SA at 20

SOUTH AFRICA AT 20

It gives me great pleasure and joy to celebrate with South Africa their 20 years of democracy. The Orange Country has suffered much in the two decades journey to where they are today; a sterling example of democracy founded on justice, truth and development. The dream of democratic South Africa is a feat that many believed would never be achieved, but with the resilience and forbearance of the South African people, they proved their detractors wrong, staying together in unity for 20 good years.

What made this miracle possible? South Africa, after the apartheid, had a vision articulated by the leaders of the struggle, spearheaded by late Nelson Mandela. He was the one, who as the first democratically elected president of the country, laid the foundation of equity, unity and justice that the new republic fostered on. It was Madiba who felt the need for forgiveness and reconciliation, in spite of the anguish of apartheid on black people of South Africa; and as the first black leader to rule the newly united nation, he promoted unity of purpose, of patriotism, of development which made the country into a leader in Africa politics. Mandela made South Africa and the nation prospered under him and long after he left the seat of government.

So in 20 years of democracy in South Africa, we should ask, is there really anything to celebrate about the Orange Country? My answer is a BIG YES! South Africa is free and democratic. This means that the people of the country, formerly under siege, now have a chance to determine their national destiny by voting their leaders and those to steer their national ship in the stormy waters of world politics.

It also a joyous occasion because the coming generation of South African children now have a country they can call their own, where they can go to school without a barricade or threat of guns and live normal life like their brothers around the world. We will continue to pay homage to the leaders of thought that fought to wrest South Africa from apartheid, praying that the legacies they left will remain indelible and that the institutions they built will last many centuries to come. I wish the Orange Country many more years to celebrate democracy and development.

Aluta continua.

 Wale Owoeye Esq.

PS: To my friends who love poetry I recommend my latest book to you. Titled MANDELA-IN MEMORIAM, the book is a collection that celebrates the man called Mandela, written to honour his memory for all time…

PORT HARCOURT BOOK FESTIVAL 2014

PH BOOK FESTIVAL 2014

I am excited to know Port Harcout will again be hosting UNESCO World Book Capital for this year, taking it from Bangkok as the host city. This is a happy development in a country and a place where it is believed that people generally do not read. Nigeria, the giant of Africa, who once prided itself as a vibrant intellectual nation with super brains to boast of in personalities like Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Flora Nwapa and the first black Nobel Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka who will be giving key note address for the festival.

As an author and a publisher I am happy that Nigeria is hosting the intellectual world to celebrate intellectual properties and the love of books. I hope to be in Port Harcourt to participate in the august event and I hope to see you there. I still believe that modernity and civilisation is created in art first before it is becomes a living history in cities around the world. Let's read books. Readers are leaders.

Aluta continua,
Wale Owoeye Esq.  

DONGOU- A CAMEROONIAN PRODIGY

DONGOU- A CAMEROONIAN PRODIGY

I was very happy sometime ago when I saw the African starlet, Jean Marie Dongou, play with Barcelona senior team in a league match. As a Barca fan I have monitored the development of this young man, right from his time of playing for the junior team (Barca B) up to the present when he earned a jersey in the formidable and star studded Barcelona team. Talented, focused and driven, Dongou is a sterling example of a Young African Pioneer representing the continent abroad and making us proud in Spain like his forbear in the game and team Samuel Etoo once did.

Jean Marie Dongou, 18, is a Cameroonian who got to FC Barcelona in 2008 through Samuel Etoo Foundation established to nurture young talented footballers and to promote them internationally. After his induction into FC Barcelona Academy at 13 years, Dongou proved himself a destiny child by performing excellently in the junior league; playing with heart and passion, winning laurels for his team and himself. His diligence fetched him promotion in the hierarchy of the team. Already bracing to step in the great shoes of Samuel Etoo, this young African player is a star to watch out for in the newly emerging football horizon, sure to make Africans proud.

Samuel Etoo must be commended for his foresight in building the Samuel Etoo Foundation which gave young people like Dongou an opportunity to shine with their invested talents. If only we could have more footballers who have made money and name for themselves in international football replicate this initiative, then I'm positive we will see more stars fly the African flags in international football competitions.

I will also urge the star, Jean Marie Dongou, not to let down our hope in him. He should strive harder than most to excel and surpass Samuel Etoo in records and initiatives.

Congratulations to the Young African Pioneer.

Aluta continua,

Wale Owoeye Esq.