Mabi's World

An Ode to Whitney Houston.

2012-02-13T08:31:00.004Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

In the early days of my life as a broadcaster, working at CRTV's Mount Cameroon FM (South-West Cameroon), I produced and presented some musical programmes in addition to everyday journalistic work.
Whitney Houston was one of my favourite artists. Her voice , the lyrics, the melody in fact everything that came from her repertoire was good stuff for radio. In addition to that women her kind were rare at the time. She rose to fame quite young , her music cut across the world and touched on everyday reality. Name it: love, deceit, heartbreaks...

Then came her tumultuous years, when she experienced a bad marriage, drug problems and related issues but her music remained great!

Whitney began drifting away from the spotlight. I longed to watch her on stage again. I was wishing I could hear her tell her fans what she was up to.

Finally there was this exclusive on the Oprah Winfrey Show (click and watch part 2).

I was so happy to see Whitney on TV again. I listened to her talk about her life's journey and the many challenges she had been through. Far from judging her actions and choices, I could only wish her the best.

Whitney had promised she would be there for her daughter all the way, like her mother had been for her, especially through her most difficult moments.

Too sad she had to die at a tender age of 48.

Whitney, your story, your voice and music will forever resonate in our ears and our hearts even as you go to the world beyond. Adieu Whitney! We will always love you too!

Fifty-Fifty Profiles West African Female Activists

2012-02-09T21:51:00.002Z

Hello and welcome to Fifty-Fifty; a gender magazine produced and broadcast on West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) in Dakar. In edition 16 we profile some female activists in West Africa. Please scroll down the drop-list and click on edition 16 to listen to the programme.

Newslink 2012-02-09 First Edition

2012-02-09T21:26:00.001Z

Happy New Year

2011-12-29T17:44:00.006Z

Mabi Azefor Fominyen

The year is ebbing out. It's the time when we take stock. Has 2011 been productive? Did we reach the professional targets we set at the start of the year? Are we as healthy as we would have wanted? Have we started the family as we planned? Have we made enough money? Did we lose money instead? Did you lose your job as the world economic situation became more challenging?

Each of us has had their particular experience of the year that's sailing away. Regardless of how bright, dark, good or bad it was, we need to move on to the new horizon, called 2012, that awaits us.

I can only hope that it is a successful year for all of us. Accept best wishes for the year to come from me and my family (See our smiling faces at Christmas below)! Happy New Year!

Dakar- It's Getting Cooler !

2011-11-18T08:31:00.006Z

Mabi Azefor Fominyen

A few weeks ago in Dakar it seemed like one was baking in the heat! Stepping out of the house was a real pain but there wasn't much one could do about the weather.

Sometimes I felt like going to the beach to enjoy a bit of fresh air. Crazy though , but I actually felt like moving houses to live closer to the beach. Then I figured out the hassle that often comes with moving houses- for sure I wasn't ready to face that as well.

At other times, choosing what to put on was a real problem. This was true for my entire household. Funny! But I watched my kids turn almost every single item that come in handy into a "fanning object". Name it, a book, a cd,a paper , etc.

Now the weather is changing. The heat is fast giving way to a relatively cooler and fresher weather! It feels better! I Pray it last longer this time around!

The weather pattern changes ever so often that one never knows what to expect. My daughter tells her cousins all the time that in" Senegal we sometimes experience four different seasons in one day! Extreme heat and sunshine, windy /dusty sometimes light showers/cold and before you know it you are back to extreme heat".

Waoh!

2011-10-10T20:38:00.003Z

Waoh! Oprah is back on TV (OWN) with a new show called Oprah's Lifeclass beginning today (October 10, 2011).

If you are an Oprah fan like myself, you may like to follow this message about her new show.
(click on the above link)

Worth Sharing!

2011-10-02T16:34:00.003Z

I just stumbled on this piece by Iyanla Vanzant and felt it would be nice to have it on my blog and why not share with you as well!

GIVE THANKS
We have so much in life to be thankful for. We walk, talk, see, hear, think and breathe -- usually without effort. Why do we spend so much time dwelling on what we can't do, don't have and what is going wrong? We can instantly recall the negative experiences, people and circumstances without recognizing we have the ability to walk away, get away or make a change. Perhaps we have too many options from which to choose. Or it could be we simply like to complain. Maybe if we spent just a little time saying "thank you" for what we do have, we won't have so much time to dwell on what we lack. Gratitude, praise and thanksgiving activate the divine laws of abundance. When the universe can see we are conscious of and grateful for what we have, it is activated to shower us with more. Even when it seems that the well is drying up, we can affirm, "I can hardly wait to see the good that will come out of this."
My cup runneth over always.

From Acts of Faith
by Iyanla Vanzant

Happy birthday Son!

2011-06-24T16:29:00.011Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It seems like yesterday!

Oh yes it does seem like yesterday!

But it's a year now!

It's a year now since you were born!

Watching you grow has just been amazing!

Amazing indeed!

Son, I had dreamt of you even before you were born!

Oh yes, I did!

I imagined how you would look like.

When you were born, I started dreaming and imagining how you would look like on your first birthday.

I dreamt of a cute little boy, trying to walk, talk, sing and party with his friends.

I imagined you cutting your birthday cake and giving it a big bite with your eight teeth

Oh yes!

......and so it has been on your first birthday!

Happy birthday Son !

Oprah's Finale!

2011-06-08T18:50:00.004Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I first watched the Oprah Show in 2001. I fell in love with it and since then I became an avid viewer of the show. In fact I am a big Oprah fan! Even my entire household knows I am crazy about everything Oprah. I have been a member of the Oprah community for a while now in a bid to follow everything that has to do with Oprah.

Oprah you are great! Women like you are rare.

For many years you have been such an inspiration to me.

Times without number I have dreamt of meeting you some day.

I am still to belief that you have taken to the stage for the last time on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

I followed every thing you said on the ocassion. I was moved just listening to you paint a vivid picture of how you started the show and the path so far covered. You are so full of energy!

Twenty-five (25) long years: Impressive! Formidable!

Watch Oprah's Finale here in this video courtesy of the Oprah Show

Thank you Oprah. You have made such a difference in my life and career objective.

Worldwide, you have been a force to rekon with especially in the media lanscape.

The Teacher! I Appreciate You!

2011-05-06T14:31:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It's another time of the year when individuals show appreciation to some of the most important and perhaps influential people in their lives; THE TEACHER.

Oh yes! It is the Teachers' Appreciation Week. It is celebrated in schools around the world from May 2 to May 6. A great moment for students to recognise the role teachers play in their lives. Parents equally show their appreciation to teachers for all the efforts they put in each day to educate their children .

I thought I could revisit an article I once posted on my blog titled; Celebrating The Teacher , An Exemplary Leader. (click on link to see the article).

Poor Boy!

2011-04-07T11:31:00.009Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

My nanny showed up for work this morning but a few minutes later she told me her son couldn't sleep last night. When I asked why, she went on to explain that the boy had been attacked in school by a group of friends while they were playing and forced a stick of match into his ear. The pain was unbearable and the little boy couldn't help but cry all night while she watched helplessly.

I was touched! Deeply touched.

Poor boy!

Consequently, I advised her to take some time off work to enable her take the boy to the hospital and to look after him till he gets better

As she left I sat back thinking. How on earth do kids get to plan and carry out such acts against one of theirs? What actually happened? Could it have been an accident? Just how could such an act and other related incidents that often occur in some schools be curbed? Who takes the blame?

I began to ask myself many questions about some of the things that happen each day in some schools without the knowlegde of the teachers nor the parents.

Oh ! How can I ever forget the big guys back in my primary school days who used to bully the very young and perhaps-chicken hearted schoolmates. They used to seize their snacks and lunch boxes and eat everything! These bullies used to beat up others on their way from school for refusing to help them out with their class work. Academically, they were the very weak ones but they had a lot of physical strength which they often used to their advantage.

In most cases very few pupils had the courage to oppose to the demands of the bullies. They were feared by many. As such, acts of violence and related cases hardly ever got to the knowlegde of the headmaster nor to the parents except for extreme cases.

As a parent, I tell my children to keep off the "bad guys" and "bad girls" in school ( referring to the bullies, the hot -tempered friend and the "lazy girls/boys" of the class). I equally encourage them to stay away from any" trouble spot" but above all; to speak up and report any threats plus any form of abuse or violence.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:42:00.002Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It's a New Year! Happy New Year 2011 to all visitors of Mabi's World!

