Njeri appointed as Greenpeace Africa Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

Kenyan born Njeri Kabeberi, has been named as Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa after an extensive search for a combination of skills required to drive the organisation towards a people powered movement.

According to the Greenpeace Africa Board, Africans are hungry for a new story, one with a better take on nature, on humanity, their livelihoods, their future and their connection to the earth. “It was critical to find someone who embodies passion, activism and understands the context of environmental justice in Africa and we are confident that Njeri represents that” said Greenpeace Africa Board Chair Brian Kagoro.

Greenpeace currently runs campaigns on four key issues on the continent, to protect the Congo Basin from large scale deforestation, stop overfishing in West Africa, promote ecological farming in the horn of Africa as well as demand a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in South Africa in order to reverse the impacts of climate change.

With a long history in human rights activism, Njeri will be leading Greenpeace Africa into a new wave of environmental justice for Africans by Africans.

“We will continue to work on our flagship campaigns but more so, we shall be working closely with communities to ensure that our campaigns speak to the local realities on the continent and can effect change in the day to day life of our people” said newly appointed Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi.

“Africa has a major role to play in the global efforts to reverse climate change, protecting its vast natural forest and safeguarding its rich ocean resources is centre to the continent’s contribution in averting the catastrophic effects of climate change. It is important that the continent works together to push for an end to illegal logging, unsustainable fishing and a shift from industrial agriculture to ecological farming to ensure that our biodiversity is protected” added Njeri.

Njeri joins Greenpeace after serving as CEO of the Civil Society Reference Group and as the immediate former Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.  She is also a member of the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and chairs the board of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict.

  

Njeri is passionate about social justice and women’s rights, and in 2010, amongst others, received the ILO Wedge Award.  She also has extensive INGO leadership and management experience and was on the Board of the Kenya Human Rights Commission for many years.  

WHEN IT MATTERED MOST, WE FAILED!!

Over the years, there's been the case of remembrance or celebration and when appropriate it should be done. Different schools of thought have either stated it to be before or after and at large defending their stance.

A little under a week ago, Ghana lost one of its illustrious football icon in Coach E. K. Afranie affectionately called Coach Hene after a short illness. The sports fraternity was saddened by his demise and a lot of condolences were sent to his surviving family and loved ones.

THE LATE COACH E. K. AFRANIE

A few days into his demise, the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars had a game to be fulfilled in their quest for a fourth FIFA world cup appearance against Egypt. Fast forward to the match day and some of us if not most of us spectators were expecting the entire team to show their utmost respect or remembrance to this icon of a coach.

Ironically, almost all if not all of the players that featured had been trained or developed by this man who was no more. It would have been prudent and in line to at least wear the black armband as a sign of remembrance to him. Nothing of that sort was done and I don't know who to put the blame on as I post this piece.

Did the management team of the Black Stars ever think about this?

Did the FA ever think about honouring coach Hene at any point prior to the game?

How about the playing body themselves? Did they project it, if they did was it rejected? If it was why and who rejected the proposal?

I am tempted to draw in the Sports ministry but on this day I feel they won't be an appropriate case to attack.

As a case of fact, nothing like this was done and as a nation circled down to the football loving arena must bow their heads in shame why?

Because when it mattered most, we failed as a group in honouring a son of the land who gave his all to serves in that small capacity and you can't deny the fact that he succeeded in that field for the nation.

World Climate Event

They say opportunity comes but once and when it comes your way, you must grab it with both hands and that is what I did when the call came to be a part of the World Climate Simulation event. To know briefly what transpired and the role I played at the event, kindly read further.

The World Climate simulation event gives people a taste of what it is like to be a negotiator at the UN climate change negotiations. World Climate was developed by Climate Interactive, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Climate change Initiative.

The event which was organized by Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) with support from Climate Interactive and the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco at the Kumasi Hive, Kentinkrono-Kumasi granted me the opportunity to be a part as an Activist/Journalist where my role was to set the minds of negotiators on the importance of the day. Seemingly I had to counter directives that were proposed to the fund seeking delegates to be circumspect of accepting any conditions looking at their countries resources and it's eventual effect on their environment.

