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AfricanShowcase 2025 Set to Transform Barking Town Centre into a Celebration of African Culture and Commerce

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Barking Town Centre will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Africa as AfricanShowcase 2025 arrives for a one-day festival spotlighting the continent’s vibrant culture, commerce, and creativity.

Set for Wednesday, August 13, this dynamic event will feature over 30 curated stalls offering authentic African wares—from handwoven textiles and artisan jewelry to gourmet delicacies and unique cultural artefacts. Designed as both a cultural festival and a business platform, AfricanShowcase connects the public, press, and buyers directly with African creators and entrepreneurs.

Festivalgoers can expect a packed lineup of live entertainment, including performances by drummers, dancers, poets, and singers from Gambia, Ghana, and Nigeria. A high-energy runway fashion show will highlight cutting-edge African designers, while interactive workshops will invite participants to try traditional Kente weaving and head wrap styling.

The event also boasts uplifting music by Afrobeats DJs and a local gospel choir, along with a lively cultural procession that will wind through Barking Town Centre.

Sponsored by LemFi, Abfoods, Mr. Fatai Abiola, and 1Accord Living Ltd, the showcase is proudly supported by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council and Town Centre Manager Lianne Douglas.

“AfricanShowcase is more than a market—it’s a celebration of Africa’s rich heritage, a platform for African businesses, and a joyful reminder of the beauty of cultural exchange,” said Ola Mustapha, Founder of Kiskirine Events Ltd.

Launched in Brent in 2003, AfricanShowcase has evolved into a signature event for celebrating African excellence in the UK, drawing crowds from across the capital. The 2025 edition promises a vibrant day of community, connection, and cultural pride.

 

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Global Entrepreneur, Dr. Emeka Agwu Pushes for Unity and Cross-Border Environmental Solutions

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Dr. Emeka Agwu, Director of the EndHunger Initiatives and Global Voice Foundation for Community Development, has issued a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for unified, global efforts to address the rapidly worsening environmental crisis. In his remarks, Dr. Agwu highlighted that the world is experiencing an unprecedented ecological emergency marked by rising temperatures, increasing pollution, loss of biodiversity, and a surge in environment-related diseases—all contributing to high mortality rates and global instability.

Dr Emeka Agwu is being honored with a presentation at the prestigious Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, on April 23, 2025

According to Dr. Agwu, a multi-dimensional strategy is essential to effectively respond to these challenges. First, he called for stronger international cooperation, noting that global problems require global solutions. Second, he stressed the importance of fostering innovation in environmental protection technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and overhauling environmental governance systems. Third, he advocated for the development of comprehensive policies and standards to guide the global transition to clean energy and ensure stringent control over carbon emissions.

Pastor Emeka Agwu with the Nigerian Ambassador to Beijing, and the Secretary of the organizing committee.

Furthermore, Dr. Agwu underscored the necessity of building a global green economy through collective efforts by governments, the private sector, civil society, and the general public. He emphasized that environmental awareness must be integrated into education systems, and that public campaigns and corporate accountability must be elevated to drive sustainable change.

With Professor Peter. Dr Emeka Agwu, also with other investors seeking collaboration for Chinese and Nigerian youths on innovative technology and AI with the New Chinese Youth Minister.

He also commended the recent establishment of the China-Nigeria Economic Coordination Center Office (CNCC), describing it as a pivotal step toward deepening bilateral collaboration in innovation and technology transfer. Dr. Agwu believes the CNCC will play a crucial role in enabling both nations to jointly develop adaptive strategies for climate resilience and sustainable development.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Agwu reminded stakeholders that the environmental crisis transcends national borders and ideological divides. “We are at a defining moment,” he said. “This is not just about protecting nature—it’s about safeguarding the future of humanity. The choices we make today will determine the world we leave behind for future generations.”

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OMG: Amazon Is Removing Protective Policies For Black And LGBTQ+ Employees

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Culled from Black Enterprise

Just weeks after Amazon dialed back on DEI policies, the company quietly removed protections for both Black and LGBTQ+ employeesAdvocate reports.

Policies, including “solidarity” pledges for Black employees and healthcare benefits for transgender workers, were removed from the company’s public website. As the company once stood in “solidarity” with its African American workers, the retail giant removed a section titled “Equity for Black people” that detailed support of “legislation to combat misconduct and racial bias in policing, efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives that provide better health and educational outcomes for Black people.”

Amazon also removed an outline of the gender-affirming care benefits provided to employees under its healthcare plan. The policy once said it was “based on the Standards of Care published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),” along with a pledge stating the company was “working at the U.S. federal and state level on legislation” to assist with building anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.

Another page, once titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” now reads “Inclusive Experiences and Technology.” Once promising to “advance DEI through technology,” Amazon replaced the verbiage with a vow to “advance the employee experience.”

The removal dismayed many employees who were concerned about what their healthcare would look like. While the company claims the benefits are still in place, employees are still worried. “I’m a bit worried … if that will impact insurance coverage in the future,” one employee said via text message. Another employee highlighted how Amazon’s changes were “a bit of a backward step” from previously stated supportive actions, according to the Washington Post. Spokesperson Kelly Nantel defended the company’s moves, claiming, “We update this page from time to time to ensure that it reflects updates we’ve made to various programs and positions.”

The company feels employees shouldn’t be too taken aback by the changes, highlighting a memo from December 2024 where Vice President Candi Castleberry announced some DEI initiatives would be pushed back under the leadership of Founder Jeff Bezos.

Following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling to overturn affirmative action in college admissions, major corporations pushed back or eliminated their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co. succumbed to the conservative outcry, calling on them to pull back on support for misrepresented demographics, including Black and LGBTQ+ employees.

In early January 2025, McDonald’s, known for avidly supporting Black initiatives and HBCUs, scaled back on its diversity goals. This was followed by Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, which confirmed that its employee DEI programs were being dismantled.

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Global Cyber Security Expert, Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola bags Most Outstanding Personality of the Year Award

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Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola has been recognized as the Outstanding Personality of the Year in Technology at the prestigious 4th Edition of the South West Advancement Award and Investment Summit. Professor Ademola is a Nigerian Cyber Security and Information Technology Management Professor and a Chartered Fellow of the Royal Chartered Management Institute.

This incredible achievement was celebrated at an exquisite event held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 5 pm at the esteemed Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The event brought together esteemed technocrat political leaders and prominent personalities from diverse sectors, creating an exceptional gathering of influential figures.

 

The annual award ceremony is dedicated to acknowledging individuals for their remarkable contributions, with a special focus on those making significant impacts within the South West region of Nigeria. The esteemed recognition is a testament to Professor Ademola’s dedication and expertise in advancing technology, especially in Africa and Europe, particularly notable for his influential work in the United Kingdom.

Dr Smith Raymond, the Director General of The Institute for Enterprise Management and Analytics, commended Professor Ademola for this well-deserved award, acknowledging the professor’s unwavering commitment to technological progress. He emphasized the importance of Professor Ademola’s work. He encouraged him to continue his outstanding efforts, highlighting that this honor is a motivating call to action in further driving innovation.

 

In Professor Ademola’s absence at the event, his representation by S.A. on Media, Babatunde Adekanmbi, conveyed the professor’s heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the nomination and award. It was seen as an inspiration for Professor Ademola to continue his impactful work in technology.

 

The event was graced by an array of distinguished personalities, including Dr. Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Dele Momodu, the Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and His Imperial Majesty Oba Ogunwusi, the revered Ooni of Ife, alongside various other notable dignitaries. The gathering highlighted the significance of Professor Ademola’s contributions and celebrated the collective achievements in advancing technology and innovation within the region

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