A STROLL WITH GRACE IHEJIAMAIZU (For International Youth Day)

                           “It takes a very long time to become young” ~Pablo Picasso

Image Credit: Grace

It is often said that “the young shall grow...someday”, but when is that someday? The youths of this generation are tired of ‘waiting to grow’, ‘waiting for tomorrow’, ‘waiting to ripen’...

 

My guest on the Stroll today is a young social entrepreneur who is also tired of waiting to get ‘ripe’, and so she founded the RYPE initiative ; dedicated to raising young and productive entrepreneurs who will provide solutions to the problems the world faces on a daily basis. Grace founded RYPE in 2010 and since then her efforts have been recognized by the US Department of state, the British Council, Google, and recently the Future awards.

We talked about; youth and youth development, her social entrepreneurship projects, and her nomination for ‘The Future Awards Africa Young Person of the Year 2013’’. Here’s my stroll with Grace, get inspired:

TEARS FOR OGONI

Guest Writer: Annah Dornubari

Image Credit: UNEP

Women weeping and wailing 
Hearts pounding and pounding
Boots worry the weary feet to flee
Then suddenly 
And so soberly suddenly 
Your offsprings are sliced, slain and slaughtered 
Still some sawn asunder 
Your once bright streams 
Blurred by your black blood

THAT EXTRA BOTTLE...

Guest Writer: Milliscent Maduagwu

Image Credit: International Beer Day

Ask them they'd tell you; ask the drunkard lying in that gutter; ask that club girl who is having a kidney problem or the guy that can't pay his children's school fees today, when only last night he had his pocket filled with his salary just before he entered that bar. Ask them and they'd all tell you the same thing; it's that extra bottle that took everything away.

A STROLL WITH HOSEA DEZIAH ISAAC (For International Day Of Friendship)

       “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” ~JesusChrist

 

Image Credit: Hosea Deziah Isaac

Many people have different definitions for the word ‘friend’; Mark Zuckerberg will tell you a friend is someone that sends you a request on Facebook, Abraham Lincoln will say a friend is someone that gives you a book to read that you haven’t read before. Ask that regular guy on the street and he’d tell you that a friend in need is a friend indeed…well, for me that word friend can be defined in three simple words; Hosea Deziah Isaac.

Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve got a long list of friends and acquaintances from around the world. In fact strolling had even increased that list a great deal, as many of my stroll contacts have automatically become my friends, but I’m shinning light on my relationship with Hosea because of the special impact it has had on my life for the time we’ve been friends—that doesn't mean my other friends haven’t had a special effect on my life though, a lot of people have J hehe.

I guess you might be asking what your business is with my friends…well, today is International Day Of Friendship and the United Nations wants us to shine the light on friends and friendship all around the world to foster peace. I hope after reading this stroll you’d be inspired to celebrate those special people in your life too. Here’s my stroll with Hosea:

KNOW IT. CONFRONT IT

Guest Writer: Amadi Chizi Victor

Image Credit: royaltimes.net

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver most commonly caused by a viral infection and it is characterised by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. Although the burden of the disease caused by viral hepatitis is growing according to statistical reports, most people including health workers are still in the dark about the general concept and more so the physiological significance of this disease.

A STROLL WITH JACK ANDRAKA (For World Hepatitis Day)

                               "Hepatitis doesn't always present symptoms"  ~Karen Gonzales

For Hepatitis, killing is as easy as ABC...DE (no pun intended...haha) I still remember that night about 11 years ago, it was a great night and we had just finished dinner until mum’s phone rang. She received a phone call telling her that Grand pa had passed away, mum cried, dad cried, we all cried—grand pa was so close to mum that he used to always carry her on his lap when we visited the village—They say he complained of a severe headache and his eyes were yellowish...That was it, suddenly his liver couldn't take it anymore. RIP Mr. Akpan John—See you in heaven.

