Showing posts with label news report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news report. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Nigerian Woman Awaits Deportation


By Hakeem Babalola
News Report

 A Nigerian woman who is married to Hungarian is set to be deported to Lagos for violating the Hungarian immigration law, according to a reliable source read more

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Nigerian Released From Hungarian Prison

By Hakeem Babalola
News Report

A Nigerian is to regain his freedom after nine months incarceration in Hungarian prison. He was set free after the judge acquitted him on one count of passport forgery
read more

Friday, 5 June 2009

Embassy Sorry For Displaying Old Booklets

By Hakeem Babalola
News Article

In an effort to woo Hungarian investors and business executives, the Embassy of Nigeria Budapest officially displayed booklets containing ex-dictator Sani Abacha's photo as the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria. read more

Saturday, 30 May 2009

African Envoys Celebrate Africa Day

The annual Africa Day took place on May 26 at the Hungarian Military Museum, where African diplomats hosted Hungarian government officials, business executives, foreign dignitaries and eminent Hungarians involved in African affairs read more

Sunday, 5 April 2009

Embassy Sorry For Displaying Old Booklets

By Hakeem Babalola
News Article
The Embassy of Nigeria Budapest has offered its apology for displaying old booklets containing ex-Nigerian dictator's photo during the celebration of Africa Day.

In an effort to woo Hungarian investors and business executives, the Embassy of Nigeria Budapest officially displayed booklets containing ex-dictator Sani Abacha's photo as the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The incident happened at this year's Africa Day celebration that took place at the Hungarian Military Museum on May 26, which was attended by the Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister and other officials.

The booklet titled, "SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA" was published in 1996 when the dictator ruled Nigeria with a tempestuous heart; maiming, torturing and killing anyone that criticised his brutal regime.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development was created in 1995 under Abacha 'to encourage private investors to take advantage of the opportunities which abound in mining, prospecting, exploitation and down-stream processing of minerals".

It was gathered that only Nigeria presented old booklets out of the ten African countries that showcased their countries' resources to the Hungarian officials, business executives and invited guests.

Although an embassy official regretted the error, many Nigerians described it as ridiculous and disappointing. "This is ridiculous and disappointing," quipped a Nigerian woman. "It is a slap on Yar'Adua and our country in general. How can this happen?"

Also, a Ghanaian who picked up a copy of the booklets was equally discomfited saying, it's unbelievable to see the picture of the late dictator in official booklets being distributed to invite investors to a democratic Nigeria.

Responding to a question sent to the embassy on "What is Sani Abacha's photo doing inside a Nigerian booklet displayed on Africa Day in Budapest, the First Secretary/Consular, Mrs. Abimbola Samuel Reuben who spoke on the phone offered her apology on behalf of the embassy. "It was a terrible mistake on our part and we regret the error".

Saturday, 28 March 2009

African Envoys Celebrate Africa Day

Reported by Archie Bonka
Written by Hakeem Babalola
News Report

The annual Africa Day took place on May 26 at the Hungarian Military Museum, where African diplomats hosted Hungarian government officials, business executives, foreign dignitaries and eminent Hungarians involved in African affairs.

Djembe drums were positioned to welcome the dean of the African diplomatic corps, Joao Miguel Vahekeni, and the Hungarian Minister For foreign Affairs, Péter Balázs who was the honourable guest.

Vahekeni, who is also the Republic of Angola ambassador, smiled his thanks as he welcomed Hungarian government officials, foreign dignitaries, business executives, and invited guests to the event. His Excellency was overwhelmed with gratitude for the sponsors' contribution towards the success of another Africa Day in Hungary. He reminded those he refers to as friends of Africa to work hand in hand in terms of partnership, especially in this time of global crisis.


Meanwhile, Balázs said there is urgent need for African leaders to find a permanent solution to the conflicts which is a drag on the continent's economy. He added that the Hungarian government has identified a way for partnership with Africa in the framework of the European Union saying, "the priorities are on the long term projects in cooperation with non-profit organisations as well as the civil societies".

Nigeria, Sechelles Islands, Tunisia, South Africa, Morocco, Angola, Egypt, Algeria, Malagasy and Gambia used the occasion to showcase the positive side of their countries. Booklets, leaflets and fliers were displayed to promote the continent's diversity, landscape, tourism, business, arts and crafts, and education. However, it was observed that a booklet on 'Solid Minerals Development In Nigeria' still has the picture of Military man, Sani Abacha, as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces thirteen years after the dictator's demise.

Some Hungarian civil societies notably the African-Hungarian Union, Afrikaert and African-Hungarian Platform were also at the event. The main sponsors of the event are BMW, AHU, Egypt Air, and Danubis Travel. African fashion show and music were some of the side attractions at the occasion which although well attended, left out African communities living in Hungary.


