When I sat back and actually thought to myself, “when was the last time I went to see a doctor for a physical, sparking a chance to be tested for diabetes?” Like myself, I’m sure many of you can testify to that uneasy feeling you get when it comes to doctors, hospitals, needles and things of that nature. Sometimes even when we know there’s a problem, we still choose not to go. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s silly, not to mention detrimental to let this uneasy feeling stop us from getting checked-out for abnormalities in our system. We put all sorts of unnatural things into our bodies (junk food, processed food, sodas, etc.), and place all sorts of strain on our bodies, and expect that everything will be normal. But as we neglect our bodies, the less we remember to get “checked-out”. As this occurs, the more we can expect the little problems to turn into big dilemmas and before we know, we’re spending big bucks on treatments, medications and hospital visits on conditions that would not have existed had we taken time for early detection and prevention all together.
Out of the 20.8 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it! A level of concern is raised when the majority of this figure are of African descent. But one cannot fix what on does not know. That is why its important for us to be attentive to our bodies and health. Chances are nothing may be wrong, but if there is something wrong, it’s better to know now and make a plan to heal than to continue to unknowingly worsen your situation until its too late.
My people please take this quick test: http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp and get a feel for your risk of developing diabetes. This literally took me 10 seconds to do. And if you find you are at a moderate to high risk of developing diabetes, please make an appointment to be tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition in which blood-sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify for full-blown diabetes).This is a quick test that you can do during your next annual physical And for those of you at a low risk of developing diabetes, don’t take advantage of your health. Be good to your body and get your regular check-ups. Remember, doctors are our friends, but we must first be concerned about our bodies and our health before anyone else can be. It’s your body and temple.
Diabetes is a silent killer. Don’t let it sneak up on you.
With love,
Ms. Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Diabetes.................... the Silent Killer!
Four months ago, we lost a valuable member of Nigerian community and close friend of my family. While the world hung bright lights, exchanged gifts, and sung Christmas carols, we gathered around the grieving wife and children, offering our condolences, sobered by the untimely death of a strong, otherwise-healthy, young man. Diabetes. Another couple weeks later, I’d called a friend to check on her, only to find out that her dad had spent some quality holiday time in the hospital battling a myriad of serious disease complications. Diabetes. Two weeks ago, I’d learned that a friend had lost yet another relative who lived in Nigeria . His health had been deteriorating for quite some time, but nobody knew what the problem was. It was not until he died that doctors found what killed him. Diabetes.
In a very short period of time, I’ve gained a sense of the impending danger that more and more Nigerians will find themselves in if people continue to ignore this problem. As Nigerians, we take pride in our beauty, strength, and ability to overcome any obstacle that comes our way…and deservingly so! I too, find a voice in me that can admit no failure, no weakness, and no acceptance of anything but the best. But too often time, we hide a little ways from the stark reality: we are not invincible. And we cannot continue to ignore the warning signs of diseases familiar to our people, or discount the responsibility we have to educate ourselves and take care of our bodies, and expect to leave unscathed.
Diabetes Stats:-
-Over 143 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes.
-In the U.S. nearly 1 in 10 American adults (about 20.8 million people) have diabetes. Yet, almost 1/3 of them don’t know it!
-Of the African countries, Nigeria has the largest population of people living with diabetes with an estimated 1.5 million.
-African-Americans are more likely than any other ethnic group to develop Type 2 diabetes. This includes all Africans living in America .
-Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. and a major leading cause of death worldwide. It is indeed a chronic disease with currently no cure.
As you read the stats, one cannot help but think one thing: “No, not another one. Not another disease killing off our people.” That’s why as the Miss Nigeria in America 2007, I have decided to do something about it.
Riding for the Cure
On Saturday, June 14th, 2008, Miss Nigeria in America 2007 alongside MNIA, Inc.and supporters will ride the “Tour de Cure” as a symbol of our commitment to this campaign. The “Tour de Cure” is a 15-mile, bicycling event taking place in Long Beach , California.
It’s an American Diabetes Association sponsored event for all those who care to take a stand against diabetes and support the mission: “to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes.”
I will ride to support the efforts of the American Diabetes Association.
Every mile I ride, every dollar I raise will go towards diabetes research.
I will ride to create an awareness around diabetes in the African community, and specifically in the Nigerian community.
I will ride because I believe that if we rally around this cause – educating ourselves about ways to prevent and control diabetes - we will eradicate the disabling affect of diabetes on our community and the community at large.
