Nigeria, Kenya, others for Electoral Reforms Workshop in South Africa

Professor Attahiru Mohammed Jega, OFR, is Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria.

Nigeria, Kenya, others for Electoral Reforms Workshop in South Africa

Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroun, Botswana and Malawi are participating in the Five – Nation BRIDGE TtF Workshop for Electoral commissions. The electoral training workshop will train staff of selected EMBs as BRIDGE Facilitators.
It is organized by the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) of the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission (AUC).
Journalists are welcome to the workshop.

See the following press release for the details.


30 Aug 2012 13:07 Africa/Lagos


African Union Commission to organize BRIDGE Train the Facilitator (TfF) Workshop for Five Countries in Pretoria South Africa 10 – 21 September 2012.

PRETORIA, August 30, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

When:

Monday 10 – Friday 21 September, 2012


Where: Alpine Attitude Hotel and Conference Centre 522 Atterbury Road Menlo Park,

Pretoria South Africa

Tel: +27 (012) 348 6504


Who:

Organized by the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) of the Department of Political Affairs of the African Union Commission (AUC)


Objectives:

This Five – Nation BRIDGE TtF Workshop is designed to train staff of selected EMBs as BRIDGE Facilitators who can deliver electoral trainings internally in their own countries. The training will equip the participants with the requisite facilitation skills to deliver electoral trainings using BRIDGE, currently the world's most comprehensive electoral training curriculum. Upon completion of the workshop, the participants will become semi – accredited BRIDGE Facilitators.


Participants:



Participants are staff and Members of Electoral commissions from the following countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroun, Botswana and Malawi.


Background The Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) in its mandate is charged with the responsibility of improving the national electoral processes of member states of the African Union towards the conduct of free fair and credible elections within a framework of direct technical assistance to Election Management Bodies, EMBs. In this regard, the DEAU has been developing electoral process standards which include the provision of BRIDGE electoral trainings in different aspects of electoral management to the various EMBs in the continent.

This programme is part of the expanded National Capacity Building Programme of the Democracy and Elections Assistance Unit aimed at addressing specific electoral training needs of members and staff of Electoral Commissions of member states who have so requested from the African Union Commission.



Journalists are invited to cover the AUC National BRIDGE TtF Opening ceremony in Pretoria, the Republic of South Africa


For Further Information consult the AU website: www.au.int


Source: African Union Commission (AUC)

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African Union Commission Tribute In Memory of Meles Zenawi

31 Aug 2012 13:11 Africa/Lagos


TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF LATE MELES ZENAWI

ADDIS ABABA, August 31, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF LATE MELES ZENAWI ASRE, PRIME MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA, CHAIRPERSON OF THE HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNEMENT ORIENTATION COMMITTEE NEPAD AND PRESIDENT OF CAHOSC,

WHO DIED ON 21 AUGUST 2012,


BY H.E. MR. PING, CHAIRPERSON OF

THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION


New Conference Centre of the African Union, Addis Ababa

31 AUGUST 2012



The Honourable Speaker of the Parliament of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,

Members of the Ethiopian Government

Commissioners,

The Chairperson of the PRC,

Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Members of the Staff of AU Commission,

Dear Friends,


“I am proud to be an Ethiopian. I am proud to be a part of that History.” I deliberately chose to start my tribute today with these eloquent words spoken by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi before a gathering of American intellectuals, as a testimony to the deep love he had for his country.


With heavy hearts and choked with emotion, we are gathered here today in the same prayer and in memory of a worthy son of Africa, a visionary leader and a brother whose words were heeded, Prime Minister MelesZenawi, who left us during the night of 20 to 21 August 2012.


It is painful to think and even more difficult to believe that Prime Minister MelesZenawi is no longer in our midst. We had hope that his illness would only deprive us only momentarily of his extremely active presence and his highly stimulating dynamism at our meetings and conferences, reassuring ourselves with what we knew of his strength of character, his pugnacity and above all, his courage.


Alas, since 21 August, with every passing hour and every passing day, the announcement of his demise has taken onan increasingly far-reaching and considerable impact, and we have been forced to face the inevitable, and heartbroken, accept the unspeakable. If anyone ever seemed to be strong or even invulnerable, for there could be no doubt about his personality, his charisma and immense energy, it was indeed MelesZenawi, who over the years and through his actions had becomea real Institution in Ethiopia as well as in the Continent at large.


One of the greatest recognitions for a public figure here and anywhere else in the world, is to be called by his first name alone, and for everyone to immediately know who it refers to. Meles, the late Prime Minister, had attained that stage; once the name Meles was mentioned, whether here in Ethiopia or elsewhere in Africa, no one could be mistaken. He was the emblematic figure of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian locomotive, the man who elevated Ethiopia from its status as one of the least developed countries in the world, to the rank of the fifteencountries with the most rapid economy growth in our modern-day world. During his lifetime, Meleswas constantly active on all fronts, whether it was a question of building the Ethiopia of today, or preparing the country for its entry into the globalized world.