Thursday, 23 October 2008

Fund Raising Ball for Refugees & Victims

Archie Bonka reports
A fund raising ball for Somalian refugees and the victims of the atrocities caused by the Lords Resistance Army in the Ugandan town of GULU was held recently at the exclusive SYMBOL restaurant in Budapest read more

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Fund Raising Ball for Refugees & Victims

Archie Bonka reports
A fund raising ball for Somalian refugees and the victims of the atrocities caused by the Lords Resistance Army in the Ugandan town of GULU was held recently at the exclusive SYMBOL restaurant in Budapest.

The event, attended by the business community, diplomats, government officials and members of the public, was basically to bring awareness to the plights of Somalian Refugees and the victims of Ugandan Lords Resistance Army who are now living in Hungary.

The organisers of the event - Batthyany Kft, African-Hungarian Union and Respond Renuh - expressed different emotions when stating the reason for their involvement.

Balogh Sandor, the president of the Afican-Hungarian Union urged the private sectors to help "because their meager contributions will definitely improve someone's standard of living". Bálogh also advised the audience to emulate his organisation which he said had assisted the Somalian refugees in Biscke Camp by providing mathematics, Hungarian and English teachers, adding that it should not be a one day show.

Dabolyi Alexandra, European Union parliamentarian on projects, catastrophes and developments for third world countries, said that although Hungary has its own problems, it will be a good gesture in lending a helping hand for those who are desperately in need. "Such gesture," he added, "will go a long way in building Hungarian image abroad."

Two documentary films highlighting the awkward predicament of the Somalian refugees and Ugandan victims, especially women and children, were shown. The gory pictures in both films were said to move many people at the event.

As a result, Szillas Ildiko, African-Hungarian Union coordinator, spoke about the collaboration with Respond Renuh, a non-governmental organisation, to run an income generating programme for the women victims. "Such independent small scale entrepreneurship will help improve their living standard," Szillas said.

Present at the event were three painters to auction their works with the highest bidding at Ft175,000 (635 euro) for Robin Sperling from Britain; Ft150,000 (544 euro) for Kyan Smith's from France; while Etienne de Fleurieu also from France sold his at Ft 110,000 (399 euro).

Renowned Hungarian pianist, Kapolcs Zsoka with beats from Piaf Edith and Parady Katalin entertained the guests. The Senegal djembe mastero, Mbaye and Somalia songstress Flora also treated the guests with magic drum and soul voice.

Sunday, 20 July 2008

Singer, Fekete Pákó Faces Libel Charge

By Hakeem Babalola
News Report

The Budapest Prosecutor’s Investigating Office has brought an action for libel against a Nigerian singer whose interview with Bombagyár On-line TV sparked controversy in Hungary early February click to read story

Sunday, 22 June 2008

MENÉDEK promotes integration with refugees’ self-portrait

By Hakeem Babalola
News Report

As part of the celebration for the Refugee Day, MENEDÉK Hungarian Association for Migrants exhibited paintings and pictures of Refugees at the Millenáris Park on June 18 to educate Hungarians in a campaign to make them more open to different races and cultures.
click to read story

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

MENÉDEK promotes integration with refugees’ self-portrait

By Hakeem Babalola
News Report

As part of the celebration for the Refugee Day, MENEDÉK Hungarian Association for Migrants exhibited paintings and pictures of Refugees at the Millenáris Park on June 18 to educate Hungarians in a campaign to make them more open to different races and cultures.

Although the turnout was below expectation, the organizers used the occasion to inform the audience about the significance and consequence of xenophobia which they say is getting momentum across the European Union.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Dr. Kőszeg Ferenc, former Hungarian Helsinki Committee President, told the audience that integration is the key issue in the future which will usher peace between the refugees and the Hungarian public. “This is why little thing like exhibition of pictures and paintings of refugees are very important”.

The guest speaker noticed that the asylum policy is better compared to what manifested in the 1990’s. He said that the procedure is fairer now than up till late 1990 when there were thousands and thousands of asylum seekers, especially from Yugoslavia. He attributed this to the proportion of asylum seekers which is relatively low now.

Dr. Kőszeg went on to pat Human Rights Movements on the back saying, the advent of different Human Rights Organisations in Hungary has contributed immensely to improve the situation of asylum policy. “The MENEDÉK is doing a lot for the integration of refugees and intolerance”.

He explained further that before Hungary joined the EU, those seeking asylum in Hungary were always ready to be trafficked to the European Union zone where they hoped to get better treatment, adding that at least 80% of asylum seekers left the country.

However, the asylum procedure has changed drastically since Hungary joined the European Union in 2004. The new rules categorically prevent the possibility of seeking multiple asylums in the European Union territories. This has made it difficult for asylum seekers in Hungary to flee to other EU zones.

“It doesn’t work anymore because according to the EU rules, everybody has to have the procedure in the country they applied first, and the person must be integrated in that country”.

Many participants also believed that pictures say a lot about the issue in question which is basically to integrate the refugees to the Hungarian society where they could enjoy most of the things that led to their escape from their different countries.

