Author: eamungo

Innovative and strategic
Immigration

U.S. Offers Protection to People Who Fled War in Cameroon

By Miriam Jordan | The New York Post

The Biden administration announced on Friday that it would offer temporary protected status to nationals of Cameroon, shielding them from deportation and enabling them to obtain work permits, amid escalating armed conflict that has spawned a humanitarian crisis in the African country.

Some 40,000 nationals of Cameroon, many of whom sought safe haven in the United States in recent years, are expected to be eligible. The largest communities of people from Cameroon are in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and California.

Continue reading “U.S. Offers Protection to People Who Fled War in Cameroon” →
African Food

At The Green Place in Brooklyn, Fufu is the favorite food of Americans

By Ebimo Amungo

Jollof rice may be the rage but at The Green Place, fufu is the food that is ordered the most by Americans.


Joy Green, owner of this Nigerian restaurant on Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, gave this insight with a laud guffaw.


“They also order a lot of okra soup” she added laughing.

Continue reading “At The Green Place in Brooklyn, Fufu is the favorite food of Americans” →
Music

Kay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ Sets New Record In The U.S

By Bella Ogechukwu | naijaonpoint.com.ng

Raving Nigerian musician and sensational songwriter, Chukwuka Ekweani, popular known as CKay has attained another milestone in his musical career.

The multiple award winning singer officially joins Wizkid as the highest awarded Nigerian acts to sell over 2 million units in the United States Of America. CKay’s smash hit single, ‘Love Nwantiti’ has now sold over 2 million units in the US.

Continue reading “Kay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ Sets New Record In The U.S” →
Uncategorized

Dikembe Mutombo looks to expand Spire’s global reach

By JOE SCALZO | CRAINS

When Dikembe Mutombo was growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), basketball courts were about as common as ski lodges.

The closest basketball court to his house was 90 minutes away… by bus.

“I tell my kids, ‘You’re lucky. You wake up and walk to school five minutes away and there are 10 basketball courts on campus,’” said Mutombo, an 18-year NBA veteran and a member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Inducted fame in 2015.

Continue reading “Dikembe Mutombo looks to expand Spire’s global reach” →
Sports

New York Giants sign Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka from NFL international pathway program

By PAT LEONARD | NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Maybe one day, Roy Mbaeteka can be the Giants’ Jordan Mailata.

The Giants signed Mbaeteka, a 6-9, 320-pound Nigerian offensive tackle, out of the NFL’s international pathway program on Friday, the team announced.

He has no high school or college football experience. The team says former star Giants pass rusher Osi Umenyiora has mentored Mbaeteka, 22, and first saw him at a camp in Nigeria in May 2021.

Continue reading “New York Giants sign Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka from NFL international pathway program” →
Military

In Africa, U.S.-Trained Militaries Are Ousting Civilian Governments in Coups

By Michael M. Phillips | Wall Street Journal

A flurry of military coups across Africa has disrupted the U.S. strategy of enlisting local armies to counter Islamist extremists and other security threats. The U.S. has trained thousands of African soldiers, from infantrymen rehearsing counterterrorism raids on the edge of the Sahara to senior commanders attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The programs are a linchpin of U.S. policy on the continent, intended to help African allies professionalize their armed forces to fight armed opponents both foreign and domestic.

But U.S. commanders have watched with dismay over the past year as military leaders in several African allies—including officers with extensive American schooling—have overthrown civilian governments and seized power for themselves, triggering laws that forbid the U.S. government from providing them with weapons or training.

Continue reading “In Africa, U.S.-Trained Militaries Are Ousting Civilian Governments in Coups” →
Uncategorized

Famous Ghanaian Economist and author, George Ayittey dead

By MyNewsGH

Ghanaian author, lecturer and top Economist who founded the Free Africa Foundation in the United States, George Ayittey has passed on at the age of 77, MyNewsGh.com reports.

A private funeral was held for him on 8th April 2022 at Everly-Wheately Funeral Home 1500 West Bradock Rd in the United States where he lived for most of his life as an academic.

Continue reading “Famous Ghanaian Economist and author, George Ayittey dead” →
African Food

Spice Kitchen wants to change the world with its stellar Nigerian food


By Tim Carman | The Washington Post

Thin strips of beef, dusted with a formidable West African spice blend, are scattered atop a waxy sheet of “The American Times,” a faux newspaper whose motto is “All the News That Changes the World.” The slogan, an obvious riff on the Gray Lady’s 19th-century retort to yellow journalism, seems custom-made for Olumide Shokunbi and Spice Kitchen.


