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Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
APC and the Symbolic Power and Popularity of the Traditional African Sweeping Broom
The hand holding a traditional African sweeping broom is central in the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the main opposition party in Nigeria and currently the biggest and largest political party in Africa by the total population of the states under the leadership of the APC.
The symbolic logo of the APC is a green-white-blue background with a broom on the white background and a red base.
“Justice, Peace and Unity” is the motto with “Change” as its slogan. And the slogan has been resonating everywhere in Nigeria and making the APC the catalyst for change igniting and rejuvenating the spirit of patriotism among millions of Nigerians and galvanizing the youths for the revival of the Nigerian Dream for the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa.
A new broom sweeps well, but the old broom knows all the corners
.~ Nigerian proverb
The APC has increased the power and popularity of the traditional African sweeping broom with makers of brooms thanking God and the APC for restoring the dignity of the native sweeping boom and making their trade to boom with thousands of broom stalls sold before APC rallies in every state in Nigeria and millions of sweeping brooms have been sold, because every member and supporter of the largest political party wants to have a broom to display at a rally.
We know that thousands of jobs have been created for makers of sweeping brooms since the All Progressives Congress (APC) made the traditional African sweeping broom, the most common household implement used for sweeping and cleaning homes and workplaces as the national symbol of the party. The broom is made in Nigeria and every household has a broom. But the umbrella, the symbol of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is not made in Nigeria and only useful when it rains with little or no meaning in Nigerian culture.
The traditional African sweeping broom is made with fibers of palm fronds from palm trees or bamboo plants (including variety of raffia and coconut trees).
The Power and Symbol of the Broom in African, American and European Cultures
Used in the Holy Bible as mentioned by Jesus Christ
In the Gospel of Luke 15:8 "The Parable of the Lost Coin", the broom is mentioned: "Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?"
Symbol of Victory
During World War II, American submarine crews would hoist a broom onto their boat's fore-truck when returning to port to indicate that they had "swept" the seas clean of enemy shipping.The tradition has been devalued in recent years by submarine crews who fly a broom simply when returning from their boat's shake-down cruise. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broom
Symbol of Family Unity
But perhaps the most symbolic use of the broom in many African and particularly Nigerian traditional setting is its typification of strength in unity.
My father told me a folktale (I believe, it could well have been a real story) of a man who, while on his deathbed, summoned his children on his side and asked each of them to pick a single broomstick. When they did, he requested them one after the other to break the stick they held. And they all did. He then asked each to take turn and break the bunch of broom, and none was able to break a broom bunch. He then said to them, “if you stand alone, you can easily be broken, but if you remain united, no one can break you”. That is why each stick of the broom is only a fragile piece of a vulnerable material. But when they are all tied together they are very strong and unbreakable. The weakest is only so because it stands alone from the bunch. ~ Chidi Oguamanam, Professor of Law, University of Ottawa: Follow @chidi_oguamanam http://saharareporters.com/2015/01/28/abuse-broom-chidi-oguamanam
Symbol for African American Wedding Tradition of Jumping the Broom
Clean Sweep:
An African American tradition dating to early slavery days, jumping the broom has become part of the wedding ceremony of the those who want to honor the tradition. Some say the ritual itself was created by our ancestors during slavery, an act symbolizing sweeping away the old and welcoming the new. The slaves could not legally marry, so they created their own rituals to honor their unions. The straws of the broom represents family, the handle represents the Almighty, and the ribbon represents the tie binds the couple. In some parts of Africa, ceremonial brooms are stills used to sweep away evil spirits. Hence, the name Clean Sweep! http://www.thumbtack.com/One-Of-A-Kind-Ceremonial-Wedding-Brooms-Inkster-MI/service/432761
Jumping the broom is about incorporating your past, and giving it a place of honor in your new life. Therefore combine it with your personality and style. It should be an uplifting and spiritual addition to any ceremony. http://www.african-weddings.com/wedding_broom_ceremony
The mass appeal of the sweeping broom has made the APC the popular party of the masses and they are flocking to rallies and following the mass movement for Change for the reformation and transformation of Nigeria and hoping for a new political administration that will put an end to their nightmares of widespread insecurity and poverty after 16 years under the PDP in Africa's most populous nation.
~ Ekenerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report Online.
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Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
God Can Choose Anyone To Lead Nigeria Whether Young Or Old
God can choose anyone to lead Nigeria no matter the age of the person.
