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Joshua Beckford: Redefining What’s Possible as a Young Prodigy
Meet Joshua Beckford, a young genius whose remarkable story has captured global attention. Born in 2004, Beckford is widely celebrated for becoming the youngest person ever admitted to the prestigious University of Oxford at the tender age of six. But his achievements go far beyond academic brilliance—they showcase the power of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference.
A Remarkable Start
Joshua Beckford’s extraordinary abilities were evident early in life. By the age of two, he could read fluently and mastered speaking Japanese by three. His father, Knox Daniel, noticed his keen intellect and sought to nurture it by exposing him to challenging educational opportunities.
At six years old, Beckford enrolled in Oxford University’s online philosophy program for gifted children. His success in the course was nothing short of extraordinary. Studying topics like morality, ethics, and logic, Beckford earned distinctions and demonstrated a level of understanding that even many adults would find daunting.
Beyond Academics
Joshua Beckford’s brilliance extends far beyond the classroom. He is an advocate for social change and a passionate voice for environmental conservation. At a young age, he developed a strong interest in climate action, becoming a staunch supporter of green initiatives and raising awareness about the need to care for our planet.
Beckford is also an activist for autism awareness. Living with high-functioning autism himself, he uses his platform to challenge stigmas surrounding neurodiversity and to inspire others to celebrate unique talents. He represents the possibility that those with autism can excel in ways the world might not yet understand.
A Heart for Humanity
In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Beckford dedicates time to philanthropic activities. He has worked on projects aimed at supporting underprivileged communities, particularly in Africa. For instance, he has been involved in initiatives to raise funds for building schools in rural areas, ensuring children have access to the education they need to fulfill their potential.
Beckford’s advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) further highlights his global perspective. He believes in empowering others through education and creating a sustainable future for all—a vision that aligns with the growing urgency to address systemic issues worldwide.
Recognition and Legacy
Joshua Beckford’s groundbreaking achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the world’s most intelligent children. He has been honored by organizations across the globe for his contributions to education, autism advocacy, and environmental conservation.
Yet Beckford’s legacy isn’t just about what he has achieved. It is about the inspiration he offers to people of all ages. He challenges the traditional notions of capability, showing that the limits we impose on ourselves often have little to do with our actual potential.
African countries plan continental credit rating agency
In a bold move to reshape Africa’s financial landscape, Nigeria and several other African nations are collaborating to establish a continental credit rating agency. This initiative aims to counter perceived biases from Western credit rating agencies and provide a more accurate representation of Africa’s economic realities.
The announcement was made during the launch of the Debt Management Forum for Africa and the inaugural policy dialogue titled “Making Debt Work for Africa: Policies, Practices, and Options,” organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abuja.
Prof. Kevin Urama, Vice President and Chief Economist at the AfDB, highlighted that the proposed African credit rating agency would address information asymmetries and biases that have historically affected the continent’s credit ratings. He emphasized that the lack of reliable data and the reliance on historical perceptions have contributed to unfavorable ratings for African countries.
“The credit rating agency will encourage Africans to introspect and understand that it’s not just about blaming the big three. If they provide certain ratings, we need to assess our methodologies and data sources,” Urama stated. He added that this initiative would enhance engagement with existing rating agencies and improve their understanding of Africa’s unique economic contexts.
Supporting this perspective, the Director-General of Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, Ms. Patience Oniha, noted that Western credit rating agencies often exhibit biases against Africa.She pointed out that the limited timeframes given to countries to respond to queries further exacerbate these challenges.
This development comes amid growing concerns about Africa’s debt sustainability and the need for fair assessments that reflect the continent’s true economic potential. By establishing a continental credit rating agency, African nations aim to assert greater control over their financial narratives and foster an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth.
ECOWAS Leaders Offer Grace Period as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Plan Withdrawal
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces a historic shift as leaders of the regional bloc have approved the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three nations currently under military rule. However, to preserve ties, ECOWAS has extended a six-month grace period, allowing the countries to reconsider their decision.
