Category: entertainment
Biden/Harris could Facilitate Biafra Referendum if they win
Nikolas Ajagu from Nimo, Anambra State with wife (Meena Harris) and children posing with Kamala Harris
I have often suggested to some of our brothers and sisters in IPOB that Trump may not facilitate the attainment of Biafra because of the following reasons
He may not be in the White House after 2020, but many of our brothers and sisters in IPOB understandably have placed so much hope on Trump to the point that many Biafrans are praying hard for Trump to win re-election. If I may ask, what effort has Trump made towards the issue of Biafra in the past three and a half years that he has been in office?
The issue of Biafra will eventually be taken up by the United Nations when the time comes hopefully sooner than later. Nevertheless, the President of the United States can help through lobbying other countries and heads of states to support the Biafra Referendum when the matter comes up
Most African votes including Igbo votes in the United States would not be cast for Trump in the coming Presidential election. The President has angered most leaders in Europe and elsewhere that many may not even support any idea coming from Trump so he has a very negative effect right now on the world stage
IPOB should stop openly embracing Trump for President for these reasons I understand that many of our people in IPOB in Nigeria and other places do not understand the internal dynamics of American socio-political conundrum and its ramifications for Presidential elections so their wishes alone will not win the election for the President.
What I will advise IPOB and other Biafra activists to do is to begin building bridges and connections with the Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris who is most likely going to win the November 3 US Presidential election. More importantly, Biafra Independence efforts and activities should focus on the United Nations.
Kamala already understands some of our problems in Nigeria. Her niece is married to an Igboman Nikolas Ajagu from Nimo in Anambra state, so they already may have some emotional connections to problems facing us. If they win, they will restore America’s respect and prestige across the world which may create a positive environment for the Biafra issue making it easier for countries to support the Biafra Referendum in the United Nations.
Okechukwu Oranika is Retired Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona
email: oranika@aol.com
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The Miss Igbo Universe Story (Nwanyi Manaria Ibeya N’elu Uwa)
The Exciting Story of Miss Igbo Universe (Nwanyi Manaria Ibe Ya N’elu Uwa2019-2020) and its Igbo language connection will be told in Three Phases 1, 2, and 3. Phase 1 will cover brief history of the origin of Miss Igbo Universe Pageant. Phase 2 will cover the Pageant while Phase 3 will cover Igbo Amaka Awards and the Conclusion
Phase 1 Brief History of the Origins of Miss Igbo Universe Pageant
The status of Igbo language and its decline is about to get a boost as our messages of what we must do to reverse the course gets to more Igbo people around the world. We are reaching younger generation of Igbos who obviously like what we are telling them. Our message to them must start with an apology that we their parents failed to teach them our Igbo Language right from their early ages.To our younger Igbo generation we are indeed sorry it is not any of your fault but that of all of us the Igbo Parents who did not do what we should have done by teaching our kids Igbo Language.
But this is a new beginning and as many Igbo online schools and classes gets to the internet any young Igbo adult can start out learning Igbo Language online. The parents of all under age Igbo Children must start speaking Igbo to their children at homeNwanyi Manaria Ibeya 2019-2020
MIU Precious with Organizers
Pageant winner Queen Precious Chizobam Azubuike
Hear the Queen’s message to Ndigbo
First Runner-up winner Jo Ekwuy Orji
Second Runner-Up Winner Ms Charlene Amaka Umeibe
Other Contestants
Some VIPs at the Crowning Ceremony
The history of how we got to Miss Igbo Universe (Nwanyi Manaria Ibeya N’elu Uwa) goes back to 3 years. After we came up with creating Igbo Cultural Heritage Festival we have always wanted an Igbo Queen to assist us in our “Subakwo Igbo” message which would help us reach younger generation of Igbos. Someone who is young and understands and speaks Igbo well would obviously help us advance this idea we reasoned.