It is said thathappy are those who were able to fulfil their commitments. Prime Minister Melesis among those happy few, because he always cherished the dream of extricating Ethiopia from poverty and ensuring its food security. Today he has left a booming country as acknowledgedby the unanimous tributes that have been pouring in from around the world for the past few days, evidence of the high esteem he had acquired and which are commensurate with what he built. Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people can find comfort in and be proud of the fact that the late Melescould be counted among the very limited circle of those who had gained international respect and credibility for what they achieved for their country and their people.


His foresight and the desire to bring to fruition his vision of a prosperous Ethiopia that was integrated into the globalized world guided him and firmly anchored him on the path that he had chosen for the development of his country and the wellbeing of the people of Ethiopian, despite all the difficulties. Under his dynamic leadership, security and stability were re-established in the country, which clearly formed the basis of its rapid and visible transformation. We cannot but be gratified by the promising results recorded in the country for some time now, and we are convinced that the Government and the people of Ethiopia will continue the work that the late Prime Minister Meles was able to put on track.


Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,


« We will never accept any global deal that does not limit global warming to the minimum unavoidable level, no matter what levels of compensation and assistance are promised to us… While we will reason with everyone to achieve our objective, we will not rubber stamp an agreement by the powers that be as the best we could get for the moment. We will use our numbers to delegitimize any agreement that is not consistent with our minimal position. If needs be we are prepared to walk out of any negotiations that threaten to be another rape of our continent. »


This strong and unambiguous statement made on 3 September 2009 at the African Partnership Forum is one of the numerous statements which attest to the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Meles to Africa and to its noble causes. This commitment was reflected in his eagerness to contribute to the diplomatic and military efforts of our continental organization by supporting peace initiatives and the restoration of legality in areas where they were undermined. The clout he gained in the Horn of Africa stemmed, among others, from his involvement in diplomatic and military efforts to resolve the crises in Sudan, South Sudan, Darfur and Somalia. He used to state that: « I have no problem talking to anybody so long as it helps the purpose of peace…. »


His commitment and courage endeared him to his peers to the extent that they, rightly, entrusted him with the task of leading African delegations during various negotiations and at international fora such as the G20 and the G8, the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Conference and Climate Change, and thereby raising high the banner of Africa. At each of the international meetings, Prime Minister Meles strongly defended the interest of the continent. He left his imprints everywhere and also made a strong impression. I will always remember how his interventions were widely anticipated and followed with keen interest at various international fora.


There are several ways of living the life of an African statesman. For Africa to develop, the sons and daughters of the continent, especially those in authority, will have to show commitment at all times. Prime Minister Meles understood this very early and that explained why he agreed to become in 2007 the Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee. Under his stewardship the Committee contributed in no small way to highlighting the potential of Africa as pole of growth and the last frontier.


The demise of Prime Minister Meles, has silenced forever one of the most respected African voices of this decade, the inspired and committed voice of a convinced Pan-Africanist. Africa is conscious of this immense and cruel loss and reiterates its solidarity with the bereaved people of Ethiopia whose pain we understand and share. We also pay tribute to this Statesman who devoted all his energy and time to his country and to the development of the continent.


Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,


Before I conclude this painful duty, I would like to crave your indulgence to allow me to share my memories of him and to express what is in my heart. I would like to recall a man that I deeply admired and with whom I had affectionate relations based on mutual respect. Concealed in the look of an austere person, the somewhat caricatured portrait of a Statesman or the mask of a politician was a simple, warm-hearted andhumorous man, full of youthful exuberance and jokes, who will be sorely missed by his family, his loved once and friends alike, to whom we wish to renew our deep condolences and express our sympathy.


For me, the late Prime Minister Meles was a source of constant support and inspiration and whose pieces of advice were always useful to me. I have no doubt that many are those who have benefitted from the advice and support that he willingly gave when he was requested to do so.


“We all know that we must die one day but we do not believe that we will die” as Bossuet used to say. In actual fact, “we are obliged to gradually come to terms with this reality, especially where those around us are involved. This painful truth, we feel it today but the pain which has seized us should not blind us to the lessons of life that the late Prime Minister MelesZenawi has bequeathed to us all, courage and determination.


May The Almighty God in his infinite Mercy welcome the soul of our dear Prime Minister MelesZenawi among His Elect! May our Brother rest in perfect and eternal peace!


I thank you.


Source: African Union Commission (AUC)

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Western Viewers Fall Behind in the Web-connected TV Revolution

31 Aug 2012 12:00 Africa/Lagos

Western Viewers Fall Behind in the Web-connected TV Revolution


NUREMBERG, Germany, August 31, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

People in markets such as China, Brazil and India better exploit the opportunities offered by web-connected television, compared to countries such as the UK, US and Germany. This is according to research carried out across thirteen countries by GfK's consumer research experts. The study found that western consumers are stuck in an 'analogue' mindset, whereas viewers in emerging markets are more likely to embrace the digital capabilities of Connected TV.


