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PRESS RELEASE

Against All Odds Still Standing (AOS) Charity to host Red Carpet Anniversary fundraising Dinner Ball

By Ian Carter Phiri

In its bid and continued efforts to building lives and restoring hope by supporting victims and vulnerable people of domestic violence and abuse, Against All Odds Still Standing Charity (AOS) will be hosting its annual Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Ball at the Dartford Bridge, Hilton Hotel in Kent UK on April 25, 2015.

The upcoming event is aimed at raising funds for the ‘Mission to Malawi 2015’ and donation items for its charitable operations around communities both within the UK and Africa.

The fundraising initiative is scheduled to start at 18.00hrs – 01.00hrs and is expected to attract around 200 attendees with some of the most recognised names in our sector including, Charge de Affaires and Malawi Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency, Hon. John Tembo Jnr. The Fundraising Dinner will be graced by the Mayor of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr. Avtar Sandhu MBE as guest of honour.

The dinner ball has also attracted an impressive selection of celebrities, Leaders in their fields and other business stakeholders and organisations for the event. AOS events are of high standard that entertains, inspire and all for a noble cause.

Like never before this year’s Mission to Malawi 2015 under the umbrella theme ‘’Dare to Dream, Dare to Fly’’ will provide an exquisitely sizzling dinner, Poetry, Raffle draw, Dama Fashion Show, Music, Live entertainment and performances by guest artist, sensational gospel singer Lungo, Lianne Doherty, the duo Dot & Darryl, Bella Jackson, Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Natalie and the Anointed UK.

According to Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Against All Odds Still Standing Charity, Fikelephi Jackson, patrons to the event are advised to dress to impress this being a Red–Carpet event as the red carpet will be rolled out to its patrons thereby befitting them with great photo opportunities and a networking reception, she says;

As the evening begins, this will be followed by a three course buffet dinner in the Ballroom. ‘’So bring a friend and support the ethos of excellence and play your part at the AOS Charity annual Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Ball,’’ appeals Mrs Jackson fondly known by her peers as Sister Fike.

Hosting a table gives you access to one of the best networking event of the year, not to mention the perfect environment for entertaining your key business partners and colleagues; points out Mrs Jackson, adding, ‘’First ten guests for the AOS function staying overnight will also get a discounted hotel rate.’’

The fund raising campaign will be braced with great entertainment throughout the evening. Then of course, there will be the fun-filled auctioning and raffle prize giving. There will also be time for the DJs to let loose on us with a variety of great music as we dance the night away’’, says Mrs Jackson.

The event will also among other dignitaries feature highly a couple of renowned guest speakers including David Hope–Jones of the Scotland–Malawi Partnership, Nana Churcher of the Nana Churcher Show, Prolific Speaker, Pastor Chance Munthali from Shalom International Christian Centre, 247 Malawi Radio Presenter, Patricia Peters and Pastor Victoria Lawrence of Abigail Outreach Ministries.

Yet another force of recognition behind the event will be Munyaradzi Usuwana, a young gifted poet better known as ‘The Wordplay Poet’ on the Poetry circuit who uses rhythm and acronyms to create inspirational messages. The Zimbabwean born will obviously be another inspiration of the night.

Also featuring highly on the night will be Raffle draw, with lots of prizes including a winning prize of dinner for two among prizes to be won. The Raffle will be conducted by the duo, Auctioneer, Dr Emeka and Beffta Awards heavyweight, Pauline Long who is also Patron for Against All Odds Still Standing Charity.

In view of the floods in Malawi, Against All Odds Still Standing Chief Executive, says, ‘’we are fundraising for the Mission to Malawi 2015 and other operations. Our aim this year is to double what we achieve last year and more.’’

She adds, ‘’in 2014 we were able to access most of the districts in the Southern Region and some in Central Region of Malawi. In October 2015, our mission to Malawi will be to cover more ground in the Central and the Northern Regions as well. We intend to take with us a solid team of volunteers.’’

The events Director of Ceremonies will be, MC Chijota from the Steve Chijota Show with the DJ on the deck.

For group bookings or to reserve your place, visit http://www.fikelephijackson.com or call F. Jackson on +447950918983.

To book for accommodation, contact Sukaena Callander on +447877835202 or email info@aosuk.org to hear more about becoming either a Table host, AOS Ambassador or to sponsor the event. Parking is free.

Bio-
I’m Justice Jite-Eda (also known as Justice Gift Ogochukwu), from Ughelli north of Delta State. I’m a student of Agricultural Economics, University of Benin

BROKEN BY (S)WORDS. by Justice Gift Ogochukwu

Under the weight of your lips,
she bends, sad and depressed,
dressed in tattered self-esteem.
She washes her pillow in salty sea nightly.

Word by word you dilute his self-worth.
His ego and pride are cowed
by the beasts from your pit.

Distorted images of herself,
she sees in the mirror of her broken mind.
He knows no better of himself
than the picture of him you paint with your tongue.

