Monthly Archives: November 2014

Leader of African Soccer

Posted on November 30, 2014 by | 7 comments

FIF_NewCrest

Each country has its own positive things. They can be anything: society, politics, culture, art and music. These positive things play a big role in shaping up the country. They do not have to be famous, but they hold the value of the people and the country. For Ivory Coast, I think that the most positive thing about this country a game of sport, called soccer.

If you asked everybody who watches soccer about national soccer teams in Africa, they all would know about how good Ivory Coast national soccer team is. Soccer is a major sport in Ivory Coast, and there are soccer fields existed in every town and villages in Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast national soccer team is controlled by the Federation Ivoirienne de Football or FIF. Moreover, Ivorian national soccer team, also known as “The Elephant”, is always famous in its continent, but it is known worldwide after it qualified for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The Elephant has an impressive record in African Cup of Nation. The team captured fourth place in 1970 and 2008, third place in 1965, 1968, 1986, and 1994, second place in 2006 and 2012, and it won the cup in 1992 against Ghana on penalties at the Stade Leopold Senghor in Dakar, Senegal. Other than that, it captured fourth place in FIFA Confederation Cup in 1992. Most importantly, Ivorian national soccer team has qualified for three consecutive World Cups, first in Germany in 2006, second in South Africa in 2010, and lastly in Brazil in 2014. Unfortunately, they have never moved on from the group stage. Nevertheless, the Elephant has produced many world class soccer players; for example, Didier Drogba who is now playing for Chelsea Football Club in Barclay Premiere League in England, Yaya Toure who is now playing for Manchester City Football Club in the same league with Drogba, and Gervinho who is now playing for Associazione Sportiva Roma in Serie A in Italy. In national ranking, Ivory Coast is ranked 25th in the world, higher than Russia, Sweden, and Poland; furthermore, it is ranked 2nd in Africa. Ivorian national soccer team once was ranked 12th in the world in 2013, which is the highest ranking it has ever gotten.

For the Ivorian, soccer is more than just a sport. In 2002, the First Ivorian Civil War began. The Ivorian split into two sides; the rebel held Muslim North and the government held Christian South. There were raids and hostile attacks on foreign troops and civilians. This conflict came to an end, thanks to the Ivorian national soccer team that qualified for the 2006 World Cups in Germany. This qualification of the team led to the temporary truce between the two sides, which decrease the tension between the two parties. Moreover, this truce led to a peace agreement to end the conflict, which was signed on 4 March 2007.

I think that it is a wonderful thing that a game of sport can bring people from the entire nation to come together and stop the violence. I always know that Ivory Coast soccer is the best in its continent, and the knowledge that it also brought truce between the two sides in the First Ivorian Civil War amazed me even more. This teaches me that little group of people, uninvolved with politics or religions, can bring peace to the whole nation. More importantly, this makes me change my thought toward this country and the game of soccer. It makes me want to learn more of how this game will shape Ivory Coast future, as it played a significant role in bringing peace to the country in 2006. Remember, sport is much more than just a game.

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Posted in History, Sports, Stereotypes

Nigeria – The big bro of Africa.

Posted on November 28, 2014 by | 2 comments

Africa is the richest in natural resources continent in the world. Since the colonization period ended, African countries gradually become to be known as the next super-powered countries. Surviving from the British colonial, Nigeria now becomes one of the most powerful country in the Africa. Although there are some political problems, Nigeria has the massive of resources that could make it a great and wealthy country if there is a good administration on those national assets. Nigeria is also listed in the Next Eleven (N-11), among those high-potential economic countries. Furthermore, Nigeria has many cultural resources and places that help growing the tourism revenues, and its economy.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It locates near Gulf of Guinea, and its neighbors are Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. Nigeria has long and interesting history. The first group of people that habit Nigeria was Nok (500 BC.) Then Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani gradually migrated to the land of Nigeria. Islam religion was first introduced to the Nigeria in the 13th century. It was Fulani that ruled the region until British seized control by 1886 and become the colonial. On 1960, Nigeria got independence and join the United Nations as a member of the commonwealth nations. After that, there are many conflicts between ethnic groups, military coups. Somehow, Nigeria is now free and on its way to the greatness.

Nigeria is affected by 4 climate types and most of it are tropics. Tropical rainforest in the southern area contributes natural abundance for Nigeria. You can see many forests in that area. Tropical savanna in the western and central area of the country where it is less humid and less hot. Alpine climate in the highland parts of Nigeria offers nice scenario for tourists. Last but not least, Tropical dry in the northern part of the country. The variety of climates has been helping Nigeria’s natural abundance and economic since its history.

