Ms. Jama Jack was selected for her passion, vision and commendable achievements on issues relating to the development of youth and women. Ms. Jack is a 22 year old activist of Gambian origin. She is currently a 2nd year student of Journalism and Communications at the InstitutSuperieur de l’Informationet de la Communication in Rabat, Morocco. She aspires to be one of the greatest journalists Africa has ever produced. Jama started advocacy at the age of 10 and has been involved with various youth projects, which, coupled with her academic success, have helped mould her into a dependable, tolerant and independent-minded young woman. Jama has developed a strong spirit of responsibility and sacrifice by continuously volunteering with non-profit organizations like Lend A Hand Society, Gambians Against Rape and Molestation, Tuta Pack Action Group, Think Young Women etc. She is also the current President of the Gambian Students’ Association in Morocco. Jama loves reading and shares her gift of writing on her blog, Linguere.
Both ladies have been awarded partial scholarship to attend the three-week institute in Accra, Ghana from 10th July to 1st August, 2012. An additional sum of $2,750 is required to cover for all their expenses including travel, accommodation, feeding, tuition etc. They therefore call for support from all stakeholders, government departments, private companies and individuals alike to help in making their trip a possibility. All contributions are highly welcome, as they strive to represent their country in the best ways possible.
The 2012 MILEAD Fellows Representing twenty five African countries and the Diaspora, the 2012 Fellows represent a Pan-African diversity with multi-disciplinary academic, professional and social backgrounds. From poverty to women’s economic empowerment, environmental justice and political participation, this new generation of African women leaders are proof that Africa can produce the bold, visionary and inspirational leadership needed to lift Africa to its rightful place on the global stage. The 2012 Fellows are between the ages of 19 and 25, but are already actively leading change on pertinent issues both at the grassroots and international level. Here are the honoured 2012 Fellows:
Amanda NthatiChembezi (Botswana)
Lydia Kaneza (Burundi)
Lily H. Foglabenchi (Cameroon)
LilianeP.NzesseuNono (Cote D’voire)
Nancy Djembe WaluMajiba (DRC/Belgium)
SamrawitYitayewBiyazin (Ethiopia)
Aisha Keita (The Gambia)
Nana Aba Adu–Mensah (Ghana)
Francisca KorantemaaDarfour (Ghana)
Anne WaitheraMbatia (Kenya)
MaletsabisaMolapo (Lesotho)
KiabehGuzeh (Liberia)
Chikondi P. Chabvuta (Malawi)
Jama Jack (Morocco)
AissaLaouanWandarama (Niger)
OlajumokeAdekeye (Nigeria)
AdjiFama THIAM (Senegal)
Adima Etta Yambasu (Sierra Leone)
Mashienyane I. Mphahlele (South Africa)
Salma M. H. Abdalla (Sudan)
Thandwa S Maphalala (Swaziland)
Gloria Silas Mangi (Tanzania)
Grace Atuhaire (Uganda)
Dudzai D. Mureyi (Zimbabwe)
AfiaAgyeman-Duah (Diaspora/Canada)
TayoAdjapon-Yamoah (Diaspora/USA)
Priscilla Ankrah (Diaspora/USA)
Vivian AdhiamboOnano (Diaspora/Kenya)
From over 1,240 applications from 41 countries, the selected Fellows of 2012 will become part of the growing MILEAD community of young women leaders. We salute all the applicants for their tremendous work and sacrifices, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Even though only 25 candidates could be selected, we truly admire the courage and commitment of all of these leaders. We absolutely look forward to collaborating with all applicants through other platforms and future programs as we strive to create opportunities and attain dignity and justice for women in our communities and across the continent.
The 2012 MILEAD Fellows Institute The MILEAD Fellows will converge in Accra, Ghana to kick-start the 2012 MILEAD Leadership Institute with a three-week intensive training program, which will be hosted by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. The Institute will serve as a platform for Fellows to cross-examine concepts of leadership in a broad African context, cultivate the skills and experiences necessary to occupy and excel in leadership positions, and gain knowledge on cutting-edge issues critical to African women and their communities. During this period, experienced and accomplished women leaders who are committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of African women leaders will mentor Fellows.
About The MILEAD Fellows Program
The MILEAD Fellows Program is a uniquely designed initiative committed to the long-term leadership development and promotion of Africa’s most promising young women leaders. Fellows go through a yearlong training and mentoring program, designed to build skills, strengthen networks, and support women’s leadership on critical issues. Over the course of the year, the selected Fellows progress through three phases. First, identify and prepare Fellows through leadership development, networking, mentoring, and training. Second, promote the visibility and accomplishments of Fellows through media coverage and networking. Lastly, support Fellows through career planning, management, and access to opportunities and resources. Fellows will benefit from a lifelong solidarity and support through the MILEAD Network.
About Moremi Initiative
Founded in 2004, The Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa strives to engage, inspire, and equip young women and girls to become the next generation of leading politicians, activists, social entrepreneurs, and change agents–leaders who can transform and change institutions that legitimize and perpetuate discrimination against women. We firmly believe that the full and active participation of women in leadership is a pre-requisite for positive change and development in Africa, and addresses the current problem of leadership imbalances.