It’s not just Grand pa, many people around the world no longer have the liver to live because hepatitis had eaten it up. WHO says about 1.4 million people die annually from the Hepatitis infection. Well, the vaccines are there, but the thing is the waves of diseases that are fighting the Medical world in recent times have created a vacuum in this generation—a need for that innovator, that genius! That’ll stand up and confront these diseases.

My guest on the stroll today is a genius—and he embodies every letter of the word genius—he’s one of those people that are tired of seeing obituary posters and hearing death statistics on TV, so he stood up and did something. He participated in the INTEL ISEF competition—the world’s largest high school science research competition—and he won! His ground breaking research on pancreatic cancer helped him come up with a new method of diagnosing cancer that is 168 times faster, 26,000 times cheaper, 400 times more sensitive, and has a 99% success rate! Yeah, wow! That’s the same thing I said when I first read about him (hahah). You’d also notice that Cancer and hepatitis are similar in the sense that early detection is the only key to surviving their attack. So I had a stroll with Jack and we talked about his research, the possible solutions to the Hepatitis problem in the world, and much more. Here is our discussion:

MALALA'S SPEECH AT THE UNITED NATIONS

Image Credit: ibtimes

''In the name of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremic Honourable UN envoy for Global education Mr Gordon Brown, Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters; Today, it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time. Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life.

A STROLL WITH NDABA MANDELA (For Nelson Mandela International Day)

“During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” ~Nelson Mandela

Image Credit: theeye

First of all, I’d like to say Happy Birthday to Rolihlahla, Madiba, and every other special name they call you around the world. . . Get well soon!

Welcome to THE STROLL my name is Ebenezar. On today’s episode we celebrate the greatest symbol of peace and equality on earth! I grew up watching movies about him, hearing his musical eulogies play on the stereo, and though I was only two years old when he made history by becoming the first black president of South Africa, his life and story is still an inspiration to me, and will remain an inspiration to anyone that will ever live on planet earth!

If you’ve been following the news you’d understand that Mr. Mandela is a bit down in the hospital right now and is not physically fit to have a stroll with me today (Yeah, sad) But not too worry, I’ve got a perfect replacement; someone that has the Mandela blood running in his veins—and I literally mean that—(hehe)

My guest on the stroll today is Madiba’s second-eldest grandson, Ndaba Mandela. He holds a Bachelors degree in political science and international relations from the University of Pretoria, and the foundation he co-founded, ‘The Africa Rising Foundation’ illuminates the same love for Africa that his grandfather has, and also displayed in his early years. We talked about what it feels like to be a Mandela, his dreams, and the future of African leadership. For Nelson Mandela International Day 2013, here is my stroll with Ndaba:

IF I DIE TODAY. . .

Image Credit: UN

My elbows are balanced on the little white plastic table before me as I stare with vacant eyes at nothing in particular. On this day, I am particularly conscious of my existence and how I have contributed little or nothing to the growth of my immediate society. This consciousness stems from having seen the life of a great man, Nelson Mandela and all he has achieved and the sudden realization that time is gradually slipping out of my hands. I am of those who sit and watch things unfold in the society and complain, never putting myself out there in the fore-front of things and fighting for the good of mankind. Today however, I start to take action. As I stare, my thoughts began to take shape and my inner man began to converse with me…

BLACK, WHITE, MANDELA

Image Credit: the elders

There are only a few people that get the kind of honour Mr. Nelson Mandela is getting today. Having his birthday recognized by the United Nations--over 190 nations--and if you look at his life closely you'd realize he truly deserves it.

Rolihlahla was the tribal name given to Nelson at his birth. His father was a respected chief of Tembu, a black African group in south Africa. He attended the University college at Fort Hare--one of the few colleges that accepted black students at the time--and during his third year, his passion for justice was shown when he stood up against the school authority because they took away all powers from the Students Representative council for no reason. Well, he was later suspended because of his protest! But this was the earliest sign of his equality/anti-apartheid activism that later became his life goal.