Shokunbi earned his stripes in the restaurant business at Chipotle Mexican Grill, rising to the level of general manager at a store in his native Bowie, Md. The chain left its mark on him, not so much with its approach to customization but with its big-tent philosophy.

Continue reading “Spice Kitchen wants to change the world with its stellar Nigerian food” →
Sports

Onwuzurike named Athlete of the week in US

By Monica Iheakam | The Sun

Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike has earned his first Track Athlete of the week award after his phenomenal performance at the Stanford Invitational last weekend at Cobb Track and Angell Field in USA.

The World U20 champion,last weekend, broke Stanford Univeeity’s  freshman records in both the 100 and 200 meters races  in his collegiate debut running 10.14 in the 100m prelims and topping it  that with a 10.07 in the final, which is No. 2 in America this year.

Continue reading “Onwuzurike named Athlete of the week in US” →
Conferences

Conference on Current Business Issues in African countries ends at Wagner College, New York.

By Ebimo Amungo

A conference on Current Business Issues in African countries has ended in New York. Hosted by Nicolais School of Business at Wagner College, the conference examined the impact of Covid 19 on Supply Chains, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Entrepreneurship in Africa.

Participants, at the conference, which ran between the 7th and 8th of April, 2022, were drawn from all over Africa, America and the New York Metropolitan area. The conference was held in a hybrid format with both on-campus and online participation.

Continue reading “Conference on Current Business Issues in African countries ends at Wagner College, New York.” →
Uncategorized

Congolese community mourning the loss of Nzengeli Mfwamba

By Marley Capper | WCIA

URBANA, Ill.- The Congolese community of Champaign County is mourning the loss of a loved family member and friend. His name is Nzengeli Mfwamba. Authorities believe he was stabbed to death by his daughter’s boyfriend, 23-year-old Dominic Fortune.

The stabbing occurred at Peppermill Lane and Brookfield Drive just after midnight. His family said that Mfwamba was getting off work.

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Uncategorized

South-African company, My Plastic, wants to make Rogers, Minnesota, its North American headquarters

By Sue Webber | Hometown Source

A new industrial company from South Africa is proposing to locate its North American headquarters in Rogers.

“This is an exciting opportunity, a new venture proposing to come to town,” Jason Ziemer, Rogers City Planner/Community Development coordinator, said at the March 22 Rogers City Council meeting.

MyPlas, a company that recycles plastics and turns them into new materials, plans to lease half of the 400,000-square-foot industrial building formerly occupied by Archway.

Continue reading “South-African company, My Plastic, wants to make Rogers, Minnesota, its North American headquarters” →
Education

Canada sees “70% surge” in students from South Africa

By Pie News

An immigration consultant in South Africa has claimed that students in the country are “increasingly” looking to go to Canada for higher education – with work permits being a key incentive. Studies showed a 70% surge in students heading to Canada to study at various institutions

Nicholas Avramis, who is based in Cape Town, said in a recent interview that studies showed a 70% surge in students heading to Canada to study at various institutions.

Continue reading “Canada sees “70% surge” in students from South Africa” →
Uncategorized

Tope Awotona | Nigeria-Born Techpreneur Who Is One Of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants

By Amy Feldman | Forbes

Tope Awotona, the 40-year-old founder and chief executive of Calendly, leans back in his chair and lets loose a loud guffaw.

“You call it on message, I call it the truth,” he says, slapping his hands on the table. The truth, as Awotona has it, is that everyone needs Calendly, his scheduling software, to lead better, more productive, happier work lives.

Nine years ago, Awotona started Calendly, pouring his life savings of $200,000 into it and later quitting his job selling software for EMC. Today, the company has 10 million users and counts Lyft, Ancestry.com, Indiana University and La-Z-Boy among its customers.

Continue reading “Tope Awotona | Nigeria-Born Techpreneur Who Is One Of America’s Wealthiest Immigrants” →
Awards

Nigerian Professor wins Distinguished Scholar Award in U.S.

By Premium Times

A Nigerian professor, Chris Ogbondah, has won the Distinguished Scholar Award for the 2021-2022 academic year at the University of Northern Iowa in the United States of America. The award is given annually to the lecturer in the university who is most accomplished in scholarly and creative activity.