Joshua and Caleb, who were now about eighty years old when they led the nation of Israel to cross the river Jordan. ~ Joshua 3:1-4:24, http://soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/joshua.pdf.Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh. and Moses is a son of eighty years, and Aaron is a son of eighty and three years, in their speaking unto Pharaoh. 7:1-7 God glorifies himself.~ Exodus 7:7
In modern Israel the Shimon Peres became Prime Minister at the age of 72 and was in office from November 4, 1995 – June 18, 1996 and 9th President of Israel from 15 July 2007 – 24 July 2014. And the current President of Israel Reuven "Rubi" Rivlin elected last year 2014 is 75 years old ( born on September 9, 1939). The current Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is 65 years old.
Can the corrupt and incompetent leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria be compared to the great leadership of Shimon Peres and Reuven "Rubi" Rivlin of Israel?
Therefore, I advise President Goodluck Jonathan and others making mockery of the age of General Muhammad Buhari (retd) and saying that he is too old to lead Nigeria at 72 years of age to beware, because making mockery of the old age anyone is making mockery of God our maker who has blessed the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will long life and more prosperity to have the great faith and strength to offer to serve Nigerians as the President of Nigeria.
God will qualify the unqualified.
Power belongs to God and not to the People's Democratic Party (PDP)
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
~ Psalm 62:11, Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV).
4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck.
6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
~ Psalm 75: 4-7, Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015
7 Quotes Against President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP By Femi Fani-Kayode
7 Quotes Against President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP By Femi Fani-Kayode
1. Jonathan will lose 2015 elections by God's grace
2. When 2015 comes and PDP loses to an APC candidate, and they try to jiggle and wiggle it and say that the loser actually won, then will know we are all men in this country.
3. There is more corruption under this government (PDP) than any other government in the history of this country. It is a fact.
4. If President Goodluck Jonathan continues, two things will happen, first, Nigeria will become worst than Zaire in 1 or 2 years in term of failed state, in term of corruption and in term of insecurity and we will not be able to fix it any more after that it would that bad. Secondly Jonathan will eventually divide Nigeria.
5. Nobody is going anywhere with the oil, the oil belongs to all of us the north , the south, it does not belong to south-south alone or Niger-Delta.
6. Obasanjo's letter is the end of Jonathan and it is the end of PDP.
7. The PDP of today is a Ship that has sunk, it has failed the nation, destroyed the economy, destroyed our security systems; this was not the case before 2007.
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Consumer Confidence Increased Four Index Points in Nigeria
CONFIDENCE RISES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Consumer confidence increased four index points in Nigeria in the fourth quarter to a score of 127—the highest score of the three countries measured in Nielsen's mobile survey for sub-Saharan Africa.
The perceived outlook for job prospects increased 12 percentage points in Kenya (62%), six percentage points in Nigeria (64%) and remained flat in Ghana (42%). Eight-two percent of Nigerian respondents were confident about their personal finances, but only just over half (56%) believed now was a good time to spend. In Kenya, 69% of respondents believed money matters were good or excellent, and 41% were confident in their current spending capacity—an increase of five percentage points from the third quarter. Likewise, 66% of respondents in Ghana were optimistic about their finances, and 36% were confident about spending.
Global Consumer Confidence Down Two Points in Q4 2014, Up Two Points for the Year
Every region down slightly in Q4 of 2014 but confidence scores in 39 of 60 markets improved year over year.
NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consumer confidence ended 2014 with an index score of 96—a decline of two index points from the previous quarter, which comes after several quarters of positive momentum, according to a new study by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy. While confidence fell slightly in every region in the fourth quarter from the previous quarter, year-over-year, the index is still above a pre-recession level of 94 from third-quarter 2007.
Consumer confidence declined one point in North America (106) and Asia-Pacific (106) in the fourth quarter—the only regions to score above the baseline reading of 100. Confidence also decreased one point in the Middle East/Africa (95), three points in Latin America (88) and two points in Europe (76) from the previous quarter.
Among the world's biggest economies, consumer confidence decreased two points in the U.S. (106), four points in China (107) and four points in Japan (73). Conversely, confidence rose one point each in Germany (98) and in the U.K. (94).