GfK research shows that a far higher proportion of Chinese, Korean and Indian consumers have used the functionalities of Smart TV in the past months, compared to those in Western markets.

Connected TV usage:

    China          44%
    S. Korea       18%
    India          17%
    Brazil         14%
    Turkey         13%
    UK             11%
    USA            11%
    Mexico         11%
    Spain           8%
    Germany         8%
    Belgium         6%
    Russia          5%
    Netherlands     5%

GfK's findings show that 'Social TV' has yet to fully take-off. Globally, just 28% of viewers said that they found programmes that they can interact with to be more interesting to watch. And just 25% thought that tweeting and commenting on programmes 'enhances the viewing experience'.


Viewers in countries such as China, Brazil and India are more motivated by programmes they can interact with than those in markets such as the UK, US and Germany[1].


Richard Preedy, at GfK, said: "Our findings suggest that broadcasters need to integrate their social elements far more engagingly into the fabric of the programme, in order to entice the viewer's interaction."

Across all markets, the ability to connect to the internet is less important than price, screen size and display technology, when buying a new TV. But the West is more indifferent than the emerging markets, with only 26% of UK and 29% of US consumers saying they look out for a net enabled set, compared to 61% in India and 64% in China.


You can read more the full press release here: http://www.gfk.com/group/press_information/press_releases/index.en.html


FOOTNOTES:

[1] % agreeing with statement 'Programmes I can interact with are much more interesting to watch' Brazil 42%, China 61%, India 59% vs. UK 16%, USA 18%, Germany 15%

Research contact: Ryan Garner, Ryan.Garner@gfk.com

PR contact: Amanda Wheeler, Amanda.wheeler@gfk.com / +44-7919-624688


Source: GfK

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Teju Babyface Leaves The Most Eligible Bachelors Club

Survey: Six in 10 Companies Conduct Video Job Interviews

30 Aug 2012 13:17 Africa/Lagos

Survey: Six in 10 Companies Conduct Video Job Interviews

MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Job seekers may want to get ready for their close-ups, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. More than six in 10 (63 percent) human resources (HR) managers interviewed said their company often conducts employment interviews via video. This is up from just 14 percent one year ago. In addition, 13 percent of respondents think their organization will use video more frequently to meet with applicants in the next three years. Eighty-five percent anticipate the number of video interviews to remain the same.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 500 HR managers at U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.
HR managers were asked, "How often, if at all, does your company conduct job interviews using video technology?" Their responses:

	2012	2011
Very often	53%	1%
Somewhat often	10%	13%
Not very often	12%	45%
Never	25%	42%
	100%	101%*
*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

HR managers also were asked, "Do you think your company will conduct more or fewer job interviews via video in the next three years?" Their responses:

Significantly more	1%
Somewhat more	12%
No change	85%
Somewhat fewer	2%
Significantly fewer	0%
	100%

"Many companies are embracing video interviews, which are often conducted online via webcam, as a way to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate applicants," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Job seekers can use these virtual meetings to put their best foot forward, just as they would in person."
Hosking pointed out, however, that there are special considerations when meeting via video. "You need to not only be prepared to say the right things but also make sure you and your surroundings appear professional on camera," he said.

OfficeTeam offers seven tips for job seekers when participating in video interviews:

1. Test the technology. Familiarize yourself with the video tools and functionality in advance to troubleshoot issues. Also, if your computer is prone to problems, consider having a backup on hand.
2. Choose the right location. Conduct the meeting in an area with good lighting that's free of distractions or anything within view that could be perceived as unprofessional. Beware of things like windows in the background, which can cast dark shadows, or barking dogs that may make it difficult to hear.
3. Take a trial run. Ask a friend to videoconference with you and provide feedback on how close you should sit to the camera. He or she also can recommend adjustments for your surroundings.
4. Suit up. Dress and groom the way you would for a face-to-face interview, and don't assume you'll only be visible from the waist up. Avoid bold patterns and colors that don't show up well on video.
5. Exude confidence. Look at the camera when answering questions so it appears you're talking directly to the employer. Also, don't forget to smile and sit up straight.
6. Be heard. Make sure your responses are audible to the interviewer. Speak loudly and clearly into the microphone.
7. Treat it like a real interview. Approach the meeting with all the seriousness and preparation you would give to an in-person interview. This includes having questions ready and following up with a thank-you note.

About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com .

SOURCE OfficeTeam

CONTACT: Cynthia Kong, +1-650-234-6298, cynthia.kong@officeteam.com
Web Site: http://www.officeteam.com

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Boko Haram Publishes Nigeria Secret Police Details on the Internet

Marilyn Ogar, the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the SSS.

