“OAU FOUNDING FATHERS ROAR IN SILENCE”-2

…The push for this unity seemed dead after the overthrow and deaths of some African leaders from the 1960s.

Until, 2001, OAU looked dormant in the eyes of some Africans but the emergence of charismatic leaders such as Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi (of blessed memory) brought fresh blood into the organization. Through the hard work and efforts of African leaders in the new millennium, the organization regained potency with the principal dream of coming together as a united continent, was almost achieved in 2002 when the name was changed to African Union .

Though it couldn’t happen, 10 years on, Africa still remains divided but some scholars believe the strategy of building a united Africa has changed with the concentration being shifted from a sudden one to a more gradual approach. This is being done through regional blocs such as Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and so on.

Several factors could have accounted for the delay in the unity of the continent, 50 years should have been enough to have a dream which was started half a century ago materializing now.

The unity of the continent has not only remained the headache of Africans in Africa but those outside the continent. The likes of Bob Marley of Jamaica among others have openly expressed the need for such a thing through songs, movies and other media. By now, such founding fathers may be turning in their graves and wish current presidents could hear them scream. Since there is a gap between the dead and the living, a lot of instructions have gone unheard. These leaders who have passed away “wish” they could be alive today to make this long standing dream a reality.

There is no time to waste, the time to unite is NOW!

ONE AFRICA!

ONE PEOPLE!!

ONE DESTINY!!!

“OAU FOUNDING FATHERS ROAR IN SILENCE”

Half a century (50 years) in the life of anyone or an organization is no joke. At such age, one might have accomplished a lot of his or childhood dreams including profession. Failing to achieve his or her principal goal might be considered by others as a “disappointment”

The above could be the very words of the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity(OAU) now African Union(AU) who laid what was supposed to be the very foundation of what would unite the African continent on 25th May,1963. The dream of having a united continent which would use and control its resources, started with the independence of Ghana (Gold Coast) in 1957.

On the eve of the independence, Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah told the whole world that “ Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African.” This he did by helping other African countries which were still under colonial rule to gain independence. By 1963, about 34 African countries had gained independence.

The likes of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah(Ghana), Emperor Haile Selassie I(Ethiopia) among others, at the time, saw the need to have a united continent which would use its resources to ameliorate the lives of its people as well as making Africa a “paradise” on earth.

In Dr. Nkrumah’s speech at the first session of the Organization, he said “ I am happy to be here in Addis Ababa on this most historic occasion. I bring with me the hopes and fraternal greetings of the government and people of Ghana.” “Our objective is African union now. There is no to waste. We must unite now or perish.”… and determination, we shall lay here the foundations for a continental Union of African States.”

With the urge and fire burning in them, these leaders started what is known as African Union (AU) today.

Though some heads of states at the time were caught between accepting such ideas and remaining outside the union as sovereign states, they were very optimistic that the unity being sought after could be established one day but which day this was going to be, no one knew.

Since then, every 25th May has become a very important day on the calendar of African leaders....

VIBRATIONS FROM THE REGGAE IDOL’S BOX-2

…A member of the Wailers band, Neville ‘Bunny’ Livingston confirmed this in a video documentary on Bob Marley produced by Steve Bing and Charles Steel, that the first time he saw him, Bob was carrying firewood from the farm. This training from his early life influenced him throughout his life, putting in a lot of efforts into composing and getting his albums out.

Secondly, Bob Marley could be described as a visionary. Many people came to know him at the peak of his musical carrier but those who knew him from the scratch could testify that he had gone through “storms” before his fame. This is something, some musicians today are lacking and would not be ready to through the heat but may want it rosy from the word go.

Seeing his bright future from childhood, he opted for music despite knowing the importance of formal education. This only goes to prove that formal education is not the answer at the end of the day for everyone.

Third of the qualities of this reggae idol was that, he was peaceful. He once decided to perform at a concert for peace and unity ahead of one of the elections in Jamaica which was preceded with rivalry and tension. This kind of example is emulated around the world ahead of elections. For instance, in Ghana, musicians perform and call for peace and unity before, during and after elections.

Also, he could be said to be forgiving. He demonstrated this when he and his band were attacked a few days ahead of the “Peace Concert” in Jamaica. He and his band sustained injuries due to gunshots but after being released from hospital, they performed to unite Jamaica. He decided to forgive the perpetrators behind of this callous act.

Another quality was, he was a freedom fighter. He wrote and sang sons which contained lyrics of inspiration urging people who were and are being oppressed to “fight” on. One of such songs is “ Get up, Stand up” which urged people around the world to fight for their rights.

Moreover, he generous. Bob Marley did not limit he “riches” to his family. He extended helping hand to others who needed help. People queued in front of his house to be given money each and almost every day.

Furthermore, he was spiritual. At every moment of his life, be it good or bad, he gave thanks to the most high God (Jah). Finally, Bob could be seen as loving. He showed love to both young and old, men and women and this was throughout his life, no matter where he found himself.

Although the above were some of the qualities of Bob Marley, certain aspects and experiences helped in writing songs which touched a lot of people.

Whiles growing, he was “rejected” by his father but this experience led to the writing of “Cornerstone” in 1970. Aside this, rumors and his personal relationship with Cindy Breakspeare(Miss Jamaica) who represented Jamaica on the world stage, won the Miss World 1976. From this relationship, his wife was thought to be worried about this. From his wife’s reactions, this reggae idol, came up with “Three Little Birds”.

