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
CHECKPOINT IN BRADFORD (THE BRADFORD WEST INDIAN COMMUNITY CENTRE) WILL BE RECEIVING AN AWARD AT OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN WEST YORKSHIRE ON FRIDAY THE 12TH OF MAY AT 5PM (CITY LIBRARY IN BRADFORD)
INFORMATION ABOUT CHECKPOINT CAN BE FOUND BELOW
A BRIEF HISTORY
Initially, many community activities and social events in Bradford were hosted by the West Indian community centre based at Textile Hall on Westgate. However, a fire at this venue meant that a new community centre was needed and in 1982 Checkpoint run by the Bradford West Indian Community Centre Association (BWICCA) was established at 45 Westgate, BD1 2QU. For nearly 4 decades Checkpoint has hosted family celebrations, classes, concerts, black history events, community groups and acted as a hub for the Caribbean community in Bradford.
SOURCE – BRADFORDLOCALSTUYDIES.COM
TODAY “THE CHECKPOINT” is still one of Bradford’s most unique historical points.
The legacy of this unique meeting point continues to live within the heart of many Bradfordians as the official Bradford West Indian Community Centre.
The Centre is also and educational and informational resource point that reflects Black history in Bradford as well as cultural initiatives, diversity events, live entertainment, team bonding sessions and an outlet to share stories.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE INITIAITIVES RELATING TO THE CHECKPOINT, BRADFORD
I am a business minded person, with a bachelors in business administration and 15 years experience as an entrepreneur.
I am an active member of my community, helping to take better advantage of the “now”, because i believe “now” is the most important moment we have.
I am the founder of Afrofinns, leading a cultural and business oriented progress within.
Afrofinns – Inspired by social movements of the past, Afrofinns began in 2012, when a few guys decided to organize and make an impact. Today, this singular moment evolved into a full-fledged movement. Our Community Movement strives to bring solutions that will transform us and the society in general.
I´m a digital junkie, I love every thing about the web.
I am a story teller, a documentarist and photograph: My latest documentary “Cultural Crossroads” is visible on YouTube and other platforms.
I am a core entrepreneur with a big dream of exporting the Finnish weather to Africa, and its happening
*Politics of Nation Building – the Peter Obi Model By Livy-Elcon Emereonye*
The primacy of politics is the provision of leadership – and true leadership is but a call to serve not to be served. The servant-leader should be tolerant and long suffering in his quest for reformation with liberation and unity; liberating and uniting the people at all cost for the good of mankind. Anyone desirous of this calling must make sure that his private part is a public document. To be called a true leader, one must be tested and trusted, standing the test of time every time and everywhere with no stain of secrecy else he would be distracted by the whirlwind of blackmail and propaganda. This type of mission is rare and does not come cheap. Thus, there is the need for adequate preparation, especially where the people’s psyche has been battered and bastardized over the years by bad governance.
Nigeria’s march to the 2023 presidential election is a good case study – and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party is the reference point. He represents the best, and remains the best.
Peter’s venture into the presidential race, and his emergence as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate altered the current political equation and changed the narrative for the better. His style of politics has redefined the act of politicking, making him the symbol of hope and the face of a new Nigeria. Being simple but sophisticated, he is loaded without baggage. Peter Obi does not just walk the talk; he is absolutely prepared, in all ramifications, for the task of being an efficient and effective president running a responsible and responsive government to uplift the people and build the nation.
Nation building is neither a day’s job nor a one man’s task but it needs a functional mindset at the helm of affairs. It is a joint effort that requires tact, wit and wisdom. It needs a pragmatic, agile and healthy person with a sound mind to steer. This is where Mr. Obi stands out from other presidential candidates. His presence enlivens, and his speech inspires. He exudes confidence and instills hope with absolute possibility to turn things around.
A new Nigeria built on equity and fair play with equal right and justice for the sanctity of life is possible; a new Nigeria of hope and love with security of life and property guaranteed is possible; a new Nigeria of tolerance and mutual cooperation where every Nigerian can live at peace in any part of the country regardless of tribe and religion without being profiled and targeted for segregation or elimination is possible – and every Nigerian of good conscience should team up and make this happen with Peter Obi as the president.
*Definition of nation building*
Nation-building is constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. Nation-building aims at the unification of the people within the state so that it remains politically stable and viable in the long run. According to Harris Mylonas, “Legitimate authority in modern national states is connected to popular rule, to majorities. Nation-building is the process through which these majorities are constructed, and according to Columbia University sociologist Andreas Wimmer, three factors tend to determine the success of nation-building over the long-run: “the early development of civil-society organisations, the rise of a state capable of providing public goods evenly across a territory, and the emergence of a shared medium of communication. Of all the presidential candidates, Mr. Peter Obi is the only one that has what it takes to build and reform a complex country like Nigeria at this time in our national history.