What is buzzing in newsrooms in New York, London and other places overseas is the Nigeria Secret Police Details Leaked as reported by the Associated Press. But the Nigerian government and Nigerians don’t seem bothered at all since what might be top secret to the American Press, AP or the BBC is common knowledge on the streets of Lagos, Kano and Abuja, except you are what we call a JJC, Johnny Just Come.

Are we sure that Pfc. Bradley Manning and Julian Paul Assange and company don’t already have this information in the files of WikiLeaks even before the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihadl, popularly called Boko Haram posted the personnel records of former and current members of Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS), including home addresses and names of immediate family members on the Internet? But Ms. Marilyn Ogar, the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the SSS should tell us how the dreaded Boko Haram got these secret files?

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

The leak of personal data of more than 60 past and current employees of Nigeria's State Security Service remained easily accessible on the Internet for days and had details about the agency's director-general, including his mobile phone number, bank account particulars and contact information for his son.

Many of agents listed who could be reached said they received no official warning from the spy agency that their information had been posted online nor been otherwise alerted. The material has been deleted from the comment section of a website, but the security breach astonished spy service veterans and calls into question whether Nigeria's intelligence community, whose agents already have released suspected terrorists out of religious and ethnic sympathies, are too compromised from within to stop the violence now plaguing Africa's most populous nation.

There is no secret in Nigeria if you are in the right circles. The so called Nigerian SSS is not as good as the FBI. The rampant terrorist attacks in Nigeria cannot happen so frequently if there is a good security agency. The mallam selling water on the streets of Kano knows more about the Boko Haram than the SSS.

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For Ogbonna Amadi: What is Going On?

Ogbonna Amadi.

For Ogbonna Amadi: What is Going On?

When Hope Obioma Opara woke me up early this morning with the heartrending news of what suddenly happened to Mr. Ogbonna Amadi yesterday, time stood still as I gasped in shock. How could this happen to the charismatic Entertainment Editor of Vanguard Newspaper of Nigeria?

Yes, people die. But sudden and untimely deaths make us to raise eyebrows of shock, because God does not wish anyone to suddenly pass away when He created and wired us to live beyond 70 years as He said His wishes for us are of good and not evil. So, we don’t expect, pray or wish for the worst when God our maker has made us for the best.

That is why the news of sudden death of Ogbonna Amadi has left me angry and sad, because such unfortunate occurrences would have been prevented if we have well equipped and well staffed healthcare centres, clinics and hospitals in every community in Nigeria and if the evil and wicked rogues in government have not misappropriated the revenue allocations meant for these provisions for the CommonHealth of all Nigerians.

Ogbonna Amadi contributed to the success of many people in the entertainment industry, especially in Nollywood and music, and I will never forget that he did his best to promote and secure the recognition of our annual Eko International Film Festival. And he also supported me in the publicity for the screenings of Faruk Lasaki’s Changing Faces movie at the cinemas in Nigeria. The last time I saw him was at the press conference for Changing Faces at the popular rendezvous for Nollywood stars and other entertainers, the Ojez Restaurant inside the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. He was looking dapper in his suit as he joined me and Victor Akande of The Nation newspapers to coordinate the press conference. We are going to miss him and I hope everyone will support an initiative in his memory, like an annual Prize for the Best Nollywood Movie Review.

As a special tribute to Ogbonna Amadi, I play the following video of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. It was Gaye's 11th studio album released on May 21, 1971.



As we console the bereaved family of Ogbonna Amadi and mourn this great loss, let us say the truth and query those who have failed to provide the appropriate healthcare system for which they have been collecting their fat salaries, bogus allowances and revenue allocations for years. The Minister of health, colleagues and their political godfathers, lobbyists and sponsors must be held accountable for their failures.

The same complaints have been made over and over again for years on the deplorable collapse of healthcare system in the most populous country in Africa where the government has failed to invest in the education and training of medical doctors, nurses and paramedical workers, but keeps on appointing incompetent people as ministers of health to worsen the appalling state of the teaching hospitals and schools of nursing in Nigeria.

I wonder how many of them have visited the colleges of medicine, schools of nursing and medical laboratories and see how horrifying and terrifying they are?
Of course they know that the local healthcare system cannot guarantee the survival of patients in emergencies, because they have misappropriated the revenue allocations for the health sector and will always fly overseas to America, Europe and Asia for the appropriate first class healthcare services they have denied the poor majority abandoned and neglected to face their eerie fate of suffering and dying from preventable illnesses, crimes and other crises in Nigeria. How can people be so cruel and evil to their fellow citizens and still have the audacity to collect fat salaries and allowances and cruise about in government cars and SUVs as presidents, governors, lawmakers, ministers and commissioners and other public posts?
Do you know how many thousands of lives lost suddenly and untimely so far because of the incompetence and maladministration of those elected and appointed to run our government?
For how long shall we continue to bear and tolerate these evil public office holders in Nigeria?
For how long are we going to whine and still watch these demons continue to destroy more innocent lives and wreck Nigeria?
Should we allow these evil and wicked demons in public office to go scot-free?

