NIGERIA MASTERWEB DAILY NEWS

*Village Square Series 09 – how it went By Abiola Abiola . "The event was declared open with prayer and the singing of the African Anthem( SADA Anthem ), God Bless Africa( www.africamasterweb.com/godblessaflyrics.html ) by gifted singer/songwriter, Tolupe Olumide." -Nigeria Masterweb Daily News of 10/21/09. . The “Village Square” series put together by Philos, the youth led division of Sons and Daughters of Africa (SADA) got a good start last Saturday, Oct 24. The event which aims to bring together a group of diverse leaders committed to instilling social change and development in Africa did just that – with three topics (Education, Health and Human Rights) discussed by the panels. Kicking things off was the deputy Ethiopian ambassador, reminding and in some cases informing the audience the role Africa, as a continent has played in human civilization, the roles Africa needs to play as we move forward, and the importance of education. He certainly created a segue for the next speaker, Dr. Kofi Agyapong, President of SADA and lawyer. He contends that the only way forward is a “United States of Africa,” with one parliament, government and currency, reminiscent of Kwame Nkrumah. The Health panel’s discussion was mind opening and informative, with Dr. Ikenna Okezie, of HealthTank Inc., shedding light on the top killer diseases on the African continent, most of which are curable and preventable, – and with people aged, 15 and below being the biggest casualties. During the discussion he said, “in Africa, when death comes, it comes early.” HealthTank is a health publishing and promotion company dedicated to improving individual health and wellness for people of all ages by offering more effective forms of learning. Top Ten deadly diseases in Africa (according to WHO-World Health Organization) Lower respiratory infections HIV/AIDS Malaria Diarrhoea Tuberculosis Measles Whooping cough, or pertussis Tetanus Meningitis Syphilis Hayden Craddolph, CEO of HaydenFilms, talked about the importance of the youth bringing peoples’ attention to all issues and taking action to solve them.Craddolph uses Film as the voice of the young people. HaydenFilms is anindependent film production and distribution company with a mission is to create and foster an online network of independent and student film producers Also present at the event was the President of DNPT (Distinguished Nigerian Physicians of Tomorrow) An organization whose apt tag line, ‘Changing thebrain drain into brain gain,’ I think is self explanatory The Education panel, which included Adenike Akinsemolu and Kristina Omiloli discussed topics such as”mental colonialism,” loss of idenity among young Africans in the western world, with input from the audience. During the refreshment break, Tolumide, singer/songwriter serenaded the attendees, including yours truly with some of her music. The organizers of this event can certainly be proud of themselves for this mind-opening and well organized event.