Mma Yiri Ona: (Igbo Folk Song, delivered with Hand Pan accompaniment) B...

Foreign Nationals and Municipal Elections in Finland

Electoral rights of foreign nationals in municipal elections of Finland

Right to vote

In municipal elections of Finland, entitled to vote are Finnish citizens who reach the age of 18 years on election day at the latest and reside in Finland. In addition, entitled to vote are: 

1) citizens of other EU Member States, Iceland and Norway residing in Finland, under the same conditions as Finnish citizens; and  

2) citizens of other states if they have resided continuously in Finland for at least two (2) years on the 51st day before election day when the voting register for municipal elections is established.

No one needs to separately register to be entered in the voting register for municipal elections. Instead, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency compiles the register by virtue of office, based on the information entered in the Finnish Population Information System for each individual.

Right to stand as a candidate

As a rule, every person entitled to vote in municipal elections is also eligible to stand as a candidate in municipal elections. However, persons who have been declared legally incompetent by a court decision and persons who perform certain tasks related to municipalities referred to in section 72 of the Local Government Act are not eligible to stand as candidates in municipal elections. 

Candidates may be nominated by (a) political parties and (b) constituency associations. To become a candidate of a political party, the person must agree on this with the party in question. To become a candidate of a constituency association, the person must collect the signatures of at least ten (10) persons entitled to vote in the municipality in question in support of his or her candidacy. Further information on the nomination of candidates is provided by:

• registered political parties, and
• central municipal election boards, if the question concerns the establishment of a constituency association.

The above extract from the website of the Finnish electoral commission said it all regarding the rights of residents of foreign nationalities in Finland to vote and be voted for in Municipal elections. 

But the pertinent question to ask is, are the foreign nationals effectively utilizing these rights?

In this article, we will feature some candidates of foreign backgrounds and from different political parties to find out what their manifestos sound like, and also know what other things they have in mind to offer. 

Christian Thibault is a European of German extraction, from Bonn, to be precise

• 
   Why I want to serve the people: I believe that we need to do a lot of work for and as a society and that so far democracy is the best form to do it. Democracy needs active participants and as such, I am ready to serve.  

• What I think about diverse participation in local politics: It is very important that the diversity of a municipality's citizens is represented on every level of decision-making. In this, we have to remember that immigrants are not one homogenous group, but rather consist of multiple backgrounds and generations.

• 

Habiba Ali is a young mother of Somalian extraction.

I am a young municipal councilor from Espoo, the Church Aid Aid Program Coordinator and mother of the family. As a person, I am brave, honest, and humane. I am very people-oriented and get along with different types. It has therefore been natural that in my working life I have ended up in positions where I have worked as a bridge-builder between communities. I enjoy meeting people and working together, it’s a strength that supports me.

Despite my young age, I have been involved in politics for more than 15 years. I was elected to the Espoo Youth Council at the age of 14. Since then, I have worked in various organizations and municipalities in both work and trust positions. The red thread in all my activities is the desire to see an equal, diverse, and secure society around me. A society where no one is left out and everyone would treat each other equally as human beings without any additional attributes or confrontation. I want to continue this work in the Council

John Opoku Aduajei is a young father of Ghanaian extraction

I encourage all those living in Helsinki who are eligible to vote; to vote for the Sustainable Entrepreneurship vision. Vote for better lives for all Immigrants in our city.

Your vote matters and it's respected to make a huge difference. 

Kindly take your valid ID to the nearest Posti or supermarket and vote for John Opoku Aduadjei (955). 

Also from the voting notice you received from Maistratti, there are listed in it the places closer to you where you can vote as well.

We're counting on your priceless vote to make a difference in our Municipality.

 #Vote955

#SustainableEntrepreneurship

#betterlives4immigrants 

Eligible persons of foreign background are hereby encouraged to use their votes to bring in those they believe will represent their interests, for this is the essence of democracy. 

You cannot sit back and murmur your complaints when things do not favor your interest. The time to act is now. USE YOUR VOTING RIGHT do not waste those papers you got from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

CAST YOUR VOTES NOW!