A STROLL WITH SCOTT FLANSBURG (For World Population Day)

  " Which is the greater danger; nuclear warfare or the population explosion?. . ."  ~ Isaac Asimov

Image Credit: Adam Taylor

It’s all about counting on the stroll today; counting ourselves, counting our gains and losses, and counting on me J because you know I’d always be here to bring a great episode of the stroll everyday on the UN calendar. My name is Ebenezar Wikina, welcome to the stroll, and happy population day!!

It’s now socially acceptable to say you’re bad at maths. In fact people brag about it on TV and radio every day, and if like me you had a hard time memorizing your multiplication table, then you’d really appreciate my guest on the show today.

He’s popularly called the human calculator and currently holds the world record for adding the same number to itself more times in 15 seconds than a person can do using a calculator. (Yeah J awesome) He’s an author, educator, and global patron for World Maths Day. Also considering the fact that population has to do with census and census has to do with counting and counting needs calculators and maths, I decided to contact Mr. Scott for a stroll on today’s world population day.

We talked about the increasing birth and mortality rate, family planning, and he also shared some of his maths secrets with me too—for students having problems with maths, I think you’d like to see this one—so, for World Population day 2013, here is my stroll with Mr. Scott:

REFLECTIONS: MY TEENAGE YEARS

Image Credit: medindia.net

I haven’t always been this sane. I was as crazy as they come. You never could get me to sit down in one place, not put my hands in that jar, not taste that drink, and not have that fun…not live that life. You never could tell me what to do if you wanted to survive to say you ‘advised’ me. I was my own person, and I made my own mistakes and lived with them. Hell, I always wanted to make mistakes! I was daring and took risks a lot. I considered this living. The fast lane of life was for me. This makes me remember my friends, my cliques. We had dubbed ourselves the risk takers. Well, that was before everything changed for us.

A STROLL WITH KUKOGHO IRUESIRI SAMSON (For Writers Day)

         "A blank piece of paper is God's way of telling us how hard it is to be God" ~Sidney Sheldon

Image Credit: Kukogho Iruesiri Samson

Hello, my name is Ebenezar, welcome to the stroll. The challenge of every young writer out there is finding a platform; that stage where they can stand up and make their voices heard, and for over the years no one has really been willing to build that stage.

My guest on the stroll today hasn't just thrilled readers with the works of his pen, but has also touched the lives of young writers around Nigeria. Using the rising popularity of social media as his primary tool, sir KIS (as he is popularly known on social media) has built a large literary family online—Words, Rhymes, and Rhythm—armed with their quill and ink J to combat any social vice that raises its ugly head.

Kukogho is a Nigerian writer, blogger, multimedia journalist, and social media expert. I admire him greatly, and I strongly believe in his dream of re-writing the world, one verse at a time. I really had fun strolling with him as we talked about writing, writers, and the future of African Literature. Well, here is our discussion;

A STROLL WITH THE CNN FREEDOM PROJECT (For World Day Against Child Labour)

"Child labour and poverty are inevitably bound together and if you continue to use the labour of children as treatment for the social disease of poverty, you will have both poverty and child labour to the end of time" ~Grace Abbott

It’s funny where the stroll takes me to sometimes, this time it has taken me to the Royal Television Society News Channel of the Year! Cable News Network 

CNN has a freedom project that has been dedicated to fighting modern-day slavery since 2002, and considering the fact that child labour is one dominant form of slavery in this generation, I decided to have a stroll with Mr. Leif Coorlim (The Executive Editor of the CNN Freedom Project)

We talked about  poverty and the global fight against child labour; the contribution of the justice system in eradicating child labour; and lots more. It was really fun strolling with Mr. Leif, in fact it was a dream come true for me, and I really hope after reading this you’d get inspired to join this global ‘war’ against child labour. Well, here is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH AIDAN McDANIEL (For United Nations International Day In Support Of Victims Of Torture)

“When people don’t like themselves very much, they have to make up for it. The classic bully was actually a victim first”   ~TomHiddleston

Image Credit: Aidan Mcdaniel

Hey guys, welcome to the stroll, my name is Ebenezar. Today’s episode of the stroll is for the United Nations International Day against Victims of Torture, and one dominant form of torture today is bullying.

