Houston and outskirts gear up for Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade

To mark the country’s national day and showcase a rich people and culture, Nigerians all over are gathering in Downtown Houston, September 28th

By Anthony Obi Ogbo

After an amazing 2018 colorful parade showcasing the Nigerian Culture, Houstonians are desperately looking forward to a 2019 replication scheduled for September 28th at the same location – the Root Memorial Square Park near the Toyota Center.  The last parade was a blast. Downtown wore a distinctive look as a procession of cultural groups decorated in different traditional attires and costumes strolled the streets in utter astonishment, sending onlookers bananas with stunning displays.

October is officially Nigeria’s Independence month. This country, the most populous in Africa, gained independence from Great Britain in October 1, 1960. Celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city – one of most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. Studies show that Nigerians are the single largest contemporary African immigrant group in the United States. In addition, the city of Houston is home to the highest population of Nigerians outside of the country. 

Other notable guests such as His Royal Highness Eze & UgoEze ObiChuku, (pictured above), High Chief Priest Solomon Adeyemi Ogunde, Dr. Seun Adigun- Olympian Bobsledder and former Houston Texan, Amobi Okoye would be celebrated and hailed along the parade with a special emphasis on their contributions and impact in the Nigerian community.

But the whole idea was not to Africanize the great City of Houston. Nope. Downtown Houston endorsed the parade platform as a city event – thus  allowing the Nigerian community to showcase, share,  as well as educate the population on the greatness of her  art and culture. For those who did not visit last year’s parade, September 28th, 2019 will offer a greater perspective of this community. According to Linda Anukwuem, one of the event facilitators who spoke on behalf of the Parade,   “First timers would see a street-wide celebration highlighting this West African country in a unique way. Vendor booths representing various businesses displaying artifact, costume jewelry, fashion, cookery, and even books will be on site.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to  see incredible performances from cultural groups of the Nigerian community

According to Ms. Anukwuem, “Nigerians are known for their extravagant flair and this event should be no different.  So, along the parade route, there will be various cultural groups, associations, and schools marching to showcase their group and display their culture through song, dance, and fashion. Also, attendees will be entertained with special dance presentations from specific groups.”

Nigeria Cultural Parade is facilitated by Culturally Naija and WeLead, Inc. Culturally Naija was formed in 2016 to preserve the culture and showcase a positive image of Nigerians in the USA. WeLead, Inc formed in 2013 as a not-for-profit change agent, working to empower the next generation to identify, develop and implement opportunities to improve communities.

Organizers of this parade are currently coordinating participating groups.  Attendees will have access to various vendor booths and enjoy special Nigerian cuisine by the title sponsor, Wazobia African Market, the Largest African Store in Texas. For the non- Nigerians, an international exchange takes course to create avenues to learn about Nigerian culture and people.

“When most people look at Nigeria, they think of the three main ethnic groups; Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. But what makes this event special is that other tribes that are not large in numbers such as Efik, Bini, Edo and Delta will also join the carnival to showcase their culture.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to  see incredible performances from cultural groups of the Nigerian community such as; Greater Owerri Community, Oji River Peoples Forum, Umu Igbo Unite, Zumunta Association – Texas Chapter, Mboho Ndito Ibibio, Akwa Ibom State Association, Egbe Omo Obokun of Ijesaland, the Ideato Commonwealth Association, Out-Umuokpu Anambra, USA Association, Rice University-African Student Association, Idemili Young Professionals & Youth and the Orlu Regional Assembly Houston.

Besides increased participating numbers, this year will feature for the first time, some familiar African-American entities.  For instance, SHAPE Community Center (celebrating 50 years), one of the longest standing African-American organization highlighting African culture will join the procession to create awareness about the relevance of Nigerian culture in the African and African-American heritage. Other notable guests such as Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, His Royal Highness Eze & UgoEze ObiChuku, High Chief Priest Solomon Adeyemi Ogunde, Dr. Seun Adigun- Olympian Bobsledder and former Houston Texan, Amobi Okoye would be celebrated and hailed along the parade with a special emphasis on their contributions and impact in the Nigerian community.

The parade participants consist of various school organizations, businesses including various sponsors and cultural groups representing Nigeria, social clubs and local government areas. You see noted Ms. Anukwuem, “When most people look at Nigeria, they think of the three main ethnic groups; Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. But what makes this event special is that other tribes that are not large in numbers such as Efik, Bini, Edo and Delta will also join the carnival to showcase their culture.”

