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TravelRe: Ukraine Ticket by sklinks(m): 3:22pm On May 21, 2010
@ poster, u need to compare price with turkish airline (www.thy.com) turkish operate to five destionation in Ukraine ( Kiev-Simferopol- Donetsk-Dnepropetrovsk and Odessa)the last one i bought was 1870$ during december 2009.
TravelRe: Any Nairalander Living In Serbia,bosnia-herzegovina Or Croatia? by sklinks(m): 10:49pm On Feb 25, 2010
sklinks:
@ Poster
I was in Serbia for Summer Universiade Belgrade 2009 under volunteer programme it was relatively fine, virtually most of the people I come across are friendly, most of them speak English, their love culture exchange. Obviously I come across few Nigerian living there, as your girl mostly footballers and one is a student in the Medical University, I attend a church service with one of the Nigeria student and I was introduce to two Nigeria ladies who are married to Serbian men with kids.
I think getting a Job there may be difficult but if you bright you may find one is Night club, Café and restaurants you can offer English lessons.
TravelRe: Any Nairalander Living In Serbia,bosnia-herzegovina Or Croatia? by sklinks(m): 9:47pm On Feb 25, 2010
@ ganny1,
Serbia is not member of European Union, they are been grant visa free to European Union countries
TravelRe: Any Nairalander Living In Serbia,bosnia-herzegovina Or Croatia? by sklinks(m): 5:51pm On Feb 25, 2010
@ Poster
I was in Serbia for Summer Universiade Belgrade 2009 under volunteer programme it was relatively fine, virtually most of the people I come across are friendly, most of them speak English, their love culture exchange. Obviously I come across few Nigerian living there, as your girl mostly footballers and one is a student in the Medical University, I attend a church service with one of the Nigeria student and I was introduced to two Nigeria ladies who are married to Serbian men with kids.
I think getting a Job there may be difficult but if you bright you may find one is Night club, Café and restaurants you can offer English lessons.
TravelRe: West African Countries Hate Nigerians? by sklinks(m): 7:56pm On Jun 06, 2009
sklinks:
Man who forced wife to breastfeed dogs remanded
DAVID MAFABI
Pallisa

Court in Pallisa District has remanded the man who reportedly forced his wife to breastfeed puppies, a bizarre incident that shocked many people early this week.

Mr Nathan Awoloi, 28, a hunter and resident of Dudi in Apopong Sub-county, allegedly forced his wife, Ms Jennifer Alupot, to breastfeed his five puppies and this led to the death of the couple’s child early last year to rabies.
Rabies is a disease commonly found in dogs.

Clad in an old white-shirt and dirty trousers but in a jovial mood, Mr Awoloi, was handed the charge in less than two minutes after arrival at the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Kalaki.

Mr Noah Hasahya, the Grade II Magistrate, made the ruling.
Instead of being charged for making his wife breastfeed dogs, Mr Hasahya preferred charges of failure to provide necessities for Apuyo.
But the charge didn’t bother Mr Awoloi. He smiled before the warder led him away on a journey to Kamuge government Prison.

“Because of failure to provide necessities for your daughter, Ms Loy Apuyo, you are hereby remanded until June 10 and then appear before this court the same day,” pronounced Mr Hasahya.

The district Police Commander, Mr Amos Gumusiriza, told Daily Monitor yesterday at his office that Mr Awoloi’s file has been sent to DPP for advice because they don’t have any evidence to pin him for the offence.
Although the case has attracted a lot of attention from women activists, Police insists that Ms Alupot could be mentally disturbed and that she should seek psychiatrist help in Butabika Hospital.

The Police spokesperson, Ms Judith Nabakooba, said when Ms Alupot was subjected to a medical examination by the police doctor, the report showed no fresh or recent scars of dog bites on her breasts as she claims.

“She has been subjected to a second medical examination and the doctor has recommended a psychiatric examination,” said Ms Nabakooba.
When Daily Monitor arrived at the district Police headquarters, efforts were being sought to get a psychiatrist from Mbale referral Hospital to examine Ms Alupot.