Nigeria has been produced great people throughout the time. There are many people that are recognized by the world populace, and some are the role models that later generations use. Hakeem Olajuwon is a great basketball player that is recognized by the world of sports. Fela Kuti who used music to encourage and increase consciousness to the society. It was the peaceful action to against the corrupted state and should be a model for the modern day political reforms. There are also many great scientists that are Nigerian. Nigerian people has the potential to drive the country and the world.

Since the great amount of Ebola-related news come out, almost every people in the world is in panic. Most of them think that every African countries has stained with dead virus. But in reality, it isn’t. According to the WHO (World Health Organization,) Nigeria is free of Ebola. Outside people use stereotype to judge sanitation in African countries for a very long time. The stereotype is also a barrier of African economic growth. Because tourists may think that African country (in this case, Nigeria) has poor sanitation and afraid to come to Africa. No one wants to be nasty just because what he/she is born.

In the vision of people outside, Nigeria and other African countries are not developed and has poor administration. But in the reality, these countries have potentials that can keep up with other super-powered countries in the world. It is stereotype that keep them (African countries) under the condition that slow down the countries’ development; for example, African’s Ebola administration that affect the tourism growth. If the ignorance are reduced, African countries (not only Nigeria) will rise as the new and shine super-powered countries, and greatly help the current world struggles.

(This is part of the Blog Assignment #6.)

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Posted in Development, History, Natural Resources, Physical Geography, Politics, Pop Culture, Stereotypes

Blog Assignment #6 – The Beauty of Ethiopia

Posted on November 25, 2014 by | 1 comment

Ethiopia Art

Ethiopia is engaged in myriad art forms such as music, dance, iconography, calligraphy, embroidery, and manuscript illumination. Ethiopian art can be divided into two sectors. First comes a tradition of Christian art, which consists of mostly depiction of churches in the form of painting, crosses, icons, illuminated manuscripts, and other metalwork such as crowns. Favorite subjects to paint are incidents from the lives of Mary and Jesus from the Bible. They are typically shown bordered by angels. One of the most popular art form is the depiction of the Flight into Egypt, which is an important subject as it serves as a reminder that Africa sheltered the Holy Family from the persecution in Israel. Most of the paintings are found in religious settings such as in the church walls and bibles. For example, Debre Berhan Selassie is a painting famed for its angel-covered roof and murals that date from the late 17th century. Furthermore, some of the historic churches cover the interior with mural, some hang the icons on canvas on the wall, and some hold historic illuminated manuscripts. Secondly, Ethiopian Art consists of arts and crafts consisting of textiles, jewelry and basketry, which depict the traditions closest to the region. Although the paintings, and icons are closely related to the Byznatine Christian art and simplified Coptic version of Late antique, they are highly distinctive in Ethiopia. For instance, they are usually simple, with cartoon figures with large, almond-shaped eyes; the colors are typically bright and vivid.

Despite the rich history of the Ethiopian Art, the buying and selling of the modern and contemporary art of Ethiopia was non-existent until recently. For instance, the Makush Art Gallery & Restaurant, which is located in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa serves to show to how the progression of Ethiopian Art and its influence in the greater world. The art gallery consists of about 70 artists and a collection of more than 650 paintings from which customers can choose. The owner of the art gallery testified that while, after noticing the lack of galleries in his homeland while living in the US, he moved back to his homeland 12 years ago to open his personal gallery. He opened Makush, starting with15 artists, which combines an art gallery and an Italian-style restaurant. Despite the restaurant compartment, the gallery made more profit with the painting with the revenue exceeding 6m birr ($300,000, £183,000), more than double the restaurant’s takings.

Nowadays, every wall in Makush is depicted with vivid Ethiopian paintings showing scenes ranging from monks praying in the dawn to the bustling markets and images of wide-eyed, elongated women. Young Ethiopians are not only opening businesses but also buying paintings; new international organizations are coming to the city. 65% of the customers are foreigners and tourists, and the remaining 35% is made up with wealthy members of the Ethiopian locals. Nevertheless, there is a potential increase in revenue and increase in economy trend in Ethiopia as the art in Ethiopia is gaining greater interest and attention. In fact, Ethiopians are starting to give paintings as gifts for weddings and special occasions instead of giving photographic portraits in poster-size frame and gold jewelry.