"Confidence in more than half of the global markets measured retreated slightly in the fourth quarter with continued geopolitical tensions and some slowing in emerging-market growth," said Louise Keely, senior vice president, Nielsen and president, The Demand Institute. "Latin American markets, such as Brazil, saw particularly large declines in confidence compared to last quarter and a year ago, reflective of the economic slowdown there. While recovery in Europe continues to be weak, and there is recent speculation of quantitative easing by the European Central Bank, confidence is still up slightly in most economies from a year ago, suggesting that fears of yet another eurozone recession have not yet hit overall consumers' outlook. In the U.S., where labor markets have continued to recover, confidence is up significantly from its level a year ago."
IT'S NOT ALL BAD NEWS: YEAR-OVER-YEAR PERFORMANCE IS POSITIVE
Progress is slow, but it is indeed taking place in more than half of global markets measured. Confidence scores in 39 of 60 markets improved year over year. Eleven markets reported double-digit confidence climbs, including the U.S. and the U.K., which rose 12 and 10 points, respectively. Other notable increases from the previous year include Romania (+15), Egypt (+14) Ireland (+13) and Bulgaria (+13).
Year-over-year key indicator performance metrics improved most dramatically in North America. Job prospect expectations rose 12 percentage points to 50%, the state of personal finances increased six percentage points to 64% and immediate spending intentions jumped eight percentage points to 51% in the 12-month period.
Just under half of global respondents (49%) believed the job market would be good or excellent in the next 12 months, up from 47% in fourth-quarter 2013. Likewise, perceptions of personal finances slightly improved to 56% (from 55% the previous year) and immediate spending intentions rose to 40% (from 38%).
"There was a small step back in the fourth quarter reflecting some increased consumer apprehension, following improvements across the whole of 2014," said Keely. "Some regions of the world are still not out of the woods, including the eurozone, while others—like China and some Latin American countries—may be entering a period of slower growth in 2015."
RECESSIONARY SENTIMENT IMPROVED FOR MOST IN 2014
Just over half of the global respondents (53%) believed they were in a recession in the fourth quarter, a one-percentage point improvement from the previous quarter and a four-point improvement from the previous year (Q4 2013). In total, 58% of global markets measured reported a year-over-year recessionary-sentiment improvement.
Global discretionary spending/saving intentions were either flat or declined slightly in the fourth quarter. Almost half (48%) plan to save their spare cash, about three-in-10 expect to spend on holiday/vacations (34%), new clothes (34%) and out-of-home entertainment (30%). One-fourth of global respondents plan to buy new technology (24%) and pay off debts (25%). One-fifth will spend on home improvements (21%) and invest in stocks (21%), and one-in-10 will save for retirement (10%). Globally, 13% of respondents said they have no spare cash.
NORTH AMERICAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IS STILL STRONG
U.S. consumer confidence decreased two index points in the fourth quarter to a score of 106—the first decline in 2014, but a 12-point improvement from the previous year. Confidence also declined in Canada, falling one point to an index level of 102 from the previous quarter.
While all U.S. consumer confidence indicators decreased slightly in the fourth quarter, there were significant year-over-year improvements: Job prospect confidence increased 13 percentage points to 50%, personal finance confidence increased six percentage points to 64% and the percentage of respondents who believe now is a good time to spend increased nine percentage points to 52%, from fourth-quarter 2013.
"Despite the most recent declines in the U.S. for job prospects and personal finances, consumers appear to be more upbeat than other regions going into 2015," said Keely. "Declining unemployment, falling oil prices and the continued low interest rates together place consumers in the world's largest economy in a better position to spend than in recent years."
PROGRESS IN EUROPE REMAINS SLOW
Clouds of pessimism returned to the eurozone in the fourth quarter, with confidence declining in 20 of 32 markets. Only Denmark, with a consumer confidence score of 103, had an optimistic reading, and Germany and Switzerland were the only two countries where half of respondents (49% and 56%, respectively) were optimistic about job prospects in the next 12 months.
Confidence in Germany, the biggest economy in the region, increased one index point to a score of 98—a continuation of small upticks that have occurred over the past several quarters to a near-baseline score, which stands in stark contrast to the region's average index score of 76. The biggest regional index increase compared to the third quarter came from Ireland (+6 to 90). Conversely, Russia's index declined eight points to a score of 79 after three consecutive quarters of increases. Italy (45) and France (57) also declined, dropping two points each, compared to the third quarter.
