Friday, December 28, 2018

Broctagon Fintech Group: Heightening Crypto Exposure Collaboratively with NEXUS and Bitkub in Thailand



Heightening Crypto Exposure Collaboratively with NEXUS and Bitkub in Thailand

Broctagon NEXUS
Dec 20

In a joint effort to increase crypto exposure and accessibility for traders in the Thailand, Broctagon NEXUS, a global crypto liquidity aggregator and Bitkub, a leading Thailand-based cryptocurrency exchange, have partnered to introduce deeper liquidity and innovative trading instruments.

Monday, December 24, 2018

Crime and Drugs in West and Central Africa: Security Council Highlights 'New Alarming Trends'


UNMIL Photo/Christopher Herwig Abandoned buildings at the Barclay training center in downtown Monrovia, a notorious meeting point for drug dealers and users. Here, a suspect is identified and searched for drugs and weapons. (2008)
Crime and Drugs in West and Central Africa: Security Council Highlights 'New Alarming Trends'

NEW YORK, 19 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- “UNODC is registering new alarming trends on drug trafficking in West and Central Africa with disruptive and destabilizing effects on governance, security, economic growth, and public health,” said Mr. Fedotov, who briefed via VTC.

Fintech Provider Clickatell Scoops Up Awards With its Chat Banking on WhatsApp Offering



Fintech Provider Clickatell Scoops Up Awards With its Chat Banking on WhatsApp Offering 

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 20, 2018/PRNewswire/ --

Clickatell has unlocked possibilities for several large banks across Africa, driving Financial Inclusion and earning recognition from prestigious industry organizations.

UN Report Sheds Light On ‘Unimaginable Horrors' Faced by Migrants and Refugees in Libya, and Beyond



UNICEF/UN052822/Romenzi A migrant sits in a patch of light entering through one of only two windows as he tries to warm himself up at a detention centre, located in Libya, 1 February 2017. At the time of UNICEF’s visit, 160 men were being detained there.

UN Report Sheds Light On ‘Unimaginable Horrors' Faced by Migrants and Refugees in Libya, and Beyond

NEW YORK, 20 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- "There is a local and international failure to handle this hidden human calamity that continues to take place in Libya," said Ghassan Salamé, who heads UNSMIL.

From unlawful killings, arbitrary detention and torture, to gang rape, slavery, and human trafficking, the report covers a 20-month period up to August 2018, and details a terrible litany of violations and abuses committed by a range of State officials, armed groups, smugglers and traffickers against migrants and refugees.

Opening Speech at the High-Level Forum Africa-Europe ‘Cooperation in the Digital Age'



Opening Speech at the High-Level Forum Africa-Europe ‘Cooperation in the Digital Age' 


BRUSSELS, 18 December 2018 / PRN Africa / --

Ladies and gentlemen,

Last year, at the Abidjan Summit, I said that our relations were too important for us to meet only once every three years.

I should therefore like to thank Chancellor Kurz and President Kagame for organising today's event.

Follow-up meetings such as this are necessary, even essential I would say.

I very much hope that they will continue, therefore.

As Moussa Faki often says, we Europeans and Africans have a comparative advantage.

But if we fail to nurture that advantage, we will forfeit it to others.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Why We Must Advocate and Support the Compulsory Education of Every Girl Child in Nigeria and the Rest of Africa




Why We Must Advocate and Support the Compulsory Education of Every Girl Child in Nigeria and the Rest of Africa

See the Big Picture:  
  • Do you know that over 90% of the sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical crises in Nigeria and the rest of Africa have been caused by the neglect of the education of underprivileged girls? 
  • Do you know that if Nigeria had not neglected the education of underprivileged girls there would not be the insurgency of Boko Haram. 
  • There would not be the humanitarian emergencies of millions of illegal abortions from unwanted teenage pregnancies. 
  • There would not be high maternal mortality rates. 