At one point or the other in our lives, our heartbeat has doubled its pace because of the thoughts of that big gruesome fellow that will confront you to take your lunch money, salary or make fun of you. J My guest on the stroll today was a guest on one of my favourite TV shows—Al Jazeera’s The Stream—early last month, and he was on the show to discuss cyber bullying with other guests that day.

He’s an American teen anti-bullying activist that has dedicated his time and resources to fighting bullying and harassment wherever he finds it. I had a stroll with Aidan and this is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH DAVID BERNER (For International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking)

Image Credit: vancouverradiostations.ca

For the few years we’ve stayed on earth, humanity has grown to love being “high”. Our ladies love high heels, we want to finish high school, be among the high class in the society, watch television in high definition, etc. (hehehe)

We’ve also come to discover that most of this ‘highness’ is not too good for us. Like the highness gotten from injecting yourself with some strong drugs, and sniffing some white powder, etc. My guest on the stroll today was recently on the CNN documentary ‘Shooting up legally’, in which he spoke strongly against the idea of safe injection centers—A new idea most governments are now supporting, that encourages drug addicts to come into these centers to inject themselves with more drugs in a ‘safe’ environment as they call it—David calls this idea complete insanity! 

David is an addiction counselor, TV/radio show host, and author. We had a STROLL, and we talked about drug abuse, the growing popularity of drug cartels, and he gave his advice to people struggling with various addictions. Here’s my stroll with Mr. David;

THE LOW POINTS OF GETTING 'HIGH'

Image Credit: 123rf.com

Everybody abuses drugs here in Nigeria; we are our own doctors! A friend complains to his other friend that his head aches and the other friend who has no medical knowledge whatsoever starts prescribing for him, ''emmmm. . .take 2 paracetamol tablets,and emmm. . .vitamin . . .'' hahaha. I've been guilty of this a couple of times too, but recently I'm trying to change.

HIGHWAY TO HELL

Image Credit: digitaltrends.com

You know, I just laughed at the title of this little article. It’s funny to me. Yet, this is a vivid description of people who are on drugs or those trafficking it illegally. Let’s take a little imagination tour.

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Image Credit: imo.org

''Row, row, row your boat gently down the sea, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. . .'' hehehe. You guys remember that nursery rhyme right? Today on the International Observance is, the Day of the Seafarer recognized by the United Nations and the IMO (International Maritime Organization)

It is a day set aside to honour seamen; the captains and the ship crew, the navy and all those that put their lives on the line to transport goods/people by sea from country to country, continent to continent. And they do a lot to help our economy you know?

A STROLL WITH MIKE PERHAM (For Day Of The Seafarer)

"To reach a port we must set sail-- sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift" ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Let me tell you a bit about Mike, In 2007 he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean solo, in 2009 he sailed across the world solo, In 2012 he drove round the world solo, and in 2014 he will be flying across the world solo; making him the first human to circumnavigate the world by air, land, and sea. Awesome right? (haha)

Don’t let these 'superman' achievements deceive you though, he’s just 22. Yeah, you heard me right, Twenty two, and he’s already got all these feathers on his sailors hat. I guess that's why he makes out time from circumnavigating the globe to also speak with other young people and inspire them to also chase their dreams. Well, I had a stroll with Mike—we didn’t stroll round the world though ☺ —But I’m sure you’d get inspired after reading this;

A STROLL WITH BEZ IDAKULA (For World Music Day)

Image Credit: bezworld.com

HAPPY WORLD MUSIC DAY!!!!! Everyone J. Today is the big one because, music is something everyone can relate to; whether you’re a grandpa sitting in your rocking chair playing some high life music, a teenager jumping to the sound of rock guitars at a rock concert, or even a little baby sleeping on a lullaby tune of ‘twinkle twinkle little star’. Music is a food every soul hungers for.

