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Thursday, March 30, 2023

Girl, Six Starts School After Life Changing Surgery in Senegal

 Mercy Ships

PRESS RELEASE

Girl, Six, Starts School After Life-Changing Surgery in Senegal

Six-year-old Mariama from Sedhiou in Senegal, West Africa, was just four when her legs began to bend outwards.

DAKAR, Senegal, March 20, 2023/ -- A mother who feared her daughter could never go to school and thought her bowed legs were incurable is calling her transformation by a surgical charity ‘a miracle’.





Six-year-old Mariama from Sedhiou in Senegal, West Africa, was just four when her legs began to bend outwards.

Her mother, Sifaye, said: “When I noticed her legs like that, I was really worried. I wasn't able to sleep enough. I was so scared.”

Mariama’s condition worsened as she grew, and her mother was concerned she would face more and more isolation. She could not run and jump like her friends and became self-conscious.

“Her friends laughed at her because she couldn’t walk fast or run, she was always behind,” Sifaye added.

Her parents made the difficult decision to keep her out of school.

Sifaye, a mother of four, said: “The school is so far, that is why I didn't send her there. Because she can't walk a long distance without complaining that she was tired. If she went to school, she wouldn’t be able to walk back home.”

The family sought hard for a cure for the next year but found nothing.

Her mother said: “During that period, we tried every type of medicine, but nothing changed. When we took her to the hospital, they told us that they can’t cure her.”

They were told that her legs would likely continue to curve for the rest of her life.

A year later, in a village two hours away, Sifaye’s brother Mane heard about Mercy Ships, an international charity with two hospital ships that deliver free surgeries to those with little access to safe medical care. He met a member of the charity’s patient selection team assessing potential surgical patients.

Mane said, “He told me they would offer free surgeries for patients. He showed me photos of people they had already treated. The pictures of the previous patients convinced me. I wished the same for my niece.”

He immediately told his sister.

Despite the fact that Sifaye was full of fear and had never travelled more than two hours from her home village, she travelled two days with her daughter to get to the port of Dakar, where the hospital ship the Africa Mercy was docked.

Sifaye said, “I was absolutely afraid of taking her [Mariama] to the ship.”

She said the first few days were constant bouts of homesickness, but the team on board quickly made them feel at home. For the first time, they also met children with conditions like Mariama’s.

“I was happy to meet other mothers who knew what I was going through, and it was good for Mariama to see she was not alone,” Sifaye said.

Volunteer orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stan Kinsch from Luxembourg, who treated Mariama, says that bowed legs can occur due to malnutrition.

Unfortunately, due to inadequate medical access in some African countries, the condition is more prevalent on the continent compared to other parts of the world.

“In developed countries, these conditions are treated early so they don’t require surgery. But here they are recognized late, and appropriate treatment isn’t available, so they develop into extreme forms,” said Dr. Kinsch.

After surgery and three months of physiotherapy, Sifaye and Mariama were ready to go home.

When Sifaye saw her daughter’s straight legs for the first time, she was overwhelmed with joy.

She exclaimed, “I was so surprised; I thought her legs would always be bent for the rest of her life. Seeing them like that today was wonderful. We were never going to afford to get her surgery, so this is a miracle for us.”

Mariama has now successfully started school.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

Notes to editors:

Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. 

Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

For More Information Contact:

Saran Kaba WAGUÉ

APO Group

saran.kaba-wague@apo-opa.com


SOURCE

Mercy Ships


Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Wi-flix To Offer Spatial Sound Experience on its Platform with Dolby Atmos


PRESS RELEASE

Wi-flix To Offer Spatial Sound Experience on its Platform with Dolby Atmos

Becomes the first African owned Video-On-Demand platform to deliver Dolby Atmos Experience to its subscribers

HOOFDDROP, Netherlands, March 29, 2023/ -- Africa’s fastest-growing video-on-demand streaming platform, Wi-flix has announced the integration of Dolby AtmosTM. Wi-flix (https://Wi-Flix.com) customers with compatible Dolby Atmos enabled devices will be able to enjoy a growing library of film titles in Spatial Sound. With this breakthrough integration, viewers will be able to elevate the impact of their entertainment with the enhanced sound of Dolby Atmos to connect more deeply to the shows and movies they love with sound that moves all around with breathtaking realism.