CONFIDENCE IN ASIA-PACIFIC IS STILL HIGH DESPITE RECENT DECLINES
Consumer confidence in Asia-Pacific increased in only three of 14 markets measured in the fourth quarter, but nine of 14 countries remain at or above the 100-optimism baseline. China's index fell four points to 107 in the fourth quarter, which comes after four consecutive quarters at 111.
Malaysia reported the most dramatic consumer confidence decline in the region, falling 10 points to 89—the lowest score since 2009. Confidence also declined five points in Indonesia (120) and four points each in Australia (93), Japan (73) and South Korea (48).
LATIN AMERICAN CONFIDENCE CONTINUES A DOWNWARD SLIDE
Confidence in the Latin America region decreased three index points to a score of 88 in the fourth quarter, as scores fell in five of the seven countries measured. Peru was the only country in the region with an improved score, rising four points to 101—the highest score in the region and outperforming Brazil (95) for the first time since 2011. Confidence in Brazil dropped six points quarterly—the biggest decline and lowest score for the country since 2011. Mexico (85) decreased three points, Colombia (94) and Chile (81) decreased four points each and Argentina (67) dropped one point in the fourth quarter. Venezuela's (70) score was flat from the previous quarter.
The outlook for job prospects declined in three of seven Latin American countries and perceptions of personal finances fell in every country except Peru. A recessionary sentiment worsened by seven percentage points in both Brazil (73%) and Chile (59%)—the highest levels since the start of tracking this sentiment in 2008.
Discretionary spending intentions showed the most dramatic pull back of all the regions, with decreases of five percentage points for new clothes (24%) and home improvements (15%), four points for new technology (16%), three points for saving (28%) and two points for out-of-home entertainment (30%). Almost one-in-five respondents (18%) said they have no spare cash, a quarterly increase of two percentage points.
THE MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA REGION SHOWS SLOW BUT STABLE PROGRESS
Consumer confidence increased in three of five countries measured in the Middle East/Africa region in the fourth quarter. At 114, the United Arab Emirates had the highest index in the region, an increase of two points from the third quarter. Confidence also increased five points in Egypt to 90 and two points in South Africa to 88. Conversely, confidence decreased three points in Saudi Arabia to 102 and two points in Pakistan to 101.
Regionally, quarter-on-quarter discretionary spending intentions in the fourth quarter increased four percentage points each for new clothes (27%) and out-of-home entertainment (23%), two percentage points each for paying off debts (20%) and home improvements (17%) and one percentage point for retirement (6%). Twenty-two percent of Middle East/Africa respondents said they have no spare cash, which was flat from the previous quarter and the highest percentage of any region.
CONFIDENCE RISES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Consumer confidence increased four index points in Nigeria in the fourth quarter to a score of 127—the highest score of the three countries measured in Nielsen's mobile survey for sub-Saharan Africa.
The perceived outlook for job prospects increased 12 percentage points in Kenya (62%), six percentage points in Nigeria (64%) and remained flat in Ghana (42%). Eight-two percent of Nigerian respondents were confident about their personal finances, but only just over half (56%) believed now was a good time to spend. In Kenya, 69% of respondents believed money matters were good or excellent, and 41% were confident in their current spending capacity—an increase of five percentage points from the third quarter. Likewise, 66% of respondents in Ghana were optimistic about their finances, and 36% were confident about spending.
Confidence also increased eight points in Kenya (113) and five points in Ghana (102) from the third quarter. The majority of respondents in the three countries (70% in Ghana, 61% in Nigeria and 59% in Kenya) did not have spare cash, a level that decreased in Kenya and Nigeria from the third quarter. Among those who did have discretionary funds, saving was a priority for 89% in Kenya, 86% in Nigeria, and 85% in Ghana, followed by spending on home improvement projects (73% in Kenya, 73% in Nigeria and 71% in Ghana).
ABOUT THE GLOBAL SURVEY
The Nielsen Global Survey, which includes the Global Consumer Confidence Index, was established in 2005. This Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions was conducted Nov. 10-28, 2014 and polled more than 30,000 online consumers in 60 countries throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East/Africa and North America. The sample has quotas based on age and sex for each country based on its Internet users and is weighted to be representative of Internet consumers. It has a margin of error of ±0.6%. This Nielsen survey is based only on the behavior of respondents with online access. Internet penetration rates vary by country.
