Tuesday 30 September 2014

PARENTS SHOULD ALSO BE ON FACEBOOK, SOCIAL MEDIA ~ REV. FATHER SEBASTIAN UKWANDU


 Rev. Father Sebastian will be speaking at the HELP INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, organised by the KEEPING MARRIAGE ALIVE (KMA) organisation in October 2014. In a pre-event interview, Father Sebastian takes a brief look at the kind of LEGACY parents are meant to leave for their children or people who look up to them. 

He noted that Facebook, Nollywood, Hollywood and the Music  industry are the major trainers of our children nowadays than Parents. Children are bombarded with all sorts of information and images, ideas and ideologies. belief and anti-moral teachings. Only when parents are on the social media,  would  they know how to guide or direct their wards. 

Speaking to Emdee David, the Catholic priest of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA, who is on a mission to Nigeria,  looks back at what growing up was like in his childhood days and now. Then, he said, children were not exposed to the kind of music, sensual lyrics, emails, dance, etc, "We were faced with limited choices, unlike these days. And to me that's one of the challenges our children are  facing nowadays. Their parents at home are telling them something, and on the internet somebody is telling them something else. A lot of things are conflicting  or competing with the normal upbringing. They meet people on Facebook or the social media who have a different moral exposure and belief system regarding habits, character and behaviour."

So, he opines that Parents should be on the social media, Facebook especially. Most time when parents say things, the kids think, "mom doesn't know anything." But if the parents know what's up on the internet they could guide their kids better. He says, "I think every parent should be on the social media, if possible, and if they can afford it.  You need to be there to know how facebook works and how to advice the child. They need to see what the children are exposed to  -  e.g., sex, marijuana, lack of believe in God, etc.  "

Rev. Sebastian, will speak more on this  and how to live an exemplary live as a way of leaving a legacy for the next generation. This will hold on the 17th and 18th of October, 2014 at the National Theater, Iganmu Lagos. This International Conference is a forum where couples learn a lot on how to keep their marriages alive and also to relate well with their children, their profession and others in the society. The organizers, Dr. and Pst (Mrs) Richard Okonkwo think every marriage can be made to work and can be lively and enjoyable. So they are bringing the likes of Professor Pat Utomi, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Pst, and Mrs. Iwunze, Sir and Lady Mazi Ivi, Pastor and Pst (Mrs.) Owen Nlekwuwa and Ngee/Rich themselves, to speak and educate on various topics.  Registration for this international marriage conference is just N1,500 per individual. For further details, please contact: +234 9092153103.

Ngee, Rich and the children

Poster for the HELP INT'L CONFERENCE

Nollywood and Nigerian Music stars lead Ghana Unity Tour: The Mandators, John Njamah, Stereoman, Tony Akposheri and Emdee David


John Njamah - AEN Member
Emdee David, John Njamah, Tony Akposheri and notable entertainment stakeholders are leading a group of Nigerian Entertainers on a Road Unity tour to Ghana. This is a way of fostering a stronger relationship and unity among African countries, starting from the West African sub-region. 

Also joining the Tour is Victor Essiet of The Mandators, a Reggae living legend who has been in the United States all this while and is here in Nigeria. Victor Essiet believes Africa needs LOVE, which will bring about the UNITY we so much desire. 

 We are using a platform of Entertainment to preach Unity and Love because of its natural bonding power which in turn affects brotherly love among youths and adults. We chose Ghana as a starting point because Ghana and Nigeria already has a strong bond in Nollywood, Fashion and the music industries. 


This Road Tour to Ghana is coming up from the 3rd to 7th of October 2014 as a way of 

· Sensitizing the African countries about our vision, mission and the need for stronger uniting activities together. 

· Exploring recreational areas of Ghana, with few stops at Benin and Togo. We will be visiting Rita Marley’s studio, the Beach, and Slave Center. 

· 
· Socializing with our Ghana fellow Actors/Actresses, models and musicians. 