In addition to Dolby Atmos, the service has also integrated Dolby AudioTM bringing users a wide array of titles available in realistic surround sound.

Louis Manu, Co-Founder of Wi-flix, Chief Commercial and Technology Officer said, “Our work with Dolby marks a significant milestone for us at Wi-flix as we are the first African owned video-on-demand platform to offer Spatial Sound entertainment experiences with Dolby Atmos. It’s incredible how for decades, Dolby has been the leader in transforming the entertainment experience in the cinemas and in the home. This milestone represents our continued commitment to bringing world-class streaming experience to our customers worldwide. We want to share this excitement with our Wi-flix customers all over the world who can now connect more deeply with their favorite movies, and TV series in a theater-quality experience in the comfort of their own homes through their Dolby compatible smart device. We hope our customers love the all-new experience”.

Karan Grover, Senior Director, India, Middle East and Africa, Dolby Laboratories said “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Wi-flix to deliver a truly remarkable entertainment experience with the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos to its customers. At Dolby, we are focused on bringing together art and science to heighten and immerse the sensory experiences for consumers. With this integration, consumers with Dolby-enabled Android TVs, mobiles, tablets and iOS devices & Apple TV can enjoy a truly remarkable entertainment experience from the growing library of top-notch content in Dolby in the comfort of their home and on the go."

“We have updated our catalog with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio enabled titles such as The Signal, Bilal, Freedom Force and Created Equal for our customers to feel the premium experience that Dolby offers. We are excited to launch our first Dolby Atmos enabled Wi-flix Originals in the coming months and can’t wait for our customers to see these high-quality content”, said Bright Yeboah, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at Wi-flix.

In the next few months, a lot more Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio enabled titles will be updated in Wi-flix’s growing library of content.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wi-flix.

Media contact: 
Dennis Obeng-Adjei Opare
da@wi-flix.com

About Wi-flix:

Wi-flix is a leading African-based live streaming and subscriber video on demand provider offering authentic, originally African, and international content to subscribers in Africa and the diaspora. The service offers premium content at an affordable price point as part of a bold agenda to democratize content in Africa.

Based in the Netherlands and founded by two young Africans with a deep understanding of the continent, Wi-flix is poised to become a leading content provider in Africa and the diaspora.

SOURCE

Wi-flix




Happy Birthday President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

 

Happy Birthday to His Excellency, President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,the cofounder and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the national ruling party of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He holds the highly esteemed traditional leadership titles of the Asiwaju of Lagos and the  Jagaban of Borgu kingdom in Niger State, Nigeria.

We wish you many happier returns for the day with all thanksgivings to Almighty God for beautiful long life and more prosperity.

Cheers!

"Asiwaju Bola Tinubu's feats are bold and exceptional; from business to governance and politics ... a true hero of democracy, a light that cannot be concealed!" - Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, 8th Assembly, House of Representatives, Abuja

"Asiwaju Tinubu has become a political pillar and leader, not only in Yoruba land but in Nigeria." - Gov. Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti State (2003-2006 & 2014- ), Ado-Ekiti

"Asiwaju's pragmatism in politics are his very good sense of judgment in identifying and nurturing exceptional leaders. Tinubu's leadership role is a guide to the young and old." - Vice President-Elect Kashim Shettima, Governor of Borno State (2011-2019) , Maiduguri.

Asiwaju Tinibu was the 12th Governor of Lagos State from May 29, 1999 – May 29, 2007.

On his assumption of office as Governor of Lagos State in 1999, Asiwaju Tinubu inherited a state that was practically bankrupt. The country’s commercial nerve centre was one of the worst victims of the previous one and a half decades of military dictatorship and neglect.