A letter dated March 11, 2022, which was signed by Gabriela Olivares, Associate Dean, Graduate College of the university, and addressed to Professor Ogbondah said: “The Graduate College is pleased to inform you that the faculty committee for the 2021-2022 Distinguished Scholar Award has selected you as the recipient from a group of excellent nominees.

Continue reading “Nigerian Professor wins Distinguished Scholar Award in U.S.” →
Awards

Nigerian-American Professor Tolu Oyesanya Wins Prestigious American Award in Nursing

by Victor Duru | Legit

History has been made in the US as a Nigerian-American professor emerged the recipient of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Deborah L. Wilkerson Early Career Award for 2022.

Professor Tolulope Oyesanya was named the recipient of the prestigious award in a tweet by Duke University School of Nursing.

Continue reading “Nigerian-American Professor Tolu Oyesanya Wins Prestigious American Award in Nursing” →
Education

Nigerians studying in Canada hit record high

By Bunmi Bailey | Businessday

Nigerian students are heading to Canada in record numbers despite Nigeria’s economic downturn, according to new data from the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

According to the IRCC data, the number of new study permits for Nigeria increased by 30.3 percent to 13,745 from 10,550 in 2020, making it the ninth most popular source country for international students. This is the highest in 22 years.

Continue reading “Nigerians studying in Canada hit record high” →
Military

Why 40 African armies met at a Fort Benning summit — and why some didn’t

By Davis Winkie | Army Times

COLUMBUS, Ga. — It was a rare sight, especially on American soil. Seated around nested U-shaped tables in the heart of the city’s renovated ironworks were senior military officials representing nearly three-quarters of Africa’s 54 UN-recognized countries.

They were there last week for the African Land Forces Summit, a week-long, U.S.-brokered annual conference that brings together army officials from across the continent and other countries that maintain a presence in Africa.

Continue reading “Why 40 African armies met at a Fort Benning summit — and why some didn’t” →
Obituary

Tony Eghan remembered as educator, athlete and proud Ghanaian-Nova Scotian

Members of Nova Scotia’s Ghanaian community are celebrating the life of a leader.

Tony Eghan was born in Ghana and lived much of his life in Nova Scotia. He died in March. Long before Eghan moved to Nova Scotia, he’d made a mark in Africa. In 1978, he coached Ghana’s Black Stars to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Continue reading “Tony Eghan remembered as educator, athlete and proud Ghanaian-Nova Scotian” →
Uncategorized

Bola Ibidapo | Daughter of Nigerian Immigrants Helping Under-Represented Students See the World

By Rashaad Jorden | Skift

Studying abroad doesn’t have to be a pipe dream for young Hispanic and African Americans. Bola Ibidapo’s Too Fly Foundation is on a mission to help young people overcome the barriers they face in their communities that prevent them from traveling the globe.

When Bola Ibidapo learned her friend Brandon Miller was raising money to help young students obtain passports, she immediately told Miller she was eager to provide assistance.

Continue reading “Bola Ibidapo | Daughter of Nigerian Immigrants Helping Under-Represented Students See the World” →
Uncategorized

America’s first Somali mayor Deqa Dhalac hopes to inspire immigrants, youths and women

By Brooke Anderson | The New Arab

When Deqa Dhalac became mayor of South Portland, Maine at the end of last year, making her what is believed to be America’s first Somali American mayor, it was after many years of working to make a difference, starting with her upbringing in her country of origin.

She was raised in an educated family that encouraged her to learn languages, history and politics, skills that would be useful after she left for a new life in the United States in 1990, just prior to the civil war.

Continue reading “America’s first Somali mayor Deqa Dhalac hopes to inspire immigrants, youths and women” →
Enterpreneurship

Kenyan-born fashion designer finds inspiration at home


By Tina Locurto | York Dispatch

If it’s a type of fabric, bet that Victoria Kageni-Woodard has it. The self-starter fashion designer based in York County has piles upon piles of colorful, patterned textiles she uses to create clothing designs of her wildest dreams.

Kageni-Woodard, born in Kenya, always felt a passion for sewing and design. With encouragement from her parents, Kageni-Woodard moved to the United States in 1991 and honed her skills at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Continue reading “Kenyan-born fashion designer finds inspiration at home” →
Immigration

African refugees see racial bias as US welcomes Ukrainians

By PHILIP MARCELO | AP

Wilfred Tebah doesn’t begrudge the U.S. for swiftly granting humanitarian protections to Ukrainians escaping Russia’s devastating invasion of their homeland. But the 27-year-old, who fled Cameroon during its ongoing conflict, can’t help but wonder what would happen if the millions fleeing that Eastern Europe nation were a different hue.