Until we do our best to demand and secure our rights to good first class healthcare system , security and other “Must Have” facilities and utilities for which our public office holders have been elected and appointed and paid to provide, there will never be peace and unity in this nation and the Nigerian Dream will never come true.

May the blessed soul of Ogbonna Amadi rest in peace and may God who alone knows the depth of our loss comfort us and increase our grace in the vineyard of the Nigerian Dream in the nation building of a New Nigeria for our common good.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

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Can You Imagine?

Can you Imagine?
We know you can. Sign up to get our newsletter, talk to us on Facebook and Twitter, and get the latest scoop on our contests and even more ways to win.

The biggest prizes in the history of Imagine Cup.
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A Moët & Chandon for President Goodluck Jonathan

A Moët & Chandon for President Goodluck Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria on Monday said he is the most criticized president in the world and the following day his honourable Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji resigned over airy-fairy tales of corruption in the privatization of dysfunctional Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the government cannot tell the anxious and curious citizens the TRUTH in a democracy?
The president says they are dialoguing with the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic terrorist sect, but the sect denies such a dialogue. So, who is fooling whom?

The president gives a regular largess of billions of dollars to their so called ex-militants who have records of armed robbery and murder in the Niger Delta and committed crimes they should have been prosecuted for.
How many people have they liberated in their creeks destroyed by their illegal refining and stealing of crude oil?
Freedom fighters cruising in expensive SUVs and regaling their wives, girlfriends and other spongers in their palatial mansions in Rivers State, Bayelsa State, Delta State and Abuja?
The billions of dollars are meant for providing peace and security in the Niger Delta?
But why are we still seeing spiral fumes from the creeks with stolen crude oil loaded into barges and tankers daily worsening the pollution and ecocide and kleptocracy? So, who is fooling whom?

Pensioners are still gnashing their teeth over arrears of their unpaid pensions and unceremoniously sacked bankers are protesting and picketing in front of their banks on the street?

Many companies have relocated to Ghana and increasing the population of millions of unemployed youths roaming the streets and facing daily temptations and trials of being misled into crimes and corrupt lifestyles in their frustration and desperation for a better life

President of the Nigerian Economic Society Prof. Akin Iwayemi wonders why the apex bank is introducing the N5000 bill when it is already pursuing a cashless e- banking programme.

Then former military head of state and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammad Buhari (retd) blamed President Jonathan and his predecessors former military head of state Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda ((retd) and former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is also a retired military general for the corruption and insecurity destroying Nigeria. But the never say die Chief Obasanjo was busy amusing people at a function with his mockery of hip hop artiste Eedris Abdulkareem’s hit song Nigeria jagajaga that simply lamented the myriad of crises causing the hysteria in Nigeria.

The lawmakers who claim to have been duly elected are not different from toothless bulldogs overfed for nothing since they can only bark, but cannot bite any trespasser or criminal. So the comedy of errors continues like a Kafkaesque nightmare?

Am I still criticizing the President when he thinks we should pop another specially bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne for his outstanding achievements from Yenogoa he left in shambles to the federal capital Abuja where his beloved Dame of dames and other residents live in fear and trembling of terrorist bomb attacks?


~ By Orikinla Osinachi, Bonny Island, Nigeria.

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The Most Criticized President in the World

The Most Criticized President in the World

Dear Guinness Book of World Records,

Is there a Guinness Book of World Records for The Most Criticized President in the World?

If there is none as I presume, please note that our dear President, the first Nigerian Izon Head of State and first Nigerian President from the Niger Delta of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan has just claimed it by his public declaration on Monday August 27, 2012, at the National Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the federal capital of Abuja, Nigeria.

May I ask the Guinness Book of World Records to make the public announcement so that President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan can have the world press conference for being the official record holder of The Most Criticized President in the World and to receive the official Guinness Book of World Records certificate for his historical feat that even the most vilified African ruler, President Robert Mugabe is yet to achieve.

I will send him your claim application form on http://member.guinnessworldrecords.com/register/login.aspx so that he can claim his record as soon as possible.

I will wait for your confirmation before I pop the special Moët & Chandon champagne:I have ordered to congratulate him and cheer him on his next challenge of becoming the Most Praised President in the World to shame all his haters on the street and on the internet.

Your positive response would be highly appreciated for the global recognition of Nigeria as the nation with the Most Criticized President in the World.

Sincerely,

Orikinla Osinachi

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Samsung To Pay Apple More Than $US1 Billion for Patent Infringement

Apple Versus Samsung. Photo Credit: Pandith News.