Nielsen uses a minimum reporting standard of 60% Internet penetration or an online population of 10 million for survey inclusion. The China Consumer Confidence Index is compiled from a separate mixed methodology survey among 3,500 respondents in China.
The sub-Saharan African countries in this study are compiled from a separate mobile methodology survey among 1,600 respondents in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria. These three countries were added to Nielsen's measurement of consumer confidence in the first quarter of 2014 using a mobile survey methodology, which differs from the online methodology used to report consumer confidence and spending intentions for the other 60 countries outlined in this report. As such, the three sub-Saharan African markets are not included in the global or Middle East/Africa averages discussed throughout this report.
ABOUT NIELSEN
Nielsen N.V. (NYSE: NLSN) is a global information and measurement company with leading market positions in marketing and consumer information, television and other media measurement, online intelligence and mobile measurement. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA and Diemen, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.
SOURCE Nielsen
CONTACT: Andrew McCaskill 347.331.5725 andrew.mccaskill@nielsen.com
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Monday, January 26, 2015
I Will Not Stay In Office Beyond 2015 - President Goodluck Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan has already made a wise choice not to stay in office beyond this year 2015, as clearly reported on the front page of The Guardian newspaper of Nigeria shown in the proof above.
With his own words he has sealed his fate. Finis.
As a noble statesman, he should honorably respect himself and hand over to a new President in 2015.
To the only presidential candidate who can guaranty the national security of Nigeria and restore the dignity, integrity and stability of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
We cannot continue to watch the Boko Haram terrorists besiege and occupy villages and towns in the north east of Nigeria, attacking and killing thousands of people while the Commander-in-Chief continues to live in denial of the tragedies; with more than 12, 000 innocent Nigerians murdered by the Boko Haram marauders and over 1.5 million people displaced and fleeing Nigeria to become refugees in neighboring countries of Chad, Cameroon and Niger and as IDPs in different locations in the country.
This is our worst humanitarian emergency since the Nigerian civil war.
The Commander-in-Chief has abandoned the search and rescue of the missing Chibok school girls and as we speak cannot even tell us their whereabouts and you wonder what has happened to military intelligence with the SSS chasing after the opposition party instead of monitoring and reporting signals from the movements of the Boko Haram.
We see the terrorists invading towns for hours with several Toyota Hilux SUVs and captured armored vehicles without any strike from the Nigerian Air Force to exterminate them and the Commander-in-Chief is busy hosting Nollywood stars and other entertainers from Abuja to Lagos instead of focusing on the national security of Nigeria.
The depletion of Nigeria's foreign reserves and excess crude revenue is the most glaring indication of the mismanagement of our resources by an incompetent government.
The critical analysis of the corruption and maladministration of President Goodluck Jonathan by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has confirmed our worst fears and the only solution is to change the corrupt and incompetent administration without apologies or regrets no matter the childish and foolish threats of the avaricious political contractors and their notorious gangsters in the Niger Detla and Abuja who have turned the Nigerian government into the grand casino of their political mafia controlling the oil cartel of the oligarchy.
President Goodluck Jonathan has failed to protect and secure the citizenry and sovereignty of Nigeria and should leave now before it is too late, and give the opposition the chance to save the country from total collapse.
Nigerians deserve a better and safer nation where every citizen will not live in fear of being attacked and killed tomorrow.
Nigerians deserve a new government that can secure their future.
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Paulina Vega Wins Miss Universe Beauty Pageant!
Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Universe 2014, Paulina Vega from Colombia. Paulina was crowned on January 25, 2015 in Doral-Miami at the FIU Arena. We can’t wait to spend the next year with you! http://www.missuniverse.com/news/index#.VMYI8yxyx1A
Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega Crowned Miss Universe 2014 During The 63rd Annual Miss Universe® Pageant
DORAL, Fla., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In front of a worldwide audience of approximately 1 billion viewers, Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega was crowned Miss Universe 2014 at the FIU Arena. Leading up to the pageant, the contestants were hosted in Doral, Florida. The 63rd Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant was broadcast on NBC with a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.
Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega is the 2nd young woman to take home the Miss Universe crown from Colombia. Born in the town of Barranquilla, located in northern Colombia, the 22 year-old is a student at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogota and is majoring in business administration. She graduated from a German school in Colombia, and speaks English and a bit of French. Paulina has been a model since she was 8 years old and belongs to a big family with four sisters and three brothers.