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Silicon Valley Chief Of Protocol At The United Nations To Support The International Day Of Education



Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deanna Tryon speaking at United Nations Headquarters prior to the passage of the Resolution declaring January 24th the International Day of Education.

 Silicon Valley Chief Of Protocol Represents Region In Remarks Before United Nations To Support The International Day Of Education

LOS ALTOS, Calif., Dec. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deanna Tryon traveled to United Nations Headquarters in New York last week to speak on behalf of a resolution proclaiming January 24th as "International Day of Education".  All 193 member nations later voted unanimously to support the resolution, which was introduced by Nigeria, and co-sponsored by Ireland, Qatar, and Singapore.  Other sponsors included the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Children's Fund, UN Women, the Collegiate Congress, and others.

Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Elections - US



Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Elections

Testimony
Tibor P. Nagy, Jr. 
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
U.S. House of Representatives, Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations
Washington, DC

December 13, 2018

WASHINGTON, 14 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- Introduction

Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Bass, and distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today regarding the upcoming elections in Nigeria. I am also pleased to be joined by my USAID colleague, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator Ramsey Day.

The title of this hearing is “Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Elections.”

Preventing Further Conflict in Cameroon and the Lake Chad Basin



Preventing Further Conflict in Cameroon and the Lake Chad Basin

LONDON, 13 December 2018 / PRN Africa / --

Statement by Ambassador Jonathan Allen, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on UNOCA

Thank you Mr President. I may I also thank Special Representative Fall and Ms Ghelani of OCHA for briefing the Council today and for all that your respective teams are doing in what is a complicated and difficult region as you've both set out.

Howard University Awarded Fulbright-Hays Grant to Fund Study Abroad Opportunities in Nigeria




Howard University Awarded Fulbright-Hays Grant to Fund Study Abroad Opportunities in Nigeria

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has awarded the Howard University Center for African Studies $159,888 to fund two consecutive summers of the Yoruba Group Project, which helps students to study at the University of Ibadan's Yoruba Language Center in Nigeria. Titled the Yoruba Group Project Abroad, this is the second cycle of funding for the rare, study abroad learning opportunity made possible through the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program. Howard University is the only institution of higher learning in the United States to manage the project for the next two summers.

“I Believe the Future of Africa is Female” - Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee




“I Believe the Future of Africa is Female” - Nobel Peace Prize Co-Laureate Leymah Gbowee Tells Conference

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, 11 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- “Don't buy into the myth that African women are weak. If you sit and engage them and let them be part of the process, we will have sustainable peace,” 2011 Nobel Peace Prize co-laureate, Leymah Gbowee told attendees at the Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers' Lecture on Tuesday, convened by the African Development Institute in Abidjan.

Speaking at the African Development Bank Group headquarters, on the theme “Grassroots Women Activists: The Underrated Power,” Gbowee made a strong and passionate speech urging women and young girls not to “undervalue themselves.”

The World's First Deal to Reform Traditional Lottery



The World's First Deal to Reform Traditional Lottery

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, Dec. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Quanta, has signed contracts to acquire a stake in International Lottery and Gaming Limited (ILGL), and concluded the world's first deal to see a blockchain company acquire a traditional lottery company.

"This acquisition will usher in an era when innovation compliments tradition, injecting the power of blockchain technology into the lottery business. We are confident that we can make blockchain popular and this acquisition represents a significant base for Quanta to target other emerging markets in Africa and other Continents," said Kostas Farris, Group CTO of Quanta.

All is Set for Reunion and Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Earnest Gems, Grammar School



All is Set for Reunion and Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Earnest Gems, Grammar School
Memories as Earnest Gems Clocks 60

- By Ingram Osigwe

All is set for Reunion and Diamond Jubilee celebration of Earnest Gems, Grammar School, (EGGS) ( now renamed Akokwa High School). The school, one of the pioneer post primary schools in the defunct Eastern Region was founded in 1958 by the late Professor Elechukwu Nnadibugha Njaka.