The Avocado : Rekindling The Past!

2010-12-13T07:57:00.007Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I went to buy a few items from a nearby supermarket last Sunday, when my eyes fell on these avocados. I leaped with joy because these fruits are sooooo scarce in the part of Africa where I find myself today, whereas they were a common feature of my diet in my native Cameroon. Seeing those avocados brought a torrent of childhood memories which pushed me to write.

By the way, I am not used to calling this fruit avocado! I grew up calling them pears surely because we were taught in primary school to call them that way. It's been difficult to wipe that off but my daughter is working hard to get me there.

"It’s avocado not pear mama, that's what my teacher said," she says each time I ask her to have some pears. I guess I really need to get it into my head. However, for this post, I would enjoin you to permit me call it pear like I did while growing up.

I remember how my parents, my brothers, sisters and I all loved having pear and bread for breakfast. In fact we happily opted for pears rather than butter when we had both of the on the breakfast table.

Then, there were those days we used to call “twenty-hungry” – when the month was dragging to an end and most or all of the food items were finished. The dry days when butter was hard to find on the breakfast table; talk less of chocolate, cheese, mayonnaise or eggs.

Pears often came in handy. They were available and cheaper. My mother used to buy so much of it from the local markets at a giveaway price. We sometimes harvested them from our farms. We would wait impatiently for them to get ripe for eating.

And pears could accompany anything! Bread, soaked garri (drinking/cold water garri), roasted cocoyams or plantains or corn, miondo/bobolo and, oh My God, pear and plum (safou)!

Sadly, when I got to secondary school (boarding school) I realised that pears were labeled. They were called "the poor-student's-catalyst". Accordingly, students who came from less-affluent homes could only afford pears (avocado) as a bread spread (catalyst) during breakfast.

Meanwhile, the rich students often spiced their breakfast with “delicacies” like chocolate spread, sardines, margarine, cheese, jam, peanut butter in addition to what the school provided for breakfast.

Whatever the case, I loved pears and even when I had some margarine, I didn't mind having some pears, as well. Now that I can afford a variety of items for breakfast, I still have a craving for pears.

Looking back, I wish I ate pears (avocados) every single day given the food values you can derive from the fruits. Today, I can barely find them. When I do, they cost so much.

In the morning!

2010-12-10T23:06:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

A gentle breeze blows in the morning
It's 6 o'clock in the morning.

Another day is here.....Mama!
Another moment of bonding is here....Mama!

So, I jump out of bed !
Sometimes, I am a little tired and sleepy but I am thankful.
Yes, thankful indeed!

Thankful for my children and my entire family.
Thankful for God's grace, His blessings, His love and protection.
Thankful for the peace and joy!

A New Man in My Life

2010-07-17T12:54:00.010Z

I've got a new man in my life.

Yes, he's the one who has kept me so busy and far from this blog. He loves to be the centre of attention. It's been 24/24 hours "ndolo" (love) between him and I.

He actually was inside me for a good nine months. He kicked so hard, I could hardly sit to write as I would have loved to. But I loved every moment of it.

He's George Fominyen....jr. My son. My latest bundle of joy! I love him dearly!

What a blessing!

The baby is doing great! Big sister too. Mum, dad, and the rest of the family at home and abroad, have continued to celebrate the baby's arrival.

To God be the GLORY!

It's been a while!

2010-04-23T16:17:00.014Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

There comes a time when you really can't do all that you would have loved to do in a day!
Oh yes ! I suppose this holds true for many people.

I had been planning to pull-out my sewing machine and try out a few new designs but I have just not been able to find the time to do so. Procastination...., a busy schedule, .... or mere laziness ? I guess I have been so taken by many other things: school, family chores, work :to name but these!

Helas! I found the time this morning ! Indeed the time to once more put my sewing passion and creativity to test. So I went searching for and digging out some fabrics from my sewing basket. See what I found!

I figured it would be a good idea to design a small-purse using any of these fabrics- so I settled for the "blue & brownish-piece" . I placed the piece of cloth on my measuring table, plus the material for the inter-facing and another piece for the lining. Once I finished taking the measurements, I cut out the pattern and settled down to sewing.

In less that twenty minutes, I was through with the process!

See what I made !

Now I know I really didn't need to take much time to come up with this bag.

If you love it, then let me know.You don't mind having one, do you?

It's My Birthday!

2010-02-28T21:54:00.004Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

What a blessing to turn one more year!

What a strange feeling to think one gets older as years actually come and go!

Did someone say "the older one gets the wiser one becomes?" Oh! that sounds so sweet when one looks at it from this perspective! Afterall wisdom is something to long for.

"Age is really a number......" So says my hubby!
How about that?

......and for my little girl, it's been a day of celebration starting with the sweet wordings on the birthday card she designed for mama......!
"Happy birthday mama. I wish you many more years and that you should continue being happy forever ."

Then the cutting of the birthday cake( another pleasant surprise), the gifts and plenty of love plus good wishes from family members and beloved ones.

I can't help but continue to count my blessings as the years come and go!

What's the best approach to curb female genital mutilation?

2010-02-07T23:47:00.002Z

An estimated 120 to 140 million women have been subject to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and 3 million girls continue to be at risk each year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.

UNICEF said on 6 February 2010 that there had been progress in tackling this issue that many international organisations view as a harmful practice against women.

I suppose such progress would include a recent decision by Mauritainian Muslim Imams to ban the practice. But how effective are such decisions and what are the best methods of tackling this issue. The following article by George Fominyen originally posted on Reuters AlertNet attempts an answer.

Mauritanian Muslim imams initiate rare ban on female circumcision

Human rights campaigners who have been struggling for years to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) in West Africa got a boost this week as news emerged that a group of Muslim clerics and scholars in Mauritania had declared a fatwa, or religious decree, against the practice.

The centuries-old practice involves removing part or all of a girl's clitoris and labia, and sometimes narrowing the vaginal opening. About 72 percent of the women in Mauritania have undergone FGM which health workers say often causes severe bleeding, problems urinating and potential complications during childbirth.

"Are there texts in the Koran that clearly require that thing? They do not exist," the secretary general of the Forum of Islamic Thought in Mauritania, Cheikh Ould Zein, told Reuters.

"On the contrary, Islam is clearly against any action that has negative effects on health. Now that doctors in Mauritania unanimously say that this practice threatens health, it is therefore clear that Islam is against it," he added.

In many parts of West Africa, FGM has been presented as a religious obligation for practising Muslim women, leading most to believe that if they are not circumcised they are unclean and their prayers will not be heard. Which makes the decision by 34 imams and scholars -- supported by the government of Mauritania and UNICEF, the United Nations' children's agency -- all the more unusual.

"The fact that the religious leaders in Mauritania are standing up and doing this is quite amazing. It shows how concerned Islam and the religion of Islam is about the health of women," said Molly Melching, executive director of Tostan, a Senegal-based organisation that has been working with 30 communities in Mauritania on FGM and rights issues.

MORE DECREES TO COME?

UNICEF estimates that 3 million girls and women are cut each year across communities in 28 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle-East. So, what is the likelihood of seeing similar bans on female circumcision in other countries?

Well, it's hard to say.

A fatwa in itself is generally binding only to those who follow a particular imam, so communities could be subject to contradictory decrees. Moreover, not all the communities in the other countries of sub-Saharan Africa where the practice continues are Muslim -- reflecting the fact that, as a longstanding cultural practice, FGM may be hard to end especially when campaigners use judgmental approaches.

"In the past, people have gone into communities and simply told them to stop this practice because it is bad and they display pictures of naked women and their reproductive organs in communities where this is shocking," Melching said.

Many organisations including Tostan and Save the Children believe this approach failed to stop the practice because it ignored the cultural context in which the targeted communities were living.

"I once asked a community: 'do you have the right to cut somebody's hand?' They said no. 'Do you have the right to cut somebody's head or foot?' They said no. So why do you cut somebody's sexual organ?" said Ame Atsu David, a former regional programme coordinator for HIV and harmful traditional practices of Save the Children (Sweden) in West Africa.

"This got them thinking," she told AlertNet. Many campaigners back an approach which involves human rights, education, community development, health care and leaves the decision to the communities themselves.

A Save the Children-backed campaign run by the Mali Centre Djoliba based on this approach has seen 40 villages abandon female circumcision and set up community groups to oversee the implementation of the decision in a country where over 80 percent of the women have experienced FGM.