Related articles: http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/Man_who_forced_wife_to_breastfeed_dogs_remanded_85599.shtml

@kenyanstar. Dont you feel that you are deliberate targting to give dog a bad name,you edited the article from Ugandan monitor online.
TravelRe: West African Countries Hate Nigerians? by sklinks(m): 6:57pm On Jun 06, 2009
[tr]The story of Ms Jenipher Alupot who recently accused her husband, Nathan Awoloi of Pallisa District, of forcing her to breastfeed his puppies because he had offered cows to her parents as bride price, has attracted strong reaction from women activists who have demanded that bride price be abolished.
While the Police say there is no evidence that Alupot breastfed puppies and that she could be insane, her husband is now demanding that her parents refund his cows.

Bride price is a practice which, if respected, should not be a source of demeaning forms of violence in marriages. But over the years, the practice has been abused. Increasingly, greedy parents force their daughters to marry rich men who pay obscene sums of money as bride price, instead of the required cultural token of appreciation.

The danger is that such girls are virtually bought from their parents. They even go into the marriage regardless of the man’s HIV status because they have no say in the arrangement.

Likewise, it is difficult for them to walk away in case the man becomes abusive because their parents will not welcome the idea of returning the bride price. Accordingly, many young women find themselves in the hands of abusive partners but they hang on to these tormentors, simply because the man has paid bride price which her parents cannot refund.

We must seek answers to what went wrong with a practice many communities still consider precious. In many communities, marriage is not considered binding until bride price has been paid because it seals the marriage contract. That is why civil society organisations and cultural leaders should educate communities on the essence of bride price and discourage commercialising it.

While bride price may be a cause of domestic violence in some instances, it is just one of the many causes of this hideous crime. But if a well-intentioned practice such as bride price and other cultural norms do more harm than good to families, then it may not be worthwhile. While cultural norms are very important, they must not supersede the basic rights of women.

We must, however, look at the bigger picture and focus on tackling the staggering cost of all forms of violence on this country. Domestic violence must not be allowed to thrive.
Related articles 
Condemn domestic violence in all forms 
The struggle continues 
Man who forced wife to breastfeed dogs remanded 
14-year-old raped, killed in Nakasongola 
Violence is our sad fate  [/tr]


@Kenyanstar, No offence,were is the link to ur article?
Related links http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/opinions/Condemn_domestic_violence_in_all_forms_85751.shtml
TravelRe: West African Countries Hate Nigerians? by sklinks(m): 6:44pm On Jun 06, 2009
Man who forced wife to breastfeed dogs remanded
DAVID MAFABI
Pallisa

Court in Pallisa District has remanded the man who reportedly forced his wife to breastfeed puppies, a bizarre incident that shocked many people early this week.

Mr Nathan Awoloi, 28, a hunter and resident of Dudi in Apopong Sub-county,  allegedly forced his wife, Ms Jennifer Alupot, to breastfeed his five puppies and this led to the death of the couple’s child  early last year to rabies.
Rabies is a disease commonly found in dogs.

Clad in an old white-shirt and dirty trousers but in a jovial mood, Mr Awoloi, was handed the charge in less than two minutes after arrival at the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Kalaki.

Mr Noah Hasahya, the Grade II Magistrate, made the ruling.
Instead of being charged for making his wife breastfeed dogs, Mr Hasahya preferred charges of failure to provide necessities for Apuyo.
But the charge didn’t bother Mr Awoloi. He smiled before the warder led him away on a journey to Kamuge government Prison.

“Because of failure to provide necessities for your daughter, Ms Loy Apuyo, you are hereby remanded until June 10 and then appear before this court the same day,” pronounced Mr Hasahya.

The district Police Commander, Mr Amos Gumusiriza, told Daily Monitor yesterday at his office that Mr Awoloi’s file has been sent to DPP for advice because they don’t have any evidence to pin him for the offence.
Although the case has attracted a lot of attention from women activists, Police insists that Ms Alupot could be mentally disturbed and that she should seek psychiatrist help  in Butabika Hospital.

The Police spokesperson, Ms Judith Nabakooba, said when Ms Alupot was subjected to a medical examination by the police doctor, the report showed no fresh or recent scars of dog bites on her breasts as she claims.

“She has been subjected to a second medical examination and the doctor has recommended a psychiatric examination,” said Ms Nabakooba.
When Daily Monitor arrived at the district Police headquarters, efforts were being sought to get a psychiatrist from Mbale referral Hospital to examine Ms Alupot.



Related articles: http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/Man_who_forced_wife_to_breastfeed_dogs_remanded_85599.shtml

@kenyanstar. Dont you feel,deliberate targting to give dog a bad name,you edited the article from Ugandan monitor online.
EducationRe: Nigerians Scammed By Asians In Ukraine. by sklinks(m): 9:00am On Jun 04, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).
The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist, we assist in products sourcing.