Her heart fails and faints,
pushed and pinned down by heavy words.
His heart drowns in its own flood,
tears bled out from cuts
made by the carefree wielding of your (s)word.

Prosper Nwokoro is a  young vibrant Nigeria; who hails from Umuduru ebeaguru, Imo State; he studied Economics and Statistics in the University of Benin, benin city, Edo state. He is a lover of poetry having a several poems and contributed to several anthologies nation wide.

Facebook ID: www.facebook.com/ nwokorop

POEM TITLE: A CRY IN THE SHACKLES  OF HUMILATION

In the grotesque midst of annihilation;
and the gloomy comfort  of perfidious kins;
lies your immortalized bones in pearly frame.

From the squeaky wallow of sanctimonious peers;
and the treach’rous meander of scornful brothers,
stared your stellar soul in supernal rest.

Awaken! your afflictive anger Richard;
don’t just stare;
lest your children remain
hewers of woods in their land.
Spare not their Parochial belief;
for what is the fish without the waters?

Do your immortal soul perceive
the ugly fate of your household?
Only one now bears your name.
Would this earthly fraity
retain its grip on you?
Would this ethereal blindness,
hasten our inevitable death?

Before the surging waves of pestilence,
obliterate what is left of you;
before the rancorous rake of evil,
devours the carcass of our sullen stars;
lay awake from your celestial rest;
lest the debris of our flesh,
are fashioned as stones;
by this baleful builders.

THE PROFILE OF THE PUBLISHER OF FIESTA INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE,

OLUSEYI OGUNLANA AKA MR FIESTA.

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Fiesta International Magazine, Oluseyi Ogunlana,

popularly known as Mr Fiesta was born almost 40 years ago to the Family of

Otunba Jonathan Ogunlana and Mrs Victoria Ogunlana, from Sagamu, Ogun

State, Nigeria.

He had his elementary and primary eduction in Lagos, before proceeding to

Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos in 1988 for his secondary education.

In 1995, he gained admission to Ondo State University, now University of Ado-

ekiti on merit, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English

and literary studies.

In his first year in the university, he was given a Certificate of Merit by the English

and Literary Students’ Association (ELSA).

He represented the university at debates and quizzes. In his third year, he served

in the department in the position of Editor-in-Chief, where he was highly

instrumental to the successful completion of the annual departmental journal.

That same year, he founded the WRITERS’ HERITAGE CLUB (A club for talented

and budding writers)

He graduated in the year 2000. That same year, he was employed as English

teacher of Lekki British International High School, Victoria Island, Lagos; being

the first ever English teacher of Lekki British International High School, which

has now grown to be one of the best international citadels of learning in Nigeria.

At the end of his university education, he was posted to Delta state, Nigeria for

the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme. There he distinguished himself.

He was one of the presenters of the NYSC Half Hour, a TV programme of Delta

Broadcasting Service, Asaba. He also Co-presented a programme tagged: ‘Ask

the Councellors’ with Onome Iyarowe on the Radio Delta, Asaba, Delta State,

Nigeria between 2001 & 2002.

He was served as Editor-in-chief of the NYSC that year. At the end of the service

year, he led the Editorial Board in the production of end-of-service year magazine,

titled: ‘DELTA KOPA’.

During the passing out parade and awards programme, he received a Letter of

Recommendation from Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria.

He was also one of the recipients of the Delta State NYSC Governing Board

Awards along side a special Cash Prize from the then NYSC Delta State NYSC

Director, Chief (Mrs) Rita Uzor-Akinlade for his distinguished contribution to the

NYSC.

He has worked in various capacities both within and outside the country, until he

decided to blaze the trail for himself.

1. National Bank of Nigeria, Now Wema Bank, Oba Akran Branch, Ikeja-Lagos

as Retail Relationship officer in 2004

2. The Entertainer Magazine, London, United Kingdom as Staff Writer in 2005

3. Avance Enterprises Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos as Marketing Officer in

2006

4. West African Book Publishers Limited, Ilupeju, Lagos as Editor in 2007

5. DP Partnership Limited, Lagos, Assistant Manager, Copy—Copywriter in

2008

6. He later ventured into travel consulting business between 2009 to 2011

7. Effects International Magazine as Editor, till February 2012 when he

launched his own magazine—Fiesta International Magazine

Mr Ogunlana is a fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.

He also had a comprehensive training in Business Development from FATE

Foundation, Lagos.

He was the Head of Marketing and Advertising for Yoruba Heritage Awards

in the United Kingdom.