In Senegal, 4,121 villages have abandoned FGM since 1997 with the support of Tostan whose work has been praised by U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and has also contributed to a law against FGM which was passed in the country in 1999.

"But a law is not what will change a social norm. For it to be sustainable it has to come from the people, a decision made by the people, because they really believe in it," Melching said. "The key is empowering people to make their own decisions but with good information," she told AlertNet. (Additional reporting by Laurent Prieur in Nouakchott)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T09:55:00.003Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Huraaaaaah! Another year begins!

It's 2010!

It's a moment to extend my best wishes to all of you who visit Mabi's World.

May it be a wonderful year for you and yours!

Moving With The Changing Times!

2009-10-12T15:11:00.007Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

I'd like to start my second year of blogging by introducing what I'd love to call Mabi's Pick!

Could be an image, a podcast or a video: that depicts or portrays certain aspects of daily life in a community.

Here comes the first of such!

BARACK OBAMA - exercise books now on sale in Senegal.

Mabi's World Turns One !

2009-09-19T15:59:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It has been a year since I launched Mabi’s World and posted my first blog.
I simply can’t believe how time flies.

What started timidly, especially given my little interest in ICT’s (at the time), has grown bigger than I ever imagined.

I have had some great experiences during this first year.

Mabi’s World has made me become IT Savvy; pushing me to improve my skills to the point of helping others start up blogs.

Interacting with fellow bloggers has been terrific! Reading about Mabi’s World from other blogs has been so heart-warming.

Mabi’s World has helped me speak about my passions: leadership, parenting, family, gender issues, arts & craft, my designs (De MABS DESIGN) etc. Sometimes I cooked on the blog; qt other times I celebrated the lives of people and mourned beloved ones.

This is different from writing journalistic reports & presenting on TV. It is multi-media: taking pictures, editing photos, uploading images, videos, podcasts and more.

Many of you have been to Mabi’s World, some have left comments and very worthy additions to issues posted on the blog. Others, follow my blog regularly.
I am deeply indebted to all of you! You all make part of Mabi’s World. Thanks immensely !

Let’s all see what lies ahead on Mabi’s World.

Mom & Daughter Home-made Cookies!

2009-09-16T12:56:00.013Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

My first attempt to bake cookies at home turned out to be a pleasant one. Everyone at home enjoyed the cookies. Thereafter, I planned to bake more cookies but never really found the time to do so plus I had to buy cookie cutters to facilitate the cutting and shaping of the dough.

Luckily my daughter kept reminding me to do so. At last I bought the cookie cutters. She was over-joyed. "Mama you finally bought the cookie cutters ...thank you so much, I can't wait to see us using them!'' And so it was just time to make some more cookies!

My daughter and I used the same recipe I had used when I first made cookies at home. See AKWE'S CUISINE for the recipe. NB:: I added a zest of orange to enhance the flavour this time around.

Cutting out the different shapes and sizes was just lovely! Thanks to our cutters see how much cookies we made!

Enjoy our mom & daughter home-made cookies! We are using this 'candy-cookie-like container' to store our cookies so they stay longer and remain crunchy.

Honour Your Grandparents! Now and Always.

2009-09-10T14:31:00.016Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

Grandparents' Day 2009 will be celebrated on September 13.

Our Grandparents are our pride, our heritage and key members of our families and communities. Little wonder therefore that a special day is set aside to honour and celebrate their lives. Their love and dedication to their grandchildren is beyond measure even though this is sometimes taken for granted.

In September last year(2008) I wrote an article on my blog on the role our Grandparents play in our homes/communities. On the occasion, I had one thing at the back of my mind -hence the title of the post "Don't You Think Grandma and Grandpa need a Break?"(Click here for the piece).

We may never be able to pay back Grandma or Grandpa for all she/he has done and has been to us, but we can make her/him know how much she/he is loved and thought of at all times and especially on GRANDPARENTS' DAY.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate with long-distance Grandparents.

What's your idea?

(Images courtesy of http://www.clipartguide.com/)

What a moment with the kids at the Klub!

2009-09-05T19:33:00.023Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen
It's been two weeks of fun with the kids at the Mabs' English Kids' Klub(MEKK). Eleven kids between the ages of 2-10 have taken part in our holiday programme.

0h my! I have been playing games & jumping around with the kids like never before, singing some of those favourite kids' songs(if you are happy and you know it clap your hands...)
drawing, painting, colouring as well as carrying out art and craft projects,

telling stories, teaching them the art of reading and public speaking, encouraging them to read as many books as possible, building team spirit among kids, testing their leadership abilities..... and all of these made me so proud, just like the other facilitators who gave me a big hand.

The kids have had a great time interacting with each other, doing the ABC soup, using tissue tubes to make pencil holders, making necklaces, designing paper shirts and ties, decorating the map of Africa, making party hats , crowns and many other items.

At the end of the programme, the kids showcased some of things they have learnt and designed while at the Klub and their parents were so thrilled. Like the kids, the parents all wished the programme could go on for a few more weeks.

This is another dream of mine that is gradually turning into reality:MABS ENGLISH KIDS' KLUB(MEKK). I sure would want to see this project grow, thus, giving a chance to many more kids to join in, share knowledge, gather new skills as well as put their talents into use and their imaginations to test.

(Kids building a puzzle)

I am most grateful to the parents, kids , facilitators and all who took part in the activites!

Introducing DeMabs Hat Collection 2009

2009-08-12T18:40:00.003Z

My Hat story - DeMabs Hat Collection 2009
Uploaded by esungeft. - Explore lifestyle, fashion, and DIY videos.

Why Did You Leave Me?

2009-08-06T16:42:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I woke up this morning thinking of someone I loved so dearly.
I loved him so much and I always wanted him by me so dearly.

But he left me.
Indeed he left me!

Time has passed but the love I had for him has stayed on.
If I could turn back the hands of time, I would, just to have him stay by me!

Thirteen years have gone past yet it feels like yesterday!
Thirteen indeed, for he left on August 6, 1996
And today is August 6, 2009.
And I am wondering:

How time passes!
How I still think of you dearly!
How I still miss you dearly!

How wonderful such moments were, with you loving, caring, teaching and guiding!
How you made me grow through life rather than go through it, aiming high!
How you lastly told me to “Be Careful in all you do”.

You gave me life and a sense of direction.
You taught me never to forget what you defined as
“The basic needs of life- God, Education, Food/Water, Shelter & Medication”.
You often walked the talk.

Yours was an exemplary life, a life worth emulating Dad!
I thank God for you papa!

But you left me too soon Dad! You left us too soon Papa!

Sometimes I wonder if I ever told you I loved you dearly!
Would you have stayed longer if I did? RIP dad!

See Who's Behind This?

2009-07-31T23:39:00.007Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

On my way from work, a well dressed woman approached me demanding for money to feed herself and her twin daughters. The children stood close to their mother, both of them shabbily dressed. As she put it, they" hadn't eaten since morning" translated from Wolof. I felt sorry for them and decided to give her a token so she could buy some food to eat and share with her children.

Upon opening my bag I noticed both children, who until then hadn't opened their eyes thus making me think they were suffering from some kind of eye problem, suddenly opened their eyes and quickly stretched out their bowls for me to drop in the money. At that point, the woman(their supposed mother) pushed them aside instructing them to close their eyes. She even used her hands to forcefully close their eyes. Unhappy with the lady, one of the children screamed saying she was going to inform her mother once she returned to her home.

Did I hear her well? I sure did hear her well!

But that sounded a bit tricky and aroused my curiosity thus I started asking questions.

And so it turned out that the woman was not the biological mother of the twin daughters. On the contrary, she had "hired " both children to go out begging throughout the week. While on the street, she claimed she and "her children" were so poor and hungry.

What a thing to do!

To say the least, I was shocked by that incident. Not by the fact that people would go begging on the streets but at what length some people would go to exploit children, evoke pity only to extort money from others.

On the occasion of the 47 edition of the African Women's Day(celebrated on July 31),discussions and activities in some parts of Africa focused on putting an end to the different forms of exploitation that women and girls suffer from. Many forms of exploitation exist today and include: physical, psychological, sexual, financial to name but those!

The consequences of such are many, causing enormous suffering, pain, regret, and even deaths. Unfortunately, some individuals and many communities continue to exploit women and girls, despite the numerous challenges some women and girls face, on a daily bases.