For the prospective Nigeria / Africa students interested in studying in Ukraine and neighboring countries
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about universities and the city.
Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing your admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodation through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, and the immigration policy with all the information you more need.
Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


Free Consultation -Visa Consulling and Translation of Documents
In Nigeria contact Phone Number 070 58442530.
EducationRe: Study In Malaysia (UK Campus) International Education of Exceptional Value by sklinks(m): 5:57am On Jun 03, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country, development of the Integrated information to students. We are in allie with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
EducationRe: Study In Ghana - Admission Forms Are On Sale by sklinks(m): 5:55am On Jun 03, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country, development of the Integrated information to students. We are in allie with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
EducationRe: Study In Ukraine by sklinks(m): 11:15am On Jun 02, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country with all the information you more need. We alley with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
EducationRe: Study For Cheap In Ukraine! by sklinks(m): 11:14am On Jun 02, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country with all the information you more need. We alley with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
EducationReliable Information For Students by sklinks(op): 11:12am On Jun 02, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country with all the information you more need. We alley with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
AdvertsMemo Reliable Information Concerning Ukraine -belarus by sklinks(op): 11:07am On Jun 02, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is Incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist; we assist in products sourcing and other assistance

FOR THE PROSPECTIVE NIGERIA AND AFRICA STUDENT INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN UKRAINE-BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about Universities and the city. Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing student admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodations through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, guide student about the immigration policy and the laws of the country with all the information you more need. We alley with law firm to protect the interest of our students. Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


IN NIGERIA PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGIONAL REPREPRESENTATIVEONE: 070 584 425 30
FOR FREE CONCONSULTATIOND TRATRANSLATION DOCUMENTS
TravelRe: Study Opportunities In Ukraine by sklinks(m): 10:36am On Jun 02, 2009
WHY PAY EXORBITANT FEES TO MIDDLEMEN WHEN YOU CAN GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY FROM US.

S-K Links Business Consult and Educational Advisory is incorporated in Ukraine and operating in the sphere of educational and corporate services. Our history goes far back and today we represent various Universities and scientific institutions, language centre in Ukraine and neighboring countries. We are accredited by the Ukrainian ministry of Education and Science (Accredit ЦMO 000539).
The main aim is to guide and present legitimate information concerning Ukraine- Belarus, and neighboring countries in former C.I.S.
We provide information to those who are intending to visit Ukraine for Business and tourist, we assist in products sourcing.

For the prospective Nigeria / Africa students interested in studying in Ukraine and neighboring countries
Do not hesitate to contact us, as we are eager given reliable information about universities and the city.
Just we are offering all possibilities to meet the need of every international Student.
We assist securing your admission sending your study invitation letter/ visa support and guide you to affordable tuition fees



We meet you at the air-port and eliminate headaches due to language barrier. We arrange cheap and affordable school hostel accommodation through out the duration of stay in Ukraine.
Assist in register with necessary organ, Medical check up, and the immigration policy with all the information you more need.
Accompany tourist to the airport on there departure date.
.

Try us today. In some cases it is better to consult professionals for greater expertise. Free and low –cost assistance is available.


Our Office Address:
Street Novogaroskay 11 Office No 412, Kharkov City Ukraine
Phone + 380 67 83 95 096
Email sklinks@ukr.net
Email studyukr@yahoo.com
www.studyukr.com


Free Consultation and Translation of Documents
In Nigeria contact Phone Number 070 58442530.
TravelRe: Any Nigerian In Czech Republic? by sklinks(m): 3:40pm On May 25, 2009
A new voice in Brussels
ODS candidate raises visibility of minorities in EP elections


Posted: May 21, 2009

By Wency Leung - Staff Writer | Comments (1) | Post comment

, loading,
please waitCourtesy Photo

Nigeria-born Asuquo says reactions to his campaign are positive.

Raymond Asuquo says he intends to provide greater representation for minorities in the Czech Republic if he wins a seat in the European Parliament (EP) this year.

The Nigeria-born candidate is one of only a handful of non-native Czechs to run in the EU parliamentary election June 5 and 6, and he says he hopes to encourage other minorities "to rise up and take their fate into their hands."