Ike Ude-Chime is a freelance journalist and a member 

of the European Journalists Network EJN

 

WOMAN, SOURCE OF LIFE: ART EXHIBITION - EU-MAN (The European Union Migrant Artists Network)

Arts is among the strongest medium for change in society.

Throughout history, we find remnants of archaeological findings of the art that abounds in many modern societies of today as references to support this.

As society and culture are constantly in flux, they absorb new influences which are made possible through contact with other cultures, contacts, mostly through new migrants.

In this way, culinary culture, dress culture, architecture, music, visual arts and more are modified using the newly adapted influences.

In Finland, the signs of adapted influences are not hard to find, just like in every other nation of the world, and these influences help in no little way to beautify the society and make it more dear to the rest of the world.

For these influences to be made available, we need what I may term; Influence Generators.

It takes a certain kind of individual, and groups to supply the tools that will help to generate the process of change, it also requires resilience, patience, and persistent continuity to qualify as an influence generator.

EU-MAN, The European Migrants Artists Network fitted very well into the above category as influence generator. The organization through the resilience of its founder, and Chairman, Amir Khatib has made much impact in the art circle in Finland and around Europe since its formation in 1997, some 22 years ago. 

The organization over these years have conducted dozens of exhibition in Finland and around Europe, which featured all together over 100 European Migrant artists.

The impacts of these exhibitions have been quite awesome, considering the huge wave of diversity they portrayed.

WOMAN, SOURCE OF LIFE EXHIBITION

EU-MAN recently donned a new cap on Thursday the 15th of August 'Helsinki City Night of The Arts' when it opened the 'Woman, Source of Life Exhibition.

The opening had quite an impressive turnout even considering the fact that it took place on a day the entire city was superinfused with artistic happenings.

The exhibition featured the works of 44 artists, and it included paintings in different mediums, carvings, and installations.

The opening of the exhibition was by JP (Juha-Pekka) Väisänen, a conceptual artist, cum Politician, (PJ is the present chairperson of the Finnish Communist Party, (SKP)

In his opening speech, Väisänen emphasized the importance of the exhibition in the ongoing debate on good society, the role of the artist and change.

He thinks that the best thing about the exhibition is that the works challenge the viewer to want to know the worlds behind the pictures.

Väisänen urges the government of Antti Rinne to increase the percentage of funding for arts and culture of the state 

budget.

JP (Juha-Pekka) Väisänen, a conceptual artist, cum Politician

(Excerpt from Väisänen's speech)

”The Rinne government, which calls itself a leftist government, must do better today, with circular pledges and long-term action to change the situation today. Artists, and in particular migrant artists and their interest groups such as EU MAN, need basic everyday security, salary for the artist's work and funding for organizations.

We artists have a role to play. We need to demand a more prominent place and pay for our work as artists and organizations. I think the role of art is to be like life, enable participation and change the world. The artist's task is also a challenge where everyone has the freedom to define their own work and their goals.

The 44 artists in this exhibition challenge us for a discussion. I dare say that the organizers of the exhibition, the European Union Migrant Artist Network, the curators Saad Al Falahi and Amir Khatib are challenging us, the viewers to ask until the beauty is just in our eyes.

This exhibition brings information, perspectives, and speeches to the Finnish debate, without which it would not be possible without immigrant artists.

The role of the Immigrant Artists' Association in stimulating public debate on good society, human rights, equality, participatory democracy, and tolerance is essential. I argue that this exhibition is also a challenge to want to know more about what is behind these pictures. Why a woman hanging on a cross

EU-MAN with this additional cap has shown that it has no plans on relenting on its goal as stated on their website with the caption – WhyWe Started:

"On a bird's wing, a bird that I have never and shall never see and from a long time, I came to the furthest north, to Finland.

More than a decade and a half and I am still braiding my black hair to be a bridge to pass.

Our worried eyes collected all the love to tell you that we were here, lied, interacted and did… yes, we did that all in a field that is considered the lung by which all humans are breathing; it is the art field, especially the visual art. It is the swing of love to draw the future.