He has many awards and Certificates of Merit to his credit, some of them

are:

*SPECIAL AWARD at the True African Awards 2014

*SPECIAL AWARD for supporting Afro-Caribbean Talents in the UK– Ebony

Business Recognition Awards 2013

*WINNER—Media & Print Category: Ebony Business Recognition Awards 2013

*Best Youth-Oriented International Magazine–Prodigie Image Recognition Awards

(PIRA) Nigeria 2012

*Best Entertainment Magazine–Yoruba Heritage Awards UK 2012

Mr Ogunlana is a very experienced Master of Ceremonies/Compere/Host

He is the the founder of Fiesta PR and Fiesta Media & Advertising

He has travelled to over 8 countries of the world, including: Morrocco,

Libya, Turkey, The United Kingdom among others.

His hobbies include playing football, Snooker, Singing and Dancing.

Contacts:

Facebook:

Oluseyi Fiesta Ogunlana

Mr Fiesta Master of Ceremonies

Instagram:

Mr_fiestamagazine

BIO:

Oku-ola Paul Abiola (pauldesimple) is a graduate of electrical engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun state. A poet, playwright, and author.
www.facebook.com/pauldesimple

www.pauldesimple.blogspot.com

www.pauldesimple1.wordpress.com

WHEN WE WERE STILL VIRGINS 

written by Oku-ola Paul Abiola
Fresh like the morning dew,
Stunning without hue,
Crude but not ignorant,
Active and not dormant:

When we were still virgins,
Everyone wanted to be with us,
Friends, neighbours, suitors, superiors,
Endless was the calling,
Intense, the begging.
When we were still virgins,
Heaven smiled and was proud;
Earth’s lauds were convincingly loud.
How I wish those days were not gone?

Our lust has caused us a gloomy dawn.
When we were still virgins,

The Future Crop and Farm Hands

The turmoil in my heart hinders
My pen from flowing
Tons of despair embodied in my mind
Atoms of thoughts
All up in my head
They can never be greater than us
Unless our days on earth are cut short
To the glory of the creator
No man however worldly endowed

Can cheat nature’s call
The dark clouds must part
Curtains for the blue sky
The sky must give way for the rains
To pour and polish the earth
Even when the rains are waged by
The prowess of rain makers
Gravity must pull in
When it does, it barks shouts

Of torrential downpour
Splashing and slashing holdings
The dry season is to plough and sow
The rainy season for cultivation and growth
The harvest, is ripe after full bloom
No plough, no sow, no rains, no growth
Gives birth to famine in the land
The farmer no matter how skilled and able
Can never produce all farm produce

As well as tend the plantations alone
He must employ worthy hands
Certainly, a stage comes when his hands
Are to shaky to hold hoe
Brain, overtly brimmed with figures
To sum up the ledger accounts
He must seek reverence in his cabin
Handing over the states of all affairs
To young positive goal driven managers and foremen

To sow a fresh seed on a stale soil
Previously used to plant some particular crops
The root of the old plants must be uprooted
The soil most undergo great tillage
In readiness for the birth of new plants
There’s no possibility, plantain
Can grow simultaneously from a yam plantation
The yams will seasonally turn the plantain pup
To mashed mellows

The consumer communities have been fed
With too much carbohydrate
Requesting, demanding and pleading
For a change in supply
They want protein plantains
The in take of too much carbohydrate
Deters the human body from healthy growth
Weighing the mind and body for half a season
Consumption of different classes of food

Supers growth and enriches the body
Sowing seedlings of yam and plantain
On same plantation at a go
Would have the carbohydrate dampening
The mechanism of the proteins
With their hardened, scratchy peels
Very upsetting to the sights
And summons bitter bile waste to the land
Pricking the fine pulps of the proteins

Dodo is now weak in body
And weaker in mind
The plantation needs able bodies with strong minds
The plantation operation systems needs quality repackaging
It needs uproot and great tilling of the soil
Dodo seek rest and stock in your starched yam barns
And let in younger managers, foremen, laborers
Take over the population’s production of proteins
As my thoughts pounded so my ink pumped

Copyright: Gift Amukoyo
Written: October 11, 2014

Sewage problems in Theale

The issue:

The Lambfields site in Theale has for a number of years had problems with sewers flooding, which has required large tankers to park for long periods of time and pump sewage out. During wet weather, some roads in Theale were affected by sewage flooding and some properties also suffered sewage back-ups.

Achievements to date:

Alok has lobbied Thames Water for action to resolve the flooding issues caused by blocked pipes and old pumping equipment.

Alok held two public meetings for residents to receive updates on works with Thames Water.

Thames water agreed to carry out works including:

• Upgrade the pumping station to increase the efficiency of the existing pumps, which should reduce the need to rely on tankers
• Provide special sealing plates on manhole covers to divert surface rainwater from waste water system to prevent the sewers from overflowing
• Clear any pipes that are known to be blocked
• Carry out a CCTV survey to identify any further problems or defects in the pipe system

Alok says:

“Having your home flooded with sewage is absolutely dreadful, so I am delighted that after several years of suffering, residents will get some relief from the sewage tankers and work is being done to prevent flooding from occurring in the future. I will continue to make sure that the right level of investment from Thames Water goes into improving the sewage system in Theale.”