Natalie Morales and Thomas Roberts joined forces to host this year's show for the first time as co-hosts. Morales is the news anchor of NBC's "TODAY" show, and co-anchor of the show's third hour and Roberts hosts MSNBC's "Way Too Early" and is a contributor to "Morning Joe." Veteran MISS UNIVERSE commentator, Jeannie Mai, took viewers behind-the-scenes to engage with contestants, talent and fans throughout the telecast.
The evening's musical performers included: multi-talented, platinum-selling solo artist, Nick Jonas who sang a three-song medley during the evening gown competition from his self-titled album that includes the first smash single and radio hit, "Jealous," in addition to "Chains" and "Teacher;" American musician singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw performed his hit songs "Fire" and "Finest Hour" from his new album "Best of Gavin DeGraw," during the pageant's Final Look; and during the Swimsuit Competition, twenty-time Latin Billboard Award winner, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Prince Royce performed his new English-language single entitled "Stuck on a Feeling" as well as Spanish-language hit song "Darte un Beso."
The judges who sealed the fate of this year's winner included: Kristin Cavallari, TV host and shoe designer for Kristin Cavallari by Chinese Laundry; Rob Dyrdek, Dynamic serial entrepreneur and star of MTV's Ridiculousness and Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory; Emilio Estefan, 19-time Grammy Award winning musician and producer; Nina Garcia, Creative Director of Marie Claire Magazine, Lifetime's hit show "Project Runway" judge, and fashion industry expert; DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins wide receiver and return specialist; three-time Pro Bowler; William Levy, TV and film actor who was previously named People En Espanol's Sexiest Man Alive; Manny Pacquiao, Fighter of the Decade, eight-division world champion and Filipino Congressman; Louise Roe, Fashion journalist, author, host of "Plain Jane" on MTV International and the upcoming TLC fashion series, "Style By Jury;" Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins celebrated right fielder, two-time major league baseball All-star and recipient of the biggest contract in sports history; and Lisa Vanderpump, Star of hit show "Vanderpump Rules" and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Throughout the MISS UNIVERSE Competition, contestants representing 88 countries competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The telecast concluded with Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler from Venezuela crowning her successor.
Final Results:
First Runner-Up:
Miss USA, Nia Sanchez will assume the duties of Miss Universe 2014 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.
Second Runner-Up:
Miss Universe Ukraine, Diana Harkusha
Top Five:
Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega; Miss Universe Jamaica, Kaci Fennell; Miss Universe Netherlands, Yasmin Verheijen; Miss Universe Ukraine, Diana Harkusha; and Miss USA, Nia Sanchez.
Top Ten:
Miss Universe Argentina, Valentina Ferrer; Miss Universe Australia, Tegan Martin; Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega; Miss Universe Jamaica, Kaci Fennell; Miss Universe Netherlands, Yasmin Verheijen; Miss Universe Philippines, Mary Jean Lastimosa; Miss Universe Spain, Desire Cordero Ferrer; Miss Universe Ukraine, Diana Harkusha; Miss USA, Nia Sanchez; and Miss Universe Venezuela, Migbelis Castellanos
Top Fifteen:
Miss Universe Argentina, Valentina Ferrer; Miss Universe Australia, Tegan Martin; Miss Universe Brazil, Melissa Gurgel; Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega; Miss Universe France, Camille Cerf; Miss Universe India, Noyonita Lodh; Miss Universe Indonesia, Elvira Devinamira; Miss Universe Italy, Valentina Bonariva; Miss Universe Jamaica, Kaci Fennell; Miss Universe Netherlands, Yasmin Verheijen; Miss Universe Philippines, Mary Jean Lastimosa; Miss Universe Spain, Desire Cordero Ferrer; Miss Universe Ukraine, Diana Harkusha; Miss USA, Nia Sanchez; and Miss Universe Venezuela, Migbelis Castellano.
Miss Photogenic Universe™ Award: Miss Universe Puerto Rico, Gabriela Berrios. An expert panel chose the delegate they thought best exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize plus the opportunity for a year-long contract with Farouk Systems, the makers of CHI Haircare.