Bimbola Oyesola
As the Trade Union Congress (TUC) officially rolls out 150 buses in Lagos on Monday, Federal Government has promised to give more support to the organized labour in the area of providing mass transportation to Nigerians to ease off the attendants suffering inflicted on them through the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, who represented the Federal Government at the rolling out ceremony of the TUC’s mass transit buses in Lekki area of Lagos on Monday morning said that the Federal Government commended the labour center to have taken the initiative provided by the government in 2010 by going into the venture of providing mass transportation for Nigerians.
“The initiative began in 2010 with the late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, when the government was discussing with labour on removing subsidy on fuel, part of the recommendations by labour was that the government should provide a cushion effect. Government made available N10 billion loan, which 50% would go to labour, and the 2.3 billion which TUC expended on this business was their portion of the loan”, he said.
The Minister noted that the remaining funds was available for states and local government to meet up with the transportation challenges in their states, charging states who were yet to asses the loan to take advantage of it as the money was made available purposely for mitigating transportation problems in the country.
Though no representation of the Lagos State was seen at the event, The Minister commended the efforts of the state government in easing the transportation bottle neck in the state, charging the state government to continue partnering with the federal government in the quest to make the country a better place for all citizens to live.
He also charged the manufacturers of the buses, Yutong of China to move their assembly plant to Nigeria, as such move would serve a dual purpose.
“Our government will support the company, because if they are assembling here, there will be jobs for those who will operate the buses as well as those who will work in the assembling plant. The government would really support any venture that can make life easier for the people and that is why we are happy with what the TUC is doing here today”, he said.
The Managing Director of the Infrastructure Bank who provided the loan for the buses, Adekunle Oyinloye charged the TUC to manage the buses effectively as this would give them access to more loans after the repayment of the subsisting loan which has five years duration.
“It is a revolving loan and that means the N10 billion provided by the government is to be re invested, hence any of the borrowers, be it labour, states or local government can come back for more after they have finished payment of the initial loan”, he stated.
The TUC President General, Comrade Peter Esele noted that Nigerians should see the buses as their own, dedicated to serve Nigerians and help reduce the challenges of public transportation in the country, stressing that all should join hands with the TUC to make it a success.
“Though we are kicking off operations in Lagos, we are not limited to this place. This is just the beginning and hopefully, within a short period, we shall expand to other regions of the country where we expect to perform better having learnt from the experiences we shall garner here. We urge every Nigerian no matter who they are, to see these buses as theirs and to treat it as they would their own property and protecting it wherever they see it”, he said.
Esele also said that the labour center would be extending its tentacle in providing succor to the masses to the area of housing, adding that plans have been concluded to build prototype houses which cost would not be more than N9million, and which the beneficiaries could pay for in 15 years.

