UN PEACE AMBASSADOR, TIMAYA, TOURS EUROPE

By NBF News

Things are definitely looking up for consistent hit maker, Enetimi Odom aka Timaya. He can now be addressed as an 'ambassador' of the United Nations. Only recently, the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP), a division of the United Nations appointed Timaya a peace ambassador in recognition of his propagation of peace in the restive Niger Delta.

According to Dr. Hak Ja Haan Moon, co-founder of the IIFWP, Timaya was especially chosen for this honour because he is 'one of those individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices which promote the founding ideals of the IIFWP.'

Among other things, the Peace Ambassadorship comes with a special number plate for the singer. Reacting to the honour, Timaya says: 'I am happy. This goes to show that the ideals I am using the instrumentality of my music to preach are not in vain. I have said it in my music and at different fora that Nigeria can only progress unless the Federal Government pays more than lip-service to the agitations of the people of the Niger Delta. It is even a good thing that President Goodluck Jonathan is from that region which means that things will surely get better. I thank those who deemed it expedient to make me a Peace Ambassador and I promise not to relent in this struggle.'

Moon, however, says that the new Ambassador for Peace, like others from all over the world, is expected to contribute to the fulfillment of the hope of all ages, a unified world of peace wherein the spiritual and material dimensions of life are harmonized. Thus, Timaya joins a short list of other celebrities including D'banj, Ini Edo and Ramsey Noah who are also UN Ambassadors. Interestingly, this honour is coming a few weeks after the Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa was specially recognised and appreciated for his outstanding contributions to the social and cultural development of Sierra Leone at the country's 50th Independence anniversary.

Meanwhile, starting from June 1, Timaya and his 'Dem Mama Soldiers' will embark on a 10-country tour of Europe spanning Holland, Greece, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and France among others. During the trip, he will perform at the FIFA Women's World Cup holding in Germany between June 26 and July 17 where the Super

Falcons of Nigeria are participating.