Miss Congeniality Universe™ Award: Miss Universe Nigeria, Queen Osme Celestine. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
The Miss Universe 2014 prize package includes: a year-long salary as Miss Universe; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy; a year's supply of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems, the makers of CHI Haircare; a new custom diamond tiara designed by DIC; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry Shoes; eveningwear by Sherri Hill; swimwear by Yamamay; denim by Carrera Jeans; skincare products from IMAGE Skincare; a year's worth of sunless tanning products and services from Bold Sunless Tanning; two Business Class Round-Trip tickets to travel from USA to Asia provided by Delta; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; representation by Rubenstein Public Relations; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; year-long consultation with a fashion stylist; and access to a personal appearance wardrobe.
ABOUT MISS UNIVERSE
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is a Donald J. Trump and NBCUniversal joint venture, which uses its global grassroots reach to empower women to be self-confident and strive to be their personal best. MUO believes that every woman should be "Confidently Beautiful." The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA®, and MISS TEEN USA® beauty pageants provide an international platform through dedicated partnerships with charities, sponsors, and brands around the world. During their reign, our winners are given the tools to personally and professionally enrich others by providing humanitarian efforts to affect positive change, all while developing their personal career goals. For more information, and to learn more about Miss Universe's official cause to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS education and prevention around the world, please visit: www.missuniverse.com.
For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/MissUniverse; Twitter and Instagram: @MissUniverse #MissUniverse; YouTube: www.youtube.com/missuniverse
SOURCE The Miss Universe Organization
CONTACT: For Press Inquiries: Jackie Shahinian, Miss Universe Organization, jackies@missuniverse.com, 212.373.4986, 941.713.6988, or Jodie Thomas, Rubenstein Public Relations, JThomas@Rubensteinpr.com, 212.843.9241, 646.266.1410
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Saturday, January 24, 2015
Video: Flavour, Uti Nwachukwu, Funke Akindele, Olamide, Mi, Banky W, Desmond Elliot and other Stars with Ambode
Famous Nigerian singers Flavour, Olamide, Mi, Banky W and Nollywood stars Funke Akindele with Uti Nwachukwu, Desmond Elliot and other stars in "I Believe" campaign video of Akinwunmi Ambode, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
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Friday, January 23, 2015
There Are More than 135, 000 Refugees Fleeing from Boko Haram - UN
NEW YORK, 20 January 2015 / PRN Africa / -- Women and children make up
the vast majority of the latest wave of refugees fleeing violence in
northern Nigeria, the United Nations Children's Fund warned today,
spotlighting its ongoing efforts to provide basic assistance, including
safe water, nutrition, health, education and protection services to
affected children in the region.
Nigerian refugees fleeing from Boko Haram insurgents.
“Children are suffering the dire consequences of the conflict in Nigeria, losing their homes, missing out on education and risking their lives,” UNICEF's Christophe Boulierac told reporters in Geneva.
About 9,000 people crossed into Chad this month, a mixture of Nigerian refugees and Chadian returnees, bringing the total number of Nigerian refugees there to over 10,000. More than 100 children arrived without a parent or a caretaker, and Mr. Boulierac said UNICEF would scale-up its presence around Lake Chad, using its office in Mao to distribute lifesaving supplies, like hygiene kits and therapeutic food as well as blankets, clothing, tents and water supply.
In Cameroon, children represent 60 per cent of the 25,000 Nigerian refugees living in Minawao camp, and in Niger, women and children make up 70 per cent of the 100,000 Nigerian refugees and returnees.
Mr. Boulierac said a recent assessment of children in the Minawao camp revealed an alarming rate of malnutrition, noting that the UNICEF is working with the Red Cross to provide nutritional screening and treatment and to create child-friendly spaces where children could receive psycho-social support. In addition, the agency built 10 clean water facilities and 160 latrines, and distributed 1,300 hygiene kits.
Vaccination efforts in Niger saw over 96,000 children protected against measles between 28 December and 3 January, while school capacities are being reinforced so refugee children could study alongside locals.
UNICEF is working also with displaced children in Nigeria, where more than 65,000 children were being treated for severe acute malnutrition. Trained community volunteers have reached over 13,000 children with psychosocial support, and more than three million children have received vitamin A supplements.
Mr. Boulierac's briefing comes the day after Security Council Members condemned in the ‘strongest terms' the recent escalation in attacks conducted by Boko Haram, and expressed deep concern that the activities of the Islamist extremist group, including a spate of shocking suicide bombings across northern Nigeria, are undermining peace and stability in the West and Central African region and some ‘may amount to crimes against humanity.'
