News
A Beacon Of Hope in Nigeria’s Electoral Landscape: Obo Effanga’s Story
Obo Effanga, a paragon of integrity and a champion of democracy, has been a stalwart defender of free and fair elections in Nigeria long before his appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State in 2017. With a career spanning over two decades, Effanga stands as a beacon of integrity and impartiality in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, inspiring hope in a country where the electoral process is often marred by controversy and malpractice.
As a trained journalist, lawyer, and governance expert, Effanga’s expertise extends far beyond election management. He holds a National Diploma in Mass Communications from The Polytechnic Calabar (1988), an LL.B (Hons) from the University of Calabar (1994), and a Master of Arts (MA) in Human Rights from the University of Sussex (2011).
Effanga’s impressive resume includes conducting several high-profile elections, such as the 2019 general election in Rivers State, the 2023 general election in Edo State, and the off-cycle Governorship Election in Bayelsa State in 2023. He has also supported off-cycle elections in many other states in Nigeria since 2017 and observed the presidential election in Venezuela in 2018.
Beyond his work in election management, Effanga is dedicated to community service. He has served as the President of the Nigerian Alumni Association of the International Fellowships Program of Ford Foundation, Vice Chair of the Efik Leadership Foundation, Past President of the Lagos Achievers Lions Club, and former national president (District President) of the Leo Club Programme in Nigeria. Effanga’s contributions to democracy and community service have been recognized with several awards, including:
— Columnist of the Year, Nigeria Media Merit Award (2004)
— Ford Foundation Scholar (2010/2011)
— Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF) from Lions Clubs International (2018)
He has also worked at ActionAid Nigeria for 11 years, including serving as management staff and Governance Programme Manager for more than six years. Additionally, he has worked as senior programme staff in other national NGOs in Nigeria.
As a newspaper columnist, Effanga has written for different national newspapers, spanning more than 15 years, and has been a member of the editorial board of NewAge newspaper. He has also written many editorial commentaries, essays, and poems, and has published two books: ‘To The Sun At Sundown’ and ‘Déjà Vu Nigeria’.
When asked about withstanding pressure from politicians, Effanga remains resolute: “I have zero tolerance for such and have not even bothered.” His commitment to neutrality and impartiality is unwavering, making him an exemplary figure in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
As Effanga continues to serve as a guardian of democracy, his legacy as a champion of free and fair elections will endure, inspiring future generations of electoral umpires and cementing his place as an icon in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His remarkable journey serves as a shining example of the transformative impact of unwavering dedication, unshakeable integrity, and selfless service to humanity, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
FREE Digital View & Print on Demand:
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2984125?__r=1069759
Diaspora Watch Vol. 32 on our website:
https://diasporawatch.com/diaspora-watch-vol-32-january-6-to-12-2025/
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
To promote cybersecurity education and awareness, Excel TeKay LLC has announced the release of two critical books, “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim,” written by renowned cybersecurity expert Kimma Wreh. Now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, these books aim to equip readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and protect themselves in today’s digital world.
Diaspora Watch reports that “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” is a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex cybersecurity topics, offering step-by-step guidance for individuals, families, and small businesses. Readers will learn practical tips for creating strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing IoT devices, and defending against threats like malware and phishing.
The book also explores mobile security, incident response, and pathways for pursuing cybersecurity careers, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their digital safety. Wreh’s expertise and experience in the field shine through in this book, pro-viding readers with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.
In “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim”, Wreh exposes common online scams, including phishing, romance fraud, and malware attacks. Using real-world examples, including her personal experiences, she equips readers with tools to detect red flags, protect sensitive in-formation, and recover from breaches.
Highlighting the staggering $10 billion lost to cyber scams in 2023, Wreh provides actionable strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape. Her expertise and in-sights in this book are in-valuable, helping readers to develop a deeper under-standing of the tactics used by cyber scammers and how to protect themselves.
Kimma Wreh, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), draws on over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy. She is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Excel Global Media Group Inc. and a Principal Consultant at Excel TeKay LLC.
“I want readers to feel confident about their digital safety and see cybersecurity as something they can master,” said Wreh. Her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their digital safety is evident throughout both books.
Both “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim” are available now on Amazon.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 32 – January 6 to 12, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 31 – DEC 30, 2024 – JAN 5, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 30 – Dec. 23 – 29, 2024
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
