Ayo Johnson

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Ayo Johnson is a leading African specialist. Welcome to his page for the latest views & reviews.

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Ayo Johnson is an Award winning journalist. He is also Director at Viewpoint Africa.

Ayo was born in Sierra Leone Kono in 1972. Kono is best known as the diamond hub for Sierra Leone and it was also a major strong hold for rebels during the 10 year civil war which ended in 2000.

Ayo was born to krio parents. Krio is the language brought over by returning slaves. His father’s roots are a direct line from returning slaves from the Caribbean and the America’s that were allowed to settle in Freetown; now the capital of Sierra Leone.

Ayo also draws heredity from Nigeria. His maternal grandmother was the daughter of a Nigerian chief from the Ibo tribe.

Ayo is the son of a mining engineer. His early years were spent in the mines of Kono and subsequently Mobimbi -Sierra Rutile; where his parents worked until they were forced into early retirement due to the war and temporary closure of the mines.

Ayo early years in rural Sierra Leone enriched him immensely; he grasped a wealthy understanding of different cultures, customs and practices of Sierra Leones’ numerous tribes.

Ayo went to Prince of Wales School an educational institution that is the product of many Sierra Leoneans that have made valiant contributions to economies, institutions and businesses all over the world.

Ayo is a naturalised British Citizen who came to the UK as a teenager in 1980’s. He is married with 3 kids; and he is a private man who seeks a normal life away from the public glare. Ayo is very protective of his family and tries to shield them from the media. Ayo has extended family and deep roots in the UK, which go back several generations. Most memorable was his maternal grandfather James Broughton Mcarthy who was in recipient of an (MBE).

Ayo is a dedicated and committed Christian. Due to his demanding role in the media he has had to take a back seat in many church affairs. He remains a committed member of St John’s Church, part of the family of Parochial Church of England Council, a former member of the PCC, deanery Synod, finance committee and fundraising team addressing the needs of the community.

Ayo is a former School Governor and had been appointed to serve as chair and member of an Independent Appeals Panels governing all Schools in the London borough Greenwich, responsible for both appeals against Permanent Exclusion and those against non-admission to a school of choice. In addition Ayo sits on many other local committees that seek to serve and support the community.

Ayo has supported many charities through out the UK and overseas. He is an active and dedicated campaigner for justice and human rights around the world. Ayo regularly travels abroad in aid and to support efforts on behalf of his patron charities.

As a consultant Ayo has taught, trained and sharing his experiences to 100’s of NGO staff on the ground in Africa ensuring that project deliverables empower and enrich communities.

Ayo went to South Bank University where he gained a Masters Degree in International Development. Ayo’s transition into the media was a surprise but otherwise expected, and in keeping with his love and passion for a better and brighter Africa.

Ayo is an experienced broadcaster who is a leading speakers and specialist in African Affairs. Ayo is also a LIVE events host, having hosted his own show Africa speak on Voice of Africa Radio, Night Flow on Time Fm and View point on United Nations Radio. Ayo has gone on to do voice over for Hands of Action animated independent short film and recent a commissioned documentary.

Ayo speaks regularly at business conferences, explaining how businesses should invest in Africa to benefit both themselves and the local population. Ayo has lectured at Oxford University and at the United Nation’s Anti-Corruption Academy in Austria. He recently spoke at Great Halls of the Lord Mayor’s home in Mansion House. Ayo’s clear speaking style combines neatly with developmental principles and practical examples of the African experience; keeping audiences mesmerized and yearning for more.

Ayo is also well averse of Global News; he has reviewed British and International Newspapers both for TV and Radio outlets around the world. His extensive Knowledge and experience on Africa, making him that trusted voice when seeking the facts or looking for answers.