I had the final say, by closing the event with my observations and remarks and one thing was obvious, the mindset to which some of our developing country's attend such negotiation events is sad.

Also I explained why the case of climate change research and activism was important for which negotiators should take note in their dealings with developed partners should another opportunity presented itself.

At the end of the two sections, the nation’s decisions were fed into C-ROADS software to calculate if the goal of groups to limit global warming to “well below 2˚C” compared to preindustrial levels was met.

The results from the computer showed the nations have only limited global warming to 2.3˚C which means more intensive actions have to take place to reach the 2˚C goal.

Grateful to the GAYO team for the opportunity they granted me to be a part of this event and I learnt a lot for which the experience gained is still very much valued.

See you soon at another climate related event. When you see me just give me a wave.

Act on Climate!!!

PHOTO CREDIT : Green Africa Youth Organisation

Afro Vibes #MusicWeDeyFeel on Music Monday

Hello once again folks, been a while I came to you with another session of #MusicWedeyfeel on a Music Monday like this. If I am not mistaken this should be the first of the year 2016.

Today I will bring to your enjoyment pleasure the music of two soothing tunes from the young men who I tip to be a huge sensation soon on the continent.

Now if you have your passports and flight tickets ready, join me as I take you on a trip to Tanzania to enjoy the tune from Mayunga.

Mayunga Nalimi born, May 15th 1991, is a Tanzanian musician, actor and singer-song writer. He was discovered in 2010 when he reigned supreme in the national broadcast of Airtel TRACE Music Star taking home the first place trophy as winner of the competition. Now this is the tune I outdoor to your enjoyment.

1. MAYUNGA feat AKON - PLEASE DON'T GO AWAY





A beautiful song by all standards and I think he will do well if he keeps his head on the ground and become a favourite artist on the continent.

Now lets take a quick turn back to West Africa and land in Nigeria as I introduce you to the man revered as the ladies man. He is signed to Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and as well holds the ideals of family very seriously. Well he is no mystery now I guess, call him Shaydee, a fast rising artist who believes will be one of Nigeria's big music exports very soon. Enjoy his tune which is a song I am digging right now.

2. SHAYDEE - SMILE



Trust me, if you don't enjoy this soothing tune then, you'll have more to deal with me.....hahahaha...just kidding.

Tell me what you think out these two features for today in the comments section. Again thanks for checking out my blog as I continue to look out for the best tunes on the continent to celebrate and share with you.

Want to get interactive with the features acts?

1. MAYUNGA ARTIST CORNER

2. SHAYDEE ARTIST CORNER

I CELEBRATE NANA KOFI ACQUAH

There is always that one person who stands out in a park. Day in day out our country Ghana is blessed with gifted folks from all walks of life as well as their chosen trade for either their livelihood or for the pleasure of it.

I met him at one of Blogging Ghana's premium event, #Blogcamp Ghana after a few interactions online. I had always closely followed his works and admired it. With my little passion for arts and photography, he came in handy and very resourceful after the few minutes chat were had after his break-out session during the event.

I even went ahead to tell him about a plan I had in mind, and he was thrilled and encouraged me to pursue it if I wanted to do that. Within minutes he had suggested a few things that i should look at and then assured me of his doors being open anytime I needed his input. One thing he said under that session for which I remember a lot till this day : "If you want me to shoot your wedding then be ready to pay me a $1000 for each photograph". This was to confirm his decision not to do wedding shoots.

The years went by and I realised most of his works were drifted towards Development Photography. With his poetry background, the grammar that went with the photographs that he posted ( and still does) on all his platforms, were worth reading and taking a look at the photos. I remember being a part of a twitter chat initiated by The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) where himself and other talented photographers moderated on Development Photography (#DEVPIX) and the messages photos posted sold. Such great insight and valuable information shared by him till this day, I documented.

I am sure for those of you that know him, are very familiar to his works and accolades so i won't bug you much. This post is to actually celebrate him. And what are we celebrating?