I will ride for my country - Nigeria.
Will you ride for yours? In the upcoming weeks, I invite you to follow me as I prepare for this race. I will have write-ups concerning diabetes
For more information about Diabetes, please visit
Sincerely Yours,
Peace Amadi
Miss Nigeria in America 2007
Monday, March 17, 2008
Miss Nigeria in America Delegates!!!
When we started the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant, it was our intention to promote awareness about the Nigerian Culture and also create female ambassadors that will forge on a new Nigeria. One of our objective, "Identifying Nigerian women in the US who exemplify beauty, talent, supremacy and intelligence and aim to create new role models who through the beauty pageant will serve as ambassadors that will define a new Nigeria, enrich the beauty of the Nigerian Woman and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women," is what we live by!!
We smile every time we get an email from former delegates on their new initiatives and achievements.. We smile every time the Miss Nigeria America 2004, 2006 and 2007 email us with new things they want to accomplish. When we feel overwhelmed, it is these emails that uplift us. So in retrospect, we say: Thank you all for supporting us, thank you for taking the extra step in helping the less fortunate, thank you for your commitment to mankind and a big thank you for believing in us. You do us proud and we commend you.
Below is a partial list of our winners and delegates who continue to make us proud:
Winners
Peace Amadi - Miss Nigeria in America 2007 - Project Whole with [Arrows of God Orphanage, Lagos Nigeria]
Leslie Ibeanusi - Miss Nigeria in America 2004/2005 - Making Noise, Inc.www.livethenoise.org
Delegates
Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007 - Selected delegate to UN to meet up with representatives from some of the most undeveloped countries in Africa, which include Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Gambia, Togo, & Senegal, and will spearhead her platform which creates awareness for Autism in Nigeria.
Eunice Omole - Miss Abia 2007 -The Apprentice Africa
www.theapprenticeafrica.com/c_eunice.php
Chioma Dike - Miss Bauchi 2007 CEO/Founder CDEMM - An Arts and Diplomacy Group
Yvonne Orji - Miss Taraba 2006 - Successful Comedian www.myspace.com/yvonneorji
Mfonobong Essiet - Miss Abia 2004 - She is the current Miss Africa USA www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Peace Udechukwu - Miss Oyo 2004/Ruby Udeh - Miss Osun 2004/
Amara Udeh- Miss Yobe 2004 - They own A.N.G.E.L.S
Assisting Nigerian Girls in Education, Leadership and Sisterhood
This is a non-profit organization striving to better educate young woman in Nigeria. We aim to promote and enhance the educational morale of woman by providing financial assistance and leadership skills.
Zainab Agoro - Miss Enugu 2004 Recording Artist www.myspace.com/mszaina
Like we mentioned, this is just a partial list. We will keep you informed of new initiatives that these delegates come up with.
Thank you once again for your support and watch out for great things from the Miss Nigeria in America Organization!
Kenneth Emeson/ChiChi Dike
MNIA, Inc.
Beverly Hills, CA
www.missnigeriainamerica.org
Monday, March 3, 2008
Keep Breathing - By Martha Nwosu -Miss Ekiti 2007
This month, we introduce Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007 who emerged the 1st Runner up in the 2007 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant. Martha writes inspirational poetry and her work will be featured continuosly on the blog. Read Martha's biography in her own words and enjoy her first poem - Keep Breathing
Born on May 15, 1987, second of twin girls having arrived six minutes later, I still share an equal leadership role as the oldest child in my family of six children. I currently attend St. John’s University in New York, New York where I am majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. In addition to studying the mind and society, I am an ardent lover of music from all diverse walks of life, a leader in many others, and a staunch advocate for children with special needs. I am a people’s person, skillful and multi- talented. I am also gifted with a strong call to acceptance and loyalty along with a sense of renewal of reaching out to others for peaceful co-existence and restoring or furthering unification. I am currently part of four multi-cultural organizations at my university, two of which I hold executive positions.