Founding Members Depart
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, founding members of ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, announced plans to leave the bloc in January 2025. This decision follows their refusal to comply with ECOWAS’s demands to restore democratic governance after recent military coups in these nations.
The departure of these three countries deals a significant blow to ECOWAS, which has long been a cornerstone of economic and political integration in West Africa. Citizens of ECOWAS member states currently enjoy the right to live and work across borders, with free movement of goods. The withdrawal raises questions about how these freedoms will be affected.
A New Bloc Emerges
The departing states have formed a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which has already announced visa-free travel and residency rights for ECOWAS citizens. Leaders of AES emphasize that this decision reflects a spirit of friendship and a desire to maintain long-standing cultural and historical ties across the region.
Despite these assurances, the three nations remain among the poorest in West Africa, and most migration flows traditionally move from these landlocked states to wealthier coastal countries within ECOWAS.
ECOWAS Negotiates a Transitional Period
During a summit in Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders expressed respect for the decision of the Sahel nations but emphasized the hope for reconciliation. They offered a transitional period from 29 January to 29 July 2025, during which the three countries can rejoin the bloc if they choose.
Negotiations, led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, will continue in an effort to mend relations. Yet, the Sahel states maintain that their decision to leave is “irreversible,” as confirmed in a joint statement following a ministerial meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Challenges Ahead for Regional Cooperation
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger poses serious challenges for regional unity. ECOWAS stands to lose 76 million people—a significant portion of its population—as well as more than half of its geographical land area.
In a statement, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray described the impending exit as “disheartening,” but acknowledged the value of ongoing mediation efforts. Meanwhile, AES Chairman and Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta assured that the right of ECOWAS citizens to move and reside within AES territory freely would remain intact, signaling a willingness to maintain amicable relations.
Underlying Tensions
Relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel states have been strained since the military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). ECOWAS suspended the membership of these nations and condemned the coups, demanding a return to civilian rule.
However, the military juntas have resisted these calls and shifted their alliances toward Russia, accusing ECOWAS of being too aligned with Western powers. This geopolitical pivot underscores the deepening divisions within the region.
What Lies Ahead?
As ECOWAS prepares for the formal departure of the Sahel states, the bloc’s leadership is tasked with navigating this unprecedented split. The coming months will determine whether negotiations can bridge the growing divide or if the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will mark a permanent fracture in West African unity.
TODAY IN THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA
Grace Awani Alele-Williams: Trailblazer in Nigerian Academia and Women’s Education
Grace Awani Alele-Williams, a trailblazing Nigerian academic, was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in Nigeria and serve as vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university. Born on December 16, 1932, in Warri, Delta State, to Itsekiri parents, she made indelible marks in mathematics and education.
Grace Alele-Williams began her education at Government School, Warri, and Queen’s College, Lagos, before attending the University College of Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan). In 1957, she earned an MSc in Mathematics while teaching at Queen’s College, Ede, Osun State. She furthered her studies at the University of Chicago, obtaining a PhD in Mathematics Education in 1963.
An advocate for women’s education, she began her teaching career at Queen’s College, Ede, where she taught for three years. She later worked as a graduate assistant and assistant professor at the University of Vermont. From 1963 to 1965, she served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Education at the University of Ibadan. Her career advanced further in 1976 when she became a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos.
In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams achieved a historic milestone as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university when she was appointed to lead the University of Benin. After her tenure, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and HIP Asset Management Company Limited in Lagos.
Her contributions extended beyond Nigeria. She was a member of the UNESCO Institute of Education and served as a consultant to UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning.
Grace Alele-Williams was celebrated with numerous awards and honors during her lifetime. She received the Order of the Niger, was elected a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Education, and was among 100 individuals honored with the Centenary Award for outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development. She was also featured in a unique deck of playing cards showcasing notable women mathematicians, published by the Association of Women in Mathematics.
Grace Alele-Williams passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 89, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy for women in education.