Overall, Boko Haram violence in Nigeria may have forced at least one million people to flee their homes, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said today, citing a combination of IOM and Nigerian government data on people displaced from 10 states including Borno, the heart of Boko Haram activity.
SOURCE UN News Centre
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“Children are suffering the dire consequences of the conflict in Nigeria, losing their homes, missing out on education and risking their lives,” UNICEF's Christophe Boulierac told reporters in Geneva.
Boko Haram's recent attacks on Baga drove a fresh wave of refugees into neighbouring countries, worsening a humanitarian crisis in the region that has already seen 1 million people displaced from their homes and more than 135,000 seeking refuge in Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
About 9,000 people crossed into Chad this month, a mixture of Nigerian refugees and Chadian returnees, bringing the total number of Nigerian refugees there to over 10,000. More than 100 children arrived without a parent or a caretaker, and Mr. Boulierac said UNICEF would scale-up its presence around Lake Chad, using its office in Mao to distribute lifesaving supplies, like hygiene kits and therapeutic food as well as blankets, clothing, tents and water supply.
In Cameroon, children represent 60 per cent of the 25,000 Nigerian refugees living in Minawao camp, and in Niger, women and children make up 70 per cent of the 100,000 Nigerian refugees and returnees.
Mr. Boulierac said a recent assessment of children in the Minawao camp revealed an alarming rate of malnutrition, noting that the UNICEF is working with the Red Cross to provide nutritional screening and treatment and to create child-friendly spaces where children could receive psycho-social support. In addition, the agency built 10 clean water facilities and 160 latrines, and distributed 1,300 hygiene kits.
Vaccination efforts in Niger saw over 96,000 children protected against measles between 28 December and 3 January, while school capacities are being reinforced so refugee children could study alongside locals.
UNICEF is working also with displaced children in Nigeria, where more than 65,000 children were being treated for severe acute malnutrition. Trained community volunteers have reached over 13,000 children with psychosocial support, and more than three million children have received vitamin A supplements.
Mr. Boulierac's briefing comes the day after Security Council Members condemned in the ‘strongest terms' the recent escalation in attacks conducted by Boko Haram, and expressed deep concern that the activities of the Islamist extremist group, including a spate of shocking suicide bombings across northern Nigeria, are undermining peace and stability in the West and Central African region and some ‘may amount to crimes against humanity.'
Overall, Boko Haram violence in Nigeria may have forced at least one million people to flee their homes, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said today, citing a combination of IOM and Nigerian government data on people displaced from 10 states including Borno, the heart of Boko Haram activity.
SOURCE UN News Centre
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Thursday, January 22, 2015
Only Muhammad Buhari Has the Experience To Guaranty the National Security of Nigeria
For the 2015 Presidential Election in Nigeria, there is only one presidential candidate with the executive experience to guarantee the national security of Africa's most populous country with increasing challenges of local and global threats of terrorism. And that presidential candidate is Gen.Muhammad Buhari (retd), of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is the only presidential candidate who has the proven experience and expertise of dealing with Islamic terrorism in Nigeria when as the 7th Head of State of Nigeria from December 31, 1983 – August 27, 1985, he successfully crushed the Maitatsine Sect terrorists led by Musa Makaniki between February 27 and March 5, 1984 in Yola and he finally put an end to the Maitatsine Sect terrorists after their April 26-28, 1985 attacks in Gombe (Bauchi State). And Musa Makaniki fled to Cameroon.
President Barack Obama of the United States of America in his 2015 State of the Union address to Congress on January 20, said: "Hire a veteran if they want to get the job done".
.And General Muhammad Buhari is the only veteran who has the guts of a brave, competent and efficient Commander-in-Chief and has zero-tolerance for corruption.
Since, the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan has failed to do the job, Nigerians must elect Muhammad Buhari to get the job done!
Between 1980, and 2009 more than 50 religious crises occurred in Nigeria with the consequent economic, political and social implications. See table I below for details. http://www.academicexcellencesociety.com/inter_religious_conflicts.html
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a social-democratic political party in Nigeria, formed on February 6, 2013, in an alliance by Nigeria's three biggest opposition parties; the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)and currently APC is the biggest and largest party in Nigeria and Africa by the populations of the APC states, including Lagos and Kano. And APC has 171 members in the House of Representatives while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has 167 members. APC was admitted as a consultative member into the Socialist International on December 12, 2014.
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