So who's behind this?

Go and Rest Auntie, Becky Ndive We Will Miss You!

2009-07-15T18:26:00.009Z

Written by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I barely dried my tears following Michael Jackson's death only to learn about Becky Ndive's passing on!

Devastated!

So I thought: what a cruel world we live in ! Is it so cruel that some "STARS "can no longer bear but pass on to a world beyond? Otherwise, how can Auntie Becky ( like she was fondly called) die when she was always so full of life?

She would weep for others and sympathise with many!
She would visit you if you were sick!
She would cheer you up if you were feeling low!
She would joke even when no one expected her to.

She would tell you to 'keep up the good work and be there for listeners and viewers'
She would make you feel proud of yourself in a 'house' where others hardly did same!

She was such a warm person in an environment where such charateristics were lacking. When I was appointed deputy service head in-charge of coordinating CRTV's provincial radio progammes and sent to work at CRTV's National Station (2005), Auntie Becky opened her arms and heart to welcome me. I presented Luncheon date, a CRTV national radio magazine programme which Auntie Becky Ndive used to coordinate to great acclaim.

She joined me in the studio on many ocassions to present 'LIVING WITH AIDS' - a regular health feature she produced and presented every Wednesday on "Luncheon Date". Whenever she came into the studio I was most humbled by how much she gave to satisfy the listeners .

She often had very kind words for her younger colleagues and would urge us not to relent. Like she once told me " I di come go retirement so wona need for continue the work".

She was full of concern. She would call me after broadcasts of the CRTV television breakfast show - 'HELLO' - to give me feedback. One day she told me ' You make me not to leave my house early in the morning because I have to stay and watch TV until you are done with the programme".

She had a style and knew so well how to touch her listeners and viewers! I remember on one edition of the Wake Up Show on CRTV National Station, the sportscaster told a story about one of Cameroon's footballers buying a number of motor-bikes for youths of the under-privileged neighbourghood in which he grew up on the condition that they report each with 1000 FCFA daily to his mother. "Ma mami eh who give dat kind money, na dey Becky don rich!,"Auntie Becky exclaimed (almost instinctively). That was her style!

She was fun to talk to! She had the kind of voice you would love to listen to!

I last spoke to Auntie Becky in early May 2009. I had called to say ' thank you auntie for the love, care and support shown me and my family' . But she responded to my telephone call from a hospital bed. Saddened, I told her I wished I were home to pay her a visit but she said (softly) 'go my daughter , I miss watching you on TV and getting you on the radio but I understand you had to move on, take care of yourself and the family '.

I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I look back. How can I hold back the tears?

Not when I think of how you used to call me 'your daughter and daughter in law ' and refer to my hubby as your 'son' ?

Not when I think of how you were a source of inspiration to my daughter when she was called up to be 'The Moderator' of a debate presented by the nursery section of her school! She still remembers meeting and talking to you about that debate.

How can I forget that you loved 'THE DEBATE' on CRTV and continued to handle it even when it was "retirement time"? What a legacy!

How can I forget your passion for women and gender issues? A passion we both shared. You were not just a journalist and a senior colleague. You were much more.

How can I forget the pleasant surprises you often had for me? Like the lovely gift you brought back from the UK. You said it was to keep your son's wife "sparkling" on TV and that is how "Bakweris take care of their wives!".

Go Auntie! Go and finally get some rest!

But we will miss you sorely.

Michael Jackson, dead! Hard to Believe It!

2009-06-25T23:52:00.006Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I had been looking forward to his "come back" this July (2009) only to learn of his sudden death!

Michael Jackson was loved by many, kids and adults alike. He was an icon and a role model .

I remember watching Michael Jackson when I was growing up and wishing I could dance like he did.

In my first year in secondary school I performed "We Are The World" during a welcome show for form one students. That was a dream fulfilled!

All across the world Michael Jackson touched the hearts of many. He was an extraordinary singer and performer and won thirteen Grammy Awards during his career. He was so talented!
We loved him, loved the dance, the songs, the clips, the outfits!

Beyond his successful musical career this Pop Star had a plethora of issues to grapple with over the years.

Perhaps CNN's Larry King summed it all when he said "It was hard to love him and hard not to love him".

Would there be another Michael Jackson to set the world dancing?

How Can I Thank Mother?

2009-05-10T19:05:00.002Z

Written & Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Mothers are so special!
So do they know how to make theirs feel special.

Role models they are to many of theirs,
Sacrifices they make on behalf of theirs!

How can I hold back my grateful tears, mother?
How can I ever pay you for all these years, mother?
How can I make the world know you've been a blessing all these years, mother?

Your love has been constant.
Your love has been my rock.
Your love has been my fuel.

You are my refuge and my stronghold!
You are worthier than gold.
You are my pride!

Mother you deserve the best!
For you have been the best!
You have equally given me the best.

For bringing me forth to the world, I say thank you.
For the days you couldn't eat because I needed more food, I say thank you.
For staying awake because of me, I say thank you.
For all you have done to make me a better "me", I say thank you.

I know I can never thank you enough mother!
But I'm certain I can offer you my love, mother!
I know I can also pray for you, mother!

Let the heavens open up for continuous pouring of blessings on you!
May it always rain gold on you.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

I Google Searched Myself! Terrific what I saw !

2009-04-30T11:46:00.011Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

As a Journalist/ Mass communicator it behoves me to gather and disseminate information on a wide range of issues. This implies searching for the information , interviewing people, writing news stories , reporting the stories, producing and presenting the news plus programmes among other things. On many occasions therefore I have been the interviewer and not the interviewee. In other words- the one asking the questions rather than providing the answers but for the few instances when some Cameroonian newspapers and magazines turned the spotlight on me.

This morning I attempted a google search of my names and whaaoooo! Terrific -the tons of literature I found on the Internet following the search! And so I was able to once more read through an interview granted me (in 2005) by the Post newspaper and published in it's edition of Thursday 28 July 2005. Meet Mabi Azefor Jack of All Journalism .

So much has changed in my career life after that interview for in November 2005 I was appointed Deputy Service Head in charge of CRTV's Provincial Radio Programmes , thus moving from Douala to Yaounde-CRTV's National Radio Station.

In February 2006, I appeared on TV (Cameroon's National Television) as the Pioneer Presenter of CRTV's breakfast show HELLO- a moment many of my fans will live to remember.

( Mabi on hello set with Rev. Angela Acha-Morfaw plus floor manager setting the stage-Feb 2006 )

In the course of time, I was appointed Chief of English Language TV-Programmes (Jan 2008). (Mabi on hello set- July 25, 2006)

As I "throw-in -the-towel" as well as celebrate the path so far covered I'll relish sharing some of my interviews, newspaper articles, videos and photos with you as I continue to blog for these form part of Mabi's World

Try This, It's Easy!

2009-04-14T15:34:00.007Z

Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

My daughter returned from school the other day and requested I help repair the zip of her friend's pencil case. While in school the zipper had given way and she promised her friend she could ask her mum to help repair it.

Once home she asked me "Mum could you please help fix my friend's pencil case?She loves it so much and she was so sad in school when it got bad" .

At first I didn't know what to tell her! Then she went on to say "please mum I know you can do it , just use your sewing machine and sew it."

In fact I was wondering how I was actually going to put back the zip, given that I had never sewn a pencil case before.

At least I knew how to fit in a zip on a dress so I told her I was going to completely take out the old zip and fit it another one so her friend would be able use the pencil case again.

Just like my daughter had suggested, I was able to help fix the pencil case.

When I took a closer look at the pencil case I noticed it looked too small and faded so I decided to attempt a new one.

This is what I came up with!

The following day my daughter took both the old and the new pencil case to school and handed them to the friend. She was simply over joyed.

Since then a few others have equally asked me to make pencil cases for them.

This reminds me of many mothers out there who take delight in putting their passions, talents and time to use, for the good of entire households and communities when the need arises.

Arts and Craft: What They Sometimes Portray!

2009-03-17T14:21:00.008Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

If you live in or travel to Africa very often then you certainly are familiar with Africa’s great works of art and craft. Some of the crafts and artisan objects originate from the continent’s rich and diversified culture. Others attempt to depict everyday life, humanity, attitudes, believes, myths and realities. Perhaps that’s the beauty behind every piece of art!