The first Igbo Cultural Heritage Festival was organized by Nwannedinamba USA in Maryland. I asked Ms Chioma Ogueri if she could send the winner of her Pageant to make appearance in Maryland so as to fill the gap for this need. She agreed and we thank her for asking the winner of her pageant in 2017 Miss Jessica to make appearance at our event. She did and was well received as the audience gave her standing ovation
Photo of Jessica at the Maryland Event in 2017
Then in 2018, the second Igbo Cultural Heritage Pageant was staged in Los Angeles organized by Umu Ada Di Igbo Mma under the leadership of Chief Helen Duruhesie (Oputaozuo). In that same year, Chidinma Emenike had a new winner of her Pageant Miss Igbo America by name Chisom. I also asked Chidinma if she could send Chisom to our event in Los Angeles. She said yes and we thank her for that and she came with Chisom to Los Angeles and Chisom received sustained applause from the audience when she spoke about the need to preserve Igbo Language
After the Los Angeles event I had series of conversations with Lolo Chi Chi Nnamah the President of Umu Ada Di Igbo Mma Washington D.C Chapter and we both talked about the need for organizing a Pageant of our own to have a Queen who could go round encouraging every Igbo Person she could reach on the need to speak Igbo language to other Igbos when holding conversation. Chi Chi has the same level of zeal and interest about saving Igbo Language and Culture as I do, I knew immediately that we can do this. We also invited Chief Chike Nweke as part of the Committee and he did join us but due to the magnitude of his work, (he runs the Life and Times Magazine, Los Angeles) he informed us at some point that he would not continue. We appreciate all the help Chike gave us.
So the work of staging this global reach event fell on the two of us, Lolo Chi Chi Nnamah and Chief Okechukwu Oranika. It was a daunting task but we continued knowing that God would see us through because our job was indeed sanctioned by our creator to draw maximum attention of the Igbo World on the need to save our Igbo language and culture . We thank Samuel Olekanma of Maryland for the help he gave us in the area of Publicity. In the end we achieved all of our goals and objectives thank God for that.
Story Written by Chief Okechukwu Oranika (Odezuligbo 1)
Coming up Next is Phase 2 Story dont miss it!
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Nze na Ozo USA Celebrates Iri Ji Festival on Behalf of Igbos in Diaspora
Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival) is one of the most important cultural festivals celebrated across Igbo Land (Igbo Nation). The name of the event differs from one Igbo Dialect to another but most Igbo Land areas refer to it as Iwa ji, Iri ji or Ike ji. In Idoma area it is called Orureshi
Right from time Igbos are agrarian in nature and Yam is a very important food crop through out Ala Igbo. In fact many other countries in west Africa have their own versions of New Yam Festival as well
The new yam festival underscores the importance of yam crop to Ndigbo and this particular crop plays a very important role within the food cycle of Igbos. As soon as tasty new yams are harvested emphasis moves away from the old yams to the new yam and generally the festival is to welcome the new yam harvest and thank Chukwu Abiama (God) for the new abundant yam harvest. Traditionally only dishes of new yam are served during the festival
The Nze na Ozo Iri Ji Festival was fully conducted in Igbo Language Indeed there is much hope for the survival of Igbo Language and Culture if the current trend of Igbo Organizations conducting their events and cultural activities in Igbo Language prevails, and we have no reason to believe otherwise. More Igbo Organizations are embracing Igbo Language and Culture. The Iri Ji Festival was celebrated by Nze na Ozo USA Gburugburu in the city of Baltimore Maryland on August 24, 2019 From all accounts the cultural event drew large and enthusiastic crowd. We at Africa Business World thank the President Onye Isi Nze na Ozo USA Chief Nze Okey Okigweh (Akajiugo ) and the all the Nze na Ozo members of this great body for putting up this Igbo cultural extravaganza. Oga adili unu mma dikwara Igbo mma Iseeee
Chief Okechukwu P. Oranika (Odezuligbo 1) Reporting
Check the Facebook video of the Festival below through the link
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3005118882895152&id=100001912107570&sfnsn=mo
Photo Gallery of Nze na Ozo Iri Ji Festival 2019
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Ify Hollywood Exclusive Interview with Africa Business World
Here is another edition of Africa Business World Exclusive Interview with Movie Actress Ify Hollywood conducted by the Editor in Chief of ABW Prof. Okechukwu P. Oranika
Okey: Ify kedu ka imere ?
Ify: Odi mma
Okey: Dalu nke ukwu Ada Igbo?
Ify: Dalu Nwanne mmadu
Okey: Because of the importance of this subject I will start this interview by asking you this question pertaining to the decline of Igbo Language and Culture. In your view why are we Igbos always very comfortable speaking English Language when communicating with fellow lgbos?
Ify: Well, It’s really not a secret that our lgbo brothers and sisters are very interested in showcasing their good English language skills all the time English comes very natural and they want to express themselves that way, I believe they still do a lot of Communication in lgbo, at least for those that I know
Okey: Do you have any ideas you want to share with Ndlgbo why we must speak and teach our children lgbo language at home?
