African Development Bank Strongly Supports Nigerian Government’s Economic Recovery Efforts
The African Development Bank is in consultations with the Government on how best to continue its support for its laudable Economic and Growth Recovery Plan through investment projects
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 31, 2017/ -- The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) wishes to categorically refute the statement that it has “called off loans to Nigeria”, as reported in Reuters and credited to AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Amadou Hott.
WASHINGTON, 30 October 2017 / PRN Africa / -- A recovery in oil production and a good harvest in Nigeria, as well as the easing of tensions in the Niger Delta accounts for more than half of the additional growth.
The policy environment has started to improve. Fiscal deficits are stabilizing and current account deficits are narrowing, partly reflecting a slight rebound in commodity prices. The global environment has also been supportive, with strengthening growth momentum in the largest economies, commodity prices off their troughs, and improved access for sub-Saharan African economies to international capital markets.
Heineken® Unveils its First Africa Inspired Fashion Collection Co-created with Talented African Designers at Lagos Fashion and Design Week
The initiative is the next chapter in Heineken’s ‘Open Design Explorations’, a global co- creation programme that connects emerging creatives and gives them a platform to showcase their talent
LAGOS, Nigeria, October 30, 2017/ -- In collaboration with Africa’s hottest emerging design talent, Lulu Mutuli and Azra Walji, global beer brand, Heineken® (www.TheHeinekenCompany.com) has launched its first-ever African fashion collection, unveiled on the catwalk of the closing show at Lagos Fashion and Design Week on Saturday 28 October 2017.
The initiative is the next chapter in Heineken’s ‘Open Design Explorations’, a global co- creation programme that connects emerging creatives and gives them a platform to showcase their talent. The Heineken® Africa Inspired Collection is a fusion of the two designers’ concepts and is the first of many design apprenticeships that the brand will roll out across the world, going next to Asia.
Priti Patel at the opening of the London Stock Exchange.
International Development Secretary celebrates growing relationship between financial hubs of London and Lagos
From:
Department for International Development and The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP
Part of:
Overseas aid effectiveness
Published:
The International Development Secretary addressed leading Nigerian investors as she opened the London Stock Exchange.
PRESS RELEASE
Benedict Peters, Aiteo Executive Vice Chairman, Assembles Legal Team to Address Unfounded Allegations
UK-based Mishcon de Reya is one of the world’s leading legal practices with a particular proficiency in handling contentious international disputes
LONDON, United Kingdom, October 27, 2017/ -- Benedict Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of Aiteo Group (www.AiteoGroup.com), has instructed London law firm Mishcon de Reya and Washington’s Covington & Burling to lead ongoing efforts to address politically-motivated issues.
Messages for U.S. Citizens From U.S. Mission South Africa U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local media prior to travel, avoid any reported conflict areas, and allow extra time to reach your destination
MASERU, Lesotho, October 27, 2017/APO Group/ -- The U.S. Mission informs U.S. citizens in South Africa that the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) announced plans to embark upon a national strike today over State Capture and corruption. Planned deployments are outlined here (APO.af/rG5oqu).
U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local media prior to travel, avoid any reported conflict areas, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Remember that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Always avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Lesotho.
2019 Diversity Visa Lottery Information DV-2019 is open for electronic entries from 4PM, Liberia Time, Wednesday, October 18, 2017, and will close at 4PM, Liberia Time, Wednesday, November 22, 2017
MONROVIA, Liberia, October 27, 2017/APO Group/ -- The Department of State administers the Congressionally-mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program annually. Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides for a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants” from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. For Fiscal Year 2019, 50,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) will be available.
Applicants who are selected in the program must meet simple but strict eligibility requirements to qualify for a diversity visa. The Department of State determines selectees through a randomized computer drawing. The Department of State distributes diversity visas among six geographic regions, and no single country may receive more than seven percent of the available DVs in any one year.
A Hungarian Ciitizen Has Been Kidnapped in Nigeria
There is no contact with the kidnappers as yet. The ship and its remaining 12 crewmembers have since left the vicinity of Nigeria, the spokesperson said
BUDAPEST, Hungary, October 26, 2017/APO Group/ -- “The local and German authorities have confirmed that a Hungarian citizen was among the six crew members kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Nigeria on Saturday”, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in a statement on Wednesday in Budapest.