Public infrastructure had disintegrated abysmally. Delivery of social services had collapsed in virtually all sectors. The environment was in chaos as Lagos was routinely described as one of the dirtiest cities in the world. The state was largely dependent on insufficient financial allocations from the centre as she lacked the capacity to generate adequate revenue internally to meet her numerous challenges.

The public sector was demoralized and ill-equipped, psychologically and logistically, to effectively perform its functions and achieve set objectives. While the citizenry was alienated from the state and thus demotivated from paying taxes or the ones they paid being stolen making the state technically bankrupt, the organized private sector had little or no incentive to partner with the government in meeting the immense developmental challenges of the Mega City.
Assembling a team of accomplished technocrats, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration drew up a Ten-Point Agenda, which it began to systematically implement for the re-vitalization and re-invention of the state. The total budget size of Lagos State at the inception of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration in 1999 was a little over N14 billion,  while the state’s Internally Generated Revenue was approximately N600 million monthly. Yet, the monthly public sector wage bill was N800 million. The implication was that Lagos state was entirely dependent on allocation from the Federal Government, which was grossly insufficient to meet the huge challenges of re-building a state that had been neglected and allowed to decay for over two decades since the federal capital was moved to Abuja in 1991.

Eight years later under Asiwaju’s astute guidance, Lagos had become financially viable and autonomous of the federal government; lives and property had become more secure; public infrastructure was being aggressively modernized and expanded; there had been a dramatic improvement in the quality and efficiency of public health care, education, the environment, water supply and public transportation; Lagos was attracting new investment in diverse sectors on a daily basis despite the depressing national economic climate.

 The new Tinubu Square.
Lekki - Ikoyi Link Bridge.

The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration from inception drew up a clear and focussed Action Plan for the state in conjunction with critical stake holders including the Organized Private Sector, civil society groups and the public service. The result was the evolution of the Ten-Point Agenda focussing on Education, Health care, Job creation/poverty alleviation, Power and water supply, Public transportation/Traffic management, Physical Planning/Environmental renewal, Infrastructure renewal, Justice/Law and order, Food security and public sector reforms.

Tinubu’s visionary adminisration re-structured the machinery of government creating new ministries such as Housing, Physical Planning Sports and Youth Development as well as Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for more effective policy implementation. Asiwaju Tinubu brought seasoned and accomplished technocrats into government as Commissioners and Special Advisers in their areas of expertise. Through meticulous planning and disciplined implementation, the Asiwaju Tinubu Administration grew the budget size of Lagos State from N14.200 billion in 1999 to N240.866 billion in 2007. It is significant that at no time under Tinubu’s stewardship did budget implementation performance fall below 60%. In a similar vein, the Tinubu Administration consistently maintained an annual budgetary ratio of at least 60-40% in favour of Capital over Recurrent expenditure to ensure rapid infrastructure development.

The futuristic Eko Atlantic City under construction on Victoria Island.

A first class financial strategist, Asiwaju Tinubu, through creative and innovative financial engineering, took Lagos from a yearly Internally Generated Revenue of N14.64 billion in 1999 to N60.31 billion in 2006. By March 2007, the state had achieved a monthly Internally Generated Revenue of N8.2 billion.

This impressive revenue performance achieved by the Tinubu Administration in Lagos State did not happen by chance or luck. It was due to carefully thought out and effectively implemented policies such as the introduction of the Electronic Banking System/Revenue Collecting Monitoring Project, computerization of the revenue collection process, introduction of Electronic Tax Receipts, re-organization and professionalization of the former Board of Internal Revenue now the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, tax administration reforms and the creation of robust data base of tax payers.

