthcoming Nigeria Homecoming Convention, describing it as a defining moment that will showcase Cross River’s global potential.
The Homecoming Convention, jointly organised by the Cross River State Government and the Global United Christian Community African Diaspora (GUCCAD) Nigeria, is scheduled to hold from 12 to 20 October 2025 in Calabar. The event is expected to reconnect descendants of Africa with their ancestral roots while exploring investment and tourism opportunities across the State.
Speaking during a Homecoming Cluster meeting held at the CRIDCOM office in Calabar, Prince Okor lauded the dedication of stakeholders and described the group as a vibrant blend of innovation and commitment. “This is the best cluster so far because it brings together all sectors working as one family,” he said. “Tourism, culture, information, business and media are all here, and that is what makes us stronger. We are determined to make Cross River the heartbeat of this homecoming experience.”
He reaffirmed that CRIDCOM remained fully committed to delivering a world-class hosting, stressing that the Homecoming Convention offers Cross River a golden opportunity to tell its story to the world. According to him, the event goes beyond celebration; it is a statement of identity, unity, and pride in the State’s cultural and human capital.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Dr Gabe Onah explained that the engagement followed the directive of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, who has shown strong commitment to the initiative. “His Excellency has asked that we open our doors and hearts to our brothers and sisters returning from the Caribbean,” he said. “They are coming not just as guests but as partners and investors ready to engage with our communities and explore the vast opportunities our State offers.”
In his contributions, Prof. Edward Ntui Okey commended the pace of preparation and urged the committees to maintain their drive. “This project has the potential to position Cross River as a leading destination for diaspora engagement in Africa,” he said. “We have made encouraging progress, but we must sustain the tempo until the very end.”
On the cultural front, His Royal Highness Etubom Architect B. Ndem, who oversees the traditional and heritage segment of the homecoming, said his team was fully prepared to receive the guests. “We are ready for the 300 visitors coming,” he said. “From the rites and privileges to the masquerade displays, it will be an emotional ceremony, a moment for them to reconnect with their heritage in the most profound way.”
Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, highlighted the importance of strategic communication ahead of the event. “We need a well-written itinerary that captures the essence of what we are doing,” he noted. “Once that is ready, my office will take the lead in promoting it effectively so that the message of Cross River’s readiness reaches both national and international audiences.”
On her part, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs Eme Afiah, proposed the inclusion of Kwa Falls in the tour itinerary. “Kwa Falls should be part of the schedule,” she said. “It is the nearest natural site and represents one of the most beautiful expressions of nature we can showcase to our visitors.”
Stakeholders further agreed that the visiting diasporans will participate in the Carnival Calabar Dry Run, offering them a chance to experience the parades and festivities as part of a cultural exchange that highlights the warmth and hospitality of Cross River State.
FRIDAY THE 3RD OF OCTOBER 2025 was a very special day at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall in Bradford .
It was the GRADUATION CEREMONY for our amazing students who had just completed OUR PURPOSEFUL DRIVEN PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE inspired by BRADFORD BASED DR SOHAIL AHMED.
It was a journey which had embraced weeks of hard-work, resilience , dedication and new chapters of fear .
This journey had opened new doors of friendship, collaboration, passion and the will to confront new layers of fear and challenges .
ON BEHALF OF ARICA4U ASSOCIAITION CIC AND BRADFORD 4 BETTER– We would like to congratulate our recent graduates for making us proud.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ROLE MODELS
Inayah Sher a proud Bradford activist, transforms personal adversity into a mission for justice, resilience, and community change. From challenging child betrothal to leading campaigns like banning fireworks for public safety, she stands as a powerful voice for love, equality, and the belief that it is never too late to rise and lead.
*Faisal Mohammed*, a Bradford-born structural engineer and building inspector, is dedicated to ensuring safety, integrity, and excellence in every project he oversees. Beyond his profession, he is a passionate community advocate and volunteer, inspiring others with his vision to uplift communities and empower people worldwide to unlock their greatness.
Joy Josephine a proud Malawian raised in Bradford, is a community champion, NHS Research Associate, and entrepreneur whose ventures celebrate resilience, culture, and connection. Guided by faith and driven by fairness, justice, and empathy, she uses storytelling and action to inspire communities toward respect, inclusion, and lasting change.
*Farhana Pandor is a skilled Financial Controller and accountant with over a decade of experience, helping businesses find clarity, confidence, and growth in their finances. A proud Muslim woman, mother, and advocate of holistic living, she inspires others through her blend of resilience, positivity, and purpose-driven approach to both work and life.
Nana Abena Owusuwaa Hagan is a visionary leader, international business strategist, and passionate advocate for social transformation. As founder of SHOFT CIC and creator of initiatives like EM3RGE and Igniting Dreams, she empowers communities, uplifts women and youth, and breaks barriers on global stages—blending faith, leadership, and purpose to inspire lasting change.
Osakwe Nonyelum Esther is a dynamic author, psychotherapist, pastor, and CEO of Life Improvement Consults CIC, dedicated to transforming lives through faith, coaching, and mindset mastery. With over 15 years of experience, she inspires confidence, resilience, and purpose—empowering audiences to not just learn, but to thrive.
*Leonie Shaw-Brown* is an accountant, lawyer, community advocate, and inspirational speaker whose journey of resilience fuels her fight for racial justice and equality. As Director of Windrush Advocacy and Community Alliance CIC, she amplifies unheard voices, empowers communities, and calls audiences to stand strong, speak truth, and drive lasting change.
Sergeant Donna – – Manchester based service manager with over 35 years experience
Cross River State is opening its doors to the world and you are invited to be part of the transformation.
Join us at the Cross River State Diaspora Investment Summit 2025, taking place November 17th–19th in London, UK. This landmark event is your gateway to high-impact opportunities in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and resource-rich states.
Come and see the high impact feasibility and viability of ongoing projects like the Bakassi Deep Seaport, Calabar – Ogoja Railway, Obudu International Cargo Airport, the Bakassi Real Estate Water Front, The Cross River State Information and Communication Technology Data Center etc.
Why Attend?
– Discover untapped investment potential across agriculture, tourism, tech, and infrastructure
– Connect with top government officials, diaspora entrepreneurs, and global business leaders.
– Explore incentives and strategic partnerships tailored for sustainable growth.
– Be part of a movement to reshape the future of Cross River through innovation and capital.
Location: London, UK
Dates: November 17th–19th, 2025
Theme: Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Whether you are a seasoned investor or exploring new frontiers, this summit offers a rare chance to align profit with purpose.
Donna Sergeant aka Dee Ess is a proud mother of two, a social innovator, and Service Manager for a children’s mental health charity. With over 35 years’ experience working with children, young people, and families, she has recently become a director of a community interest company, extending her commitment to creating lasting social change.
She is the creator of Love Doesn’t Forget: a podcast and upcoming book that blends storytelling with practical guidance around dementia, memory, and family love from a Black British perspective. Dee is also developing Tech Together, an intergenerational project that reflects her passion for innovative, culturally rooted solutions.
Dates: November 17th–19th, 2025
Theme: Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Register here: 
For partnership inquiries: 
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 