Art is the language that everybody understands, it is like love, I would not say like politics. Our aim in principle was to declare the movement within a third culture* in the arts field; it is a cultural human goal as we are more than 28 million immigrants in Europe and some of us are Europeans by feelings and future. Maybe we are different from the roots, but branches are in Europe and they will remain as such”

The Woman, Source of Life Exhibition is still open

15 August to 1st September

Curators:

Saad Al Falahi

Amir Khatib

Amir Khatib, Chairman European Union Migrant Artists Network

                                                                               

  

COUNCIL OF IGBO STATES IN AMERICAS [CISA] TO HOST WORLD IGBO FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE: JULY 23, 24, and 25 2015.

Press Release:

COUNCIL OF IGBO STATES IN AMERICAS [CISA] TO HOST WORLD IGBO FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CULTURE: JULY 23, 24, and 25 2015.

Chief/Esteem Guests/Honourables/Dr./Dame/Mr./Mrs/Ms;

Planning is in full force for the 2^nd Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture at the Igbo Village of the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton Virginia, USA. We are calling on all Igbos both at home and in the Diaspora to plan to participate at this exciting Festival to showcase and enjoy the rich Igbo Cultural Heritage.

This epoch making event which holds on July 23, 24, and 25 2015, at Igbo Farm Village,Staunton, Virginia, U.S.A., is the 2^ndIgbo festival of arts and culture to be jointly hosted by Diaspora Igbo Community and Cultural Associations in North America.

The 2^nd World Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture is being organized by CISA in partnership with The Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton, Virginia, U.S.A.,and in collaboration with all apex Igbo communities from Abia State, Anambra State, Delta State (Anioma), Ebonyi State, Enugu State, Imo State, Rivers State, Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Nwannedinamba, U.S.A. etc. and other sister Igbo Cultural Associations in Canada, United States of America, Europe and Asia.

This event will showcase Igbo traditional naming ceremonies, traditional weddings, traditional Dance, Music, Nollywood Films, Books and Literary Works of Igbo Authors in Igbo and other Languages. The highlight of the event will be a rendition/reenactment of the legendary ‘Arochukwu War Dance’- a historical demonstration of Igbo heroism, Igbo Pride, and Great Igbo Culture and Heritage.

This year we are expecting many governors and VIPs, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Nollywood Actors will also be partnering with CISA and other Igbo Organizations for this memorable Festival. Reserve July 23-25^th weekend for your family summer get away in Virginia to attend the Festival. We are encouraging All Igbo Organizations all over the world to take part in the Planning of the Igbo Cultural extravaganza 2015.

There are over 2,500 Igbo Organizations and Associations and Clubs in U.S. and Canada alone, and many more in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America. Last year we had 29 Igbo Organizations partnering with CISA for the Event and we are looking for more than 100 Igbo groups to be a part of this event. Ohaneze Ndigbo in South Africa just contacted us to tell us they are coming with a big cultural contingent, with their Cultural dance and masquerade. (ndi be anyi emume nke a ga adikwa egwu).

There will be exhibition of various Igbo Pre-historic artifacts tools and instruments from the past drawn from various parts of Igboland part of the Igbo World Civilization. We are expecting cultural dances from Anioma (Delta), Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states. Join us in the Planning; this event is for the unity of all Ndigbo. All Igbo groups planning to Partner with CISA for this festival please send an email to Okechukwu P. Oranika, Chairman, Planning Committee at oranika@aol.com  or Echiemezie Ofili, General Secretary @ zykosky@gmail.com. We will be posting regular updates on the Festival planning activities as the logistics unfolds.

CISA is committed to working, collaborating and partnering with all, to leverage Ndiigbo in Diaspora as a strategic partner on Igbo advocacy. Its goal is the advancement of Igbo Culture and Arts in Americas and across the globe. CISA believes in working with any and all organization(s) whose main goal(s) and genuine aspirations are founded on the betterment of Ndi-Igbo at home and in Diaspora. No politics! No bias!! 