For many years, the City of Houston along with community leaders organized the largest International Festival (IFEST) in Downtown Houston. Unfortunately, this event died naturally. The Nigeria Cultural Parade in Downtown Houston stands in a strategic position to fill this void. It would celebrate Africa’s artistic magnitude, but also climax Nigeria – a community that makes up more than 80% of the African community. This event comes at the right time, when the values of West African cultural arts is diminishing for lack of exhibition.  Ms. Anukwuem said that “The Nigerian Parade is seen by many as a great opportunity to create an international exchange as well as expose and share a culture still unfamiliar to many. The Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations and of course Cinco de Mayo are staple events that are equally sewn into the fabric of Houston. Basically, it is the norm.”

Houston has always carried a welcoming spirit as the most diverse city (melting pot) in the U.S., and it is also a home to a high number of international communities. Most importantly, Nigeria’s biggest cultural exports are Afrobeats, Nollywood and Jollof rice which indeed have taken center stage and very popular in Houston. “It is time to come together as a community and showcase Nigerian to Houston. We are asking all cultural and social organizations to register and participate in the parade route to highlight Nigerian’s diversity. Information for group registrations can be found at www.nigeriaculturalparade.com. This year’s event will also feature Masquerades provided by SixSense Entertainment. This particular group be highlighted at City Hall during the month of September leading up to the parade,” Ms. Anukwuem said.

The parade will start promptly at 10 AM but the Festival ground is open at 9:00 AM. Guests are encouraged to come wearing traditional attires. Information for group registrations can be found at www.nigeriaculturalparade.com., or call 832-452-7784.

Ivanka Trump Cashed $4 Million From Her Father’s D.C. Hotel in 2018

According to recent financial disclosures the couple made on Friday, Bloomberg reported, their income for 2018 was between $28.8 million and $135.1 million.

In 2018, a deputy White House press secretary claimed Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump were “sacrificing in their service” in the White House. But one of the things the couple is not sacrificing is tons of income to the tune of tens of millions of dollars a year.

According to recent financial disclosures the couple made on Friday, Bloomberg reported, their income for 2018 was between $28.8 million and $135.1 million. Included in that number is the $4 million in profits Ivanka cashed from the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. According to NBC News, the hotel has hosted officials from at least 22 foreign governments and potentially violated the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause. The clause precludes a president from accepting gifts given by foreign governments to prevent them from influencing foreign policy. The hotel is being sued, including a suit by Democrats from the House and Senate to find out what benefits Trump’s companies have received from foreign nations.

Another $1 million of Ivanka’s income came from her now-defunct line of clothing, jewelry and accessories, which many department stores stopped carrying before its closure. The couple’s 2018 income was reported to be at least $85 million.

The disclosures have not yet been approved by White House Council or reviewed by the Office of Government Ethics. The disclosures are a requirement for members of the cabinet and top level advisors and must be submitted by May 15 and made public within 30 days.

Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney’s financial disclosure contained interesting information, including that former chief economic adviser Gary Cohn paid $2,500 for Mulvaney to attend two golf tournaments in 2018 and hosted him in his home.

According to the disclosures, Kushner also invested between $1.5 million and $3 million in properties in Brooklyn in 2018. Maybe they can use some of their millions to pay back Trump’s $7 million debt he owes to the city of D.C. for his inauguration.

Nigeria suicide blast kills 30 at video hall in Borno

Over 30 killed after 2 suicide bombs hit end-of-Ramadan celebration in Nigeria

At least 30 people have been killed in a triple suicide bombing outside a video hall in north-eastern Nigeria, emergency service officials say.

Another 40 were injured in the attack in Konduga village in Borno State, the officials said.

There are conflicting report about whether the blast occurred while people were watching football or a film.

Militant Islamist group Boko Haram is being blamed for the attack. There was no immediate comment from the group.

Formed in Borno State, the group has waged a brutal insurgency across the north-east for a decade.

Ali Hassan, leader of a self-defence group in Konduga, told AFP news agency that the owner of the hall had prevented one bomber from entering.

“There was a heated argument between the operator and the bomber who blew himself up,” he said.

Igbofest: Houston sets to celebrate the Nigerian Igbo Festival and Culture

Prof. Chris Ulasi, president of Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association, overseers of Ndi Ichie Youth Cultural Foundation  announcing the official dates for the 2019 Annual IgboFest – the largest African cultural festival in the City of Houston.  He said, “We have decided to bring it to Downtown Houston to conveniently make it accessible to thousands of Houstonians from a diverse culture who are enthusiastic about the rich Igbo culture.”

It’s official that the 18th Annual IgboFest Houston will hold at the Discovery Green – an exceptionally striking municipal park of about 12-acres, situated in the very heart of downtown Houston.

International GuardianHouston, TX: Prof. Chris Ulasi, president of Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association, overseers of Ndi Ichie Youth Cultural Foundation, has announced the official dates for the 2019 Annual IgboFest – the largest African cultural festival in the City of Houston.  This year, the 18th Annual IgboFest Houston will reclaim its cultural capital on July 13th at Discovery Green – 1500 McKinney starting at 3:00 pm until 10:00 pm.  

