News
Nigerian-based Professional Peace Advocacy Group Inaugurated in Austria
The inauguration of a professional peace advocating group called “Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organization Nigeria European Headquarters Austria (PAPONEHA) was held on 19.10.2024, with UN representatives, the Nigerian Embassy, a few selected international organizations, some dignitaries and personalities with impeccable character in attendance. It was an edifying expert gathering of intellectuals with noble ideas on how to contribute professionally in developing strategies that should effectively usher peace whenever and wherever a conflict arises around the globe.
PAPONAHA was an idea conceived and delivered after evaluation of contemporary crises and conflicts amongst homes, communities, war and threats of war among nations with empirical evidence of danger capable of igniting a third world war. The primary aim of the organization is to reconcile opposing parties, instil peace anywhere it steps in and sustain it. The organization also wants to help vulnerable people and assist those affected by war and violent conflicts. Correspondingly, the organization will equally create a platform where peace and conflict resolution etc. would be taught.
The president of the organization Mag. Dr Samuel Ogbonna officially declared the occasion open at about 4 pm Austrian time. In his welcome address he thanked Dr Dogondaji Haliru Bello, the Charge de Affairs of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, – who was represented by Minister Florence Lola Ejim – all dignitaries and guests in the hall for the honoured invitation. He also recognized members of PAPONAHA and thanked them for their energy, time and the enthusiasm they exhibited in pursuit of a successful inauguration, and appealed to all to support the organization. The Master of Ceremony (MC) Chief Wise Ibeji, Eze Okonko, introduced Dr Ogbonna and other bigwigs of the occasion.
Delivering his speech titled “The Dream Comes Through”, he narrated the genesis of how the journey of PAPONAHA began. It was a comprehensive and a well-expressed presentation of the history of the organization and its challenges that started from his first visit on 26 July 2023 to Prof Paul Uche J. Mbakwe in Uturu, Umuahia, Abia State, to the inauguration day. Prof Mbakwe whom he described as a great thinker and a motivator “is the founder of PAPO Nigeria DG/Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) Peace Advocates and Practitioners Organisation (PAPO/PAPONEHA) worldwide”, said Dr Ogbonna.
Conflicts around the globe like the situation in Sudan and in the Middle East, the threat of war from Iran, and the war between Hamas and Israel, Hezbollah and Israel, Russia and Ukraine etc. were all cited as imperative reasons for an urgent quest for peace.
Leaders of the invited organizations mounted the podium and gave eloquent speeches and praises expressing profound gratitude for such a honourable cause on how humanity regardless of race, religious background and political affiliation could live in peaceful co-existence. National Association of Nigerian Community Austria (NANCA) was also represented.
“PEACE BEGINS WITH ME, PEACE BEGINS WITH YOU” was the title of Lady Dr Chinedu Brown’s speech. She was not present at the occasion but was represented by Mrs Chinwe Agatha Egwuibe the wife of the Chairman of Igbo Cultural Society (ICS) who classily delivered her speech brilliantly. According to her, the Global Peace Index (GPI) developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Austria ranks the 3rd most peaceful country in the world while Nigeria ranks 147th among 163 countries in the analysis. She appealed to Nigerians living in Austria to endeavour to contribute for peace back home.
Professor Mbakwe is the founder/Director General and BoT Chairman of PAPO-PAPONAHA. He is a lecturer at Abia State University, Umuahia. He flew in from Nigeria for the occasion. In his speech titled “THE EMERGENCE OF PAPO-NEHA: OUR MISSION AND OUR VISION,” he recounted and attributed the genesis of PAPONEHA emergence to a question one of his 2020/2021, 200-level law students of Abia State University, Umuahia asked him, precisely on 12 October 2020. He said the question inspired him into action that led to the formation of the group. He reiterated the aims and objectives of the organization and the importance of peace in the world. He thanked Dr Ogbonna and his team for a job well done, and officially inaugurated the group with some dignitaries called to the podium as witnesses.
Mrs Florence Lola Ejim, a Minister and the representative of the Nigerian Embassy Vienna, was proud as a Nigerian and encouraged all and sundry to spread the good news about the organization, as she urged members of the group not to relent in their quest for peace because everyone needs peace. She promised that Nigerian Embassy will support any noble cause such as being championed by PAPONAHA whenever necessary and possible.
In his vote of thanks, Engr. Okeke John who is the financial secretary of the organization thanked all that graced the ceremony and reminded them that the inauguration was just the beginning of miles ahead.