CISA is committed to working, collaborating and partnering with all to leverage Ndi Igbo in Diaspora as a strategic partner on Igbo advocacy. Its goal is the advancement of Igbo Culture and Arts in Americas and across the globe.

Okechukwu P. Oranika                                                             

Chairman, Planning Committee                                            

2^nd Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture 2015   

 Email oranika@aol.com

Chudi Asidianya

President, Council of Igbo States in Americas

(CISA)

presidentofcisa@gmail.com

----A brief history of interest below----

1700s West Africa

West African Family Compound

During the 1600s and 1700s, nearly 250,000 Africans were brought to colonial America to serve as enslaved agricultural workers, domestic servants, and artisans. Although captives were taken from a vast area of the African continent, and from many different ethnic groups, the great majority were members of West African cultures that lived in the hinterlands of the Atlantic coast. Africans lived in all of Great Britain’s North American colonies, though their population was highest in South Carolina and Virginia.

Beginning in the early 1700s, Virginia tobacco planters imported increasing numbers of captive Africans to work their plantations. The shift from white indentured servants to enslaved Africans in the colony’s tobacco economy had far-reaching repercussions. Race-based slavery soon became a central feature of life in Virginia, and Africans and their Virginia-born descendents would be treated as property, and denied the freedom and opportunities of white colonists. As settlement expanded westward, enslaved Africans and African Americans were among the settlers in backcountry areas. Nearly 40% of the Africans imported into Virginia during this time were brought from a part of the West African coast called the Bight of Biafra. Many of these captives were Igbo, a people living in the upland area north of the Bight of Biafra in what is now the nation of Nigeria. The West African Farm represents life in a free Igbo household in the Biafran hinterlands in the 1700s.

Contributions to American Culture

Home school Day Visitors

The African captives who were brought to the American colonies carried knowledge and skills with them that they used to cope in their new conditions and passed on to subsequent generations of Americans. Wherever Africans settled in the colonies they contributed to the growth and success of the local economy and the wealth and status of their owners with their labor. When permitted, they influenced the form and function of pottery, basketry, wood-working and textiles they produced for others. Their most notable and enduring contributions to American culture are found in foodways, music, folklore, and religious worship. Okra and black-eyed peas are among the most common items in the American food supply that were introduced by Africans. The banjo and particular musical forms such as Blues and Jazz grew from African ideas brought to America. American folklore shows African influences, especially stories involving animals speaking and behaving like humans. Finally, the enthusiasm and spirit of Christian worship among many Protestant denominations in America is believed to have originated in early African and African-American worship services.

Click here to visit Visit CISA at; www.cisandiigbo.org  
Click here to register early for the event; http://www.frontiermuseum.org/

__._,_.___

ENYI BIAFRA: Regimental Drill, Duty Songs, and Cadences from Biafra. A book by Dr Johnston Akuma Kalu Njoku

Biafra as a subject of history attract my attention easily, I guess this has to do with the complexities of the causes and the aftermath of the war, coupled with the activities during the war which I was unfortunate to have witnessed, and participated in at a vulnerable age of early adolescence.

I felt every vibe of the Biafra war, from whispers of rumors, through loud propaganda messages, to rumbling of tanks; From roaring of aircraft, rat-ta-tat of machine guns, to booming of bomb blasts. I remember also the sound of patriotic and solidarity songs, lamentation songs, and songs of prayer and dedication to God, I felt them all, I participated, and sang with my heart, and most time in tears.

I  read many accounts of the war mostly written by leading dramatis personae of the conflict, mostly generals and other high ranking army officers, I also read a few accounts from ordinary innocent citizens caught in the web of  war like me. The accounts by this later category I find more interesting simply because I could easily identify with them. being one who witnessed it, for was it not George F Kennan who wrote that "History is not what happened; History is what it felt like to be there when it happened".

The Author, Ticha Akuma Kalu Njoku

ENYI BIAFRA is an extraordinary book of few words that spoke millions, or would I say sang millions.

It is an extraordinary book that in a few words and narratives captured an extraordinary activity of an era of collective anguish and uncertainty. An era of group anxiety and extreme psychological pressure.

