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 ) .

Wrapping up 2024! Reflections & Questions!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen 

As the year 2024 wraps up, it just might be a good idea to do some personal reflections to have a clear picture of the entire year and in order to carve out a better road map for yourself in 2025.

Here are a few things and questions which have been on my mind and I thought these might be helpful to someone else. 

.What has been your biggest achievement or accomplishments in 2024?

. What worked?

. What has been your greatest strength?

. What has been your biggest set back, weakness or challenge in 2024?

. What didn't work in 2024?

. Have you experienced any form of growth in 2024? 

. What are you most proud of in 2024?

. What has been your purpose?

. What surprised you most in 2024?

. What did you spend too much time or energy on ?

. What are you grateful for? 

. What did you appreciate the most ?

.What did you take for granted?

. Did I improve anyone's life this year? 

. How did you feel? Valued? Appreciated? 

. What has been your most fun moment in 2024? 

. What three words best sum up the year 2024 for you?

. What can you do differently next year?

. Where do you see yourself this time next year?

You know it is easy to feel excited about a fresh start to a new year! My view is that,  as one thinks of what the future potentially holds it is important to reflect upon both the good and the bad, the opportunities and the lessons from the past year. Taking time to do this can help one learn and do their utmost in the future.

Rural Women's Day 2024! What's at stake? By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

October 15, is often celebrated as the World Rural Women's Day. The International Day of Rural Women was created by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of highlighting the role and situation of Women in rural areas. 

October 15, 2024 thus celebrates the pivotal role of rural Women in agriculture and food security. 

According to the Pan African Farmers ' Organisation ( (PAFO), Rural Women make up to 40% of the global agricultural workforce and they process 80% of agricultural products in Africa.  

This points to the essential role that rural women play in different communities in the domain of agriculture and the economy.

How then can we all support these women to overcome the numerous challenges and barriers that they continue to face in their quest to meaningfully contribute towards food security?  These challenges include; land resources; many lack access to farm land while others are limited by certain traditional norms and practices from owning land resources.Finance is still a challenge as well as the lack of seeds, farming equipment and technology.

These are just a few of the issues that rural women deal with in many communities worldwide. 

The world therefore needs to continue to support women by improving access to agricultural and financial resources, encourage their participation in strategic decision- making processes, strengthen their leadership capabilities through training and by building a more productive,  inclusive and equitable future for rural women,  where everyone feels empowered and ready to carry forward with the crucial role they play worldwide.  

Happy Rural Women 's Day 2024! 

The Magic Show! By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Growing up my cousin Raymond used to treat us to magic shows especially during our Nkwen Students' Cultural events that were often organised during the third term holidays; as we called it (Summer holidays in otherwords). 

He was very passionate about magic, acting and often he tried to perform Michael Jackson's " Thriller ". Whenever Raymond was on stage,  it was often a sight to behold given thathe was a great performer at the time. We often spoke about his love for 🎩 magic and his determination to put his imagination and creativity to test at any given opportunity.

 Watching him perform as an amateur magician was always mind-blowing to me and many others ! I often left the hall with many unanswered questions. 

Even as an adult,  I have never truly understood how magicans go to such lengths to treat their audience with spectacular performances 👏. 

We went out to enjoy a magic show in downtown Rome.

The hall was quite full! 

The magicans held the audience spellbound with their thrilling performances.

The Master of Ceremony was equally great as he unleashed several 🎩 magical performances as the evening progressed thus offering the audience a good run for their money 💰. 

In a nutshell it was a good show 👌. A blend of magic, fun, laughter 😃,  music and joy ! 

I couldn't help but think of my cousin Raymond as I left the magic show. I asked myself what he would have become if he had pursued his passion for magic 🎩. Perhaps an international magican ! Luckily he pursued his education and today he is an accomplished technology engineer and expert! 

A Beautiful Postcard From Viterbo! By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Nature is beautiful!  On a rainy Sunday afternoon we set out to visit Viterbo. Look at what my eyes fell on! 

Isn't this flower garden breathtaking 😍? 

Then we found this beautiful vegetable and spices garden in the middle of the town as we passedby. I absolutely love the idea and shape of this garden.  

When in Italy there is so much to discover 😍.  Just opposite this area we decided to get a taste of "Crepe Nutella" . Watching the chef 👨‍🍳 do the "Crepe Nutella" in a typical Italian cuisine style was quite amazing 👏 👌 .

Our eyes fell on this place ! 

Oh my Goodness! We couldn't resist going inside to ask questions about the services they offer. Simply Wowww! My friend and I promised ourselves we would be back pretty soon to enjoy a spa day here. The range of things they do, the whole business concept is fascinating to say the least . Luckily the lady at the reception was quite warm and took the time to explain to us the different services that they do offer. 

Walking across Viterbo (Italy), reminded me a lot about some of the streets I recently visited in 🇲🇹 Malta. 

Perhaps even more interesting was the fact that in Viterbo one could see flowers 💐 almost everywhere given we are in spring 

Wow!

Beautiful roses! 

Enjoy my postcard from Viterbo, Rome, Italy 🇮🇹. 

Thank you Elsa, Chris and George Jr ❤️ for a wonderful day spent together in Viterbo!