During a press conference held on another topic, the Minister said there is no information as yet with relation to the fact that the kidnappers have issued any demands, and that for this reason he does not wish to comment on whether the Hungarian Government would be willing to pay a ransom.
BBM Messenger Digital and Mobile Innovation Event - Gain insight into innovation in Nigeria, the trends and flow of technology in the market
Interviews with Adam Pattison, BBM Messenger, VP Americas and EMEA, to discuss the exciting future plans of the messaging platform available on request
LAGOS, Nigeria, October 25, 2017/APO Group/ -- Creative Media Works (CreativeMediaWorks.com), operating as BBM Messenger (BBM.com), invites you to the first of its Innovation Information sessions. Highlighting a focus on fintech, this powerful afternoon is packed with innovation-rich content, sharing and networking, aimed to help participants innovate and extend their mobile business platform.
Famine in Somalia. Photo Credit: About Islam. Famine Can Be a War Crime and Should be Prosecuted, Says Independent UN Rights Expert
NEW YORK, 23 October 2017 / PRN Africa / -- Famine can constitute a war crime or crime against humanity, an independent United Nations human rights expert today said, noting that more civilians die from hunger and disease related to conflicts than in direct combat.
Vienna Migration Conference with "Migration Ministers" From Afghanistan, Bulgaria and Nigeria
ICMPD presents five Migration Partnership Priorities
VIENNA, October 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
"A platform bringing together decision makers and experts" - this is how the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) Director General Michael Spindelegger described the Vienna Migration Conference, which will take place at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna on 23-24 October.
First held in 2016, the conference is ICMPD's flagship event promoting collaboration on critical issues in the field of migration. ICMPD will host ministers, state and deputy state secretaries, as well as high-level representatives from Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Norway, the EU Commission, European External Action Service and the European Investment Bank. Together with more than 300 participants including political decision makers, government experts, academia, media and civil society they will explore a key question that should enable safe and orderly migration: How should partnerships on migration work in the future?
Adesina to set up fund for young farmers, agripreneurs with US $250,000 World Food Prize money
ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, 20 October 2017 / PRN Africa / -- “I am proud as the Governor of Iowa State to proclaim Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.”
With these words, the Governor of the State of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, officially named President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, on behalf of the World Food Prize Foundation, setting off an atmosphere of festive celebration at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines.
The 14th Abuja International Film Festival with the theme Film as a tool for national security and patriotism was recently concluded in the federal capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja. The event featured screening of movies, awards, exhibitions, talent campus, seminars and workshops.
Movies were nominated into different categories and winners by experts by a panel of experts.
The opening night film was from Nigerian Filmmaker Tunji Bamishigbin’s “The Verdict” at the silverbird cinemas Abuja. It also showcased a fashion runway with 5 fashion houses showcasing the best of Nigerian contemporary designs.
PRESS RELEASE Kicking off Africa Week - Guterres Says Women and Youth Can Unleash Continent’s Potential
The Secretary-General said the international community must change the way it looks at the African continent.
Kicking off ‘Africa Week’ at UN, Guterres says women and youths can unleash continent’s potential.
Africa must focus on young people, empower women and girls, and be innovative in leveraging resources and financing for development, Secretary-General António Guterres said Monday as the United Nations kicked off Africa Week. “Africa Week is to raise awareness and mobilize support. I am convinced that, together, we can meet the challenges,” Mr. Guterres said in his remarks to the high-level inaugural event at UN Headquarters in New York.
The Secretary-General said the international community must change the way it looks at the African continent. Click here to read more.
SOURCE
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Transcript of the Press Conference on the Release of the October 2017 World Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, 11 October 2017 / PRN Africa / -- Participants:
Maurice Obstfeld, Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department
Gian Maria Milesi-Ferretti, Deputy Director, Research Department
Oya Celasun, Chief of the World Economic Studies Division, Research department
Olga Stankova, Special Assistant to the Director, Communications Department
Ms. Stankova - Good morning, everybody, and good afternoon to those who are joining us from other parts of the world. Welcome to the press conference on the release of the World Economic Outlook entitled “Seeking Sustainable Growth: Short-Term Recovery, Long-Term Challenges.'
