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
The story of the Lantern in the Old Eastern Region and south-west Cameroon region – Philip Nosa-Adam
Utuenikang which translates to the hurricane Lantern is a very small but significant item with a long history in the Old Eastern region and some divisions in Cameroon. The Hurricane Lantern or the Kerosene Lantern was an article of trade during the years of the transatlantic trade. It is unclear when the item may have been introduced. Although it may have been introduced during the Era of Efik-Dutch relations in the 17th century. Modern and more popular designs of the lantern were constructed later by polish inventor Ignacy Lukasiewicz in 1853.
The Lantern has similar names among several Ethnicities of the Old eastern region. Some of which include
Among the Igbo, the lantern has three different names depending on the dialect. Central igbo use the word Mkpanaka for Lantern. Cross River Igbo use the word Utuenikang or its equivalent while some Igbo particularly those in present-day Oji River Local government area use the word Utukpe.
Interestingly, the word Utukpe has its origin in the Efik Language and is a corruption of Utue Ekpe (argiope aurantia), a large yellow striped bush spider native to the lower Cross River.
Thus, the shadow images produced when the hurricane lantern is lighted must have been likened to the colours on the spider. Within south-west cameroon, the following communities use the word “Utuenikang”Balondo (Ndian Division)Balue (Ndian Division)Ngolo (Ndian Division)Ekombe (Ndian Division)Bima (Ndian Division)Korup (Ndian Division)Batanga (Ndian Division)Bakoko (Ndian Division)Mbonge (Meme division)Bakundu (Meme division)
It is fascinating that the same word is used across several communities with a few pronunciation differences. There exists a reason for the common use of the word and it’s variations.
The hurricane lantern would likely have been obtained by a coastal community and sold to the communities in the interior. Thus, the community which first obtained the lantern would have given it an indigenous name and its name would have been adopted by nearby communities. The communities closest to the atlantic in the Old Eastern Region and the Cameroon axis include the Obolo communities (i.e Ibeno, Oron and Idua), Efik, Douala, Ijaw, Balondo etc.
The Efik being by far one of the most widely travelled West African trader in the Old Eastern Region during the years of the triangular trade would be a top contender for the origin of the name. This is further confirmed when the word “Utuenikang” is studied from an etymological perspective. In the Efik Language, Utuenikang is a conjunction of two words. “Utuene” and “Ikang”.
The latter translates to fire and the former comes from the verb “Tuene”. The verb “Tuene” first translates to, to light or to be lighted and secondly, to twinkle. Examples of sentences with the verb include:- Tuene ikañ mi, nọ mi nkut usuñ – Show the light here for me to see my way. Ntantaọffiọñ etuene – The stars twinkle Like the Greek mythical figure Prometheus who is regarded as the bringer of fire, the Efik are responsible for the use of the name Utuenikañ in several Communities. It is our hope that the Efik will continue to be the importer and an inventor of more useful artefacts in the future.
I am Enemaku Ojochegbe Wilson, I work with Africa Independent Television, Ait, in Abuja, Nigeria.I am a reporter, as well as a news and program anchor.I also do lots of other stuff, like voice overs, documentaries, Jingles, television and radio commercials, and event master of ceremony.I am from Idah, kogi State, I stay in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Dear Family and Friends,Have you been affected with all the challenges with the lockdown ?
We urge you to stay focused, stay passionate, focus on the substance of the present moment and use this period to do the things that bring fulfilment to your LIFE.GREAT THINGS MANIFEST , once we are able to make the most of time
WHATS ON YOUR READING LIST IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS ?
Copies of one of my published books “THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” is still available to order.
“THE SOUND OF RUNNNIG WATER” is a pocket sized gift book of proverbs on positive thinking and personal development.The inspirational gift book is available for just 5 pounds via paypal to afripoet@hotmail.com ALTERNATIVELY, CONTACT US ON +447882809005
The Journey of Oyinlola Sale’s Media Career started when she graduated from Eastern New Mexico University, USA with a magna cum laude degree in Communications in 2009. She started working with galaxy television as an entertainment reporter and presenter, this pushed her further to go into advertising, where she worked worked with bluebird communication.
In 2013, she took a bold step and became a Presenter of A Woman’s World and Question of the Day on TVC News.Now, after spending over 4 years in TVC, it was time to take a bigger step by working with KAFTAN TV, where she took the center stage in her career and became the Face of KAFTAN , as she was multi tasking as a News Anchor and a Presenter of a major program called Amazing Amazon.
Oyinlola Sale has Interviewed over 100 women from different sectors, showcasing their businesses and the impact they are making in the Society.
She has interviewed different women in the Oil and Gas Industry and is Presently in partnership with the President of Women in Energy Oil and Gas, Dr Oladunni Owo.
After leaving KAFTAN TV, she was inspired to create ‘Women Connect TV Show,’ which gives women more opportunity as they shatter glass ceilings in our society.Women Connect is a program that will inspire women. One of the social development goals is to empower women around the world.It is a unique tv show where women can be informed, empowered and inspired.