The Diamond Jubilee which is being put together by the EGGS Alumni association will hold on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the school’s premises, Akokwa in Ideato local government area of Imo state. The event will feature lectures, cultural dances, motions and resolutions, live bands among others. The organisers are optimistic that the reunion will afford EGGS’s old boys and girls the opportunity to reconnect and network. The event is open to all alumni members across class sets.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari: The Most Incorruptible Nigerian Head of State Since Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa




This special profile feature on His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; is for the celebration of his 76th birthday on December 17, 2018.

President Muhammadu Buhari: The Most Incorruptible Nigerian Head of State Since  Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE  (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) the first and only Prime Minister of independent Nigeria.


About Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa:


Sir Abubakar  Tafawa Balewa was a highly regarded statesman and eloquent nationalist who championed the political independence of Nigeria before he became the Prime Minister. But unfortunately he was overthrown and murdered in the first Nigerian military coup on January 15, 1966 led by mostly southern Nigerian Igbo military officers who also killed many other political leaders, including his old companion Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello KBE (June 12, 1910 – January 15, 1966), the first and only Premier of the Northern Nigeria region and the Sardauna of Sokoto.
The circumstances of his death still remain unresolved. His body was discovered at a roadside near Lagos six days after he was ousted from office. Balewa was buried in Bauchi. News of his assassination spurred violent riots throughout Northern Nigeria and ultimately led to the bloody counter-coup of July 28-29, 1966.

Tafawa Balewa with President John F. Kennedy (JFK) at a luncheon in his honour on July 25, 1961 at the White House. JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963 before the assassination of Tafawa Balewa on January 15, 1966.

Today, his portrait adorns the 5 Naira Note. The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi is named in his honour.
The Right Honourable Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; P.C. was on the cover of the TIME magazine edition of December 1960. His book, Shaihu Umar (Topics in World History) was adapted for a film by Adamu Halilu, the pioneer MD of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in 1976.



President Buhari, like Sir Tafawa Balewa is from the ruling class of the predominantly Islamic northern Nigeria. He was among the northern military officers who revenged the assassination of the Prime Minister by staging their counter coup d'etat or so-called "July Rematch" masterminded by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed at midnight on July 28, 1966.

Like Tafawa Balewa, Buhari lives as a people friendly humble political leader without luxury in an ordinary house without any misappropriations or diversions of public funds. President Buhari has an aversion to corruption from his first administration as a military Head of State of Nigeria from
December 31, 1983 – August 27, 1985, when he launched the national "War Against Indiscipline" and Buhari mounted an offensive against entrenched interests. In 20 months as Head of State, about 500 politicians, officials and businessmen were jailed for corruption during his stewardship.Detainees were released after releasing sums to the government and agreeing to meet certain conditions.
Buhari's military administration enacted three decrees to investigate corruption and control foreign exchange. The Banking (Freezing of Accounts) Decree of 1984, allotted to the Federal Military Government the power to freeze bank accounts of persons suspected to have committed fraud. The Recovery of Public Property (Special Military Tribunals) Decree permitted the government to investigate the assets of public officials linked with corruption and constitute a military tribunal to try such persons. The Exchange Control (Anti-Sabotage) Decree stated penalties for violators of foreign exchange laws.

As a democratically elected President of Nigeria under the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), he has continued his war against corruption in all spheres of public services which has provoked the corrupt ruling elites of Nigeria in the public sector and private sector. He has not interfered with the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute public office holders indicted for corruption. And members of the APC have not been spared in President Buhari's anti corruption crusade.

~ EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor of 247 @247nigeria Twitter, author of The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Film: In the Name of Your Daughter



"In the Name of Your Daughter " is the winner of the Best Canadian Feature Documentary at NorthWestFest.and winner of the Award in Impact DOCS Awards .