Victor Essiet, Emdee David and Julius, CEO Kings Arrivee
· Formally inaugurating our Ghana Network 

Reggie Rockstone - Awardee
·  AFRICA ENTERTAINMENT AWARD: 
Honouring top Ghanaian Actors/Actresses, musicians, and TV OAPs, etc who have contributed to youth development and the entertainment industry in Ghana. Those considered for this award include: 

· Amb. Zynnell Lydia Zuh, 

· Pascal Amanfo 

· John Dumelo, 

· Jackie Appiah, 

· Ama K, Frank Rajah, 

· Shata Wale, 

· Reggie Rockstone, 

· Majid Michel, 

· Lydia Forson 

· The Ghanaian Minister of Arts and Culture. Many of them have confirmed their acceptance of the Award. 

Africa Entertainment Award 2014
Africa Entertainment Award (AEA) is a recognition award based on the individual, or corporate entity’s effort in building the entertainment industry. It is organized by Africa Entertainment Network. The award will also be holding in Nigeria and South Africa in no distant time. 



Others slated for this tour also include: Stereoman (EKWE), Victory, Ambassador Queen Busayo Owolabi, Ambassador Tokunbo Fayomi, the Mandators (not confirmed), Julius King, Lilian Dizo, Akin Kongi, Ace music producer, Fortune O’Tega, Jessica Raymond, Cynthia Onuoha, and other Nollywood and music acts. 

Tony Akposheri and Lilian Dizo - AEN members/Nollywood

Africa Entertainment Network is a social forum coordinated by TRUMPSOUND PRODUCTIONS COMPANY, a network where all genres of arts and entertainment in Africa are brought under one umbrella and provided with care, privileges and opportunity to become professionals in their chosen career as entertainers. It is meant to network all the elements of entertainment in Nigeria and Africa together in an online entertainment forum, building a strong international network for African artistes and aspiring talented youths in the production of music, films, artworks, documentaries, poems, and books, etc. 

· Our network now extends to South Africa, Kenya, Liberia, Chad, Trinidad, Finland, UK and the US. We already have a few members in Ghana, but we are formally establishing our presence in the state. 

· We stand to empower African Youths who are interested in Entertainment to achieve their dreams, become professional and have a genuine source of income from their God-given talents; we promote their talents, link them up with other artistes, or content buyers, expose them through training workshops and tour of other entertainment centers in Africa and elsewhere through the high-ways of the Internet and other online platforms. 

· Africa Entertainment Network is also an online professional social forum for African artistes and showbiz men and women, e.g. Actors, models, comedians, producers, fashion designers, movie/music directors, TV presenters, marketers, sportsmen, etc. we connect them to the media, financial and other corporate companies for mutual business benefits and relationship.

Adjetey Anang- gets the Africa Entertainment Award


Zynnel Zuh Lydia -  Ghaliwood, Awardee

Ama K - Ghanaian Actress and TV Presenter -Awardee



· We are mobilizing supports for the African artistes in various ways and from various corporate organizations, firms and institutions. Our network already spans parts of Europe, Africa, The Caribbean and the US. We are particularly working with Caribbean organizations and artistes who seek to unite with their brothers in Africa through Storytelling, films, music and tourism. Marlene Seurattan of the Jah Put A Hand movement in New York and Trinidad has been a resourceful partner. So is Artslink.co.za in South Africa and the Kenyan Kiambu Young Greens. It’s all about Networking. We are currently working on bother movies and music projects. 



· We are providing opportunities to artistes, actors/actresses, models, etc to showcase themselves and fulfill their dreams. 

· We are providing both life and health insurance to entertainers against the rainy days. This is in partnership with major insurance companies in Africa. 

· Through our African Entertainment Foundation, we provide funding for small scale projects for entertainers in acquiring equipment or producing TV or film contents. 

· We also providing a platform for training, workshop and work experiences for our members. The goal is to make any aspiring entertainer be professional in his/her pursuit. 

· We also have Group chat for a on BBM, Whatsapp and Facebook where we interact with each other on a daily basis.