My guest on the stroll today needs no introduction, whether at home in Nigeria, or in Kenya, South Africa, Dubai, and even at the Apple store in New York City. His ‘soul voice’ blends perfectly with his guitar chords, and he’s not just a star, he’s a 'Super Sun’

I’m sure you already know who I am talking about. . .(hahaha) For World Music Day 2013, I had a Stroll with Bez Idakula and this is what we discussed;

MUSIC: INSTRUMENT FOR SHAPING THE SOCIETY OR A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION?

Image Credit: namibtimes.net

It’s 06:15am and I’m writing on music and its influence on the society. I think in this age, and time, music seems to have a great influence on people, both young and old. There are different genres of music; hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock etc. and every individual prefers at least one genre. Personally, I love music a lot and believe it has a soothing effect and healing power, but that’s not the reason I’m so high on it. Music is simply my twin, If I  don’t ‘see’ it in a day…I’m yet to live that day. It’s good to also know that I’m not the only one who loves music but all around the world, there are lovers of music who listen to songs, compose, and even go for concerts!

WHERE IS THE PEACE??? (Open Letter To The UN)

Image Credit; newsdiaryonline.com

Where is the Peace?

The United Nations (UN), established in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations, is an international organization that was founded with the aim of promoting and facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, civil rights, civil liberties, political freedoms, democracy and the achievement of lasting world peace. Since it was set up, the organization has strived in its own capacity and capability to bring about peace in several war-torn areas from Africa to Asia, Middle East to the Americas. The UN has deployed its peace-keepers and forces to various parts to mediate in conflicts and find a lasting solution in order for peace to reign.

A STROLL WITH LIBAN RASHID (For World Refugee Day)

Image Credit: everythingiseverything.com

Many people around the world might not know what it feels like to live in a tent. With the raindrops beating you, the sun melting your skin, seeing little hungry kids forming queues, fighting for little supplies on their little plates, No portable drinking water. . .The horror just goes on and on.

But my guest on the STROLL today is a breathing encyclopedia of the refugee experience. He has lived for over twenty years in the world's largest refugee camp in Dadaab, and has seen it all so he can easily relate with the struggle of people displaced from their homes seeking refuge in foreign lands.

I was able to catch up with him to share his story with me. We talked about how he transformed from a little refugee boy doing the dishes in a restaurant to an award winning film maker telling stories for people who don't have a voice. Here's Mr Liban's story, get inspired;

A STROLL WITH NNIMMO BASSEY (For World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought)

Image Credit: New Internationalist

In 2009 TIME Magazine listed him as one of the ‘Heroes of  the Environment’, In 2010 he won the Right Livelihood Award, and last year (2012) he won the Rafto Prize.

All these just go to show the great job Mr. Nnimmo is doing for the Earth, and the preservation of her resources. As ex-elected chair of ‘Friends of  the Earth International’, Mr. Nnimmo continues to actively tend and clean the earth. I was lucky to get him to STROLL with me for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought . . . and here is our discussion

THE BLOOD, THE BANK, AND THE BLOODBANK

Source: who.int

I got a little bit under the weather early this week and I had to visit that place many people dread(apart from Prison that is). . .The Hospital!! Arrrgh! So many people wearing white, looking sad and the thick smell of tablets almost choking the life out of you(Lol). Even though most of the things that happen there are for our own good, It's an obvious sad truth that most of us may never outgrow our childhood resentment for hospitals :)

CRY FOR LOVE

Source: ilo.org

I have not known peace. I have had to struggle to make things work and go through the little years I've lived in one piece. My mother died trying to give birth to me and my father raised me all by himself till I was seven. Then he got sick (cancer of something, the term is too complicated for me to understand or remember.) On his death bed, he handed me over to his younger sister, Aunty Neme, who I've only met once all my life with the words,' Adesua my pride, I'm going to rest now and your aunty will take care of you. She loves you as much as I do and she's your family too.' Ever since then, aunty has been using me to service her customers with the words,' you have to do what you have to do to survive. We must all survive through any means. You know I love you'. Now, three years after my father's death, I'm still in the hell he enrolled me in when he died. Is this love? Aunty, love me, love me enough to protect me from these men every night; All I ask for is...love.