Let me firmly and finally lend my voice here once more without any ambiguity that the path members of the group have chosen is a noble one. I am quite sure that they are not oblivious of the challenges ahead. Therefore, as professionals and intellectuals, I am optimistic that with dedication, perseverance, consistency to strive for fairness at all times, and applying wisdom in implementing what is just and right, the fundamental objective of the group in the globe will not be elusive.
Indeed, we all need peace.
♦ Uzoma Ahamefule, a refined African traditionalist and a patriotic citizen writes from Vienna, Austria. WhatsApp: +436607369050; Email Contact Uzoma >>>>
Education
TSU’s CommWeek Positions School of Communication at the Forefront of AI, Innovation, and Student Success
HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University’s School of Communication is set to host its 44th Annual Media and Communication Conference (CommWeek 2026) from April 6–10 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Building, bringing together a dynamic mix of scholars, students, industry professionals, and civic leaders to examine the future of media in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
Widely regarded as one of the School’s signature academic and professional events, CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Algorithm: Reimagining Media, Learning & Innovation with AI,” reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence across journalism, entertainment, digital storytelling, and communication education.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of panels, workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping media ecosystems. Discussions will address critical topics such as AI-driven content creation, ethical considerations in automated communication, evolving media business models, and the future of audience engagement.
According to Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell, CommWeek represents a strategic opportunity to elevate the School’s academic and professional profile.
“Communication Week represents more than a conference; it is a powerful platform to strengthen the School of Communication’s brand, showcase the excellence of our students and faculty, and highlight the innovative work happening across our programs,” Caldwell said. “By bringing together industry leaders, scholars, and alumni, we create collaborative connections that position our school as a hub for forward-thinking communication education.”
Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo (left) and Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell: CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning.
In addition to its academic significance, CommWeek plays a vital role in advancing student success. A key highlight of the conference is the Dean’s Banquet and Scholarship Awards, which raises funds to support academically talented and financially underserved students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers, cover tuition and educational resources, and improve student retention and graduation outcomes.
For Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, CommWeek 2026 represents both a continuation of tradition and a bold step toward the future of communication education.
“CommWeek is where scholarship meets practice and where innovation becomes accessible,” Ogbo said. “This conference is not only about examining the future of media—it is about preparing our students to lead it. By integrating academic rigor with industry insight, we are building a platform that empowers our students, strengthens our institutional identity, and fosters meaningful collaborations that extend far beyond the classroom.”
The conference also emphasizes experiential learning, offering students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on workshops, and career development opportunities. These interactions provide invaluable exposure to real-world practices and help bridge the gap between academic training and professional application.
As a historically Black university with a long-standing commitment to cultural responsiveness and community impact, Texas Southern University continues to position its School of Communication as a leader in preparing students for both local and global media landscapes. CommWeek reinforces this mission by creating an inclusive space where diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas can thrive.
Open to students, alumni, and the broader community, CommWeek 2026 is free to attend and serves as a testament to TSU’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence.
For more information and the full conference schedule, visit www.soc-commweek.com.
As the US-Israel and Iran war enters its 6th week, the Iranian military has responded to Donald Trump‘s threats from the Sunday outburst. The president warned Iran that they would be “living in hell” if they didn’t open the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to Trump’s Sunday rant, Iran’s military responded that if he plans to harm the civilians, then their retaliation would be far stronger and larger in scale.
Following threats from Donald Trump, the Iranian military issued a statement warning that if civilian infrastructure is impacted, they will not remain silent, and their retaliation would be more severe. The statement read, “If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.”
This statement comes amid Trump’s outburst on Truth Social, where he demanded that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz or face serious consequences. Naming potential targets, he said, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” Threatening Iran further, he added, “Open the F*ckin’ Strait, you crazy b*st*rds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” He concluded his post with, “Praise be to Allah.”
Additionally, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the speaker from Iran’s Parliament, also responded to Trump’s public threats on X (formerly Twitter). He noted that his “reckless” moves are pushing the US into “living hell” for every person residing there. Condemning the president’s latest tweet, he added, “Our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands. Make no mistake: You won’t gain anything through war crimes.”
In a follow-up tweet, Qalibaf wrote that the only solution to this conflict is for the president to start respecting the Iranian people and to put a stop to this “dangerous game.”
Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.
According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.
Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.
The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.
Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.
Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.
The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.
As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.
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