*The process of nation building*
Nation-building is the process whereby a society of people with diverse origins, histories, languages, cultures and religions come together within the boundaries of a sovereign state with a unified constitutional and legal dispensation, a national public education system, an integrated national economy, shared symbols and values, as equals, to work towards eradicating the divisions and injustices of the past; to foster unity; and promote a countrywide conscious sense of being (in this case, Nigeria), committed to the country and open to the continent and the world. To do this, the first citizen – the president – should be above board and led by example. Mr. Peter Obi has no skeleton in his cupboard and as such cannot be weighed down by any baggage of the past in carrying out the required work of building a new Nigeria.
*Who builds the nation?*
The first and most important components in nation building are knowledge, literacy and access to education. Education being the spine of every nation is also the key to empowerment. Interestingly the best possible way to empower the nation is to empower the students of the nation. To do this, there must be an enabling environment for healthy competition with clearly defined compensation mechanisms. Again, no candidate can do this better than Mr. Peter Obi whose unblemished credentials speak volume.
Nation-building is usually identified with the achievements or failures of individual leaders. Of all the presidential candidates, Peter Obi looks more prepared and physically fit to champion the cause of building a new Nigeria. With an adequate and functional merit culture, which Mr. Peter Obi will put in place the two other building blocks of a successful nation state—the commitment of its citizens as well as the quality of its institutions will take their right places in Nigeria.
Nation Builders exhibit characteristics, skills and values that are important to the Nation to which they belong. “A Nation Builder demonstrates an eagerness and willingness to help others. Shows a curiosity for learning, especially about his own first nation, first nation’s culture and language; expresses and demonstrates a desire to continue learning with a healthy lifestyle while sharing his love of learning with others.” Mr. Peter Obi stands shoulder high here.
*The cost of building a nation*
The prime objective of any nation-building operation is not to make an authoritarian government democratic or a poor nation rich, but to make a violent society peaceful. If basic needs for safety, food and shelter are not being met, money spent on political or economic development is likely to be wasted on misplaced priorities. This is the genesis of thugs in politics, and should be curtailed or stopped by true nation builders.
Thuggery does not build a nation but rather it produces cult personalities with idiotic followership that often end up taking the society back to Stone Age. This must stop.
*The demand for a new nation*
The members of any nation would prefer to be sovereign rather than to be ruled by non‐nationals because this maximizes the chance that the government will provide them with an optimal mix of public goods. This general preference is affected by the net benefit of continued affiliation with the central authority. To the degree that the centre provides minority nationals with protection, and economic and social welfare, the demand for sovereignty will be attenuated. Hence, nationalist secession is most likely to occur in multinational states whose centres are subject to military and economic setbacks. However, the demand for sovereignty also depends on the nation’s capacity to engage in collective action, which is affected by state institutions. (The Demand for Sovereignty and the Emergence of Nationalism | Containing Nationalism | Oxford Academic)
*Symbols of a New Nation*
There is more to nation building than one can ordinarily think of and talk about without a thorough study of things and events. For some countries their identities and cultures have continuously evolved, while the ideals connected to their patriotic symbols have remained firm. Nigeria being a work in progress, we can join hands to build the country of our collective aspiration if we can get it right now by voting in the right candidates into positions of authority.
With the full implementation of Mr. Peter Obi’s “from consumption to production” mantra, the Nigeria flag, the Coat of Arms, the International passport, the Naira among others will regain their place of pride in the comity of nations. Our patriotism and defined identity will improve and rank best among equals. The symbols that give form and substance to our nation’s founding ideals would become priceless, making Nigeria great again.
Mr. Peter Obi’s prudent life built on transparency and accountability will not only make corruption a thing of the past, but it will go a long way to re-ignite hope and rekindle trust among countries of the world to do business with Nigeria.
*Emergence of a reformer*
The emergence of Mr. Peter Obi now in the history of Nigeria is one of the best things that have happened to Nigeria in the recent past so we must close ranks and utilize the opportunity very well. Being a country of many nationalities, most of us must have realized but painfully that the things that unite us are more than the ones that separate us – and on the grounds of humanity, no tribe or religion, sex or age, is immune from the current hardship in Nigeria. Hunger does not know tribe or region; inflation does not segregate. Anyone, and everyone, can become a victim of insecurity. Therefore, we must team up to salvage Nigeria – and the easiest way to do this now is by voting for Mr. Peter Obi and Alhaji Datti Yusuf Ahmed of the Labour Party as president and vice president of Nigeria. They are not only competent but they have the character and charisma to build a New Nigeria of our dreams. They have the capacity, intellectual acumen, mental prowess and physical abilities required to rebuild Nigeria. Let us support and vote for them.
