As part of activities marking the launch of Fifa Goal III project in Prampram a media dialogue with celebrated African journalist Osasu Obayiuwana of Nigeria (Oba you wana) would be held in Accra this Thursday. Mr. Obayiuwana is the Associate Editor of the London-based New African magazine, the continent’s oldest pan-African monthly magazine in English. He is also a programme consultant to SuperSport, the pan-African television sports channel, headquartered in South Africa. The 39-year-old outspoken journalist believes this is the best time for African media networks and practitioners to unite and forge ahead with improving the sports media industry. With over 23 years of experience in journalism, Osasu has also worked for a host of newspapers, magazines and broadcast organisations around the world, including The Guardian of London, The Observer of London, the London Daily Mail, German daily Die Welt, Danish newspaper BT and the Voice of America, working as their London correspondent for its English to Africa radio service. Osasu will be joining media colleagues including his former BBC shift partner Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah and football heads from over twenty countries in the Ghanaian capital for the latest Fifa Goal Project. It will be the most significant gathering of African FA presidents in the country since the African Cup of Nations in 2008. The occasion would also present Ghana’s candidate Kwesi Nyantakyi with a wide platform to elaborate on his master plan ahead of the all important Caf congress and elections in Khartoum, Sudan. Several of the visiting heads of FA’s are candidates themselves and may also take advantage of the Fifa Goal launch to campaign and lobby for potential votes by showcasing some of their achievements and plans for the future. Osasu has indicated his excitement ahead of the gathering and the need for more such dialogues. ‘I always say that distance and borders are no longer excuses or obstacles for coming together once in a while to share ideas and work on improving the media in Africa, so this represents such an opportunity that i am happy to be a part of’’ A qualified barrister and solicitor, he attended the Universities of Nigeria and Goldsmiths College- University of London. He had a colourful career at the BBC in London spanning over a decade, working as a journalist for its World Service radio, Sport and News Interactive, as well as domestic television services. Osasu’s passion for stimulating debate has made him a fierce advocate for the enthronement of ethical practices in journalism, politics and government. By Hetty MS Otoo (Associate Director – JH Pridelanders)