Samsung To Pay Apple More Than $US1 billion for Patent Infringement

Apple shares soared to a new all-time high after the US tech giant's big win in a patent lawsuit against South Korea's Samsung, which saw its own stock tumble.

Google shares slipped amid concerns that its Android operating system used on mobile devices made by Samsung and others would come under greater scrutiny.

In early trade, Apple jumped 2.11 per cent to $US677.19, giving the maker of the iconic iPhone and iPad a record market value of $US635 billion (508 billion euros), reinforcing its place as the world's most valuable corporation.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/business/world-business/apple-hits-new-record-after-big-us-court-victory-20120828-24x3c.html#ixzz24pzD8rnx

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Four Essential Social Marketing Goals for Retailers

Four Essential Social Marketing Goals for Retailers

Social media has changed the role of the customer in the marketing process and purchasing cycle. CMOs and other marketing executives have been required to modify marketing and advertising initiatives to enable the brand to interact with customers across emerging media channels while delivering measurable ROI in social.

Social media will continue to evolve and transform consumer behavior and consequently, the responsibilities of the CMO. It becomes increasingly critical for companies to develop strategies and execute social media tactics that contribute to key brand and business objectives.

This session will help you:

Learn four essential marketing goals that are tied to ROI
Identify tactics that will enable marketing teams to effectively achieve these goals
Fill out the form to the right to register for our live webinar.


http://aj.600z.com/aj/124604/0/cc?z=1&b=124602&c=124603


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10 Things You Should Know About Nigeria and Nigerians

10 Things You Should Know About Nigeria and Nigerians

1. There is nothing wrong with the location of Nigeria; it is 923,800 km² land of God filled with surplus mineral resources. But there are many things wrong with the humans there called Nigerians, because many of them are now mutants.

2. Majority of Nigerians pretend to worship God, but they prefer to dine and wine with devils. That is why they do more evil than good, but choose to live in denial as majority of them lie that they are Christians and Muslims, but they don’t practice either of the two religions.

3. Yes. There are indeed more True Muslims in Nigeria than True Christians. In fact, it is easier to find pagans than true Christians in Nigeria. Please, do not mistake the millions of church goers for Christians; otherwise you will be totally deceived and disappointed.

4. Majority of Nigerians prefer darkness to light. That is why majority of them live in darkness and seeing regular light is a mirage that appears and disappears as the dark knights in power rule the poor majority with millions of their generators making Nigeria the only country in the world where 160 million people share less than 5, 000 megawatts of electricity and still pay bills for no electricity.

5. There are more fake Facebook accounts in Nigeria than in other countries in the world and Facebook uses all the fake Facebook accounts in its IPO. Former military head of state and civilian president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is one of the victims of fake Facebook accounts in Nigeria.

6. The richest black man on earth is a Nigerian Muslim, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

7. Arabs and Asians understand Nigeria and how things work in Nigeria than Americans and Europeans.

8. Foreign football clubs are more popular household names than the local Nigerian football clubs

9. Majority of poor Nigerians spend more on making phone calls than the education of their children.

10. There are still good Nigerians in Nigeria, but they are the most endangered species in the country.

Click here for the complete details.

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Nigerian Girl Who Lost Mother and Sisters in Jos Massacre in Documentary

Mercy Chuwang will never forget the agonies of losing her beloved mother and two sisters in the 2010 Dogo Nahawa massacre in Jos South local government, Plateau State, when close to four hundred people, mostly children and women were killed in a midnight raid by Fulani herdsmen alleged to be on vengeance mission. The barbaric manner in which the killings were carried out is still a talk of the town.



27 Aug 2012 13:00 Africa/Lagos

International Teens Who Lost Loved Ones To Terrorism And Global Conflict Inspire The World With Messages Of Hope

Tuesday's Children & Alexander Libby release "My Love is Alive" Video

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Am I making the right decisions in my life? … I wish I could have known you better; I wish you could know me now, dad … Why did you go to work that day? … Who will be my mother now? ... When I see you in me, I feel proud, so proud … You are not forgotten … Most important, I am happy … You can't kill love.

From heartbreaking to inspirational, teens who lost a loved one to an act of terrorism or in global conflict deliver these very personal messages to the ones they lost in a compelling new video called "My Love is Alive." Released by Tuesday's Children and produced by Alexander Libby, who worked closely with director Stephen Daldry on the critically acclaimed film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, the two-minute video is bringing attention to the impact of terrorism and world conflict on teenagers all around the world.

Featured in the video are 10 teenage participants from Project Common Bond, an international conflict resolution and peace-building project organized by Tuesday's Children, the premiere nonprofit organization serving the needs of 9/11 family members, 9/11 responders and others affected by terrorism worldwide.