“A Touching Masterpiece!”
The Tanzanian Citizen
“Heartbreaking and heartwarming”
CPH:DOX
“Amazing turnout! The best ever!”
Fabrizio Colombo, Festival Director, ZIFF.


"What I love about this documentary is that it puts the children first. The girls are at the centre of the film, not the parents, not the community. It’s about what the girls think, and that is the film’s power."
-HIBO WARDERE:
Human Rights Activist, Author, and FGM survivor.

Friday, December 14, 2018

How To Write A Business Plan: Free Download



Writing a business plan can seem like a big task, especially if you’re starting a business for the first time and don’t have a financial background. Even if you do have some experience, getting a refresher on what a modern business plan looks like is always a good idea.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

The AFRO: First Pan-African Cryptocurrency dedicated to Growth and Development in Africa


The AFRO: First Pan-African Cryptocurrency dedicated to Growth and Development in Africa

Against the backdrop of numerous national currencies affecting trade and growth on the continent, the AFRO provides a reliable, safe and secure solution suited to Africa’s development challenges

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 13, 2018/ -- FIRST 200,000 WALLETS TO RECEIVE 50 FREE AFROs

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

IFC $6 million Seed Investment in Kobo360 Aims to Transform Supply Chain for African Mass-Market Goods



IFC $6 million Seed Investment in Kobo360 Aims to Transform Supply Chain for African Mass-Market Goods

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, 07 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a $6 million equity investment in Kobo360 Inc, a tech-enabled e-logistics platform that connects the supply of trucks with the demand for transportation services by cargo owners in Nigeria. The investment was led by the IFC with participation from others including Silicon Valley investors WTI, YCombinator , and African institutional investors Cardinal Stone Partners, Chandaria Capital, and TLcom.

Reddington Hospital Unveils New Surgery and Critical Care Centre



Reddington Hospital Unveils New Surgery and Critical Care Centre

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island, Lagos has unveiled a new and upgraded surgery and critical care facility. The centre known as the Davidson Specialist Surgery and Critical Care Centre was formally opened by Ms. Laure Beaufils, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria in a ceremony on Thursday December 6, 2018. The Centre is named after Dr. Neil Davidson, an Oxford-trained consultant physician and the founding medical director of the Reddington Hospital.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Important Facts on the Biafran War


Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011),  was the Head of State of Biafra.

Important Facts on the #Biafran War

Only about 100,000 #Nigerian and #Biafran soldiers were killed during the uncivil war from 1967-1970 in Independent Nigeria.  And contrary to all the unverified reports, the Biafran children who died, including three of my mother's children were not up  to 800, 000.
It interesting to note that racist South Africa and Rhodesia supported Biafra against Nigeria.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Dangote Gets Top 5 Recognition in ‘Most Responsible Business In Africa’ Category



PRESS RELEASE

Corporate Social Responsibility: Dangote Gets Top 5 Recognition in ‘Most Responsible Business In Africa’ Category

Dangote Group was also named by SERAS one of the Top 5 "Most Responsible Business in Africa/Overall Winner"


L-R: General Manager/Head Sustainability, Dangote Cement Plc, Eunice Sampson; Group Chief Sustainability and Governance, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Ndidi Nnoli; Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, Musa Rabiu; and Senior Adviser, Stakeholder Relations, DIL, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, celebrating the 'Best in Supply Chain Management' award won by Dangote Cement at the 12th Edition of the Sustainability Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), which took place at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos recently.


LAGOS, Nigeria, December 7, 2018/ -- In recognition of its 2017 Sustainability Report and significant progress in Sustainability Best Practices and Reporting in 2018, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) (www.Dangote.com) received two awards at the 12th edition of the annual Sustainability Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAS), which took place in Lagos Nigeria.