Prior to researching about the art in Ethiopia, I wasn’t cognizant of how much art plays a role not only in economic growth in Ethiopia but also how much other countries have been show interest. Researching in to the Ethiopian Art helped me to realize that art is depicted in varied forms, and convey different messages and ideas. For instance, the Ethiopian Art uses different mediums such as the manuscript, textiles and jewelry to represent significant symbols from the Bible. Furthermore, as more art galleries and stores are opening up, I am confident that both the traditional and the modern Ethiopian Art form will proliferate, gain greater interest, and ultimately help boost the economy. Nevertheless, I believe that art is perceived as sophisticated and desirable in Ethiopia with the ever-changing economy.

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KENYA: AFRICA’S NEW POWERHOUSE

Posted on November 25, 2014 by | 2 comments

Obinna S. Alozie

AFR 110

11/25/2014

KENYA: AFRICA’S NEW POWERHOUSE

East African countries, especially, Kenya, has recently been going through a couple of changes, economic changes that is. Kenya, along with Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, all whom are members of the EAC, the East African Community, has been experiencing a series of high rates of economic growth in Africa. According to the article, African Powerhouse by Mwangi S. Kimenyi and Josephine Kibe, the region of East Africa “has fast-tracked regional integration and has seen considerable progress in institutional reforms. Moreover, East Africa boasts much greater political stability than it has at any time in its recent past, and peace has been restored in most of the countries. The region has also seen major investments in both national and regional infrastructure; many more projects have been planned and are scheduled to commence shortly. On Nov. 28, for example, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya inaugurated the commencement of construction of a rail project that will link Kenya’s coast town of Mombasa to Kampala (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), and Juba (South Sudan). With positive growth trajectory predicted over the medium term, the EAC has a good chance of reaching a developmental tipping point”.

Inside the EAC, the Kenyan economy is the “glue” that holds everything and everyone together. In order to achieve an overall performance of the East Africa, a lot of it will, to a great extent, depend on what happens in Kenya. With the Kenyan economy being one of the largest in the region, it’s a lot more dynamic than those other East African countries. What links Kenya’s economy is to the other economies? Investment flows and trade. The Kenyan economy is expected to maintain its strength, creating valuable benefits to the other member countries, thanks to its more advanced human capital base, even more diversified economy, and its role as a leader in the revolution of information communication in the region. With current institutional reforms that has culminated in the recent acceptance of a new constitution that has provided devolved governance, the prospects for a strong economy are extremely high.

Why is the Kenyan economy very strong? There are several reasons why. One reason is a strong private sector that has evolved under fairly market-friendly policies for most of the post-independence era, Kenya’s economy has dominated in other economies in the East African region. Another reason is Kenya’s record of relative political stability and its lack of dramatic ideological shifts over the same period, which has done much to cement its position. Unlike Kenya, the other members of the EAC have had a rather stormy political histories. For example, take Tanzania. A radical ideological orientation to socialism under the “Ujamaa” policy became the cornerstone of the government of founding President Julius Nyerere. Elements like this completely undermined the possible growth of the private sector in the other EAC countries. Even though these countries have taken on substantive reforms, and are now on a positive growth trajectory, Kenya is still more likely to hold onto its dominant position for the near and coming future.

Now this writer is not saying that Kenya is perfect. In fact, Kenya is far from perfect. Kenya is a “country has had its share of politically instigated violence along ethnic divisions and tribal lines. Even though elections in Kenya have been marred by flaws and irregularities, the country is considered to have a wider democratic space compared to its neighbors”. With several issues that coexist with these rising economies in Africa, they still require important investments in three “I’s”: institutions, integration, and infrastructure. With an adoption of a new constitution, Kenya is on its way to its potential destiny: Becoming an Economic Powerhouse.

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Posted in Development, Innovation

Diversity In Benin Republic

Posted on November 25, 2014 by | Leave a comment

When we look at the Republic of Benin, you find such mind-blowing diversity in such a little country that is most times overlooked because of its size. From both rural to urban settlements to waterfalls to coastal plains to elevated plateau to the savannah to the hills to even lakes all these attractions can be found in the small but awesome Republic of Benin.

lake nkoue

Lake Nokoue

With all these attractions in one country there is so much to explore. Some of the famous landscapes include The Lake Nokoue one of West Africa’s largest lake towns with a fascinating and naturally beautiful scene; which is an important site for birds , The Waterfalls in Tanangou and awesome beaches in the Grand Popo city.