Ify: It is a good idea for us to communicate in lgbo as much as we can to maintain our heritage, especially those of us abroad, I do but, that of teaching the kids lgbo Language, to that I plead guilty. I have two kids, I never really encouraged them to learn how to speak lgbo language, not because I don’t want them to learn it, but it was never a priority, may be because of my family situation. I am from Enugu State and my Husband is from Edo State, Ishan to be precise. So we all communicate in English, besides he doesn’t know how to speak Ishan Language very well because he was born in Lagos and speaks Yoruba fluently,
Okey:That is understandable but the point to be made here is that there is no reason why an Igbo man married to an Igbo woman does not communicate with her in Igbo at home and more importantly they do not teach their children Igbo language at home. Let me change the subject here by asking you what motivated your movie acting Career?
Ify: Well, regarding my acting career. acting is just a part of me I’ve always been drawn to the Entertainment arena ever since my youthful days. Acting, Dancing, Singing and indeed sporting activities are also very natural to me and have been part of me right from the beginning,
Okey: In your view what are some of the challenges facing female actresses whether in Nollywood or Hollywood?
Ify: Well, not having enough of female movie directors is a problem but Sexism is the biggest problem facing many women in acting careers. Believe it or not, it is the same challenges women face in other fields, but it’s some times more blunt in the entertainment field. Other examples of women problems within the entertainment industry include harassment, gossips and no equal pay
Okey: You attended Holly Child Secondary School in Lagos, a very good school by any stretch of imagination; did you grow up in Lagos?
Ify: I grew up partially in Lagos. I was born in Port Harcourt, Holly Child College was a very good school, I attended that school for about two years, I transferred to another school because they offered me a full scholarship. I was good in sports, tracks and handball. As a matter of fact, I represented Nigeria in handball as a Team Captain Nationally. I still have my gold medals here in United States.
Okey: Wonderful you are a multi-talented lady. When you completed secondary school you moved from Lagos to kano and was noticed by Kano State tv productions staff can you say that your acting Career started in Kano?
Ify: kind of; although I did some stage plays in elementary and secondary school, it was in kano I got my first gig.
Okey: In kano you developed interest into variety show, how come?
Ify: After my High School I was doing a part time job at UBA Bank when kano state production staff advised me to come and audition for that role.
Okey: After obtaining Diploma in television production in London, you moved to United States, and attended University of Oregon. What degree did you received?
Ify: I got my BA in Telecommunication and film with a minor in Acting.
Okey: You played major role in many movies, which of your movies do you like the most?
Ify: It’s the movie called “Queen in LA.”
Okey: “Here comes the boom” I bet this was a fun movie, can you tell us about your role in that movie?
Ify: I played the role of a girlfriend of one of the Leading male actors. He was one of the Gangsters, they deal on drugs, spend lots of money. We partied hard and had fun.
Okey: You also played a Leading Role in the Movie “Queen in LA”, what was that movie briefly about?
Ify: The movie “Queen in LA.” is about Human Trafficking and I played the role of the Queen who had anxiety and expresses it through manipulating young women and men who were promised the American Dream, she forces them into prostitution being drug carriers and various life threatening situations.
Okey: You will be in Atlanta for the Miss Igbo Universe Cultural Heritage Pageant in October 26, 2019. Ndigbo are once more turning back to their language and culture because any cultural group that loses their language and Culture loses their existence any thoughts on this?
Ify: Yes I will be in Atlanta for the Miss Igbo Universe Cultural Pageant this October, it will be a great event and I encourage Ndigbo to embrace this event as theirs. Regarding Igbo Language we have to redirect our efforts understanding the mistake we’ve made by not teaching our kids Igbo language from get go; we must start telling them stories about Igbo land. Parents should make sure our culture and language are explained to the children. Encourage the children to visit Nigeria every two years from now all new born Igbo children must be taught Igbo Language All ethnic groups here in the US do so. Ilu Igbo kwuru si na mmiri di neju doro Nwankita
Okey: I say Amen to this. What’s next for Ify Hollywood?
Ify: I am finishing a new movie called “Searching for Mr. Right”, which will be premiering this year 2019. on June 1st, I will be traveling to Paris for an international movie called “Ladies Trip.” It has been a good year for me, I thank God for everything. I will like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for Coordinating this Interview with me.