As a member of Pan- African Caribbean Students Association (PACSA), I am the executive secretary and I maintain membership in the Latin American Students Organization (L.A.S.O.). I hosted a fashion show called, “Fashions Around the World” in November 2006. Although I held the title of event coordinator, my strength was expanded with my fellow leaders on the executive board as we worked side by side. I was blessed to perform at numerous campus events with the Magnificat Gospel Choir of the Staten Island Campus of St. Johns University, which included the Opening year Mass, The Women’s History Month Dedication mass, and I was chosen to perform the National Anthem at the 2007 Commencement Ceremony at St. John’s University Staten Island Campus. In addition to my vocal talents, I also tutored young children at a halfway house under an organization called Project Hospitality on Thursdays from October to December 2006.
As an advocate for children with special needs, I dedicate my mind to thoughts on how to make the world a better place, starting with my country Nigeria. Now as I see it, there is a curiosity and a level of interest on the part of a lot of people who are my age to make a difference in our country, Nigeria. I stand strong and tall today with a positive disposition toward the cause of children with special needs. The blessing of a tight-knit family has provided me with a strong support network enabling me to focus on advocating for their rights-equality of opportunity for children with and without disabilities with strong emphasis on advancing the cause of children with special needs. My dedication and perseverance are my major motivators for goals I aspire to reach personally and socially.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us”. Of course, in order for the quote to fully manifest itself within my life, I would need to find myself. I know who I am; a voice for the voiceless. For me this would become the most rewarding task I would ever encounter. In the early stages my life, I chose to take the back seat while my twin sister took the spotlight. As years went on, I began to evolve with my own identity, which would later establish an equally balanced bond between my sister and me. Now I am a young lady growing into a beautiful woman, I am allowing my identity and achievements as a twin to expand and evolve into a foundation for my strength, grace, and beauty.
Keep Breathing by Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007
Inhale, exhale
Take in, let out
A breath of fresh air that has been trapped in your lungs for the longest time
Passage ways freely flowing with pain and guilt and aguish all at once
Still balanced by freedom and happiness and pride of knowing
That YOU did it
You spoke up for yourself
You stood strong for who you are
Because you love
Love a lot
Love to little
Love a bit more
Love just enough
To say NO
Not this time
Not again
Not back here where we always are and end up being
I want more
I want a life of no repetition
A life free of sameness and indifference
A life with you who I know and appreciate
A life with us
A life with love and patience and kindness and truth
All wrapped in with the calmness in Knowing we did it
We grew past our problems and issues
Nothing can break us now
Because we tried something different and we love it
I love it
I love me for finding that strength in myself to be aware of what i need to do
I had to do it
I needed to do it
I must do it
Because in doing it
I am breathing
I can breathe
I keep breathing and in that I am Living
I am speaking
I am growing
I am Me
I am WHAT I am
Who I am
So for all these reasons, I keep breathing
Inhale & Exhale
By Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007
Born on May 15, 1987, second of twin girls having arrived six minutes later, I still share an equal leadership role as the oldest child in my family of six children. I currently attend St. John’s University in New York, New York where I am majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. In addition to studying the mind and society, I am an ardent lover of music from all diverse walks of life, a leader in many others, and a staunch advocate for children with special needs. I am a people’s person, skillful and multi- talented. I am also gifted with a strong call to acceptance and loyalty along with a sense of renewal of reaching out to others for peaceful co-existence and restoring or furthering unification. I am currently part of four multi-cultural organizations at my university, two of which I hold executive positions.
As a member of Pan- African Caribbean Students Association (PACSA), I am the executive secretary and I maintain membership in the Latin American Students Organization (L.A.S.O.). I hosted a fashion show called, “Fashions Around the World” in November 2006. Although I held the title of event coordinator, my strength was expanded with my fellow leaders on the executive board as we worked side by side. I was blessed to perform at numerous campus events with the Magnificat Gospel Choir of the Staten Island Campus of St. Johns University, which included the Opening year Mass, The Women’s History Month Dedication mass, and I was chosen to perform the National Anthem at the 2007 Commencement Ceremony at St. John’s University Staten Island Campus. In addition to my vocal talents, I also tutored young children at a halfway house under an organization called Project Hospitality on Thursdays from October to December 2006.