While on the field as a culture desk reporter (2003-2005), I had the chance of interviewing a cross section of artists and artisans so too did my love for art and craft increased. Often I sought to understand what some works of art actually signified. For instance a painting could carry a message of hope. Sometimes that of suffering or love; to name but these.
I must admit my love for arts and craft has kind of doubled over time. Every piece I come across I tend to appreciate it and sometimes I would purchase it. I equally take delight in snapping or filming some of them. I sometimes put my imagination to test by crafting something! I may not be good at craft but I guess I could make an appreciation of what I see!

This is perhaps the most annoying piece of art/craft I have ever come across. I walked into an “open- air African designed restaurant”, decorated with beautiful calabashes and nice paintings; depicting a typical African village setting. Behold I saw these “nude-feminine-structured works of art”.
I pulled out my camera to get some shots I would use on my blog. As I took these photos I noticed some Europeans were doing same and I kept wondering why some artists would rather portray "nude feminine objects" as if that’s all a woman’s got to show! Unfortunately some artists/sculptors are specialized in carving such pieces!

“She” is rather decent. In most African cultural and traditional settings the woman is obliged to cover her body (at least her private) while in public just like the man. Ironically, many works of art that seek to portray African men, are hardly left unclad (if not partially).
This is a case in point (a photo I took at the same venue).

Generally, I hold women in high esteem not just because I am a woman ! A woman is worth respecting! She has many virtues known to many of us. Of course as a human being she has her own weaknesses! That notwithstanding I believe she is a lovely human being, full of dignity! Seemingly and unfortunately so, the "woman" is yet to completely wipe off the "negative and sometimes indecent tags" her society continues to put on her. If only she could be perceived by many (especially artists)from a more decent perspective, perhaps…………………..!!!!!!!!!

Stop! Reflect and Pay Tribute to Women the World Over !

2009-03-08T16:54:00.007Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Each year, women the world over are in the spotlight on March 8 coined the International day of the woman. It is a day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Simply put , it is an occasion to think about the woman, assess her role in the community and celebrate her contribution to making herself and the world a better place .Women’s groups, organizations as well as individual usually take part in the celebration.

In Cameroon March 8 hardly goes by unnoticed, unlike in some other countries. A number of socio-cultural activities are organized prior to the day ( with the women being active during all such events)even though the women’s march-pass is a “vital” part of the day's celebration. The day usually culminates in heavy eating, drinking and dancing by women groups.
The “Women’s day” fabric is considered a “must-have” by many women in Cameroon, for the celebration to be somewhat complete. Different dress patterns especially the ‘kaba’( a traditional free-flow outfit typical of the Sawa people)as well as head-gears are usually on display.

I have a passion for women and gender issues. Sometimes I describe myself as a "Womanist". You would therefore imagine my feelings each time I think of such moments when people the world over pay tribute to the woman such as:

March 8(The International Day for the woman),

July 31(The day of the African Woman),

October 15 (Rural women’s day).

Many are those who question: why celebrate the “woman”?

The road has been a long and tedious one for many women in their quest to get a “fair treatment” like their male counter parts –call it gender equity. The challenges have been and are still enormous. Many women the world over continue to suffer from acts of violence caused by the men sometimes leading to pain and death. Some face discrimination at home and at the workplace. Many still lack access to education. Harmful traditional and cultural practices continue to stand on the path of women.The rights of many are violated. A good number of women are yet to make their voices heard in different circles.

However, it is important to recognize that the emancipation and empowerment of women is today a reality in many areas and communities .Women are seen in all facet of life, they hold key positions and take the lead in many spheres. Many now hold themselves in higher esteem. In fact they have come a long way and this calls for celebration. They are politicians, bankers, pilots, doctors, journalists, nurses, teachers, traders, drivers, cooks, farmers; to name but these!

Happy Women’s Day!

The Radio, An Effective Means Of Reaching A Community!

2009-02-27T06:53:00.010Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Back at the university, my Journalism and Mass Communication lecturers taught me the radio was one of the most accessible, affordable , available and effective medium of communication in most parts of the world. I can attest to this, haven been on the field for many years now. In fact the radio is an effective means of mass communication. Many researchers have also confirmed this.

Unfortunately not every community/individual especially those in some remote parts of my country do have access to information broadcast on radio in spite of the multitude of radio stations now existing in Cameroon.

"Cameroonian Village gets connected" written by Rachel Stevenson is a piece worth reading .Below is the success story of a community radio station in the remote village of Donga-Mantung-Nkambe, North West of Cameroon.What am impact !

Cameroonian village gets connected
Rachel Stevenson
guardian.co. uk, Tuesday 20 January 2009 00.05 GMT
Link to this video

"I felt like I lived in a hole until the radio came," Fai, a farmer in Donga-Mantung, north-west Cameroon, clasps a small, old radio in his hands as if it were a block of precious metal. Its dial is fixed at one frequency – only one station gets a reception in this area and it is a beam of light for a community otherwise in darkness.

Donga-Mantung is poor, rural and remote. The main industry is subsistence farming and less than half the population has had formal schooling. The dirt roads are often impassable and villages have no electricity, no phone lines, no television reception and, until 2006, not even a radio signal.

Feeling cut off from the world and concerned about the spread of HIV, the local council began the Donga-Mantung Community Radio (DMCR) in 2006 to bring information and social improvements to its population. For Fai and his fellow villagers, DMCR is invaluable. "Before the radio started, I didn't even feel I was a Cameroonian because I didn't know anything about what was happening in my country," he says. "Now we get the national news, we get local news, we hear about jobs, we get health programmes – it really has brought a lot of progress to us here."
DMCR reaches more than 600,000 people and has a packed schedule of news, health, education, social affairs, cultural and music programmes. It broadcasts in local dialects, as well as English, to reach as wide an audience as possible. Details of vaccination programmes, free treatment centres and employment opportunities are announced over the airwaves, as well as more humdrum items such as births, deaths, council notices, and lost property. It hosts a hip-hop show for budding DJs and has just started a programme covering women's issues - "The people's radio, your radio, our radio", as the station's jingle goes.

"For as little as a £1,000, you can set up a station that reaches people up to 25 miles away in every direction," says Max Graef, a sound engineer and the founder of RadioActive, a London-based social enterprise that built DMCR on behalf of the council. "In places where there are no roads, no electricity, no phones and low literacy rates, radio is the cheapest and easiest way to reach people."

RadioActive has built radio stations in neglected communities all over the world from Palestine to Madagascar, Honduras to Nepal. "Anyone who can speak can be on the radio, so virtually everyone in the community can take part," Graef says. "The technology is not as expensive as people think and even people with hardly any money will get their hands on a radio so they can hear what is happening in the world around them. A radio station provides a focal point for community participation and engagement, as well as a platform for dialogue and debate."
DMCR and RadioActive' s busy order book are examples of the growing use of radio to empower economically and socially marginalised groups. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the World Association of Community Broadcasters, which now has more than 4,000 members in 115 countries, all working at a local level to make an impact on poverty, exclusion, social justice and human rights.
Assisting the growth is the spread of technology, which is making information more accessible in the developing world.

"We are seeing greater recognition of the power of media as a tool for development, " says Stephen King, director of the BBC World Service Trust, the charitable arm of the world-renowned station. "There has been a sea-change in technology – take the explosion of mobile phone use in Africa as an example. People now have a much better understanding of media and communication. "
The trust works with non-governmental organisations and broadcasters on a range of media projects, from post-conflict communities like Sierra Leone, to promoting transparency in government in Nigeria, to training reporters to cover war crimes tribunals, to improving women's rights in Afghanistan.

It is also seeing a growing demand for media to become part of the emergency response to disasters. In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma last year, the trust worked with aid agencies to send out information on basic sanitation and where to access aid over the radio.
Radio is being put to a substantial range of uses and it seems more and more communities want their voices heard.

In Donga-Mantung, the success of DMCR has kick-started an insatiable desire for media in the area. The Lord Mayor of Nkambe, the town where the radio station is based, says neighbouring regions are now trying to do the same. "I think within a short time we will have more community radio stations all over this area," he says. "And I tell you, it is the greatest tool of education and information we could have for our people."

Bake a Cake : No Eggs, No Milk!

2009-02-25T16:59:00.006Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen.

This is probably the cheapest and simplest cake I ever baked. It is a chocolate cake. It is moist, dark and delicious!

Here's the recipe;
1 1/2 cups of Flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup or 3 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon vinegar
1/3 cup or 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla

NB: No eggs, No milk.