At the press conference with us is Maurice Obstfeld, IMF Economic Counsellor and Director of Research. To the far right of the table is Gian Maria Milesi-Ferretti, Deputy Director in the Research Department. And between Gian Maria and Maury is Oya Celasun; she is Chief of the Global Economic Studies Division in the Research Department.
With this I will pass the microphone to Maurice Obstfeld for his opening remarks, and then we will take your questions.
DHL the Only Company To Be Named Top Employer in 18 African Countries
Only organizations that qualify from the selection process receive the Top Employers title and certification seal
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 13, 2017/APO/ -- DHL Express (www.dpDHL.com) has been certified as a Top Employer in Africa for the fourth executive year, at the prestigious Top Employer Africa 2018 certification ceremony, held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, 12 October 2017.
Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, explains that this is the fourth consecutive year that DHL has been awarded this honour by the Top Employers Institute. “DHL Express values its employees and strives to make the company a rewarding place to work at. We are proud to have that fact affirmed by Top Employers Institute.”
UNODC Congratulates Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari On His Anti-Corruption Efforts
This appointment is a welcome recognition of President Buhari’s own efforts against corruption in Nigeria
VIENNA, Austria, October 13, 2017/APO/ -- The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) greatly appreciates the solid commitment shown by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in confronting corruption in his own country and across the African Union.
In a July decision, the African Union unanimously endorsed the appointment of President Buhari as its anti-corruption champion. The Nigerian President, who has introduced a zero tolerance policy on corruption in his own administration, is expected to lead an African Union summit on anti-corruption next year.
Fatima Sullivan, Vice President of Customer Service for DHL Express, Sub Saharan Africa
DHL Express highlights importance of managing customer experiences to stay ahead of competition
DHL Express has won over 27 external awards for customer service in Sub-Saharan Africa so far this year
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 11, 2017/APO/ -- According to the latest report (http://apo.af/6MJ2vy) by McKinsey & Company on customer experience, “Superior customer experience is increasingly being recognized as a competitive advantage for businesses, and it is becoming ever more important that a company differentiate itself by providing seamless customer experiences.”
Fatima Sullivan, Vice President of Customer Service for DHL (www.dpDHL.com) Express, Sub Saharan Africa firmly supports this notion, adding, “With a multitude of options now available to consumers when it comes to products and services in every sector, businesses must realize that customer service is the most important touch point between companies and customers”.
Dangote Says “Sometimes It is Just a Matter of Communication”
Financial Times editor Lionel Barber asked Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote in a live interview at the FT Africa Summit on Monday about his relationship with Tanzanian President John Magufuli
LONDON, United Kingdom, October 10, 2017/APO/ -- Financial Times correspondent John Aglionby's reporting in the fast FT online column that Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote “accuses ‘Bulldozer’ Tanzanian President of scaring away investors” appears to have caused an overblown row.
There was nothing at all in Mr. Dangote’s comments directed to President Magufuli.
When Financial Times editor Lionel Barber asked Nigerian business leader Aliko Dangote in a live interview at the FT Africa Summit (APO.af/qv2dZF) on Monday about his relationship with Tanzanian President John Magufuli, Dangote smiled and replied positively, “It's okay. I can always call him; I have his mobile number, and he listens to me.”
Asked to comment on investment policies across Africa, Dangote, whose $620M US investment in a cement factory in Mtwara is among the largest in that country, went on to say that Tanzania's general policies “need to be looked at”. Sharing his experience as one of Africa's most prominent investors with operations in 17 countries Dangote explained that policies scare away investors and that once an investor has left “it is very difficult to bring that investor back.”
International Day of the Girl Child, Wednesday October 11, 2017: EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises
Photo: UN Women/Gustavo Stephan
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
The world’s 1.1 billion girls are a source of power, energy, and creativity – and the millions of girls in emergencies are no exception. This year’s International Day of the Girl (IDG) on October 11 marks the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.
UN Announces Worldwide Search for Exceptional Young Leaders To Drive Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals The Young Leaders programme places a spotlight on young people between the ages of 18-30 from around the world, and across many different issues, who are leading positive change towards a sustainable future
PRETORIA, South Africa, October 10, 2017/APO/ -- The United Nations announced on Saturday that it was seeking applications for its second class of Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals--exceptional young people who are leaders in the effort to end poverty, combat climate change and reduce inequalities.
Young people today are not the leaders of tomorrow - we are the leaders of today.