Organised Labour on Wedneday received the death of the past president of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)), Comrade Pascal Bafyau with rude shock, even as the Congress promised to immortalize the late labour leader.
President of the NLC in an interview with the Daily Sun said that the death came as a serious shock to the Congress as the past president was never reported ill and the Congress was still mourning one of its officers, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde who was murdered in Edo state last week.
“Comrade Bafyau was a strong pillar of the Congress who played a major role in what the NLC is today”, he said.
Omar said the late Bafyau was equally a veritable ally and intermediary between labour and the government, noting that his death at this period in the history of the labour movement in Nigeria was never anticipated.
“Among our modern day presidents of the Congress he was the first to have gone to the great beyond, hence the NLC would be playing a very important role in his burial looking at his contribution to the labour movement in the country. We are waiting for the family to roll out the burial programme to see where we will come in, but definitely we are going to be actively involved”, he said.
Comrade Omar’s counterpart in the TUC, Comrade Peter Esele also was short of words when he learnt about the demise of the late labour leader, whom he described as a dogged fighter.
According to him he was together at a rally with the late labour Icon in Edo last week to give support to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s political campaign for the second term in office, despite Bafyau political inclination.
“The late Bafyau was a dogged fighter, who believe in fighting for the cause of Nigerian workers. Even when we met in Edo last week, he was still giving us advice on what we can do to move the labour movement forward”, he stated.
The TUC President General said that the late Bafyau’s death was a great loss and sad news for the entire Nigeria, stressing that he would be greatly missed by the labour movement.
“He contributed to what we know as the NLC today, foundation and the structure of the NLC took root during Pascal time”, he added.
Esele’s statement was confirmed by the press statement which Comrade Omar later signed to announce the death of the labour leader, who was reported to have suffered a severe cardiac arrest and passed on 11.30p.m on Tuesday on his way to the hospital.
Comrade Paschal Myeleri Bafyau, Omar noted had led the NLC as President from 1988 to 1994.
“The five years he was NLC President were the turbulent years of the Generals Babangida and Abacha regimes. Comrade Bafyau had been elected NLC President in December 1988 after a ten-month seizure of the Congress by the Babangida regime.
His Presidency ended in 1994 when the Military under General Abacha again seized the Congress”, stated the NLC President.
The incumbent NLC president said that despite the turbulent period in the country’s history at which the late labour leader operated,which included the June 12 crises, Comrade Bafyau still made remarkable achievements as NLC President.
“These include the building of the 12-Storey Labour House in Abuja, establishment of the Labour Transport Service (now Labour City Transport), the founding of the now defunct Labour Bank (LACON),
and the establishment of the old Labour Party in 1989.
“But perhaps what he would be best remembered for was the strive for a strong and united Labour Movement. This, saw in 1988, the uniting of the two factions of the NLC, the Democrats and Progressives, which were engaged in a fratricidal ideological struggle”, he expressed.
Other commitments of the late labour leader include: “Bafyau was Board Chairman of the National Mass Education Commission from 2009, member of the 1986 Political Bureau and the 1987 Constituent Assembly.
“He was also a Board member of the Urban Development Bank (UDBN), the Nigeria Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), and the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)”.
Omar added that Comrade Bafyau dedicated his adult life to the Labour Movement beginning from 1969 when at 22, he was elected the North East Branch Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Railwaymen (NUR), and rose to be the NUR General Secretary in 1982.
“Throughout his life, Comrade Bafyau lived in the best traditions of the Labour Movement. He worked hard for sustainable democracy in the country. He also shunned material things; despite the height he attained in labour and politics, as at the time of his death, he lived in a rented house in Abuja.
“His death is a big blow to the Labour Movement and the democratic process in the country”, he maintained.
After leading the NLC from 1988, he quit in 1994 to join politics. He was a member of the defunct Social Democratic Party and participated in Abacha’s transition politics.
Until his death, Bafyau, who hailed from Adamawa, was a member of the PDP.