In the past, according to Dr. Ulasi, the Annual IgboFest had been held in the Southwest side, but this year, “We have decided to bring it to Downtown Houston to conveniently make it accessible to thousands of Houstonians from a diverse culture who are enthusiastic about the rich Igbo culture.”

IgboFest Houston has reigned for over 15 years in the City, bringing in performers from across the United States and globally. Group performances will range from traditional to acrobatic dancers, whereas other displays will involve very rare masquerades from the Igboland.

IgboFest Houston has reigned for over 15 years in the City, bringing in performers from across the United States and globally. This year, group performances will range from traditional to acrobatic dancers, whereas other displays will involve very rare masquerades from the Igboland.

The July 13 experience at the Discovery Green will be sensational. According to Dr. Ulasi, “This event is free, so we are urging Houstonians to come out for an international experience – to witness the award winning and most recognized Igwe Cultural Entertainment group, awe-inspiring dancers, fashion parade filled with authentic-traditional wears and to learn why the African heritage  and indeed the Igbo culture are traditionally motivating and spiritually authentic.”  

Igbo Language and Communication Conference

As part of the 18th Annual IgboFest scheduled from Friday, July 12-13, 2019, Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association & Ndi-Ichie Youth Cultural Foundation will also hold its 1st Annual Igbo Language and Communication Conference.  The conference will hold on July 12, 2019 at Crowne Plaza Houston, 9090 Southwest Fwy., Houston – 10am – 6pm. 

The theme of this year’s conference is “Igbo Language Heritage: Communication, Representation, and Preservation.The conference is convened as part of the 18th Annual IgboFest Houston, which would promote, celebrate and showcase the Igbo culture in the United States of America. The two-day conference and IgboFest  — July 12-13, will comprise of plenary panels, workshops, Igbo cultural performances and stage play.

Also, the two-day conference and cultural festival will focus on the Igbo language as one of those considered by the United Nation’s agency UNESCO as “Definitely Endangered” – children no longer learn the language as mother tongue in the home.  UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger is intended to raise awareness about language endangerment and the need to safeguard the world’s linguistic diversity.

According to Dr.  Ulasi, “Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association and Ndi-Ichie Youth Cultural Foundation both play an essential role in helping people develop critical thinking, cultural awareness, linguistic diversity through teaching and learning of critically endangered languages, and youth cultural literacy.”

On Friday, July 12, there will be an Awards Banquet at 8:00 p.m. in the Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Houston.  Donations to fund language and media literacy education are encouraged. More information about the conference and festival is available at www.igbofesthouston.org.

Historically, Ndi-Ichie are a Council of respected individuals that occupy a very high place in the Igbo society. They are well-regarded personalities; they are elected individuals of valued demeanor; honest, resourcefulness, with comprehensive moral reputations and other virtues. They are believed to command special connectivity with the ancestors, and at all times held in high regard. As a MISSION, Ndi-Ichie Cultural Club and Ndi-Ichie Youth Cultural Foundation aim at reclaiming the cultural capital of the Igbos where it’s been damaged or lost.

For more information about the group, please call: 281-788-8133

Houston Mayoral race gets interesting as councilman Dwight Boykins makes a surprise entrance

Boykins, a Democrat to the core has been a member of the Houston City Council in Texas since November 2013, representing District D – a constituent where he was born and raised.

International Guardian, Houston, TX – Houston councilman Dwight Boykins has filed the basic official papers to activate his mayoral ambitions. Now, officially he is in the race. Boykins, it was gathered filed his paperwork on Tuesday afternoon. Boykins, a Democrat to the core has been a member of the Houston City Council in Texas since November 2013, representing District D – a constituent where he was born and raised.

Boykins would hit the campaign ground to face other candidates so far  –  the incumbent Mayor Sylvester Turner; Houston attorney, Tony Buzbee; and Houston businessman, Bill King.

Mayor Turner, an attorney and politician is equally a member of the Democratic Party who served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1989 until 2016. Buzbee has already welcomed Boykins to the race with a tweet, “I enthusiastically welcome council member Dwight Boykins to the mayor’s race.”

Other candidate, King is not new to the Mayoral race. Earlier this year, he kicked off his campaign – his second run for the city’s top office after he narrowly lost a 2015 runoff to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

From left: Incumbent Mayor Sylvester Turner; Houston attorney, Tony Buzbee; Houston businessman, Bill King; and Boykins.

Boykins has been consistent with his crave for public office. In 2017, he contemplated a run for Texas governor but backed down apparently for a lack of readiness. He claimed in a statement,   “I have had an opportunity to travel across our great state and meet a lot of hardworking people who feel no one is listening to their concerns or fighting for their families and I am humbled and encouraged by those who have asked me if I would consider running for Governor of Texas.”

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