Oyinlola Sale is also an image consultant, media coach and an MC for various events here in Nigeria.
Ololade Adeniji-Adele Television Presenter| Producer| Director| Public Speaker| Host Nigerian Television Authority(NTA) ….. Africa’s Largest Network Joined in April, 2002 Ololade hosts television programmes on the network service of NTA and on NTA2 Lagos.
The programmes are:
EXECUTIVE DISCOURSE: a 1hr Personality profile and documentary style programme, which x-rays the lives and achievements of outstanding individuals worthy of emulation on the network service of NTAMORNING RIDE: a 90mins Breakfast television show every Saturday at 10.00am, incidentally the longest running on any Nigerian television station, dishing out a potpourri of Nigeria and Nigerians, celebrating those things which make us special
NIGERIAN MOVIES TODAY: a 30mins entertainment weekly show which celebrates the Nigerian Motion Picture Industry otherwise known as Nollywood, as well as it’s major players both in front and behind the camera
Ololade Adeniji-Adele is a forward looking individual who is driven by passion for impacting people through precise and correct information and enlightenment. She is one who is not afraid to ‘tread where angels fear’ believing that EVERYTHING is possible and she can be the best she wants to be in a right environment. She has a never-say-die spirit and often encourages her colleagues to imbibe same and giving her best even in the face of daunting challenges.
Ololade’s relevant achievements are:
▪︎Building and sustaining a viable and active Aviation television programming in the NTA, from which other television and even radio stations took lessons for a period of over 8yrs from 2002 to 2010, thereby creating a different style of aviation reportage and programming, and for which she won several awards and received commendations
▪︎Sustaining the presentation and production of Nigeria’s longest running breakfast television show, MORNING RIDE on NTA2 Lagos- a programme which has aired for 33yrs so far, out of which she has presented and produced for a period of 10yrs and still counting. A quirky fact about Ololade is her deep commitment to getting the best done even when it seems impossible
THE STAGE IS SET FOR OUR 1ST EVENT FOR 2021 TAKING PLACE THIS SATURDAY THE 16TH OF JANUARY AT 8PM (UK TIME)AFRICA4U ASSOCIATION will be organizing THE INTERFAITH VIRTUAL AWARDS AND COMMUNITY COHESION WEBINAR on Saturday the 16th of January 2021 at 8pm on the dot (UK Time) via Zoom.
ZOOM ID IS 9052848573 and PAASWORD IS 691347
The aim of the event is to improve dialogue and community cohesion amongst people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.We will also be recognising the achievements of Christians, Muslims, Hindus and people from a diverse range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
KEY SPEAKERS FOR THE EVENT INCLUDE:
MP PHILIP DAVIES – MP FOR SHIPLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE
DR CHRIS BEM – CONSULTANT & SURGEON AT BRADFORD TEACHING HOSPITAL
THE AWARDEES FOR THE INTERFAITH VIRTUAL AWARDS & COMMUNITY COHESION WEBINAR 2021 ARE
1 UNITED SIKH ASSOCAITION FOR THE ELDERLY,BRADFORD
2 Newjoy International Gospel Church NEWJOY INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CHURCH (INSPIRED BY AMAZING CHRISTIANS )
3 Indian Women’s Community UK
4 The-Salam Project-uk (INSPIRED BY AMAZING MUSLIMS)
AND SEVERAL MORE
Also get to hear from Bradford based African restaurant owners Mr Kofi Amoateng from Ghana – Ceo of Yam Spice Foods and Andie from South Africa – The founder of AndiesAfrican Kitchen BradfordComr Olalekan Odedeyi will also be keeping us posted with his great community cohesion initiatives in the Middlesbrough area
The event will be broadcasted across multiple social media International platforms ,The Soul of any community lives within the heart of its people
For more information about this event and for the Zoom details, you can contact us on +447882809005 www.tonyfernandez.co.uk
ALSO WATCH THIS SPACE FOR OUR AFRICA4U VIRTUAL AWARDS FOR AFRICAN MEDIA INITIATIVES IN EUROPE AS WELL AS OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT 2021FLYER DESIGN BY A YOUNG INSPIRATIONAL INTREPRENEOR – MR Peter Odu – WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES ON HIM
The Leap is offering Radical Social Awards – £500 – £1500 funding and support for 16-25 year olds to run a creative project that addresses social change or makes a positive difference in communities. Deadline for applications: 28th January.
We know that young people in Keighley and Bradford have talent and ideas and we want to help get these ideas off the ground by giving some money and training and upskilling support to make projects a success.
We’re looking for creative ideas in addressing social change, might be a music video, a viral campaign, starting a collective, a game, a documentary, a podcast, street production, murals, clothing range – the possibilities are endless! We’re after exciting and new ideas!
You can apply as an individual or as a group. Radical Social Awards are about supporting young people in Bradford & Keighley to test ideas that make social change happen in communities through using creativity. Alongside a cash award of up to £1500, you will be supported via a programme of training, mentoring and 1:1 support to make your idea happen.
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 