Songs and music generally have often served as a source of solace in times of physical and psychological torment. Music and song therapy is an age long means of calming the mind in times of anxiety and uncertainty. The biblical story of David playing the harp to calm down the wrecked nerves of King Saul is a good example.

During the Nigeria-Biafra war, the Biafrans went through extreme physical and psychological trauma starting right from the pogrom, the massacre of innocent citizens of the Eastern region of Nigeria, which eventually lead to their quest to be independent. They were attacked for that reason and had to defend their lives.

The pains they went through was beyond description and they fought with bare hands, producing their own weapons due to blockade. They hung all their hope on providence, hoping that the heavenly powers will come to their aid since they were innocent of any aggression, so they sang patriotic songs to keep hope alive, they sang lamentation songs to express their losses, they sang songs of prayer and hope to appease God.

They believed every word, every line of these songs, for their survival depended on anything they could lay their hands on.

My good friend and compatriot, Ticha Akuma Kalu Njoku couldn't have captured this feeling better. He was part of it all, being a song leader in the Biafra army. He joined the army in July 1967 and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

At the end of the war, Johnston Akuma Kalu Njoku got his BA in Music from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, MA in historical Musicology from Michigan States University, and two Phds in ethno-musicology and Folklore from Indiana University. A combination of all these made it possible for him to give us the privilege of viewing Biafra from the perspective of regimental drill, duty songs, and cadences.

The book contains 35 songs, lyrics and musical notes inclusive. There is also a CD of  recorded audio version of the songs.

The book can be found on the site of Smithsonian Institute through the link below

http://collections.si.edu/search/results.htm?q=record_ID:siris_sil_917216

Dr Jhonston Akuma Kalu Njoku is a retired Professor at the Western Kentucky University where he taught courses in World Music, Folklore, Ethno-musicology, and People's and Cultures of Africa.

Apart from his academic position, Dr Njoku is also head of the Heritage Institute of Igbo World Assembly and is the main resource person for the Igbo Farm Village at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia.

 Other publications by the author

Before the Middle Passage: Igbo Slave Journeys to Old Calabar and Bonny” Repercussions of the Atlantic Slave Trade: The Interior of the Bight of Biafra and the African Diaspora, edited by Carolyn Brown and Paul Lovejoy. Trenton, New Jersey: Africa World Press (2011) 57-69.

Amamihe: The Basis of Igbo Culture and Character formation. Goldline and Jacobs Publishers, NJ, Canada, and Owerri, 2010.

“The Atlantic Slave Trade, Colonialism, Gender, and Class Transformations in the Bight of Biafra Hinterland” in Olaudah Equano and the World. Edited by Chima Korieh. Africa World Press, (2009), pp. 203-217.

“Civil Society Practices among the Igbo People of Nigeria,” in Comparative Perspective of Civil Society, edited by Robert Dibie. Lexington Books 2008, pp. 209-223

Oral tradition and the material culture of the Atlantic slave trade as historical source: evidence from the Bight of Biafra hinterland. In The Aftermath of Slavery: Transitions and Transformations in Southeastern Nigeria. Edited by Chima J. Korieh and Femi J. Kolapo. Trenton, 

Helsinki African Film Festival 2014

It is here again, growing bigger, and stronger. The Helsinki African Film Festival. This year's edition promises yet another large selection of African films of varied genre under the theme 'The Creative Pulse of Africa'.
The special guest directors in this year's festival are Jahmil X Qubeka, director of the award-winning South African film 'Of Good Report' and Tosh Gitonga, director of 'Nairobi Half Life' who makes a welcome return to the festival to run a workshop with young film makers. 
                                                       
                                       

                        

As usual, HAFF will this year 2014 will offer other events that will portray fresh perspectives and insights into the life of the African continent and the African diaspora.

                                                         The Open MICs Event

In collaboration with Helsinki Poetry Connection HAFF participated in the Open Mic Poetry event that took place on Saturday April 26. Nigerian born poet, Ike Ude-Chime was a guest poet at the event, representing HAFF.