Nigerian Religious Leaders Attend the Inauguration of Dr. Margee Ensign in America
On Oct. 7, Bishop Stephen Mamza, Yola Diocese, and Hajjia Turai A.A. Kadir, community projects organizer, American University Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, presented a Prayer for Peace at the inauguration of Dr. Margee Ensign as President of Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Ensign previously served as President of AUN, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Dickinsonians, local community members and delegates from more than 60 colleges and universities celebrated the inauguration of Margee Ensign as the 29th president of Dickinson College. Throughout the ceremony, Ensign and other speakers highlighted Dickinson's commitment to a useful education for the common good.
“Dickinson has never been an ivory tower,” said Ensign. “Dickinson is a place where students and faculty go out into our local neighborhood, out to the far reaches of the globe, to learn firsthand about problems … and to work for the common good.” Click here to read more.
The Next Global Search Begins: THE ONE International Humanitarian Award 2018
(HONG KONG October 9, 2017) Nominations for the 7th edition of THE ONE International Humanitarian Award calls upon you to help discover the Mother Teresa of tomorrow.
Do you know a noble humanitarian who exemplifies “Service Above Self”, someone who works tirelessly to alleviate poverty and suffering in their community and needs funding to support and amplify their life-changing work? Nominate them - they could be THE ONE.
FOCUS On Nollywood, the Biggest Showcase for Nigerian Movies in the UK
The first annual Focus On Nollywood (FON) coming up at the FOCUS 2017, from December 5-6, in London, will be the first biggest showcase of Nigerian movies in Europe.
The event will highlight the best Nigerian directors, producers and actors and celebrate the first Nigerian Hollywood star, Orlando Martins and others who are the founding fathers of the Nigerian film industry.
This is the first time that Nigeria is taking part in the annual FOCUS for International Production in the UK.
FOCUS On Nollywood will advertise and market Nigerian TV/Film productions, launch the first Nigerian movie merchandise into the global movie merchandising industry that made more than US$251.7 billion in 2015.
The Transformers franchise made US$2.6 billion from the box office and made an astonishing US$7 billion from merchandising sales! That is why the Chinese Film Industry is now targeting merchandising as a new revenue stream to maximize the explosive growth of China's box office, currently the envy of the global film industry.
Nollywood merchandising sales will be worth more than US$1 billion from the souvenirs, film tourism promos of the tourist attractions of film locations in Nollywood like Tunde Kelani's ARUGBA based on the annual Osun Osogbo festival on the location of the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About FOCUS 2017
FOCUS is the only European audiovisual event to offer content aimed at all the creative screen industries and it is the only UK event to bring in film commissions, locations providers and production service companies from over 50 countries. http://www.tlgfocus.com/programme/
UK Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster with Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and Brigadier-General Ibrahim Attahiru.
UK Reiterates Support To the Fight Against Boko Haram
LONDON, 06 October 2017 / PRN Africa / --
UK Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster visited Nigeria this week, marking the strong Defence relationship between the two nations.
During the visit, Minister for the Armed Forces saw first-hand the support the UK is providing to the Nigerian Armed Forces leading the fight against Boko Haram in North East Nigeria.
As well as meeting those delivering expert training to the Nigerian Armed Forces through the resident British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT), the Minister met with UK personnel in the Liaison and Support Team (LST) based in the North East of the country. The LST provides non-lethal operational advice and guidance to the Nigerian Armed Forces as they tackle the terror threat of Boko Haram.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, said:
"The UK stands united with Nigeria in the international fight against terror. With our world class military expertise, we are helping the Nigerian military develop the skills necessary to tackle the threat of Boko Haram.
"From expert operational guidance and medical mentoring in the North East, to counter explosive device training across the country, the UK is leading the way in its commitment to supporting a safe and stable Nigeria."
Majority of the millions of underprivileged girls out of school in Nigeria are Muslims in the northern states.
Majority of the Nigerian girls in school are Christians in the southern states.
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai speaks with Nigeria's acting president Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja during her visit to the country in July 2017. Photo: AFP/SUNDAY AGHAEZE.
Since 2012, 11 October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl. The day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises
The world’s 1.1 billion girls are a source of power, energy, and creativity – and the millions of girls in emergencies are no exception. This year’s International Day of the Girl (IDG) on October 11 marks the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.