Last week he was honoured to become the first recipient of the World Press Photo and  Tim Hetherington Fellowship Award. This is no doubt a big feat in his chosen career and as a Ghanaian, I feel so proud. Congratulations no doubt are in order and a big salute from me to this wonderful personality is being sent to him via this blog post.

In his response to the honour, this is what he had to say ;

"I hope that my work can help create the Africa that Tim worked so hard and died for, and the World Press Photo envisions.

In my short life, I have been helped and favoured by so many people over the years and all over the world; and I cannot say Thank You enough".

 Prior to this honour, he had had one of his photos featured in a book chronicling 10 historic moments showed to the Pope.

Do you know, Nana Kofi is also a self-declared male feminist and he has stated that he is driven to change the narrative around African women where they are sometimes portrayed as vulnerable and subdued.

He has been featured on BBC and Reuters in his capacity as an African Male Feminist and on CNN’s African Voices for attempting to redefine the perceptions on Africa through his photographs and writings.

Why won't I celebrate such a person.

Get to know him more and his works;

NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S BLOG

NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S INSTAGRAM

 NANA KOFI ACQUAH'S TUMBLR

GRAMEEN FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Grameen Foundation Fellows make their mark in the fight against poverty, while broadening their professional horizons and gaining invaluable hand-on experience in international development. This is a unique opportunity for professionals from a wide range of industries, from management consulting and business to data analysis to healthcare and agriculture, to gain substantial experience leading the development and implementation of projects serving the poor, working with some of the brightest minds in social innovation.

Grameen Foundation Fellowships are competitive, year long, field-based positions. Each field placement is individually tailored to match your skills and interests with the needs of Grameen Foundation and its partners around the world. All Fellows receive living stipends, group orientation, and ongoing professional development support. 

Required Skills, Attributes and Abilities:

  v  Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission.

  v  Most placements will be with Grameen Foundation teams, we look for expertise in the areas of financial services, health, agriculture, mobile technology, and social entrepreneurship.

  

  v  Exposure to low bandwidth environments and developing countries helpful

  v  Ability to manage multiple priorities

  v  Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability while working in a  dynamic environment

  v  Great sense of humor and comfort with a range of personalities

Education and Experience:

There are no education or experience requirements for the Grameen Foundation Fellowship. However, strong candidates often have professional experience in strategy or management consulting, financial services, health, or agriculture and/or have worked in global business or in startup-like environments.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Fellowship placements will likely be in Africa (particularly Uganda and Ghana), Latin America (particularly Colombia and Nicaragua), Asia (particularly India and the Philippines), and the Middle East. 

This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comments:

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

How to Apply:

Please visit the Grameen Foundation Fellowship Website for more information on the program or to apply for a Fellowship. 

CANS OF FRESH AIR SOLD IN CHINA

More than 300 cans of fresh air from south China’s Hainan Province have been sold at the 2016 Hainan International Tourism Trade Expo.

Selling for 29 yuan (US$4.50), the cans of clean air have generated significant interest from businesses and tourists from smog-effected cities in the north and northeast China.

It was bottled in the seaside tourism resort of Bawangling, Changjiang County in southwest Hainan, where the forest coverage is up to 98 per cent.

Bawangling’s average negative oxygen ions per cubic centimetre are as high as 6,000, which is six times the standard of clean air stated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Liu Jin, deputy county chief of Changjiang at the Expo, said: “The first batch of 300 cans were all sold out, and it will start selling to the public in two months.”

Chinese firms are already in negotiation to research and develop larger sizes and different applications, according to Liu.

Source: Climate Action News

IN MEMORY: SKY+FACE !!

"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep". - An Indian Memorial Poem 

I haven't been in the best of health and general mood during the week has been down but in all these work had to be done.

I had a few client complains that needed attention and prompt solutions to be meted out. I joined my driver for his usual deliveries and supply schedule so I use that opportunity to meet up with them personally.

One after the other, I handled the very simple ones to the complex ones, and for those that needed further attention, assurances were given to them that action would be taken to their best interest.