Ayo recently featured as an expert on BBC World News, CNN, BBC World Today, ABC, SKY News, Aljazeera, RT, France 24, CCTV, CNC World, Voice of America, BBC News Channel, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio London, Listening Post, United Nations Radio, Talk Radio Europe, Huffington Post, Colourful Radio, CRI, Time FM, VOX Africa, PRESS TV, Revelation TV, Genesis TV, PBS World News "World focus" and many more.

Ayo is the founder of Viewpoint Africa, a “citizen journalist” hub; that empowers communities to share their stories with the world. Ayo also runs Africa Speak International a blog on African related affairs. .

American Chronicle

Ivory Coast at Cross Roads - Ayo Johnson ( Africa Specialist ) looks closely at the issues

Ivory Coast is a country split in two purely on tribal, ethnic and religious lines. Both Gbagbo and Ouatarra long standing irreversible differences and opposing views have kept this country in conflict for over a decade. They despise and distrust one another; combined with unswerving support across large sways of the country. Naturally Gbagbo takes the Christian south and Ouatarra the Muslim north. Distrust between the two leaders have led to a civil war previously and now war and conflict looms again as a result of this current election dispute. This is not good for the countries image; it threatens stability within the West Africa sub-region and the advancement of democracy across Africa.... more

Game of Shame

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is expected to generate more than $5 billion, the highest revenue in World Cup history, raising concerns of a likely increase in abuse, exploitation and trafficking of women and children. ... more

African Leaders take steps to fight corruption

The presidents of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana and Congo are raising the bar by declaring publicly their fight against corruption. The issue of corruption has long been a cancer and a shameful scourge on the African continent. Corruption has being echoed by industrialized nations as part and parcel of Africa.s culture and ideology. ... more

Statue of Pride or Shame

It stands taller that most buildings in the world including that of the statue of Liberty. It cost in excess of 25 million dollars. It was built by the North Koreans; I refer not to a building in the United States nor that in Europe or any where in the Middle East. Africa's most controversial figure, President Wade of Senegal has instigated, supported and overseen the building of this monumental structure.... more

Your Health Your Future

Sierra Leone has one of the highest in the world for infant, child and maternal mortality rates. World wide mortality rates have improved significantly but in Africa especially Sierra Leone mortality rates are very high and reversal of this decline is painfully slow.... more

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World Focus

Debating the impact of the ICC ruling on Sudan’s Al-Bashir

Photo: Flickr user Alkan Chagler This week, an appeals chamber at the International Criminal Court ruled that the ICC should review evidence of genocide against the current President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir. Currently he faces charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in connection with the ongoing conflict in Darfur. Worldfocus contributing blogger Ayo [...]

West African leaders pledge to battle corruption

Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson Ayo Johnson is a contributing blogger for Worldfocus. He writes about how West African presidents are taking the lead in the fight against corruption. The presidents of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana are raising the bar for the continent by declaring publicly their commitment to fight corruption. The Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai [...]

Guinean military on prowl for suspected Camara shooter

According to news reports, the ruling junta in Guinea is continuing its manhunt for Lt. Aboubacar "Toumba" Diakite, who allegedly shot military ruler Moussa Camara in the head last week. During the past several days, security officials have rounded up at least 60 people suspected of involvement in the assassination attempt. Under the sub-headline "In search of [...]

Gender politics drives high HIV rates for African women

Gloria, who is HIV positive, in Khayelitsha township outside Cape Town where the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) is holding an AIDS awareness campaign. South Africa. Photo: Trevor Samson / World Bank Ayo Johnson is a contributing blogger for Worldfocus. His full post on HIV in Africa can be found here at his blog Africa Speak International. [...]

Africa remains the final frontier for economic growth

An employee of Logistique Petroliere in Madagascar. Photo: Flickr user DavidDarricau Ayo Johnson, a Worldfocus contributing blogger, writes about extraction of natural resources in Africa. The piece is excerpted from his blog, Africa Speak International. The truth is that Africa is the next new frontier of mineral exploration. With major stakeholders battling, wilding and conniving their charm [...]