The California Chapter of Nigerian-American Public Professionals Association (NAPPA) had its first scholarship banquet and HIV/AIDS relief fundraiser on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at Sheraton Airport Hotel , Ontario California . The adopted theme, choosing to be a blessing was celebrated by those in attendance.

Dr Richard Hart,chancellor and CEO of Loma Linda University (LLU)

Dr Richard Hart, current chancellor and CEO of Loma Linda University (LLU) [www.llu.edu], Loma Linda, shared on the pattern of health in Nigeria , an overview of the challenges, a presentation on current efforts to tackle the problem and the world health organization’s future analysis of the HIV/AIDS in Nigeria . Dr Hart is also the president of Adventist Health International [AHI] (www.adventisthealthinternational.org). He shared some of the work being carried out by this organization within the country and within the continent of Africa .

The president of AHI-Nigeria, Dr Akin Obisanya

The president of AHI-Nigeria, Dr Akin Obisanya, was present at the banquet and he also shared compassionately about the current situation of health in Nigeria particularly as it relates to poverty, cultural beliefs and testing for HIV seropositivity.

Our scholarship award went to Godwin Aja, a graduate student at LLU. The scholarship committee was impressed by his write-up on health care in Nigeria .

Jessica Simpson of The Starfish Project , New York

Jessica Simpson received the Making a difference award for The Starfish Project (www.thestarfishproject.org). She showed footage of their project in Nigeria . They now have two clinics, the first in Sagamu and the other, Ile-Ife. This American organization is truly making a great difference in the lives of Nigerians, providing medication to people living with AIDS, giving them a chance at a healthy life.

Philip Adekunle, a Business Consultant from Chicago was the master of ceremony. He gave a brilliant power-point presentation on Nigeria and its potentials . Guests were informed on this West African country which appears to be the center of the world.

Door prizes were won and funds for HIV/AIDS relief raised. Dinner was sumptuous and DJ provided Nigerian music. Participants left encouraged to continue to choose to bless.

Jessica Simpson of The Starfish Project , New York and Mrs Toyin Akinpelu, President NAPPAS California

Scholarship award recipient, Godwin Aja being recognized

BeePee, daughter and Mrs Grace Akinyemi

Ms Akinpelu and Guest

The Nigerian-American Public Professionals Association (NAPPA) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization representing Nigerian-American public service employees in ranking positions in federal, state, county and city government. It serves as a nexus for strengthening our professional and community link with all governmental bodies.

Robot  # 1 | 30.10.2005 09:46

Link to the article is here

Guest  # 2 | 30.10.2005 13:37

Looks like a great affair, but what does NAPPA stand for? Any clues?

admin  # 3 | 30.10.2005 13:58

The Nigerian-American Public Professionals Association (NAPPA) is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization representing Nigerian-American public service employees in ranking positions in federal, state, county and city government. It serves as a nexus for strengthening our professional and community link with all governmental bodies.

Guest  # 4 | 30.10.2005 14:23

Great affair! It\'s only by doing good and literally \'giving something away for free\' that we can collectively change the world\'s perception of the Nigerian. As a dear friend says, the evil wo/men of Nigeria are going gangbusters as we speak; those of us who want to do good have to step up to the plate and DO IT. At the very least, I\'m hoping that after Mr. Adekunle gave the speech, he was able to shed his \'raffia skirt\' which he assembled from leaves of the \'tree he used to live in back in Africa\'! LOL! Beepee, why you dey use your daughter take cover face now? We know say she be fine baby like im mama! LOL Una well done O! eezeebee

Guest  # 5 | 30.10.2005 14:26

I\'d just like to note that the title of this article is very pertinent: NAPPA CHOSES to be a blessing. It\'s as easy to choose to be a nuisance and it\'s a choice we have to consciously make EVERY DAY. eezeebee

Guest  # 6 | 30.10.2005 14:45

Its nice to finally put faces to some of the names on NVS..... Big K sure looks cool in that suit (very nice tie). One day when I finally have the time to write and article, I go show my face too.. hahaha I doff my hat to Oluwato et al for their involvement and contributions to NAPPA. Onos

Guest  # 7 | 30.10.2005 15:09

To think say that Tie na from bend-down boutique. Anyway, Onos..u don dey threaten us with ya picture for long. One day one day we go see am Big-K

Guest  # 8 | 30.10.2005 15:24

Big K: E be like say you go describe where that bend-down boutique for man pickin o... :grin As for my foto, dat one go tay small o. Dis one wey I don yab many people foto for NVS, I know say una no go spare me for the yabbis. So make I still enjoy hiding undercover small.... Aaahhh, the joy of anonimity - who can resist? hahahaha :grin :grin

Guest  # 9 | 30.10.2005 15:25

Big K: E be like say you go describe where that bend-down boutique dey for man pickin o... As for my foto, dat one go tay small o. Dis one wey I don yab many people foto for NVS, I know say una no go spare me for the yabbis. So make I still enjoy hiding undercover small.... Aaahhh, the joy of anonimity - who can resist? hahahaha :grin :grin Onos

Guest  # 10 | 30.10.2005 17:42

WoW! Interesting! I didn\'t know you guys are this old...! :eek Meticulous

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