As we went along, I felt a little tired and decided I get myself some refreshment of a sort since I am not a big fan of Energy drinks. I spotted a mini mart around and pleaded with my driver to pull the breaks so I get something. He did and I got of the van heading straight to the mart. Approaching the mart, I coincidentally hit my foot against a stone which drew the attention of the people in-front of the mini mart who were also getting one thing or the other from the same mart I was approaching. Immediately I raised my head up so I take a few steps to the mart for the attendant serves me. In the process of raising my head, I saw an inscription on the side of the mart, a dress- makers shop written in chalk, SKY FACE.   

Immediately, I startled a bit and went further to have a real look at it if it was a spelling mistake or for real written right. The latter was the case, very well written as you can see from the photo taken and attached to this post. I then took out my phone and took a couple of shots. After getting back into the van, I took out my phone to look at the photo captured.

SKY+FACE

It then dawned on me for a brief moment that yes I really missed my favourite cousin who was that selfless and always happy to make you happy.

I still remember when our house attire came through and we were to receive them from the bursar's office, immediately you got yours you wore it right in front of the library of Nifa Secondary School and walked up the hill to our 1B1 classroom to the amazement and admiration of many.

Till this day, we all know you created a vacuum in our hearts but we mourn no more Nana Kumi, we believe as a family as well as your close friends and mates that you are definitely resting in perfect peace.

STILL CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE AND HOPEFULLY WE SHALL MEET ON THE OTHER SIDE.

HAS IT FALLEN THAT LOW?

And then 2015 ended calmly and we were ushered into the new year.

Invitations to a lot of social events came through for which I chose quite a number to attend.
So the very first social event for 2016 was the wedding ceremony of a working colleague. It was out of town so had to travel the distance to make it there. Somewhere in the Eastern region is where it took place.

Right on time, I made it to the service and everything as planned began. Time went by and the service went on and on and on. The groom came in and it was time for the bride to show her presence for the solemnization to begin. Minutes went by, then it turned into an hour of waiting. Various singing groups were called upon to minister different songs from worship, to reggae, to praises all in anticipation for the arrival of the bride but still it was a no show from the bride. It was an hour and a half gone and the bride had not showed up. People started to express some level of anxiety and anger as it was getting annoying to a few myself inclusive. I asked a friend who also knew the groom and had come to support, why it was always the case with brides delaying to show up. Well guess what she showed up two hours after the groom had taken his seat.

Fast forward to the plot of my post, I will try to get that bit of why brides, if I will say take delight in keeping everyone waiting for such long periods during their wedding days.

Soon they were pronounced man and wife after their vows exchange and it was time for merry making. Photographs were taken and we all headed to the reception grounds. Guests and family got seated awaiting the newly weds to come take their seats so the other half of the day could continue.
Then the MC showed up! He started with some jokes and introduced himself to the gathering. All through his presentation and MC duties, coordination of what follows what on the outlines program was duly delivered with dexterity. He did well in mixing both the English and Twi languages to the admiration of everyone. Still that doesn't pitch in my plot for this post.....lol!


Here it is......recently the form of worship with reference to Christianity has come under a lot of scrutiny. Several reasons have been assigned to the modern ways of worship in recent times.
Throughout his MCing, one thing that run through was how the various forms of worship in the christian faith was used as jokes and used them as jokes formats. One of the very repeated ones was the speaking of tongues. The sight and movements that ensued around immediately warranted a form of prayer and ended in the tongue speaking craze which drew laughter and giggles from most people around.

Personally I wasn't enthused by those gimmicks and thought I was the only one. Right behind me, I overheard some grown up women expressing their displeasure of that particular aspect of his mcing. One of the women expressed in twi "Enti ebi nom ensuro Nyame anaa?" meaning "so don't some people fear God?"

That wasn't the only time I had heard of such jokes. On a lot of platforms, I have heard such lines being jokingly expressed. In not trying to compare to other religions, will they - comedians, MCs etc try that other forms of worship of other religions?

Aside the tongues bit, kindly share any experience you've had where certain forms of worship of other religions has been jokingly expressed even though will prefer more of the christian religion.

Cheers and have the best of 2016 and welcome to another run of cool posts from me.