BEADS are like magic pearls that beautify every neck, wrist, ankle or the waist. To a Krobo woman, they are a way of life.

The uniqueness of beads and their agility in adding colour and meaning to modern fashion, have created a burgeoning market for the piece of Ghanaian jewelry.

Beads making has consequently found its rightful place in the creative industry and many businesses are springing up around it.

Belwik Art Enterprise is one such endeavours which was founded out of an overriding impetus of the owner to contribute to the arts and culture in Ghana. This crave to follow her passion, compelled Mrs Yvette Kporjroh to make a dramatic switch of jobs from where she had originally received training to a completely different world of endeavour.

Prior to establishing Belwik Art Enterprise for beads designing, batik making and wood polishing, Yvette worked as a telephonist at the National Theatre, Accra.

But her passion for the creative industry soon overrun her love for the telephone, forcing her to part ways with her employer in 2006 to take up training in the business from a friend.

She told the GRAPHIC BUSINESS that such a decision was to enable her live her dream of venturing into the handicraft. The fruits of that six-year-old decision have been the thriving Belwik Art Enterprise which does beads design, artifacts and produces nice crafts of batik for people of strata in Accra and beyond.

The business also trains interested persons in the various areas that it operates in.

However, since the business survives on frequent capital injection, Mrs Kporjroh said inadequate working capital was one of the challenges facing Belwik Enterprise.

“The demand has been very good but our only challenge is the injection of working capital to finance an expansion to meet the growing demand,” she told the GRAPHIC BUSINESS.

She further explained that “I sometimes go to shows and people express interest in my products but I become stuck since I don’t have money to produce for them.”

According to her, for the fear of getting drowned with high interest rates, Mrs Kporjroh she has never attempted to go for loans from any financial institution in the country although she would have wished to access more funds to expand her business.

“The interest rates are high and that is scaring me from going for a loan from the banks. If I should go for a loan and I’m not able to pay for it, what do I do,” she asked.

Another challenge for her business is the high rent charged for exhibition space at fairs and the general expensive nature of attending fairs to give the needed exposure to the products outside the country as some of the difficulties plaguing not only his company but the creative industry as a whole.

In spite of the challenges, Mrs. Kporjroh sees a brighter future for the handicraft industry, as Belwik Enterprise had so far been a great success.

“It has exposed me. People know me and they call me to work for them. I have also travelled to many countries including Zambia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Benin, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire. I hope to exhibit my goods in Europe soon,” elated Yvette told the GRAPHIC BUSINESS with beaming smiles.

In an attempt to give back to the society Belwik Enterprise started an initiative in 2009 to train women in the areas of operations to “enable me to empower others so that they become independent and create wealth for themselves.”

Her application for support from the National Commission on Culture yielded fruits as the commission granted her GH¢5,000. According to Yvette, she used the funds to purchase training equipment for her workshop.

Belwik currently employs four ladies but has the capacity to increase the intake provided she could scale up her capital and expand the workshop.

She expressed the frustration that although the venture could employ more hands, the lack of space and finance was stalling expansion and employment generation.

Sharing her experiences on Ghana’s creative industry, she said “Ghanaian products are unique. People show interest at all times when you go to fairs. But mostly, due to financial constraints we go with small goods and even when people are ready to buy we don’t have enough.”

Mrs Kporjroh appealed for support in the area of finance, promotion and marketing opportunities, an endeavour the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has been performing on a small scale within its resource limitations.

While commending the GEPA for supporting the creative industry, Mrs Kporjroh appealed for more of such support and collaboration with the industry even when there were no exhibitions.

She also wants the government and other stakeholders of the sector to direct more funds and support to make the sector more vibrant as it was an avenue for employment creation.

A mother of four, Mrs Kporjroh says she enjoys training others, particularly young females, in such employable and innovative skills.

As a result, she said, her outfit wants to set up a training institute to train more people in creative designs. GB