It’s been two years since the United African Organization (UAO) was reconstituted in Chicago. Shortly after the inauguration, African Hair Braiders’ was about having their shops closed due to the implementation of a 2001 legislation that requires braiding shops to have cosmetology license . UAO officers led by Andrew Eperi moved again the move. He along with his co-leaders in the union lobbied state legislators and testified in Springfield until the then George Ryan administration saw reason why these hardworking African beautician should be allowed to continue their trade unhindered. Over 3000 workers without a license would have been forced…

Over 5000 patients were seen including 506 surgeries performed freely in Lagos state, Nigeria by members of the Association of Nigerian Medical Practitioners (AMPA) over a two-week period in a concerted effort aimed at putting the health of Nigerians in the right direction. The team, made up of 45 doctors, spent the first week in Lagos Island where they saw 3000 patents and performed 300 surgeries. One Nigerian doctor who heard about the team on the Internet joined them from Iran “It is the busiest two weeks since I left Cook county hospital almost 30 years ago,” said Dr. Nurudeen…

Botswana soccer sensation and Chicago Fire’s potent striker Dipsy Selolwane is ready to spearhead his native country to its first World Soccer cup in Germany next year. Selolwane, whose sensational goal against MetroStars catapulted the Fire to the top of the Eastern Conference with a decisive 3-0 victory at Soldier Field. Invitation came from Botswana that he should be home for the June world cup soccer encounter against Morocco. “I’m happy for the invitation. Botswana is not Nigeria or Cameroon but we hope to waltz around Morocco to the next stage,” he told The Chicago Inquirer. “I just had my…

The families of a Nigerian immigrant who died of multiple stabbings he received from hoodlums are heading to court to seek damages against the Evanston based St. Francis hospital for alleged negligence. Olurotimi Banjo, 37, died of  multiple stab wounds on March 2, 2004 according to his death certificate but the families are alleging that he actually died of noxic encephalophathy and decubitus ulcer, a complication that emerged from alleged negligence because he had no medical insurance. The police are yet to arrest the attackers. The aftermath of the ulcer caused a breakdown of the vital organs, the families alleged.…

The Liberian Community Organization of Illinois, in conjunction with Rainbow Push Coalition is sending over a million dollar worth of medical equipment to war ravaged Liberia early spring. “What happens at home affects us here. As Liberians in America, we are trying to see what we can do to send relief to our country. Right now, we are in the process of getting together medical and educational supplies that are needed at home,” Gaye Sleh Jr, president of the Liberian Community Organization of Illinois (LCO) told The Chicago Inquirer. Already, Metcare, an Atlanta based corporation, has pledged one million dollar…

Kenoly, Ashimolowo minister at Jesus House Visitors and members of Jesus House Chicago (JHC) danced, rocked and worship God Friday night when Ron Kenoly, internationally acclaimed praise and worship leader, took charge at the branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) sanctuary to celebrate the church’s seventh year anniversary. Like Oliver Twist, the worshippers also asked for more songs and entertainment. “I’m a man under authority. I’m done for tonight,” Kenoly who is leaving for Nigeria on Thursday told the worshippers. For over two hours the sanctuary was agog as Kenoly ministered and entertained the crowd with his…

by Joseph Omoremi Bob Marley and The Wailers. Remember him? He was a musician of class. Though he’s been gone for many years, his memory lingers on among the Rastafarians. Exodus: Movement of the people. Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your right are some of Bob Marley’s songs that reverberated across the world. On October 31, application towards becoming Chicago Police officer will close. This will be followed by written examination and further interviews. The police and the fire departments are very important to the city not only for their functions but equally for employment opportunity they offer.…

Fears of who would be indicted among minority contractors during the federal prosecution of the Duffy family over the $100 million minority scam is palpable in Black neighborhoods. “There are fears in the faces of minority contracts when I went round our communities. They talked in hushed tones about who among them would be indicted. There are fears who would go to jail for peanuts they receive as fronts for big contractors,” activist Ed Reed told The Chicago Inquirer on Friday. Reed who spearheaded the campaign for minority inclusion and hiring in the early 90s, explained that the community is…

Call it a season of royal visit. Just as Oba Akiolu of Lagoshad recently graced Chicago with his royal presence, the Lamodi of Isiwo in the Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State, Nigeria, Oba (Engineer) Adedoyin Sikiru Salisu Fibigbade the First, paid a visit to the Windy City penultimate Monday. He spoke to the editor, Joseph Omoremi and Associate Editor, Bola Jaiyesinmi. Excerpts: Inquirer: Why are you in Chicago? Oba Adedoyin: I’m here to see my people in Chicago. They are well-organized and they see me as their father and I’m duty bound to come and see them anytime…

Anthony Cole is known in Chicagoland as a real estate broker. His other aspects of life as an educationist and accountant are not known to many until recently when he emerged as District 144 school’s board president. He spoke to our editor, Joseph Omoremi on his vision for the troubled district and how he has restored financial discipline into the schools as well as lift the district from financial and academic watch lists. Excerpts: Inquirer: Congratulations on your election as the board president. How has the school district being faring since your election? Cole: Well, thank you. I won the…