Appreciation Message
On behalf of the Nigerian Community in Blantyre, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for our End-of-Year Party celebration. Your presence, support, and contributions made the event a memorable success.
Special thanks go to our organizing committee, sponsors, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Your efforts exemplify the spirit of unity and togetherness that defines our community.
As we reflect on the achievements of this year, let us continue to foster love, respect, and collaboration within our community. May the coming year bring even greater blessings, opportunities, and reasons to celebrate together.
Thank you once again for making this event remarkable. Here’s to a prosperous and joyful new year for us all!
Warm regards,
Bonaventure Emmyk Uduchukwu
(Onye bu onye eze)
Chairman
Nigerian Community Blantyre, Malawi.
Afrinity Connect Live with Wilfred Adams on AfrinityTV
*Afrinity Connect Live with Wilfred Adams on AfrinityTV* will be hosting the organizers of the *Live Musical Concert Festival* today, Saturday, 23rd November, at 8 PM.
*Event: Hallowed Be Thy Name 2024*
*Theme:* Fulness of Joy Overflow!
*Day 1:*
*Date:* 7th December 2024
*Time:* 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
*Venue:* The Clarendon Muse, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JA
*Day 2:*
*Date:* 8th December 2024
*Time:* 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
*Venue:* The Sixth Form Centre, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JF
*Free Entry & Open to All*
🚗 *Free Parking*
🎟 *Reserve Tickets:* Scan the QR Code on the flyer to register or visit Eventbrite:
MCF Day 1: https://tinyurl.com/2kkbc5zm
#LiveMusicalConcertFestival2024
#FulnessofJoyOverflow
#HallowedBeThyName2024
#Watford
#WatfordCommunity
#HertfordshireCommunity
AfrinityTV will be live at the event! 🎥📹
AFRI-10-MENT
Get ready for an unforgettable night of excitement on Afri10ment, exclusively on Afrinity TV! This Friday at 7pm Malawian Time, join the dynamic Joel Valeta as he showcases the incredibly talented Loyal Dancers from Ndilande, Malawi! Tune in for a thrilling performance that will have you dancing in your living room! Don’t miss out on this spectacular event! #Afri10ment #AfrinityTV #LoyalDancers #Ndilande #Malawi #Music #Dance
AFRINITY LOVE AFFAIRS
Get ready for an amazing experience as “Love Affairs” premieres this Monday, November 11th, 2024!
Join the captivating Fannie David as she dives deep into the world of love and relationships. This is the show you’ve been waiting for!
Tune in every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday on AfrinityTv platforms at 7 PM Malawian time. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
Nigerians in Diaspora Award (NIDA) Appreciation
October 28, 2023 will be remembered in Malawi as the day friendship and good neighborliness between nations and its citizens was at its most glorious and best; by God’s grace.
First, I thank God Almighty for making the evening a resounding success; to Him be all the glory.
That magic happened because you showed up to grace the occasion of the second edition of the Nigerians in Diaspora Award (NIDA) Event.
Your presence gave color and character to the program.
In true love, you made input that made impact on all present.
For this, kindly accept my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the great contribution you made towards the success of that historic evening.
I thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the evening.
It shows how much you value the relationship between our nations.
To my fellow Nigerians, your demonstration of the beautiful vibes that make the TRUE and POSITIVE Nigerian spirit, is evidence of the real Patriot in you.
I appreciate you so much and I thank you immensely for your dedication to the Nigerian cause in Malawi.
To the media, I say you were simply fabulous in your coverage; and what’s more exciting, you were personally involved and fully engaged in the life of the event.
I thank you so much.
At the BACK-END, you discharged your role in a seamless manner; and the success of the evening cannot be told without giving you a special mention. You were simply wonderful.
I appreciate you.
May God continue keep you, bless you and your family
On behalf of the entire team we are grateful.
Wilfred U. Adams
Founder NIDA
Movie Personality Profile: Director Aiah Momoh
D5 Creation