AMMA 081

Hills In Benin Republic

The country’s capital and urban center, Porto-Novo is buzzling city just like any other city center with offices, schools and with a lot of major museums telling the tale of the French colonial rule in Benin. There’s no way to talk about the richness of Benin without talking about its history. The kingdom of Porto Novo was one of the longest lasting in Africa, lasting up until 1976. Some of the museums include:  Museé Ethnographique de Porto Novo: an interesting museum that takes an intensive look into the past of Porto Novo’s kings. On display there are a good selection of fetishes, old Yourba king masks, costumes, and some musical instruments. Also, we have Palais Royal du Roi Toffa; this former residence of King Toffa is now called Musee Honmé. It’s a simple palace which gives a nice look into how African royalty really lived. Another attraction is the palais de Gouverneur (governor’s palace) which is the home of the national legislature. Finally we have Museé da Silva. A museum celebrating Afro-Brazilian influence on the city, this museum offers amazing variety. The museum grounds consist of a traditional house, a small library, an open-air cinema showing French films, and a hotel.

Grand Mosque Porto Novo

Grand Mosque Porto Novo

Apart from this urban life, we still have the parts of Benin where people live in mud huts with thatch roofs and live very simple lifestyles. Don’t be mistaken though, these people are very happy with their simple lives hence the existence of these forms of settlement alongside urban settlements. Many people, including me, are quick to label people who live in rural communities  as being poor but I always try to remember that poverty is not having all that you need and to these people they have all that they need and they cherish the preservation of their culture and traditions. Amongst the rural areas is Abomey, a city which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country’s top tourist destination. There you will find the palace ruins and temples of the once powerful Dahomey kingdom which became very powerful due to slave trade until the late 19th century.

 

Abomey in Benin Republic

Abomey in Benin Republic

To the north, it’s a whole different picture the settings changes from the urban cities to wildlife  where you get to see elephants, cheetahs, lions, more than 500 species of birds and many more at The Pendjari National Park and W National Park . These parks are set in the beautiful hilly highlands. You get the experience one of the best wildlife areas in West Africa. It is truly a breathtaking scenery.

Pendjari National Park

Pendjari National Park

I personally underestimated the diversity and richness of the landscape in Republic of Benin and the unique blend of both rural and urban settlements as most people would have but as the saying goes great things come in small packages as well.

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Sierra Leone’s Roots

Posted on November 17, 2014 by | 1 comment

Many consider Africa to be the motherland, the place where all human beings evolved. Scientists have concluded that at one point the earth was one land mass with water surrounding it. Eventually, because of earth shifts and Mother Nature this huge land mass parted into smaller sectors (or continents) and from Africa came the first form of humanity.  Undoubtedly, Africa has history that is rooted and connected to the rest of the world in some way. Centuries later, Africa geographically became the second largest continent comprised of many smaller countries and different peoples. One of these countries is known as Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s location directly facing the Western world, made it a prime departure point for many enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. European settlers managed to manipulate many of the African people to believe that their mission was to help. However, “help” turned into one of the worst inhumane practices of the century. Eventually, thoughts of attaining material things and favors convinced some African people to turn on their own people. They were convinced into the capturing of many African people and trading or selling them to their European counterparts. The transatlantic slave trade became a huge business, trading people for inanimate things and a bulk of it happened right on the borders of Sierra Leone.

The first inhabitants of Sierra Leone were known as the Bulom people. Soon the Portuguese ambitious for new discoveries reached the coasts of this unknown territory and named it “lion mountains” or its present name of Sierra Leone. Ancient history also tells a biography of Kings that emerged from this widely misinterpreted continent.  Democracy was not common or even a thought many years ago in all parts of the earth.  Kingdoms and its rulers or kings were looked upon as the one to make all the decisions. Often Kings were even perceived as Gods. Certainly, there were virtuous rulers and then there were malicious ones. Sierra Leone on its west coast of Africa was home to kings during some period.  According to the Sierra Leone Web, in 1540 Great Mane Conqueror, Farma Tami, ruled Sierra Leone. Under Farma Tami’s rule, came his innovative ideas such as the concept of government “and improved methods of weaving and manufacture (Sierra Leone Web).” Interestingly, Tami was also known for teaching his people “the art of war.” These teachings and praising of war can imply that violence in Sierra Leone present day could have trickled down from the great minds of its conquistadors.

From many of the sources used it seemed as though there was a jump in Sierra Leone’s history that was not accounted for. This could be due to wars and resources being destroyed that provides some insight on the country’s history.  Above it all, Sierra Leone finally gained their independence in 1961. Since then the country has struggled finding a balance in politics that can benefit a greater portion of its people. Today, diamonds are one of the greatest revenue sources of the country. What is truly telling about the diamond industry and organization of politics in Sierra Leone, is that diamonds keep the outside buyers beautifully accessorized while they keep Sierra Leone living- barely.

 

 

 

 

http://www.sierra-leone.org/Heroes/heroes1.html

http://www.sahistory.org.za/places/sierra-leone

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