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl
Mix well

Add the remaining ingredients in the following order ; vinegar, oil and water

Mix well , add vanilla flavour and pour into cake pan

Bake for 20- 25 minutes in an oven at 175°C or 350°F

(You may want to frost with chocolate frosting)

Yummy!

I Love To Cook! It Gives Me Joy!

2009-02-20T06:53:00.025Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I remember growing up as a young girl in a family of seven (five girls and two boys). Our mother made sure the girls all took turns to cook. She would teach us many recipes and how to prepare food using the ingredients available at home at any given time - put simply: how to "manage" .

Each one of us received feedback and ratings for the food we prepared. Good ratings were quite motivating and made us love cooking the more! I still remember the family sitting on the dinning table and my mum saying "thanks to today's cook, keep it up, may be next time you have to reduce the amount of oil you put in the beans" and I would actually feel some relief, just like my sisters did each time mum commented on the food.

I have never stopped cooking and doing my own ratings since then. In fact I love all that has to do with cuisine. At home I spend the greater part of my time in the kitchen. I am passionate about collecting and trying out new recipes. Posting them on the fridge as well as sharing them with others.

As a TV -Presenter, I carried along my love for cookery to the 3-hour breakfast show "HELLO" on the Cameroon National Television(CRTV) , launched in February 2006. It was the first time-ever that viewers were witnessing live-cooking on Cameroonian Television.

As a duet with "Hello"s consultant Mrs Mathilda Ntamack (Auntie Mathilda) - an educationist/home-economist with a passion for cookery - we prepared a variety of items on the set. We explained to viewers the different steps to follow for certain recipes as well as served food to the guests on the live-show. We made quick breakfast options, salads, pastries, desserts and lots of other recipes.

The feedback from Viewers was terrific!

Cooking on the "Hello" set became a tradition with viewers watching out for the new recipes and cookery tips each day I came on set. I upheld the tradition even when "Auntie Mathilda" became less regular on set. I didn't mind that this entailed buying the items and transporting the utensils from my kitchen to "Hello's kitchen".

How about sharing with you, my latest recipe for what I call home-made six simple cup-cakes

2 cups of all purpose flour,

1/2 cup of sugar,

1/2 cup oil or butter,

1/2 cup milk

2 eggs, 3-teaspoons of baking powder,

1 teaspoon vanilla flavour and /or nutmeg.

Heat oven to 350°F or 175° C
Whisk the egg white, add and mix sugar, oil or butter, vanilla and milk.
Mix the dry ingredients separately before combining the wet and dry ingredients ( flour, baking powder, nutmeg)
Gradually add into the mixture and be sure its smooth, then beat the yoke add and mix well.
Oil the cake pan, fill in the six -cups and bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Remove, leave to cool for about 2minutes before removing them from the cake pan.

Try it out , its easy and delicious.

Enjoy it!

Love Never Gives Up!

2009-02-15T00:25:00.002Z

Inspired by 1 Corinthians chapter13 verse 4-8

Love is patient and kind;
Love is not jealous or boastful;
Love is not ill-mannered or selfish;
Love is not irritable or resentful.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs;
Love is not happy with evil but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears it all;
It never gives up;
Its faith, hope and patience never fail.

Love never ends.
It is eternal!

Happy Lovers' day to you all!

How About This?

2009-01-29T13:54:00.009Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I was at the market the other day when my eyes fell on this 'Winnie the pooh' fabric.

I bought it and I was inspired to sew a few items using the fabric.

I would like to call them "Winnie The Pooh bedroom accessories for kids" designed by MABI.

Winnie the Pooh shelve-cover (below)

Curtain for kids' bed-room(above)

kids' bedsheets, pillow/bed-cover (above)

Another curtain (above)

kids would love this!

I Thought It Looked Good!

2009-01-26T15:27:00.009Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I love to put my imagination to test.

Often I am amazed at the things I end up designing.

A dress, a skirt, a blouse, hats, throw pillows and now these hand-made wall pieces.

It takes a bit of imagination and creativity plus material.

Once I finished, I put them up on the walls of my living room and I thought they looked good .
Black and white wall -mats on a white-background! Not a bad idea at all.

As days go by, I am tempted to do more!

How about you?

"It Happened"

2009-01-20T17:43:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

And so it happened.

Barack Obama was sworn in at 12:05 pm ET . Tuesday.

His inaugural speech touched on a myriad of issues.
The challenges that await America, the situation in Iraq, the re-making of America......
"Our challenges may be new...."

Among other things he talked about some moments that have defined the times in America.The economy which needs bold and swift action.
Words like faith, hope over fear, freedom, strength of a nation , hard work, honesty, stood out clearly as he went on.

"What is required from all of us now is a new era of responsibility" Obama told his people.

Other highlights of the event included the song by the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin "My Country Tis Of Thee" . The Poem read out by Elizabeth Alexanda an American poet . The thought-provoking words of prayer from the clergy.

Of course I can't fail to mention the two Obama girls plus Mum, all looked splendid. As I watched them I wondered what must have been going through their minds as Dad- Barack Obama took the oath of office.

IT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN !

2009-01-20T15:49:00.004Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

My eyes have been glued to my TV set all day.

I do not want to miss a moment. It is thrilling! All of these side stories about the inauguration, make it look like fun.

Imagine: CNN announcing that Michelle and Barack Obama just had coffee with Laura and George Bush at the White House! Not many transitions happen like that in my dear Africa. Hope it comes to be. At least the Ghanaians made a step towards that.

But did you see Michelle's dress as the Presidential couples stepped out for a photo scene!

Thanks to CNN photos for the one on this post

And the coverage continues!

20 JANUARY 2009:OBAMA DAY IN WASHINGTON!

2009-01-20T13:54:00.012Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Temperatures read 20°C in Washington DC this January 20 2009. Yet the crowd is braving it. "Yes we can"many are shouting and waving the American flag with pride. Many have covered thousands of kilometers to be part of a great moment. Part of history indeed.

Yes Barack Obama is America's 44th President. Yes he is black.US polls show most African Americans see this as a realisation of Martin Luther King Jr's vision.

There is no doubt this day means different things to different people and communities.
It's a moment of joy
A moment of hope.
A moment of love.
A moment of patriotism .
A moment to put on the OBAMA T-shirt or hat.

Many people have gone to the inauguration ground to catch a glimpse of Obama.Others to immortalise the event.

Thousands more are glued to their TV screens? others to their radio sets. Some are using search engines on the Internet for the latest.

According to CNN all twenty-nine thousand hotel rooms in Washington DC are fully booked for the event.Traffic is tight. Security measures as well .

From the look of things, there's so much enthusiasm in the air. There's hope in the horizon. Aspirations are high. The world is waiting! The people are expecting!Not just to have Obama take office as President but to see the so much heralded "change" come to the United States Of America and perhaps other parts of the world.

The incoming white house press secretary Robert Gibbs told CNN this morning, "Obama will be asking people to step-up and do more to change the country and take it to a better direction." He added that Obama will also talk about responsibilities- both for the citizens and financial institutions among other issues expected to feature in his inaugural speech.

Hopes are indeed very high.Obama is quite aware and "hopeful as ever". He will no doubt need to carry a huge dose of hope along to the white house to accomplish his daunting task.

Let's party as he becomes America's 44th President.

Oh Yes I Did It! I Designed The Hats!

2008-12-14T08:00:00.012Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I once received a young and talented male hat designer as guest on the Cameroon TV breakfast show 'Hello'. He weaved a hat on-set and I was marvelled by the art!

I love wearing hats and have always wanted to design them. I couldn't figure out how to.

Recently I decided to investigate the art of millinery. I read a story about a reknown hat designer Patricia Underwoods and how she got into the art. Her story inspired me especially when she said: "A hat should not call attention to itself. It should flatter the face and relate to clothing...you have the material, the sewing machine and the mirror at hand...think of making a hat as an adventure, make one that suits you....".

Why not give it a try, I thought!

So I went to the market, bought a few items and accessories I imagined would make the hat beautiful, got home and started working on something.My idea was to come up with a, nice but simple piece. I checked in the mirror every now and then to see what it looked like.

Hey! Behold I did it! Oh yes I made a red hat !My sister Lynda couldn't believe it when she got me on the webcam as we chated and I was showing off what i just designed.

"You did that!?" she wondered.

Oh yes I did.