As an advocate for children with special needs, I dedicate my mind to thoughts on how to make the world a better place, starting with my country Nigeria. Now as I see it, there is a curiosity and a level of interest on the part of a lot of people who are my age to make a difference in our country, Nigeria. I stand strong and tall today with a positive disposition toward the cause of children with special needs. The blessing of a tight-knit family has provided me with a strong support network enabling me to focus on advocating for their rights-equality of opportunity for children with and without disabilities with strong emphasis on advancing the cause of children with special needs. My dedication and perseverance are my major motivators for goals I aspire to reach personally and socially.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us”. Of course, in order for the quote to fully manifest itself within my life, I would need to find myself. I know who I am; a voice for the voiceless. For me this would become the most rewarding task I would ever encounter. In the early stages my life, I chose to take the back seat while my twin sister took the spotlight. As years went on, I began to evolve with my own identity, which would later establish an equally balanced bond between my sister and me. Now I am a young lady growing into a beautiful woman, I am allowing my identity and achievements as a twin to expand and evolve into a foundation for my strength, grace, and beauty.
Keep Breathing by Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007
Inhale, exhale
Take in, let out
A breath of fresh air that has been trapped in your lungs for the longest time
Passage ways freely flowing with pain and guilt and aguish all at once
Still balanced by freedom and happiness and pride of knowing
That YOU did it
You spoke up for yourself
You stood strong for who you are
Because you love
Love a lot
Love to little
Love a bit more
Love just enough
To say NO
Not this time
Not again
Not back here where we always are and end up being
I want more
I want a life of no repetition
A life free of sameness and indifference
A life with you who I know and appreciate
A life with us
A life with love and patience and kindness and truth
All wrapped in with the calmness in Knowing we did it
We grew past our problems and issues
Nothing can break us now
Because we tried something different and we love it
I love it
I love me for finding that strength in myself to be aware of what i need to do
I had to do it
I needed to do it
I must do it
Because in doing it
I am breathing
I can breathe
I keep breathing and in that I am Living
I am speaking
I am growing
I am Me
I am WHAT I am
Who I am
So for all these reasons, I keep breathing
Inhale & Exhale
By Martha Nwosu - Miss Ekiti 2007
Monday, February 11, 2008
MNIA Feed the Homeless Part II
MNIA Feed the Homeless- Part II is the 2nd phase of our new initiative that supports and extends hope and love to homeless shelters accross the United States of America. We plan on making this one of our new programs as this supports our new mission and objective of "Service and Commitment to our community."
Thus we, 'MNIA, Inc.' will align ourselves with People Assisting the Homeless [PATH] in Los Angeles, CA to help bring hope and spread love to the residents at these homes. On November 22, 2007 [Thanksgiving Day], MNIA, Inc., Peace Amadi - 2007 Miss Nigeria in America as well as friends and supporters of MNIA raised funds, cooked dinner and served the residents of PATH Westside Center. This was the most humbling experience for all of us.
See Pictures
MNIA will raise funds again to support this cause and will cook a special Easter Dinner on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the PATH Regional Homeless Shelter at 340 N. Madison Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004. We are also raising funds to donate to thier wish list of the following:
1. Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum
2. Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
3. Silver Ware
4. Dinner Plates
5. Cutting Boards
6. Toys for the kids
7. Serving Aprons to mention a few
We will need your support to raise money to purchase these items as well as food supplies to cook and bring love to the residents.
Miss Nigeria in America 2007 - Peace Amadi will be there also to speak to the residents to lift thier spirits and to spread love. To help raise the necessary funds for this cause, CLICK HERE We are asking for a $5.00 donation from everyone and we hope to get the much needed funds to help PATH attain thier goals and objectives. For more information about PATH please log on to www.epath.org
Thank you for all your love and support
ChiChi Dike
Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
Thus we, 'MNIA, Inc.' will align ourselves with People Assisting the Homeless [PATH] in Los Angeles, CA to help bring hope and spread love to the residents at these homes. On November 22, 2007 [Thanksgiving Day], MNIA, Inc., Peace Amadi - 2007 Miss Nigeria in America as well as friends and supporters of MNIA raised funds, cooked dinner and served the residents of PATH Westside Center. This was the most humbling experience for all of us.
See Pictures
MNIA will raise funds again to support this cause and will cook a special Easter Dinner on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the PATH Regional Homeless Shelter at 340 N. Madison Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004. We are also raising funds to donate to thier wish list of the following:
1. Wet and Dry Shop Vacuum
2. Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
3. Silver Ware
4. Dinner Plates
5. Cutting Boards
6. Toys for the kids
7. Serving Aprons to mention a few
We will need your support to raise money to purchase these items as well as food supplies to cook and bring love to the residents.