Through struggle, oppression, racial issues among others, Bob once said that he had no personal goal in life but would want to see the whole world coming together regardless of race, creed, gender just to mention a few. It is not surprising that Bob released “One Love” which shook the foundation of the world.

From this REGGAE IDOL (BOB MARLEY), the world can learn how to live in harmony and peace.

NO MORE WAR! PEACE!! ONE LOVE!!!

VIBRATIONS FROM THE REGGAE IDOL’S BOX

After 32 years of departing from the surface of this earth, anything with Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) as born, resonates. He was born to Cedella Marley Booker (A Jamaican) and Norval Marley (An English) at Nine Mile, Saint Ann in Jamaica on 6th February, 1945. His dad, Norval is believed to have died in the World War II in India. At age 12, Bob and his mother left for Kingston for a better life. At Trench Town, Kingston, Bob Marley was exposed to so many things including music. Though his mother was trying very hard to give Bob a formal education, he did not find it interesting and opted for music, joining friends who were in the same field. In his teens, he met the likes of Desmond Decker whom he worked with as a welder but both later got into music.

Several friends tried convincing Bob including Neville Livingston of the Wailers band about the need to have at least a college education, he insisted on getting into music and his first song “Judge Not” was recorded by Beverley Records in 1962 when he about 17 years.

From here, Bobs musical career began. After several storms in the world of music, he made it to the top. Bob Marley touched the world with his style of music and content which gave him a lot of recognition.

It was through music that he met his wife, Rita Marley. He was blessed with 11 children though from different relationships including Rita’s.

The dream of bringing the world together through his life was short lived as he passed away at age 36, on 11th May,1981. Bob Marley’s death came as one of the shocking moments in the lives of many people who were alive at the time and even the unborn generation. This was simply due to how he was able to touch the hearts of many regardless of one’s religion, ethnicity or race, gender among others....

From Bob Marley’s 36 years of fulfilling life, many have been and could be learnt from him. The following are a few of the qualities he possessed.

First of all, Bob was enduring and hardworking. At a very young age, certain chores such as feeding horse, donkey, milking cow among others which were reserved for his uncles were equally performed by him....

AFTER ALL THE TEARS, JUST ONE DAY FOR MOTHERS?-2

...From here, another journey of the unknown begins as mothers are supposed to take care of the baby or babies to a stage this one or these ones can fend for himself or themselves sometimes with the help their husbands. Other times, irresponsible husbands shirk their responsibilities leaving their wives and babies to the mercy of society.

Whether men play their roles or not, mothers do all they can to ensure that these tender souls survive the harsh conditions of society nurturing them into future heroes. Sadly, some mothers do not live to see what their issues have grown into but whatever the case may be, one can never take away the roles of mothers in the lives of children.

Unfortunately, some women who wish to become biological mothers do not see their dreams coming into fruition after trying different means both in the bedroom, artificial insemination amongst others. The only option sometimes left for them may be to adopt and love such ones as their own from their wombs though not easy in doing so.

Aside the above, some end up even taking care of younger relatives as their as their own children, helping these ones to realize their dreams.

In whichever category of mother a woman might find herself, there are moments of tears, joy, pains and “torture” in bringing up children to become responsible adults in society to help mankind.

The above and several other reasons I always reflect on make me think having a specific day to celebrate mothers is wrong. Instead of just one day to do so, it should be made a daily thing, making mothers feel good all year round. Without mothers, there is no society.

BIG UPS TO ALL SWEET MOTHERS!

AFTER ALL THE TEARS, JUST ONE DAY FOR MOTHERS?

One would be thinking why it has taken me almost a week to write on “Mothers’ Day” which is celebrated annually. The delay is simply due to the internal conflict I was experiencing on why we should have a specific day in celebrating mothers.

This conflict stems from the fact that becoming a mother, both biologically or otherwise is no joke. On the side of biological ones, a lot of people tend to look at it from the pains and other forms of discomfort they go through in the 9 months but I think it should be more than that.

I rather think it should be looked at from the act which even leads to pregnancy in the first place, be it in the bedroom or anywhere the couple may deem it appropriate to have it. Due to the complex nature of pregnancy, sometimes this act does not occur once but a number of times just for a woman to be confirmed pregnant.

If all biological mothers share their experience of the act which leads to pregnancy, some would classify theirs as not just an act but an “ordeal” as a result of the “excess” pains they bear in the course of it.

Finally when confirmed pregnant, the 3 trimesters (9 months) journey begins. This is where a number of women “go blank” with some behaving as if they have never been taught how to dress and to which occasion, with all due respect to ladies. By this, some lose their sense of dressing, taste and even how to relate to others completely.

Nobody can blame them for this as the 9 months could be full of uncertainties but with the help of doctors, family members and personal efforts by these women, the journey could be a smooth one.

When the 3 trimesters are finally over, a baby or set of babies are expected to “arrive” safely though, some mothers are not able to finish the final lap with either losing their lives, that of the baby or babies or both of the mother and baby or babies. This is stage is what I refer to as the “true judgment” thus giving account of the 9 months aside all the difficulties that come with pregnancy....