Ike Ude-Chime rendering his poems at the Open Mic event

       Love & Revolution with Miriam Makeba

A theater–musical of the powerful and enduring relationship between the exiled daughter of South Africa, Miriam ‘Zenzi’ Makeba and the militant Black Panther leader Kwame Toure (Stokely Carmichael). Set in the early 60’s, amidst the volatile political climate, both in South Africa and America, together, these lovers fight the good fight for their love for each other and for their people.

Showtimes at Dubrovnik, Eerikinkatu 11
17.5. klo 19:00
18.5. klo 19:00
19.5. klo 19:00

20.5. klo 19:00 

Enter Africa: Network support for Finnish Renewable Energy SMEs in Nigeria, Kenya and South-Africa

Key highlights is the creative and innovative approaches to the Renewable Sector in Africa.  The key presentations and discussions will be by H.E. Dr. Joseph K. SANG – Ambassador of Kenya in Stockholm, representative from Finnfund/ Finnpartnership, Pia Salokoski – Tekes/Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation, Ronelle Potgieter from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University,  representatives from Kenyatta University – Chandaria Innovation Center, and James Gardiner from FinWind Oy. During the seminar, there will be an interactive exhibition of the Connect business co-creation results.  The panel discussion of experts and policy makers will address current topics such as South Africa’s renewable energy policy road maps, available funding schemes, Finnish renewable energy company viewpoints to doing business in Africa and opportunities for investing in renewable energy in Kenya under the current market conditions.

This is a CONNECT project implemented under FUAS funded by TEKES and hosted in collaboration with HAFF and SHALIN Finland

Time: 11:00- 16:30

Date 15 May 2014 Tekniskan salit, Eerikinkatu 2, Helsinki

The Pulse Of HAFFfrica Friday Club Night 16.05

This club event is packed with high energy entertainment from reggae to modern dance plus DJ sounds and gems evocative of the ever charming face of African music.

The evening will be a continuation of the official opening of HAFF 2014, and will start with a performance that combines Video, dance, Live music by Njara Rasolomanana on a tradition called “Famadihana”. In this piece, Njara weaves the magic showcasing the art and tradition of generational fusion.

Jhikoman from Afrikabissa, a leading reggae artists from Tanzania supported by a crew of seasoned reggae musicians from Finland take the center stage. The night continues with DJ music focused on the rich collection of African rhythms from our favourite DJs including Njara.
The club is officially sponsored by Eko Ego

Date: 16.05.2014
Start: 10:00 till late
Cover Charge 7.5 + Cloakroom
Venue: Dubronovik, Eerikinkatu 11

HAFFfrican DJ Club Night 17.05

A night of HAFFrican DJ music spinning through the night from our favourite HAFFrican DJs Fidelis and Clan Moja.

Date: 17.05.2014
Start: 11:30 till late
Cover Charge 7.00 + Cloakroom

Venue: Dubronovik, Eerikinkatu 11

“Africa Film Today – Inspiring Voices and current trends” Panel Discussion

PANEL DISCUSSION In Collaboration with The Nordic Africa Institute 15.5.

Panel discussion 14:00–16:00

“Africa Film Today – Inspiring Voices and current trends”

Panelists:
Christopher Wessels, Filmmaker, Finland
Khadar Ahmed, Screenplay writer, Finland
Naima Mohamud, Filmmaker, Finland
Vicensia Shule, Independent Film and Theatre Producer, Tanzania
Mari Maasilta, Film Researcher/Lecturer, Univ. of Tampere

Moderator:
Mats Utas, Associate Professor and Cluster Leader, The Nordic Africa Institute

16.15 – 18.30 Images of Moral Communities in Africa

Introduction by Annika Teppo, Associate Professor and Cluster leaders, The Nordic  Africa Institute

After the discussion two documentaries will be shown introduced by Mats Utas and Terje Ostigaard, Nordic Africa Institute.

Venue: Kino Engel, Sofiankatu 4, Helsinki
Time: Thursday  May 15th, 14.00 – 18.30

                   FULL SCHEDULE FOR HAFF-2014