The video features: Victoria (U.S.) who lost her grandmother on 9/11; Juliette (U.S.) who lost her father on 9/11; Jessica (U.S.) who lost her father on 9/11; Yousseff (Morocco) whose father was murdered in the Casablanca suicide bombings in 2003; Mercy (Nigeria) who lost her mother and two sisters in the Dogon Nahawa Massacre in 2010; Astrid and Mijal (Argentina) who lost their fathers in the AMIA bombing in 1994; Dubhaltach (Ireland) who lost his Uncle in the sectarian violence that has plagued Ireland and Northern Ireland; Aiden (Northern Ireland) who lost his Aunt in the Omagh Bombing in 1998; and Or (Israel) who lost his brother in a bombing.

My Love is Alive opens with each teen facing the screen, asking their loved one simple questions. One by one, the questions become more poignant as the teens share their sense of loss, while also showing that they are moving forward positively with their lives.

"When I was working on Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I began reading The Legacy Letters, a compilation of letters from 9/11 family members published by Tuesday's Children," said Alexander Libby. "One particular letter stood out. In it, an 18 year old girl wanted to ask her dad questions she'd never have the chance to. While it broke my heart, it inspired me to make this video with the teens from Project Common Bond. We hope My Love is Alive will inspire others and let them know they are not alone."

Terry Sears, Executive Director of Tuesday's Children, said, "Project Common Bond shows our teens that their past can change the future in a very positive way. We hope that with this video we can reach even more young people around the world who share similar experiences and encourage them to become tomorrow's peacemakers and world leaders. We are deeply grateful to Alex for his compassion and vision."

Tuesday's Children created Project Common Bond in 2008 in response to a request from 9/11 teens who wanted an opportunity to "give back" through a larger, global initiative. Since the program began more than 300 teens from 16 nations including the United States, Argentina, England, Ireland, Israel, Liberia, Northern Ireland, Palestine, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Algeria, France, Morocco, Nigeria and Pakistan have participated.

The Project Common Bond Curriculum is adapted from the Dignity Model for Conflict Resolution, developed by Dr. Donna Hicks of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. The Harvard University Law School Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program has also contributed to the program's success.

Follow on Twitter @TuesdaysChldrn or #CommonBond.

For more information visit on Tuesday's Children or Project Common Bond visit: www.tuesdayschildren.org

Tuesday's Children is a non-profit family service organization that has made a long term commitment to every individual impacted by the events of September 11, 2001 and those who have been impacted by terrorist incidents worldwide. Since 2001, Tuesday's Children has promoted healing and recovery by strengthening family resilience, providing individual coping and life management skills and creating community through programs, mental health support and family engagement opportunities.

SOURCE Tuesday's Children

CONTACT: Jaime Strohmenger/Colleen Roche, Linden Alschuler & Kaplan Public Relations, +1-212-575-4545

Web Site: http://www.tuesdayschildren.org

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Nigerians That Are Worse Than Boko Haram, Kidnappers and Armed Robbers

Photo Credit: Zimbio.

Nigerians That Are Worse Than Boko Haram, Kidnappers and Armed Robbers


To most people, the dreaded Boko Islamic terrorist sect is the worst thing that has ever happened to Nigeria and also worsening the nightmares of Nigerians are the unrepentant kidnappers and armed robbers who are making living in the most populous country in Africa unpleasant and even suicidal when you dare to go to the most dangerous zones in Nigeria like in the northern and eastern states where the Boko Haram terrorists, desperate kidnappers and conscienceless armed robbers are on the prowl like predators in the jungle. But there are Nigerians who are worse than them all this lunatic fringe of Nigerians among the following in the Rogue Gallery of Nigeria:

1. Members of the National Assembly posing and posturing as innocent lawmakers, but they are wolves in sheep clothing who cheated and murdered others, misappropriated public funds and rigged elections to get into public office.

2. Governors and state legislators and local government chairmen and women who also cheated, lied, murdered others and rigged elections to get into public office.

3. Past and present civil servants who misappropriated and those still misappropriating public funds by collecting salaries of thousands of ghost workers and diverting pensions to their private accounts and have caused the unfortunate untimely deaths of hundreds of pensioners and even members of their families and relations, because their pensions were delayed and thus were deprived of the money they needed to pay medical bills, housing allowances and other needs, and later died from accidents or illnesses that would have been prevented if they were duly paid their pensions. Many children of pensioners have dropped out of school and many of their families have been evicted for failing to pay their house rents, etc.