After making the hat I thought now that's interesting . The following day I was off to the market again to get more material so I could give it another try. See what I have been able to design since my debut in hat-making...

I am about to enroll in a milliners' course at a fashion Institute to perfect the art!

I'll see what my talent, my love for arts & craft, plus sewing would lead me into!

Stop Violence! Real Men Don't Abuse Women/Girls!

2008-11-26T11:40:00.003Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

She is sometimes beaten in class by her male classmate, threatened at home by her brothers, sexually harassed in her office by her male colleagues, raped in her community by a man, coerced into sex by another man , molested by her husband or male partner, abused by a family member, assaulted by a neighbour, a stranger.................. .....................! Yet she deserves a better world!

Violence and abuse may vary in form. Sometimes it's the physical.This includes, pushing, slapping, hitting with fist, pulling of hair, chocking and the use weapons. It could be sexual and in some cases men use damaging objects without the woman's consent (stories of such acts are now common in the media ). It could be psychological as well as emotional.

Throughout the world, violence against women and girls kills and maims vast numbers; it fills their lives with pain and terror from which some never recover.It affects the young and the old, the married and unmarried. It also affects people who are dating, single, cohabiting, divorced, gay or lesbian. People from all social, ethnic, religious, racial and economic groups.

"Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation.And it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot be making real progress towards equality, development and peace" (Kofi Annan, March 8, 1999)

In spite of efforts to curb violence and abuse, statistics still paint a horrifying picture of what women go through in different communities. Violence has not been abated. Some gender specialists and activists have opined that violence against women has become as much a pandemic as HIV/AIDS or malaria.

Why then do men continue to abuse women/girls ? And how comes women continue to bear it?

At this point am tempted to share some of the responses and words I got when I put this question to a cross section of people as I sampled opinions needed for my radio programme:
"because some men think it makes them stronger", " because many societies celebrate male dominance and encourage men to do so coupled with rigid gender roles", " some cultural, traditional, economic and social factors put women in a tight corner, making her vulnerable thus she gets abused by the man", " men who abuse women were equally abused in their childhood ", "some men are weak , alcoholics, possessive and think by using violence it makes them appear macho", " marital violence", "some women bear it out of love, others have no other option so the men take them for granted hence, some are poor so they are used and abused, others just fell into the wrong hands ........................."

In addition to raising awareness the issues surrounding violence and abuse, there's certainly the need for a change in perception and attitudes. The need to move from mere rhetoric to concrete actions such that perpetrators of acts of abuse get adequately exposed and punished, while victims report to the right quarters and survivors speak out in a bid to check such abuses. Of course governments and other individuals would have to give it more attention than is the case in most countries today.

To the woman or girl who is being abused , its important to asses the situation and look carefully at the options in front of you. Meantime, you might want to draw up a strategic safety plan , stretch out for help from family members, individuals and organisations and try getting much information that could be helpful even as you try to make better the situation.

To you the man, why not start treating 'HER' like a queen? Afterall 'SHE' treats you like her king quite often. Besides she is a human being and not an object meant to be abused. Above all she is your sister, friend, mate, wife, mother, colleague, neighbour, daughter, partner, grandmother, aunt, niece and you name it.

Say Hello In An Attempt To Forster Peace

2008-11-21T19:05:00.004Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Did you know that November 21 is World Hello Day?

Oh yes!

A day to say hello to atleast ten people.

A time to say hello to all those who are so special to you and also to those with whom you have been out of touch for some time.

World Hello Day is an opportunity to learn about the value of saying" hello."

It is a day to express concern for world peace and anyone can participate in the activities.

Did you know that World Hello Day greeting card exist?

Oh yes!

World Hello day began in 1973 , in an attempt to promote peace between Egypt and Isreal .
Since then , the day has been observed by people in different parts of the world.Today there are over 180 countries, as well as individuals and communitees involved in an attempt to forster peace.

World Hello Day was also created to urge world leaders to try communication rather than military force in settling conflicts and crisis.

How about greeting ten people or more for peace?

Re-discovering Africa's Majesty Through InterAction

2008-11-07T23:17:00.006Z

InterAction Mabi 1 year after
Uploaded by esungeft

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

It is a year now since I experienced a renaissance in terms of my perception of Africa.

Before joining the InterAction Leadership Programme run by the British Council, I had no belief in Africa. I was pessimistic about the continent's future. All I could see was poverty, underdevelopment, failed leaders and nations in crisis.

My journey into this new prism started at the Pan-African Event held in Dakar –Senegal in October 2007. Through the people I met, discussions we had and the displays on the Wall of Greatness, I realized that Africa was greater than I perceived. I became a witness to the continent's immense cultural, natural and human resources.

This video is my tribute to those life-changing moments at the Pan-African Event. It is also my way of reminding Africans and all peoples of the world that if we accept each others' differences, we can make Africa and the World a better place for all.

Encouraging Our Children to have a Dream

2008-10-26T19:58:00.005Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I often wonder how many parents do encourage children to dream!

I watched an Oprah Winfrey show on which she paid tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. In the course the program she touched on many aspects of the “I Have a Dream” speech delivered in 1963 in the USA. Oprah wrapped up the show with the question “how will this dream live in you?”

The word “dream” made me to stop and think again. Perhaps many of us have dreams but we fear or fail to live them, I wondered.

The fear of failure could be a serious problem and could affect our dreams and entire lives. Sometimes we do not attain our dreams simply because we have a fear of failure. The Late prolific Cameroonian writer and literary critic- Dr Bate Besong, in an interview with CRTV (Cameroon’s National Television) made a similar allusion by saying “fear is one of man’s greatest enemy. Once man succeeds to conquer fear, there’s nothing more to be afraid of

Because we allow this feeling to live with us, we sometimes fall short of dreaming and encouraging our children to dream. Parents often fear what their children would grow up to be. Some want their kids to live the “parents’ dream”.

I believe it is important to deal with and overcome the fear of failure so that we will be psychologically and emotionally free to strive for success and consequently enable and encourage others to do same, starting with our own children.

Sometimes I ask my six years old daughter “what is your dream? What will you like to do when you grow up?”

She tells me “Mama I would like to be a Journalist so I can write the news and handle the debate, a nurse so I can take care of sick people, a police officer so I can control traffic, a cook so I will always prepare delicious food……………………”At times she would draw some of the things on a piece of paper.

I would listen attentively, take a look at the drawings, smile and say “that’s good girl, you must work very hard to be able to do all of these”. She wakes up the following day with a smile and narrates all that she dreamt about while she was asleep. Quite often such dreams would center on her “real life dreams.”

By doing this little exercise I have learnt a lot: children have dreams. They could go far beyond our imaginations and expectations.

No matter their age, children have visions, goals, passions, ambitions, all of which could mature if parents show some guidance and encouragement. Here, parents might need to fill their minds with the good, pure, powerful and positive- so they can work towards becoming all they dream of and want to be. Teaching them to convince themselves that they are capable, would be vital in reaching their dreams and goals.

It is evident that some of their dreams and passions are shaped by the environment in which they live in as well as the words and actions of their parents and other people in their community. Here it behooves parents to lead by example, pointing out the good they see in others and avoiding negative labeling often known to be a key factor resulting to low-self esteem in children.

Sometimes the variety of suggestions (some of them conflicting) thrown at parents might negate the validity of any specific approach to handling certain issues. However, I trust that parents and other individuals, who read this piece, will carry forward the reflections and discover how best they could encourage their children to have a dream and pursue it.

Living My Sewing Dream

2008-10-18T17:09:00.016Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

As a little girl I used to enjoy watching my mother sew. I was also impressed by her skills at embroidery. Often, I would gather left-over pieces of cloth and try out some needle work. My best model was my little doll. I would make outfits for her. The more I tried, the more I fell in love with the craft of sewing. But it is not until last year that I finally decided to take up an apprentiship at a tailor's workshop in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon during my annual leave.

The other apprentices were shocked to see me there at 8.00 a.m sweeping the workshop and taking orders from the master (St.Mike).

"Why is it that a big TV star like you is coming down so low to do this" they wondered.

I expected such expressions of surprise from members of our Cameroonian society. Our community thrives on a rather sad assumption that professions like sewing or tailoring are only meant for school drop-outs and house-keepers whose masters want to reward for loyal service.

Based on these stereotypes, people who have a passion for such crafts let these talents to die while they try to maintain their social status.