Miss Nigeria in America 2007 - Peace Amadi will be there also to speak to the residents to lift thier spirits and to spread love. To help raise the necessary funds for this cause, CLICK HERE We are asking for a $5.00 donation from everyone and we hope to get the much needed funds to help PATH attain thier goals and objectives. For more information about PATH please log on to www.epath.org
Thank you for all your love and support
ChiChi Dike
Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Strength and Loyalty
Greetings all,
Its a New Year and as you have read in our past writings, "A New Beginning," MNIA, Inc. has so many great things to offer this year. We are set to hire Program Managers to help execute our vision to make MNIA, Inc. very strong. In the coming weeks, we will feature some of the inspirational writings of the 2007 Delegates. We will also let you into the Project Plan for 2008, and the great events MNIA plans to have this year.
I will return to writing in Director's Desk as I have received so many of your emails asking for more. I am also working on setting up an awareness campaign that encourages people who dropped out of College for any reason to find the strength to go back in and complete their education. My tag line is "There is still a chance.. Finish up! Education is Strength! If you are reading this and you dropped out of college for any reason, please find the strength to go back in and finish.. If you have a friend or know anyone who dropped out and is battling the decision to go back to school, say a prayer for him/her and encourage them to finish. Look out for more information on this awareness campaign.
God Bless
ChiChi Dike
Founder/Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
"Service and Commitment to our Community"
Its a New Year and as you have read in our past writings, "A New Beginning," MNIA, Inc. has so many great things to offer this year. We are set to hire Program Managers to help execute our vision to make MNIA, Inc. very strong. In the coming weeks, we will feature some of the inspirational writings of the 2007 Delegates. We will also let you into the Project Plan for 2008, and the great events MNIA plans to have this year.
I will return to writing in Director's Desk as I have received so many of your emails asking for more. I am also working on setting up an awareness campaign that encourages people who dropped out of College for any reason to find the strength to go back in and complete their education. My tag line is "There is still a chance.. Finish up! Education is Strength! If you are reading this and you dropped out of college for any reason, please find the strength to go back in and finish.. If you have a friend or know anyone who dropped out and is battling the decision to go back to school, say a prayer for him/her and encourage them to finish. Look out for more information on this awareness campaign.
God Bless
ChiChi Dike
Founder/Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
"Service and Commitment to our Community"
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year and many more from MNIA, Inc.
Happy New Year! We are so blessed to be going into this year with all of God's blessings on our organization. We promise to bring you so much more this year! MNIA, Inc. will partner with Africare to support the WISE PROJECT. ChiChi Dike - Executive Director of MNIA, Inc. will spearhead this initiative in Abuja, Nigeria to bring hope, love and support to the project.
2008 marks the 4th year of MNIA, Inc. and the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant. We hope to strengthen the goals and mission of the organization.
We started with Ms. Leslie Oluchi Ibeanusi who was the inaugural Miss Nigeria in America. She set very high standards for her successors and she continues to lend her support to her community. Leslie is currently studying medicine at St. Matthew's University in Cayman Islands. Ms. Alimatu Garuba succeeded Leslie in 2006 and is also studying medicine at the American University in Antigua. Ms. Peace Amadi, the reigning queen, is currently pursuing her doctorate in the field of psychology (Psy.D) at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.
We also hope to guide the 2007 Miss Nigeria in America in achieving her goal and platform that she will embark on during her reign. We intend to equip her and all the future queens on the strong mission and vision of MNIA which is "sacrifice and commitment to our community."
Thank you all again for your support over the years and we look forward to a new year!
ChiChi Dike
Founder/Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
2008 marks the 4th year of MNIA, Inc. and the Miss Nigeria in America Pageant. We hope to strengthen the goals and mission of the organization.
We started with Ms. Leslie Oluchi Ibeanusi who was the inaugural Miss Nigeria in America. She set very high standards for her successors and she continues to lend her support to her community. Leslie is currently studying medicine at St. Matthew's University in Cayman Islands. Ms. Alimatu Garuba succeeded Leslie in 2006 and is also studying medicine at the American University in Antigua. Ms. Peace Amadi, the reigning queen, is currently pursuing her doctorate in the field of psychology (Psy.D) at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.
We also hope to guide the 2007 Miss Nigeria in America in achieving her goal and platform that she will embark on during her reign. We intend to equip her and all the future queens on the strong mission and vision of MNIA which is "sacrifice and commitment to our community."
Thank you all again for your support over the years and we look forward to a new year!
ChiChi Dike
Founder/Executive Director
MNIA, Inc.
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