As the U.S. prepares to welcome tens of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing war, the country continues to deport scores of African and Caribbean refugees back to unstable and violent homelands where they’ve faced rape, torture, arbitrary arrest and other abuses.

Continue reading “African refugees see racial bias as US welcomes Ukrainians” →
Health

Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community

Story and Photos by Michael Indriolo | The Land

Snow fell outside last Saturday, but the mood was warmer inside the Amour du Christ Church on Clark Avenue where a few of Cleveland’s Congolese refugees braved the cold for a health clinic put on by IKON Health Foundation and The Refugee Response’s Community Advisory Board. 

This health clinic, like its predecessor at Cleveland’s Somali Community Center in February, was designed to make basic health services more accessible for local refugee populations who face language, cultural and logistical barriers to getting healthcare they need.

Continue reading “Making healthcare more accessible for Cleveland’s Congolese community” →
Opinion

Nkrumah and football | how Ghana’s top players ended up in North America

By Ernest Yeboah Acheampong |Conversation

African footballers have been migrating overseas since the 1920s, when French leagues attracted some West African players. The migration of African talent to Europe intensified from the 1980s to the 2000s. Thousands of African footballers have since found their way to Europe. Many have succeeded in carving a niche for themselves, like Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, George Weah and Samuel Eto’o. The performances of these stars have reinforced the perception that the African continent has some of the best football talent.

Less is known about the history of African footballers moving to North America.

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Music, Opinion

Who is Nigerian music star Wizkid – and why is he taking over the world?

By Samson Uchenna Eze | Conversation

The global appreciation of West Africa’s Afrobeats music has grown significantly in the last decade. Afrobeats stars are touring the world, racking up record sales, winning awards and collaborating with big-name international artists. In fact, seven of the nine African artists nominated for a 2022 Grammy Award – one of the world’s most sought after music awards – are West African. Most of these make music driven by Afrobeats sounds.

Afrobeats is a broad, generic term for African contemporary popular music with rhythmic and harmonic influences of West Africa’s highlife and Afrobeat traditions and Euro-American funk and hip-hop.

Continue reading “Who is Nigerian music star Wizkid – and why is he taking over the world?” →
Enterpreneurship

Kenyan-Born Woman Elated as She Fulfils Her American Dream As She Opens a Business in Wisconsin

By John Wanjohi | Mwakilishi.com

A Kenyan-born woman living in the United States could not hide her joy after finally fulfilling her dream of opening her own business.

On Monday, Priscah Norton opened a café christened “Coffee 4 All” in Stoughton, a city in Dane County, Wisconsin, in what she described as a dream come true. 

Continue reading “Kenyan-Born Woman Elated as She Fulfils Her American Dream As She Opens a Business in Wisconsin” →
Music

Nigerians dominate Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart

By Gabriel Myers Hansen | Music Africa

Nigerian singer CKay is leading the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, which debuted on 29 March. The chart was launched through a partnership between Afrobeats festival brand Afro Nation and music and entertainment magazine Billboard. Afro Nation was also responsible for initiating the weekly Official Afrobeats Chart on BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2020.

The Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, which was fuelled by the genre’s growing global demand, ranks the top 50 Afrobeats songs in the US based on official streaming data from leading audio and video music services, as well as download sales from top music retailers.

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Uncategorized

Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona

By BRIAN KIMANI | Kenyans.co.ke

Francis Odhiambo Otieno, a US-based Kenyan artist, who sought to be a game-changer in society by helping the needy. Odhiambo, who goes by the moniker, Msanii Foreman, is also deep into charitable programs that focus on helping people from humble backgrounds.

His desire to champion change led him to seek an audience that can rally behind him his philanthropic pursuits and this birthed the idea of Arizona Swahili Radio. Founded on May 15, 2021, the station has grown to become one of the most talked-about stations within the state of Arizona.

Continue reading “Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona” →
Sports

Nigerians and Ghanaians among Immigrants who Helped Canada Qualify For FIFA World Cup

A winger born in a refugee camp in Buduburam, Ghana, to parents fleeing the civil war in Liberia in 1999. A goalkeeper who escaped the Croatian war of independence at the age of seven. A forward born in New York and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

A left-back and a striker, born to Nigerian families in England.

Continue reading “Nigerians and Ghanaians among Immigrants who Helped Canada Qualify For FIFA World Cup” →