Várdi Zófia, an artist, who spent five days with the Refugees in Bicske, said that she liked the idea of Refugees Self-Portrait Project, adding that “everyone says Hungarians are not very open so this is a great opportunity to learn about integration”.

Várdi described her experience as really shocking and interesting because the refugees have terrible stories of their escape, adding that it was difficult to get to know the refugees but after the initial scepticism, they opened up and they were happy that others are genuinely interested in them.

The refugees most of whom are from Iraq, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Pakistan, expressed different emotions in their paintings or pictures.

Omar from Somalia who now lives in Bicske would like peace to return to earth where everybody could help each other. Sarah from Iraq cries for freedom. Khada from Somalia is happy that Hungary has finally given her good life including getting married to Hada, her lover whom she met on Somalia Chat.

Lara, 16, from Iraq is happy that she could now wear whatever she likes unlike when she was in her home country where she didn’t feel pretty because “everything is forbidden”. Her brother Al-Jari Rami, 19, says “it is simply good for one to have the right to speak freely without fear of being killed”.

Val lives in Bicske and his message is simply “A Tear Drop for Iraq”. Eleonora from Kosovo cries to heaven, “This is my portrait”. Shahzad from Pakistan uses mountains, sunshine, boat, trees and parrot to tell the story of his home country.

The pictures and paintings by the refugees are expected to be placed in the metro, on post cards and billboards around the country in the hope to reach at least 1.5 million Hungarians.

Many asylum seekers from African countries have refugee status in Hungary.Some are still living in Hungary while some have since re-located to other European Union countries, especially England where they hope their lives would be better.

Copyright 2008

mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Friday, 28 March 2008

Hungarians Support Afrique Internationale FC Club










By Hakeem Babalola


Members of the Afrique Internationale Club de Football were delighted at receiving football kit which include footballs and jerseys from three sponsors presented to them on March 21 at the famous TROFEA restaurant in Budapest click and read more

Sunday, 23 March 2008

Anti–Racism Day Marked in Hungary




By Hakeem Babalola


The five-member panel with four European and one African spoke about the need for tolerance among people in order to promote atmosphere conducive for different cultures to evolve, which according to the head organiser, Lőrincz Marcell, is the essence of being a human click and read more


Monday, 28 January 2008

Hungarians Support Afrique Internationale FC Club











By Hakeem Babalola


Members of the Afrique Internationale Club de Football were delighted at receiving football kit which include footballs and jerseys from three sponsors presented to them on March 21 at the famous TROFEA restaurant in Budapest.

Although only one of the three sponsors was physically present, their message and aim of sponsoring an African team in Hungary was delivered by Bálogh Sándor, the African Hungarian Union president.

While presenting the kit to the club on behalf of 576, Millers and Delta Hungaria, Bálogh urged the players to score more goals in order to advance to the next level regarding football competitions in Hungary.

“I hope the new kit would be a source of inspiration to score more goals,” he said jokingly as he displayed the football kit whilst the players and Balásdi Szabó Istvan, the only sponsor present, gave a shriek of delight.

The players believe such gesture is a motivational apparatus that would have everlasting impact on the club and players.

“This is the first time we would have a major sponsorship,” said Viktor Nelson, the captain and president of the club. We are grateful and I believe this is the beginning”.

Nnuji Kelechi, an attacker, in his own reaction said that this kind of gesture shows that we are being noticed by the Hungarians, adding that our tenacity definitely has paid off. “This will boost our morale to perform better. We are ready”.

Augustin Ozonnadi, the vice-captain and attackers, who has been with the club since its inception in 2005, admitted there was a time it had no supporting “but today things are getting better and I pray that things would still be better in the future. I am very glad because every player is happy tonight.”

Sam Danis, the best goal scorer for the club share Ozonnadi’s sentiment. “It is by the grace of God that we are where we are today and I believe every member of the club feel happy today. I give thanks to God for His mercy for allowing me to score goals and to lift the club higher”.

Meanwhile not many players are willing to stay and play professional football in Hungary because, according to them, Hungary is not really a football country. Many players complained about lack of motivation on the part of Hungarian Football administrator.

“I would like to go to Western Europe like Spain, England, Italy where football is more developed,” said one player who think that Hungarian Football is still at its incipient stage.

Another player said, “To play professional football in Hungary? You must be kidding me. Not here in Hungary because their football is not good or well developed. There is no encouragement. If you look at their Division One, no professional footballer is here. We are not planning to stay here”.

Another reason, according to Ozonnadi for not wanting to play professional football in Hungary, is the attitude of Hungarian players which he described as anti-foreigners.

“I played for one Hungarian club and their behaviour toward foreigners – especially we blacks – is not good. For instance, they don’t pay yet they would like you to continuing play for them. Meanwhile they pay Hungarian players that one is even better than”.

The Afrique Internationale was founded in 2005 and has since won many competitions, according to Nelson. The club which also serves as Football Academy is currently the league leader in the Second Division, while keeping the flag flying in the Hungarian FA Cup known as Magyar Cup.


Copyright 2008 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com