Members at Kings Arrive, NTA, Yaba

Jessica Raymond - Nollywood Actress/AEN member

Members at Ojez, National Stadium, Lagos

AEN members


AEN members during visit to OJB Jezreel before his Operation

AEN members

AEN members
Pascal Amanfo, to be awarded in Ghana


Original Stereoman, Ekwe
Funky Mallam with AEN members

Last Event of AEN members

AEN members at a retreat

AEN members


The Ghana Unity Tour is proudly supported by:

Africa Entertainment News









CHI DIVINE COSMETICS




SMILE TIME AFRICA (ghana-1 TV)





Tuesday 23 September 2014

NO CHIBOK GIRLS RELEASED

Late evening yesterday, September 23, the Defence HQ released a statement to the BBC that some of the Chibok Girls had been released. Two Toyota Hiace buses with the girls inside were said to have been driven into the Maimalari Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, which was confirmed by Major Chris Olukolade, the DHQ spokesperson. This sparked a jubilation among many. Even the #BringBackOurGirls campaigner, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili tweeted that the rumour was strong, but added that they were waiting for the hard evidence. The rumour was easily believed since, few days ago, there were speculations that 219 of the girls would be released in exchange for 18 top Boko Haram militants captured by the Nigerian military.

The hard evidence never came and in fact, the Army Spokesman later retracted his statement, adding that the girls in Army custody were not Chibok girls. No Chibok girls were actually released.

Nigerians are getting impatient with the delay in rescuing the over 200 school girls abducted by the Islamic Militants known as Boko Haram. But President Jonathan and the Nigerian Army have severally assured that all efforts are being made to secure their safe release.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

A TOUCH OF RED: KEEPING MARRIAGE ALIVE WITH YOUR MONEY

Ngee and Rich - Organizers, KMA
It was another love-filled atmosphere at the Grasshopper's Place, Festac Town Lagos, when couples dressed in pure red or a touch of it to find out how marriages survive the hurdles of money management. A Touch of Red is a marriage dinner event organized by the Keeping Marriage Alive, an NGO coordinated by Rich and Ngee, a love-struck couple who also believe Marriage could be sweet in every home that deliberately chooses to make it sweet. The theme of the event this time was, YOUR MONEY, OUR MONEY.

The basic idea is that couples should see themselves as one is such a way that whatever belongs to one belongs to the other, and that financial crisis in the homes can be avoided or solved when both husband and wife are transparent to each other on their spendings.



The couples in attendance shared their struggles in this aspect, especially the women who think their husbands do not disclose to them their total income or salary. The men also feel that when their spouses know how much they earn, they tend to demand more and want to spend it. While some prefer the old notion of the man keeping his income secret, others believe it should no more be so, and that even though the wife knows his income, it should not translate to wanting more of it,

 
Participant at the Touch of RED event

It is however learnt during this event, that TRUST is the key to a successful money-hitch-free marriage. Husbands should let their wives know what they earn, money or assets they have, and wives should also be understanding in the management of their resources.


Aunty Ngozi, Alias Carol in Living in Bondage, introducing the Drama session. 

Drama Time, Stage artists passing a message to the attendants




Couple discussing together on things to buy with their money. 


Couples support each other's gifts or talents


Nollywood's Ngozi and Chioma Igwe, at the event.




The lessons where learnt through Couple GAMES, Table Talk, Drama, and other interactive sessions. And at the end of the day, many couples confess they now know their spouses better, and how to manage their financial resources together. Some also agree they would declare their assets to their spouses, for trust sake, and in case of unforeseen eventuality. 

Couple who went shopping together
This and many more are the benefits of the different programmes organized by KEEPING MARRIAGE ALIVE. Couples therefore are provided with different fora to make their union a sweet and better and enjoyable one. More programmes are coming up later in the year, the closest being the HELP INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, which would have Prof. Pat Utomi, Pastor Poju Oyemade, Rev. Father Sebastian Ukwandu, among others, including Dr. and Mrs. Richard Okonkwo themselves, the visioneers of the Keeping Marriage Alive NGO. Watch out for details of this event, which will hold at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos from the 17th to 18th of October, 2014. or Call: 

Below are other photos of the Touch of Red Event, and some of  the couples in attendance.

Couple in attendance, happy and full of smiles

Attentive Couples

Amaka, Event Compere


The Table Talk, a practical discussion on how couples relate with their money. 
Discussants at the event.









Pretty, Well-dressed usher

Money for the couple Money Game


Couple enjoying the day



The man went shopping alone, but bought things for his wife also.

Still on Couple's game. How well do you know your spouse?

Best couple of the day rewarded