IFC Identifies More Than 100 Start-Ups That Could Speed Up Innovation in Africa



IFC Identifies More Than 100 Start-Ups That Could Speed Up Innovation in Africa

CAIRO, 04 December 2018 / PRN Africa / -- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in cooperation with Egypt's  Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation (MIIC) have selected more than 100 high-potential start-ups to participate in a new initiative designed to spur innovation and job creation across the African continent.

GE Nigeria Launches e-Learning Portal at Lagos Garage Week 2018

PRESS RELEASE

GE Nigeria Launches e-Learning Portal at Lagos Garage Week 2018

The portal was launched during GE’s Lagos Garage Week 2018, a year-end series of events held annually at the Lagos Garage

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 7, 2018/ -- In line with its commitment to skills development and the empowerment of entrepreneurs in Nigeria, GE (www.GE.com) (NYSE: GE), the world’s premier digital industrial company, yesterday launched an e-learning portal for its Lagos Garage advanced manufacturing training program with the objective of extending the training program’s reach to thousands of Nigerians across the country.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

2018 Global Terrorism Index Shows That Nigeria is Winning the War on Boko Haram



2018 Global Terrorism Index Shows That Nigeria is Winning the War on Boko Haram
       
LONDON, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ -


  • Deaths from terrorism have decreased by 27 per cent in 2017 to 18,814 globally. This is the third consecutive year of improvement.
  • The fall in global terrorism is reflected in the index: 94 countries improved this year, with 46 deteriorating - the highest number of countries to improve year on year since 2004.
  • The global economic impact of terrorism was US$52 billion in 2017; a decrease of 42 per cent  from the previous year. 
  • Deaths in Europe fell by 75 per cent. France, Belgium and Germany had significant improvements. However, Spain deteriorated significantly.
  • Terrorism is still a global phenomenon with 67 countries recording at least one death in 2017.
  • There has been an increase in far-right terrorism in North America and Western Europe, which in 2017, accounted for 59 attacks and 17 deaths.
  • ISIL's decline contributed to a 56 per cent  reduction in deaths in Iraq between 2016 and 2017. However, ISIL remains the world's deadliest terrorist group.

Click here to continue reading the report.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK:
The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream: Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi: 9781329192287: Amazon.com: Books



Monday, December 3, 2018

Facebook Heads To TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2018 in Lagos To Celebrate African Innovation




Facebook Heads To TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2018 in Lagos To Celebrate African Innovation

It profiles the founders and entrepreneurs leading Africa’s next wave of technology innovation and highlights new ideas, businesses and applications with disruptive potential

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 3, 2018/ -- In line with its commitment to growing Africa’s technology start-up ecosystem and its passion for developing diverse, young talent, Facebook (www.Facebook.com) is returning as the headline sponsor of TechCrunch Startup Battlefield Africa 2018 (https://tcrn.ch/2uxSylb). The event, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria — will search for Sub-Saharan Africa’s best innovators, makers and technical entrepreneurs.

Meet The Speakers & Judges.

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Photo of President Muhammadu Buhari Looking Up To The Next Level

Host Communities Commend Dangote Refinery’s Initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility



Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Host Communities Commend Dangote Refinery’s Initiatives

The royal fathers pointed out that they appreciate the good gestures by the company by doing so much for the communities even when still at construction stage

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 2, 2018/ -- Impressed with the provision of communal infrastructures for their communities by Dangote Oil Refining Company (DORC) (https://Dangote.com) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility service, traditional rulers and community leaders from host communities in Ibeju-Lekki Free Trade Zone area of Lagos have expressed appreciation at the timely intervention of the Company to their needs.


L-R: Heads of Communities of Olomowewe, Chief Shefiu Aguda; Idasho Community, Chief Alisan latifu; Imobido Community, Chief Jegede Lateef; Group Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin; Aro of Lekki, Chief Adewale Salami; and Baale of Tiye Community, Chief Kayode Mujitafa, during the stakeholder parley between representatives of Lekki Free Trade Zone host communities and Dangote Oil Refining Company in Lagos.