MY PEN, MY PAL

Source: wired.com

It was the favourite toy of my childhood--I did'nt like the teddies and action figures very much--Because, somehow it fit into my palm like they were made for each other. I used it to draw shapes I did'nt understand, write on paper and sand, held it in my left palm and my right, it is the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see in the night.

A STROLL WITH GARRETT McNAMARA (For World Oceans Day)

Courtesy: garrettmcnamara.com

For today’s Stroll I will suggest you get sunglasses and a swimwear because, we are heading to the beach.

Yeah!!! You heard me, the beach!!! To catch up with one of the world’s best surfer/extreme water explorer. He holds the world record for the highest wave ever surfed (which is in the Guinness Book of Records) and he started surfing at eleven, which means he has a very deep connection with the seas and Oceans. Considering these, I wonder who is more perfect to stroll with for World Oceans Day 2013.

I was lucky to catch up with Mr. Garrett before he ran for the next gigantic swell. Brace yourself, for this will be a high riding stroll… (smiles) Well, here we go;

GIVE ME A DRINK

Source: worldoceannetwork.org

From the oceans clean and sparkling

Give me a drink

Take the edge off  life's rough handling

Give me a drink

Give me a drink, from nature's pure reserve

Of rivers of refreshing bliss

It’s amazing how nature soothes me and washes away the struggles I face daily. I always like to take a stroll on the beach each evening after work, alone with my thoughts. I sit on the beach and watch the waves of the sea gently rise and fall and I try to match my heartbeat with them. Sometimes the waves are calm, other times they are…roaring. This helps me understand that life is not always cool and calm. Just as I have learnt to appreciate the sea waves whether calm or otherwise, I have learnt to appreciate life and its processes.

ANT LECTURES

Source: my.englishclub.com

Whenever I see an anthill, I usually grab a chair and order some popcorn. Because those little things always teach me big lessons--Lessons often overlooked by most of us.

APOSTROPHE TO THE ACHING SOULS

Source: datadiary.com

I've heard of the wrongs which have been done to you, I have read about them, I have seen some...but I have never felt any of these. Nevertheless, I relate with the situation. I understand the heart of a child, the innocence, the bright-eyed wonder, the hunger for love, the need for connection with someone or something... I once was a child and I craved these. However, you have been denied these through varying circumstances and you ache for something, anything to hold on to even as you spiral down the staircase of darkness.

BLESSINGS ALL AROUND

Source: Slideshare.net

The global day of parents is a day set apart by the United Nations to honour and appreciate parents all over the world for their sacrifices and selfless commitments to their children and the existing relationship between them. It is duly noted by the UN that family is very important and has the primary assignment of protecting and taking care of children. It is also noted that children should grow up in a conducive family environment where love, happiness, understanding and a cordial relationship exists.

A STROLL WITH AKINYEMI OLUWAYINKA JOHN (For International Day Of UN Peacekeepers)

Photo Source: Akinyemi Oluwayinka John  

Though outside the shores of his motherland,  Akinyemi’s heart still longs for peace in Nigeria. As part of his duties as a UNESCO Youth Peace Ambassador, he represents Nigeria at the annual Youth Peace Ambassador workshop.
 
In fact, today he travelled for the 2013 International Youth Peace Ambassadors conference in Thailand from Italy where he was having a study trip. I was able to catch up with him before he left and this is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH GAMELIHLE SIBANDA (For International Day For Biodiversity)

Photo Source: Gamelihle Sibanda

Being a Civil engineer with an MBA, and also a Certified Biomimicry Professional—Gamelihle embodies diversity.

Gama’s work with the United Nations had taken him to over 12 Countries, which means he has seen a lot of diverse ecosystems in different regions of the world.

