Diaspora
Nurture The Kids Celebrates Milestones In Empowering Children, Communities In Nigeria And US

Nurture the Kids (NTK), a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and communities globally, has celebrated its remarkable achievements in providing education, healthcare, and essential resources to those in need. During its Official Launch and Gala Night held in United States on November 23rd, 2024, Dr. Nikki Ezeani, President of NTK, welcomed guests and expressed her deepest gratitude for their unwavering support.
View video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-jz_jPcy9I
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate the power of compassion, community, and generosity,” she said. “The seeds we sow today will blossom into a world where every child has the chance to succeed. “Nurture the Kids’ journey began with a poignant moment of inspiration for Dr. Ezeani, who recalled visiting an elementary school in Nigeria and witnessing children in tattered uniforms, struggling to learn in deplorable conditions. “In that moment, I felt a divine call to act,” she said. “I knew that I had to do something to make a difference in the lives of these children.
“Diaspora Watch reports that since its inception, NTK has achieved numerous milestones, including launching a school lunch program in Nigeria that has impacted multiple schools, providing nutritious meals to thousands of children. The organization has also renovated two elementary schools, transforming unsafe and unsuitable buildings into vibrant learning environments that foster growth and development. One of NTK’s most recent and notable projects was completing the construction of a secondary school in Nigeria, which was originally envisioned by the late Bishop Gregory Ochiagha. The school, which was left unfinished after the bishop’s passing, was in danger of being abandoned. However, through the collective efforts of NTK and the Ezinne Women Association, the building was brought to completion, providing a safe and dignified place for children to learn.
“This building represents more than just bricks and mortar – it is a gateway to brighter futures and opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach,” Dr. Ezeani said. “We are proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on generations to come. “NTK’s work extends beyond Nigeria, with efforts to reach underserved youth and families in Maryland through education, health screenings, and essential resources. The organization’s commitment to empowering children and communities is rooted in its belief that every individual deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth and development. As Dr. Ezeani reflected on NTK’s accomplishments, she celebrated the power of community and generosity. “Your kindness, presence, and belief in our mission make every milestone possible,” she said. “We are grateful for your trust in us and look forward to continuing our work together to create a brighter future for all.
“The event was attended by dignitaries, supporters, and members of the community, all of whom were inspired by NTK’s re-markable achievements and commitment to empowering children and communities worldwide. As the organization looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing education, healthcare, and essential resources to those in need, and creating a world where every child has the chance to succeed.
Diaspora
America First” Policy Puts Global Health Progress In Jeopardy

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.
The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.
The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.
“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.
In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.
A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.
The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.
However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.
“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”
Diaspora
US Sides With Russia In UN Votes On Ukraine

In a surprising move, the United States has twice voted alongside Russia at the United Nations, marking a significant shift in the Trump administration’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This development has laid bare the growing rift between the US and its European allies.
The US and Russia opposed a European-drafted resolution condemning Moscow’s actions and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, which was passed by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) with 93 votes.
The US also voted against the resolution, alongside Russia, Israel, North Korea, Sudan, Belarus, Hungary, and 11 other states, with 65 abstentions.
In a separate vote at the UN Security Council, the US backed a resolution calling for an end to the conflict, but without criticizing Russia.
The resolution passed with 10 votes, but key US allies, including the UK, France, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, abstained after their attempts to amend the wording were vetoed.
The competing resolutions were tabled as French President Emmanuel Macron visited President Donald Trump at the White House, in an attempt to address their sharp differences over the war.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also set to visit the US leader on Thursday.
The Trump administration’s change of stance on the war has upended the transatlantic alliance, with the US currying favor with Moscow and casting doubt on America’s long-term commitment to European security.
As Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa noted,”We need to reconfirm that the aggression should be condemned and discredited, not rewarded.”
The US’s acting envoy to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea, described the US resolution as a “simple historic statement that looks forward, not backwards. A resolution focused on one simple idea: ending the war.”
However, this move has been seen as a significant departure from the US’s traditional stance on the conflict.Since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, the Security Council has been deadlocked by Russia’s veto power.
As a result, the UNGA has become the main forum for debating the war, although its resolutions are not legally binding for member states.
Diaspora
Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community

On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.