A Vibrant Day Of Celebration; 2025 Africa Day in Rome.

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

The Eternal City recently became a vibrant mosaic of cultures as it hosted the African Day celebration for 2025. Embassies and communities from across the African continent gathered in Rome to showcase the beauty of unity in diversity.

The day was marked by inspiring speeches, including one by the African Union Chairman/President of the Republic of Angola João Manuel Goncalves Lorenco, emphasizing the importance of solidarity. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative echoed these sentiments, underlining the strong bonds between Italy and  African nations.

The celebration was also a feast for the senses, with a lush display of cuisines representing the diverse flavours of Africa. Attendees indulged in a culinary journey, savouring the rich variety of dishes that showcased the continent's gastronomic heritage. It was a delicious reminder of the unity in diversity that African Day stands for.

Mistress of Ceremonies! I joined my country to celebrate it's National Day!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen 

Over the weekend ( May 23, 2025), I had the honour of being the Master of Ceremony for a remarkable event in Rome: the 53rd celebration of Cameroon's National Unity Day. The atmosphere was alive with cultural pride and unity.The event started with the powerful anthems of Italy and Cameroon, setting the tone for a day of celebration.

His Excellency, Sebastien Foumane, the Cameroonian Ambassador to Italy , graced us with a heartfelt welcome speech in which he called on all Cameroonians to continue working in unity towards peace and prosperity while fulfilling their civic duty at all times.

This was followed by insightful remarks from the representative of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation /Director for Sub-Saharan Africa -Minister Stefano De Leo. He said "Italy remains committed to strengthening our bilateral relationships and supporting Cameroon's development aspirations. Together we can build bridges of understanding and prosperity that benefit both our peoples "

The ceremony honoured three individuals (Mrs. Margaret Ayike, Mr. Frederick Ndang Nchaw & Mr Simplice Ngathe) with honorary medals; notably as Knights of the Cameroonian merit, for distinguished services to the nation.

Cultural performances by the Afrikanza Fusion and Ivanga Romania lit up the stage, culminating in the cutting of the beautiful anniversary cake in the presence of Sebastian Foumane (Cameroon 'Ambassador to Italy and Antoine Nzanga( Cameroon 's Ambassador to the Vatican, a host of dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, Embassy staff, hundreds of guests and fellow Cameroonians.

Another highlight was the grand Cameroonian buffet, a feast for the senses, that left everyone in high spirits. 

This experience was a true highlight for me as an event host, and I'm eager to embrace more opportunities to bring people together in celebration.

With my extensive experience in radio and television, I bring a polished and engaging presence to any high-profile international or diplomatic event as your Master or Mistress of Ceremony." 

Moments at the Vatican !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

The Vatican has been in the news over the last few weeks. This as the world turned it's attention towards the many events that were unfolding at the Vatican.

It all began in February when Pope Francis took it and he was rushed to the Gemelli hospital for treatment.

During this time pilgrims showed up and prayed for his recovery. I was among them. It was a special moment for two reasons; the one because I went on a pilgrimage to the Vatican within the framework of the 2025 celebration of the Jubilee year. The other; because it was a special birthday moment for me, spent in prayers.

Even though Pope Francis had left the hospital and had been gradually recovering from several health complications, he eventually died on Easter Monday.

This came as a surprise to many Catholic faithfuls and to many others especially as he had been out on Easter Sunday to bless the crowd at the St.Peter's Square and had been driven around in the Pope 's mobile and he had blessed the crowd during the Easter Sunday Mass celebrations.

Pope's Francis' death saw thousands of people travelling to Rome and the Vatican in particular to pay their last respects to the Pope , pray for the repose of his soul, view the Pope's body and to fully attend his funeral.

It was a painful loss for many people, some of whom described Pope Francis as "a good church leader", "one of God's true disciples", a "humble and down to earth Pope" , " a Peace crusader", an" advocate for children, the youth the poor and needy". 

And so thousands came to the Vatican to honour his memory and bid farewell to Pope Francis. He was later buried at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

May his soul rest in peace.

Following the brief period of mourning and in line with the  Catholic church 's practice, cardinals begun meeting in conclave to vote for a new Pope. That's how they voted for Cardinal Prevost who has now taken the name Pope Leo XIV as the New Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

See my finished ceramic products, I did it !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen 

In my last two blog posts I shared with you my amazing learning experience at a ceramic workshop.

I talked about the different methods I had learnt, some of the things I tried making and I also promised to come back with pictures of the finished products . 

Ohhh yessssss! Look at these!

I am super proud of my effort and level of creativity. In just three sessions I was able to design these beautiful items and here I was at the ceramic workshop to collect the items once they had gone through the final baking process.

I was so pleasantly surprised that I kept dancing.

Then the warm words of congratulations from the owners of the ceramic workshop absolutely made my day as well . As I drove home 🏠 I felt a strong sense of achievement and I thought to myself...it is amazing how much joy one gets from learning new things. 

Once I got home , my husband and our kids and were very proud to see the items I had designed; a ceramic tray two key holders, a candy holder and a beautiful small bowl . 

What a great birthday gift it was from my daughter! Thanks a million Ngwi.

To you who is reading this post , now that you have seen the finished project, how did I do?Please feel free to comment. Thank you in advance for your feedback .

My sincere appreciation goes to Valentina and her husband ( owners of the workshop) for such a great creative space where people can come and learn more about ceramics, pottery and actually design personal items. 

Day 2 At The Ceramic workshop

I was quite pleased with my first attempt at making ceramics and so I eagerly looked forward to Day 2.

The trainers did a great job and they  were so pleased with my creativity and quick grasp of the two new concepts ( "the slap and the " Colombino' )

Here are some of my early photos taken on Day 2 ( I will do another post to show you the finished projects. What do you think?)

I Am Learning About Ceramics

Yeahhhhhhh!

It had been on my to-do list for a while ! 

I had talked about it on several occasions in my household. I had even mentioned to my kids that I was looking to create the time to learm how to paint, do some basic carpentry work,  learn about ceramics and a few other crafty projects.

Guess what!!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter surprised me on my birthday this year by actually booking three appointments with the workshop for me to go take the ceramic lessons! I was so happy 😊😊! Oh yes! Really happy! I can't stop thanking her, my son and hubby for their encouragement!

Day 1 came . I showed up at the workshop (as enthusiastic as always) and I  learnt how to use the "pinch method" . During the training we were each asked to use our imagination to make something . Here are some initial photos of the first phase of my hand - made ceramic beginner's project .(N.B I will be back to show you the finished project once it is dry and painted ) .