Recently he was even on Aljazeera’s "South to North’’ to discuss his ideas on Biomimicry and sustainability. I’m really honoured Strolling with Gama for International Day for Biodiversity. Well, here’s the Stroll;

A STROLL WITH SOPHIE UMAZI MVURYA (For World Day For Cultural Diversity For Dialogue And Development)

Photo Source: mattieonline.com

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the achievements of Sophie will leave you spell bound (pun intended) …lol

She’s the founder and CEO of the ‘I Am Kenyan’ Project—a picture based campaign aimed at preaching the message of embracing our Cultural diversity and abolishing ethnic prejudices.

Sophie combines school work in college with her work as a social entrepreneur/activist—which means she’s very busy. But like I always do on THE STROLL, I was able to catch up with her in between her busy schedule to have this stroll with me… well, here is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH MILAN TRENC (For International Museum Day)

Source: Milan Trenc

If you’ve seen the 20^th Century Fox Box Office thriller; “Night At The Museum”, then you should know Professor Milan Trenc.

Why? Well, because without him that movie would not have existed. The movie is an adaptation of a book he wrote and illustrated; “The Night At The Museum, a children book set in the New York Museum of Natural Sciences and published in 1993 by Barrons Juvenile.

For International Museum Day this year, I had a Stroll with Professor Milan and here is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH MAWUNA KOUTONIN (for World Creativity and Innovation Week)

I read an article written by Mawuna in 2012, and the next thing I did was to search for him on Google. . . I was so thrilled by his story and creativity that I vowed to myself that I was going to meet him someday. Well Creativity and Innovation Week came along, and Africa had been the center of attraction for a couple of months now as regards Creativity. . .So I contacted Mawuna to have a stroll with me considering the fact that he has a burning passion for Africa and wants to see Africa develop. Plus he's been making a lot of 'GoodBuzz' (smiles). . . Here is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH SCOTT WEIDENSAUL (For World Migratory Bird Day)

Source: wingsoverwilcox.com

Whether you love birds or not, You will surely be thrilled by Mr. Scott’s passion for Feathers and talons :) . He has been ‘Living on the wind’ and chasing migratory birds across the hemisphere for over two decades. Having authored over two dozen books—with one of them being a Pulitzer Prize finalist--you’d understand that Mr. Scott is a very busy man. Well, I caught up with him in between his busy schedule to have this stroll with me, and this is what we discussed;

A STROLL WITH MILLISCENT MADUAGWU (for World Press Freedom Day)

Source: Milliscent Maduagwu

 It's not really easy to get an 'On Air Personality' for a 'down to earth' interview, because just like their name suggests; they're always 'on air' and hard to reach.. But somehow I was lucky to break the barriers and got one of Nigeria's finest OAPs to have a stroll with me. She's currently working with NigeriaInfo(92.3 Fm) Port harcourt.I was also lucky to get her autograph too (smiles).. well here is what we discussed;

APRIL 28TH--WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK

 

EMPLOYED IN HELL

I see them everyday; Masons mixing cement and sand with their bare hands, Old women sweeping the roads every morning bathing the dust and inhaling it, like it was some sweet perfume. . .we really need to survey the conditions we work in, whether on the streets or behind the Counter in AC chilled banks; because most of these conditions are not human.

APRIL 25TH--WORLD MALARIA DAY

 

 NIGHT OF A THOUSAND APPLAUSE

Have you ever had that feeling? The sour eyes and bitter saliva--that makes you remember the vinegar Jesus drank on the cross--Or maybe you've had the boiling skin; the fever that turns your body into a human electric iron. If you live in tropical Africa and south-east Asia, there is a 99.99% chance that you have experienced the above mentioned sypmtoms at one time or the other.

THE 6 PARAGRAPHS WORLD BOOK DAY, BOOK REVIEW

   
BOOK REVIEW

'Shores of despair' by Merit Gogo-fynface is a fiction book that narrates the challenges of two young Nigerian girls; Chioma and Vanessa. The book also shows how increasingly hard it is to be a spinster and a single mother. Published by TB NET house LTD in 2012, ISBN 978-978-50920-9-7. This book appeals to those interested in family life and family conflict resolution.