"I would like my candidacy to mean that the minorities in the Czech Republic [have] a lot to contribute to the development of the country where they live," Asuquo said. "If eventually I am elected into the European Parliament, I would like to fight for minority rights, equal chances and opportunities, and shared responsibilities."


Asuquo, who is running as a candidate of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS) from his home in Břeclav, south Moravia, is among a tiny population of Nigerians here. The Czech Statistical Office records only around 380 Nigerians living throughout the country. Small as their numbers are, there are signs the Nigerian population is seeking greater visibility and a more active role within Czech society.

The Asuquo file

Name: Raymond Asuquo
Political party: Civic Democratic Party
Number of years in the Czech Republic: 19
Czech citizen since: 2002
Languages: English, Czech, German and Dutch
Besides Asuquo's campaign, the Nigerian community is now establishing a grass-roots organization called the Association of Nigerians in Czech, which aims to help integrate newcomers into the greater Czech society and to lobby for the return of a Nigerian Embassy.

The Czech Republic has not housed a Nigerian Embassy since its consul Michael Lekara Wayid was shot dead in February 2003. A local pensioner, Jiří Pasovský, was convicted for the murder, which was reportedly motivated by the loss of his life savings in a financial scam by a Nigerian group.

"One of the things we want to do is to brand Nigeria the way it truly is," said Prague resident Michael Olayemi Olawepo, who is running for presidency of the new association.

Olawepo, who came to the country as an information technology student eight years ago, said there is a wide spectrum of Nigerians living in the Czech Republic - those who study and work legally as well as illegal immigrants. All could benefit from supporting one another and having a collective voice, he said.

"Some [illegal immigrants] are actually graduates. They get here and they are not properly integrated," Olawepo said, noting that, contrary to the statistical office's data, the association anticipates a membership of more than 2,000 Nigerians in the Czech Republic. "If we have a community in which we can engage members irrespective of the category they come from, we will be able to help them, either through mentoring or through referring them to programs … through seminars and so on."

Asuquo's EP candidacy may be seen as an inspiration for Nigerians and other immigrants to become more involved in the country where they now live, Olawepo said, adding that it also indicates the Czech Republic is becoming more receptive to minorities.

"It means [the Czech Republic] has actually gone a long way. It says a lot, but we'd like to see more," he said. "We'd like to see minorities in the Czech police and the army, in the public services and so on."

According to Asuquo, native Czechs have reacted positively so far to his campaign, and are accepting of foreigners in general. "The fact that many immigrants including Nigerians and West Africans are coming to Czech Republic shows that the Czech Republic is receptive to foreigners," he said. "Any country aspiring to make money from tourism cannot afford not to be hospitable to foreigners, whether they are Africans or Asians."

Asuquo came to the Czech Republic in 1984 at the age of 27 on a scholarship for the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology. He became a Czech citizen in 2002, and is the CEO and director of business development for mineral supplier Zeopol Ltd.

Asuquo said engaging in politics is nothing new for him; he has been involved in the local politics of Břeclav ever since he joined the ODS in 2001 and ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for the EP in 2004.

In interviews with the Czech press, he has expressed that running for the EP is a way of repaying the country for the opportunities it has provided him. "With my knowledge, experiences and exposure, I want to contribute to the development of the Czech Republic within the European Union," he said.

Yes, he can

Within the Nigerian community, reaction to Asuquo's candidacy is mixed, and Asuquo himself acknowledges that some Nigerians and other Africans whom he has approached have received the news of his campaign with reserved neutrality.

Prague Internet café owner Daniel Bamidele Esan, 37, of Nigeria said he was unsure about the candidate because he did not know enough about him. "It might be good; it might be bad," he said. "I've never seen him before."

However, Maxim, 37, who declined to give his full name, said he was thrilled to hear a fellow Nigerian was running for such a high-profile position. "Wow, that would be good," he said. "I believe if we can have a Nigerian member of the European Parliament, it would be a privilege."

Olawepo said that, regardless of the outcome of Asuquo's campaign, the fact that he is running is a promising sign. According to the statistical office, other non-natives running for a Czech seat in the EP include two candidates from Slovakia, one from Italy and one from France.

"I think we're in the age that everyone feels that, at this moment, if you really try, then anything is possible," Olawepo said. "I'm not saying it's going to work or not, and I'm not saying that every minority who aspires for a position has something to offer. But why not try?"




Wency Leung can be reached at
wleung@praguepost.com

1 2 (of 2 pages)