4. Shylock land lords and realtors and their agents or partners in crime whose greediness and wickedness have made them to charge exorbitant estate fees and inflated rents to enrich themselves at the expense of poor or insolvent tenants who have been exploited and pushed out of their houses and compelled to resort to corrupt pursuits to make ends meet to afford the inflated rents or end up in inhuman living conditions in the blighted areas of towns and cities like the ghettos of Mushin, Makoko, Ijora-Badiya, and in other states in Nigeria where poor families suffer many indignities of their abject poverty being infected with diseases causing the deaths of thousands of Nigerians exposed to these daily risks in these blighted areas. The blighted areas have been the breeding and recruiting grounds for criminals and prostitutes who are sons and daughters of poor tenants and other victims of the greedy and wicked shylock landlords and realtors in Lagos, Sapele, Warri, Umuahia, Owerri, Asaba, Enugu, Onitsha, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Kano, Kaduna, Jos and other places in the vicious circle of the rat race caused by the greediness and wickedness of these evil and satanic Nigerians who have caused the deaths of more people than the Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers in Nigeria. Don’t forget that these greedy and wicked politicians in government, their partners and beneficiaries in corruption and crime are also among the greedy and wicked shylock landlords and realtors who want to get rich and richer quick and make record breaking profits and quick returns from their houses and other properties.

Why would a landlord or realtor want to make the N100 million or N10 billion he spent on building a house or skyscraper within five years when the property will last a life time and more and the money he spent or invested in the property would still be realized even before he or she passes away and the estate will be sold or inherited by surviving members of the family?

Why would a greedy and wicked landlord or landlady and realtor want to charge the same rents for rooms or apartments in his or her un-renovated 10 -50 years old house as rents for rooms and apartments in new and recently built houses?
Of course, only blood sucking human vampires, evil witches and wizards would be so greedy and wicked to their fellow Nigerians.

5. The other evil and wicked Nigerians are the full time commercial sex workers and other prostitutes posing and posturing as ‘girlfriends” and “mistresses” who have murdered millions of unborn babies for decades and their partners in crime; the boyfriends and sugar daddies who impregnated them and supported them to have abortions.

6. The others are the cheating lovers and adulterous spouses who are actually direct or indirect accomplices and beneficiaries of those identified above, because the whole stinking rot either flows or trickles down from the top to those below in the ladder of social and political hierarchy of Nigeria and the leftovers are shared by the poor masses who are fasting, praying, wishing and waiting for their own opportunities or turns to climb up the ladder of their corrupt and rotten government and society.

7. The last, but not really the least in the Rogue Gallery of Nigeria are the fake and hypocritical members of the clergy and laity posing and posturing as “Christians” and the “Muslims”, but are actually devil incarnates or apologists of the dog eat dog capitalist society who have done worse things to their fellow Nigerians indoors and outdoors than even the pagans and atheists among us. They are popular regular church goers and goers of mosques who are also among those identified in numbers 1 – 6.

These evil greedy and wicked Nigerians identified as listed above in the Rogue Gallery have committed worse atrocities and have caused the deaths and afflictions of millions of people in Nigeria in the last ten years than the dreaded Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers they are always pointing accusing fingers at, cursing and swearing at everyday when these hypocrites are guilty of worst crimes and sins, but many of them are being celebrated and honoured with national awards, future awards and other laurels by their fake and hypocritical peers who live in denial of the truth and continue posing and posturing as smart and intelligent people online and offline patting themselves on the back as they dine and wine among us. Some of them even make donations from their ill-gotten riches and blood money. Then, their ignorant and hypocritical beneficiaries sing their praises on the street and the internet, newspapers and magazines and on radio and television grinning from ear to ear. But many of them cheat and exploit their friends, employees and others and use their charms or scams and other sharp practices in their daily lives and businesses in their desperation for fame and fortune to impress their peers and make themselves tin gods of the downtrodden in Nigeria. But as our Messiah Jesus Christ revealed in his sermons in the Holy Bible, that by their fruits you shall know them, so they are what they do and not what they portray in their conceit and deceit. What Nigerians have done to themselves is shown in the horrible and terrible state of poverty, insecurity and instability Nigeria is in contrast to the better, healthier, richer and safer countries many Nigerians visit and prefer to live in developed nations. But when they return to Nigeria, they continue with their evil and wicked lifestyles of conceit and deceit. These rogues at large are the legions that have rubbished and tarnished the name and image of Nigeria and Nigerians in the global village, making foreigners to laugh at Nigerians when they see them flocking to the churches and mosques with their airs and graces of conscienceless and shameless fallacy and hypocrisy.

These legions milling and roaming and pretending to be law abiding fellow Nigerians are the worst enemies of Nigeria.. And they may deceive the rest of you and even the whole world, but they can never deceive God who knows us heart and soul and the whole truth about everyone He has given the breath of life. So, who is fooling whom in Nigeria?

Look first in your mirror and search into your heart and see how you have treated and still treat your fellow Nigerians in the past and in the present and tell yourself you are innocent of cheating, lying, exploiting, oppressing and killing one or more persons directly or indirectly and yet you live in denial of this truth.


~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Monday August 28, 2012.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor of African Beauty and other blogs and author of Children of Heaven, Sleepless Night, Scarlet Tears of London, Bye, Bye Mugabe, In the House of Dogs and other books.





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