If you love Nigeria, vote for Mr. Peter Obi. Apart from voting, defend your vote and make sure it counts. Your one vote will make the difference. Use it very well. Make maximum use of this lifetime opportunity. Vote for the Labour Party – *LP*.
One of the many highlights of last year was spending the day in Helsinki, Finland with Mr Elvis Fuamba – The Founder of Afrofinns and a Business Entrepreneur making a difference in Finland .
I had decided to take the ferry from Tallin in Estonia to Finland and it was a great opportunity to meet up with this very creative role model to explore new ways of working together.
I also had the opportunity to engage with great minds in Estonia.
Mr Elvis has now produced the very first part of a documentary called ” Cultural crossroads” .
“Cultural CrossRoads” presents divers views on cultural transmission and construction of identity in the Afro-Finnish community. It sets the scene for further conversations, such as, what culture are we creating as a community? What impacts does it have on us and how that culture is transmitted to the next generation? The story line of the documentary guide the viewer to understand the broad meaning of cultural transmission in the Afro-Finnish community.. read more @Afrofinns.com
Feel free to watch this great documentary on The T0NY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW this week and find out more about African migrants living in Finland .
Against All Odds, we are inviting you to join us on *22nd April 2023* we are Celebrating 10 Years of:
Rebuilding Lives
Restoring Hope
Regaining Dignity
Grab your tickets now. Our *£60.00 EARLY-BIRD Tickets* are on sale now ending on 15th Feb 2023 thereafter *£65.00* To *Promote Your Products & Services* grab an Exhibition Stand only few spaces left
Chris Alexander will be facilitating a funding grant application workshop for free on Zoom. #sharingiscaring
Mr Alexander has over 15 years experience in successful bid writing and grant application proposals. He has also worked with numerous charities, organisations, CICs, non profits, social enterprises etc
To confirm your space text /whatsapp “FUNDING” to 07538740319 or email admin@thesalamproject.org.uk with “FUNDING” as the subject
He combines a passion for participatory research and community activism which means B4B is able to pursue ideas and aspirations that are backed up by scientifically sound evidence which are in line with what Bradford’s various communities desire. He has authored award winning papers and has over 20 publications in many high impact scientific journals. His work has attracted wide-scale media and policy attention and has even featured in WHO reports.
Shahid was recently awarded with the accolade of Fellowship by the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) which means he is now able to collaborate with a global network of Fellows to support the aims of B4B.
Theatre in the Mill are sponsoring these 8 sessions focusing on writing poems about inspirational women of colour. The poets will then share these at TiM on Saturday the 11th of March as part of the Women of Colour Festival. Please get in touch if you are interested.
Coming soon on The Tony Tokunbo Fernandez Show – Our Interview with Bestselling author of eleven novels which have sold more than 1.5 million copies – LINDA GREEN.
She will be on the show to talk about her latest book “Little Stars”- A book inspired by the racial abuse of Vie Clerc and her son and the racial abuse by other friends of colour
THIS IS A SHOW YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS- INFORMATION ABOUT LINDA CAN BE FOUND BELOW
ABOUT LINDA GREEN
Linda Green is the bestselling author of eleven novels, which have sold more than 1.5million copies and been translated into 12 languages. Her latest novel, In Little Stars, is out in ebook and audio and published in hardback by Quercus Books on February 2. Her previous novel, One Moment, was selected as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick and her 2018 novel The Last Thing She Told Me was a Richard and Judy Book Club selection. Linda is a former journalist and has written for The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, The Times Educational Supplement, The Big Issue, and Community Care Magazine, as well as a variety of regional newspapers. Linda lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and son.
TOWARDS EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT is written by CHIEF S.O FERNANDEZ (My Father) . It is specially dedicated to all the healthcare workers around the world who have devoted their whole lives to humanity, especially those who died during the Convid-19 pandemic.
This book also tries to illustrate, in practical terms, how the adoption of good and modern management principles can help in the successful achievement of the goals of any organisation, especially in the areas of teamwork and good succession planning
This book is about history . It also about applying practical approaches in effective healthcare management. We also get to discover the personal experiences and amazing stories of CHIEF S.O FERNANDEZ using The Neuro- Psychiatric Hospital,Yaba, Lagos as a case study
CHIEF S.O.FERNANDEZ has received several merit awards for his outstanding contribution to the development of mental healthcare in Nigeria . He was the Pioneer Director of Administration at Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos and is currently The Chairman of Stetonic Nigeria Limited
It is the kind of book you simply want to read again and again
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF THIS AMAZING BOOK .
For more information on how you can GET A COPY OF THE BOOK , kindly send an email to afripoet@gmail.com
Rebuilding Lives
Grab your tickets now. Our *£60.00 EARLY-BIRD Tickets* are on sale now ending on 15th Feb 2023 thereafter *£65.00* 
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 