I was and am still determined to live my childhood dream. So after a month of daily lessons and weeks of part-time exercises, I am proud of the things I can design and sew.

Take a look at this black and white satin top I made for myself.

I was just visiting a local market and fell in love with this fabric. I bought it designed a style, hit the pedal of my machine et voila!

I got me a blouse!

Everything I see on someone, I try to produce it for myself or my daughter. The internet too is full of lessons. So I am making progress.

My home is now full of my creations. No more buying of throw pillows; Mabi's Couture can produce them

To imagine that all of this may have been lost if I just wanted to show-boat as a learned journalist among the Cameroonian elite.

What about you? Do you have a secret passion that you crave to live but fear to abandon your present social status? My advice is to follow your passions and live your dreams. It is also a sign of leadership!

Ever thought of Healing your Back-ache with Python Oil?

2008-10-17T21:52:00.007Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Life is a mystery. What scares one person is often another's toy!

On one of my trips to Bamenda, the headquarters of Cameroon's North West Province, I noticed a crowd at the commercial avenue. As I drew closer, I heard screams from women. But I wasn't sure about what was happening. Then one of the onlookers pointed at a man playing with a huge reptile. A python! My first instinct was to run. But the journalist in me ordered my frightened reflexes to stay. I pulled out my camera and decided to discover this man.

Papa "mboma" is a sort of snake-charmer in Bamenda, North West Province-Cameroon. He works with pythons known in Cameroon pidgin English as Mboma. He claims that the oils from the Mboma could be used to treat rheumatism, back-ache, knee injuries, etc. He even suggests that the mboma oil could be an anti-dote for poison. He says he is not afraid of being bitten. Watch this piece...

Celebrating the Teacher: An Exemplary Leader

2008-10-01T21:09:00.005Z

For many years I thought the word “leader” was synonymous to statesman. To me , leaders were those who held political power. After attending the British Council InterAction Leadership Programme, my perception changed. Everyone is or could be a leader. A leader is simply a person who makes a significant positive contribution to his or her community. On this basis, I am so proud to say teachers are great leaders. They teach, motivate, transform, encourage, and influence members of our communities. THAT IS A TEACHER! THAT IS LEADERSHIP!

My father, Ntunibu James Azefor, was a teacher. One, whose leadership qualities still call for celebration today. His students still remember him as a selfless, respectful and determined person, devoted to the cause of sharing knowledge. Every one of his former students I meet has a story of how he influenced their lives. They describe him as a good teacher whose diligence, vision, attentiveness, and passion to teach and share knowledge enabled them to achieve success and reach great heights. In InterAction parlance, he would be described as “enabling others do great work”. That is leadership.

Dad died in 1996, but stories of his leadership from the vantage point of his profession as a teacher have lived on. As a teacher, he believed so much in the importance of education that he used to provide lodging to “less fortunate students” of our community to ensure that they did not drop-out of school. By displaying such passion for his community he was demonstrating leadership; what is referred to in InterAction as “walking the talk”. Many years after, I still think he was an Exemplary Teacher and Leader.

Like my father’s students, you and I have also been influenced, motivated and transformed by teachers or a teacher we met in primary, secondary or tertiary education.

One teacher I would not forget is the late Rev Father Anthony Fonteh. He was the principal of my secondary school - Saint Augustine’s College Nso (North West province, Cameroon) and our phonetics teacher. I loved the phonetics class. But I didn’t really see how useful it could be apart from speaking well. Then all changed when during a phonetics class Father Fonteh said these words, “you see miss, I see you becoming a Journalist and doing a lot of public speaking” then he laughed as he often did and continued the lesson. From that moment onwards, I started thinking of a career in journalism and communication.

Wasn’t that leadership from my teacher?

While at the University of Buea (South West province, Cameroon) where I majored in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr Enoh Tanjong (then Head of department), gave me the name “STAR”. I never bothered to find out how he came about this name. However, by calling me a “STAR”, he undoubtedly increased my self –esteem and made we work harder (I remember crying once when I was asked to read a pile of newspapers in less than an hour and do a complete review). I graduated with a BSc. Hons In Journalism and Mass Communication and have since worked in different areas in the field of mass communication ( PRO/ Print and broadcast media; Reporter/Radio Anchor/ programme producer and presenter for radio /TV Presenter).

I recently had Prof Enoh Tanjong on the Breakfast TV Show “HELLO”. He said to me, “Mabi you remember I named you MY STAR back then?” I burst out laughing and I replied, “ indeed Enoh the star was bound to shine after you named it”. This also is what leadership entails. Recognizing the potentials of others, encouraging and enabling them do great work, influencing others and making a significant impact in their lives and society. Teachers also know how to do that.

I believe they have helped in teaching and shaping you as well as society in one way or the other, using their different leadership qualities and foresight.

Looking at the importance of the teacher, and in the spirit of “UBUNTU” which implies ‘I AM, BECAUSE YOU ARE , BECAUSE WE ARE’ Let’s celebrate the TEACHER! The GREAT COMMUNITY LEADER! Remember! October 5, is World Teachers’ Day.

Meet the Doctor Series: Handling Typhoid Fever

2008-09-29T13:04:00.006Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen and GEF

There are recurrent health concerns that kill many persons in Africa due to the absence of basic information. One of them is Typhoid Fever. This is a life threatening disease that is caused by a bacteria called salmonella typhi. Recently, there has been an increase of cases of people suffereing from the disesease in Cameroon. Unfortunately, diagnosis is not quick because it is generally difficult to differentiate from malaria. For instance the symptoms include fever, headache, mild vomiting which are also present in malaria. The unfortunate consequence is that people tend to prescribe treatment for themselves leading to ineffective healing.

Self-medication also arises because people have little information and cannot easily access a doctor. We thought we could bridge this gap by bringing doctor's help to all, through cyberspace. We developed the internet-TV series "Meet the Doctor" to provide advice on health issues like typhoid fever.

We spoke to Dr Peter Louis Ndifor, of the Family Health Care Foundation Bota, Limbe in Cameroon. He provides background and insights on typhoid fever that could prove useful to all.

Meet the Doctor: Dr Peter Louis Ndifor Advises on Typhoid
Uploaded by esungeft

Don’t you think Grandma and Grandpa need a break?

2008-09-19T23:26:00.008Z

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Being a grandparent seems to be a great experience. For many it ushers moments of happiness. The joy of having someone who refers to you as “Granny”, a little one to hug, love, run around with and share wonderful moments together.

In many homes and communities, grandparents have always helped to look after their grandchildren. They are so happy that they travel long distances to be part of the action. Some grandmothers have had to travel abroad to “babysit”. However, for a growing number of grandparents, the brief visits to welcome the new-born baby have now been replaced by the responsibility of providing full-time child care, while Mom and Dad are busy at work.

Imagine a Grandma; aged 60. She wakes up at 6 am each weekday, gets the grandchild ready for school, prepares breakfast, and escorts the child to school. Once home she embarks on some household chores (housecleaning, laundry, cooking) until her grandchild returns from school. Then she has to feed, play with and sometimes chase, shout and discipline her “little one”. She may have to separate a few “brother versus sister” fights and help out with the homework.

At this point Grandma must definitely be exhausted.

Healthcare professionals say this is having a heavy toll on the health of “Grannies.” Today, grandparents tend to suffer from problems like depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, fatigue, alcoholism and strokes that doctors link in part to the stress of being “parents all again”. At times some are on the verge of a nervous break-down when their grandchildren prove too stubborn to handle or are linked to issues like addiction, alcoholism or promiscuity. Doctors are worried that maybe out of ignorance, limited financial means or deep love for their grandchildren, many grandparents down-play their health needs.

For some grandparents, there‘s even another challenge, that of effectively helping their grandkids with their homework and studies as a whole. Those who are literate, went to school in a different age and style from what obtains now. Those without any formal education need extra help to support the child academically. In all, it is not easy.

Yet, a good number of grandmas and grandpas have done pretty well as babysitters and child care providers both for their kids and grandkids. Some are simply terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bravo Grandma! I figure those who fall under this category live healthier and longer lives.

I suppose healthcare professionals need to be aware of this rising phenomenon of “second-time parenting”. They should ask pertinent questions about the lifestyle, home situation, daily activities of those persons who indicate that they are grandparents during medical consultation. Maybe the “back-pain, headache, waist-pain…” is a result of raising a house full of difficult- to -handle grandchildren.