Okey: On Behalf of Africa Business World, I will like to extend our profound thanks and gratitude to you Ify for granting us this exclusive interview Daalu Chukwu Gozie gi Ada Igbo
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Chisom Oforah Crowned Miss Igbo America 2018-2019- See over 35 Event Photos
It was a great night in Baltimore Maryland this past weekend of June 23 as people gathered in the Banquet hall of America Best Hotel in Baltimore to watch the Miss Igbo America 2018 Pageant ceremony. The hall was well decorated with Igbo ornaments and artifacts imported from Alaigbo.
The three finalists included
It was a great night for the pageant organizers, several groups and organizations leading the effort to keep Igbo language and Culture alive were also in Baltimore for this event. This pageant was a great event with implications for Igbo language and culture.
Breaking of Colanuts performed by Chief Okechukwu P. Oranika (Odezuligbo 1
The young organizer Miss Chdinma Emenike has a vision which is in line with the visions of Igbo Diaspora Cultural Heritage Festival Committee and their Partners for 2018 Festival-Umuada Di Igbo Mma of Los Angeles.(UDIM)Both bodies are currently organizing the 2nd Igbo Diaspora Cultural Heritage Festival coming up August 17-18, 2018 in the city of Los Angeles California. The goal of this festival is to celebrate Igbo Language and Igbo Cultural Heritage and also draw attention of Ndigbo to the unfortunate demise of Igbo Language due to non usage by Ndigbo and failure to teach their children Igbo Language and associated Igbo Culture
Chidinma with Miss Igbo America 2018-2019
So when Chdinma invited us from Igbo Diaspora Cultural Heritage Festival Committee and the Umuada Di Igbo Mma, Washington DC Metro President Chi Chi Nwanyimanari to come and be judges to select the new Miss Igbo America 2018-2019 we all told her that we will be in Baltimore not only to be part of the Judges for the event but also to make sure that our message about keeping Igbo language and Culture alive is heard at any given place and time.
Umuada Di Igbo Mma, Washington DC Metro Chapter President Chi Chi Nnamah (Nwanyimanari)
To my greatest surprise Chidinma and her Igbo America pageant organizers were very prepared to stage the pageant in Igbo employing Igbo culture in the process. Igbo language was largely used along with English language but we also understand that the transition from using Igbo language instead of English language in Igbo Diaspora events in the United States and elsewhere will be a gradual process. We encourage all Igbo organizations and Associations all over the world to employ Igbo in conducting their meetings, deliberations and events at all times and more importantly for all Igbo parents to spend sometime teaching Igbo language and culture to their young ones. Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Pakistani, Arabs, Vietnamese, or close to home Yorubas, and Hausas, all teach their language and culture to their children. One question that I have always asked is “What does it take for Ndigbo to understand that the only reason Igbo Language will soon disappear is because older generation of Ndigbo have failed to pass on our language and culture to the next generation of Igbo Children”.
Miss Ngozi Noblin Ogbonna owner of Igbo Amaka School and former Miss Igbo America 2016-2017 was the Co MC of the Event
(Photo on the left)Former Miss Igbo America 2017-2018 Miss Ezinne Orji passing on the touch to the new pageant winner Chisom assisted by Nwanyimanari of UDIM.
But the heartwarming news about this pageant is that it is remarkable that all the young Igbo girls, all under 19 years old who qualified as finalists understood Igbo and were able to speak back in Igbo Language. The judges asked the questions in Igbo and English, but all the responses from the contestants were in Igbo. It is also important to emphasize the fact that the finalists all three of them were born here in the United States, and the fact that they were able to speak and talk to the judges and other guests in Igbo is very noteworthy and encouraging. The parents of these girls deserve awards. The fact that some Igbo kids born here in the US are able to learn and speak Igbo language means that any parent could do the same if only they see the need and importance of speaking and teaching Igbo language to their children.
The Pageant Finalist impressed the audience with their Igbo native dance.
Many Nollywood actors, actresses and Directors attended the Miss Igbo America Pageant in Baltimore as well. Among those present include: Mac Collins Chidebe (Mr. China), Ejike Okoye, Dr. Damian Chukwu (DEEDEE Entertainment Award), Loveth EBEDE (Nollywood Actress/Producer), Cynthia Adebayo ( Actress), Mary Igwe (Actress) and others.
Group Photo of Guests and some Nollywood actors and actresses
The winner of this pageant Chisom will receive monetary award, she will also get an award from Entertainment Awards, and will appear on stage in Los Angeles at the 2nd Igbo Diaspora Cultural Heritage Festival coming up August 17-18, 2018. Nollywood Producer at the event said the winner will also appear in a new movie currently being shot in the United States hopefully a movie in Igbo Language.
Special shutout to:
Photo Gallery
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