Lagos State under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu became a pace setter in sound and innovative public sector financial management. In September, 2002, for instance, Lagos State was the first government in Nigeria to raise funds from the Capital Market for infrastructure development. This was in recognition of the fact that long-term funds were necessary for long-term projects. The state raised a N15 billion Floating Rate Redeemable to prosecute such development projects as roads construction, millennium housing, water works, construction and rehabilitation of courts, waste management projects and millennium class rooms among others. The bond has since been fully redeemed and other states and even the federal government have copied the Lagos State model. Again, in 2003, the Tinubu Administration invested N3.84 billion in Celtel (now Airtel) and by the time the state divested from the company in 2006, a surplus of N19 billion had been reaped, which was invested in the provision of infrastructure. As a result of its financial ingenuity, prudence and discipline as well as extensive public sector reforms for improved service delivery, the lasting legacy of the Tinubu Administration in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007 are still there for all to see.
They include:
Massive roads construction, dualization and modernization across Lagos State such as Kudirat Abiola road, Oregun; Awolowo road, Ikoyi; Akin Adesola road, Victoria Island, Adeola Odeku road, Victoria Island; Agege Motor road; Ikotun-Igando road; Yaba-Itire-Lawanson-Ojuelegba road; LASU-Iba road, Ojo; Ajah- Badore road, Eti-Osa; Oba Sekumade road, Ikorodu; Adetokunbo Ademola road, Victoria Island and the ongoing expansion and modernization of the Lagos-Epe Expressway as the largest concessioneering project of its size and compexity in Africa among several others.

Reconstruction and upgrading of the Lagos Island Central Business District including the modernization of 16 roads in the area and the historic Tinubu square.

Upgrading of the buildings and facilities at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to world class grade; expansion and rehabilitation of old General Hospitals in Lagos, Gbagada, Epe, Isolo, Ikorodu, Badagry, Agege and the Island Maternity; building of new General Hospitals at Mushin, Shomolu, Ibeju-Lekki and Isheri-Iba as well as upgrading of existing health centres to full fledged hospitals at Ijede, Ketu, Agbowa and Agege among others.

Provision of free health services for children under 12, the aged above 60 and free ante-natal care for women; Free eye screening, eye treatment, eye surgery and provision of free eye glasses popularly known as ‘jigi Bola’, free treatment for maleria, tuberculosis and leprosy, free Limb Deformity Corrective Surgery, free Cleft-Lip Corrective Surgery and the introduction of the Quarterly Eko Health Missions that provides free medical services including free heart surgeries to local communities.

Elimination of mountains of refuse that used to deface and disgrace Lagos through the introduction of community-based Private Sector Participation (PSP) in refuse collection and disposal, expansion and modernization of land –fill sites, construction of Transfer Loading Stations, establishment of waste-to-wealth facilities in Ikorodu as well as re-organization, modernization and re-equipping of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Massive construction of new drainage channels as well as the creation of Drain Ducks as well as the Emergency Flood Abatement (EFAG) to clear existing drains and respond to flooding.

Rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools in all Divisions of the state through the Schools Rehabilitation Programme, massive construction of school furniture and equipping of laboratories; provision of free education in all public primary and secondary schools including payment of WAEC/NECO fees as well as all internal examination fees to ensure that indigent children do not drop out of school.

Construction of 6,000 housing units such as Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, Ibeshe low income housing scheme, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan Estate, Lekki, Ayangburen Phase II, Ikorodu, Gbagada Medium Housing Scheme, Amuwo-Odofin Housing Scheme, Abraham Adesanya Estate, Phase II, Ojokoro Millennium Housing Scheme, Alaagba low income housing scheme as well as the Oke Eletu and Oko Oba low income housing schemes among others.

Massive construction of rural roads as well as rural electrification and water supply schemes; construction of micro water works at Onikan, Ikeja, Iwaya, Igando, Oworonsoki, Atan, Bariga, Isolo, Shomolu and Iponri among others to improve water supply in Lagos state.

Construction and equipping of new High Courts, computerization of court registries, enhanced welfare for judicial officers to stregthen the rule of law, establishment of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to provide free legal services to indigent persons and the establishment of the Citizen Mediation Centre as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

Establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for enhanced traffic management; establishment of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to plan and manage an integrated transportation master plan for Lagos; initiation of the revolutionary Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme that has transformed the face of public transportation in Lagos State; construction of 55 bus stop shelters; construction of 25.9km of median barriers to enforce lane discipline and improve travel time on major high ways; fabrication and installation of 50,000 units various types of traffic signs to improve road safety; installation of at least 63 functional traffic lights at major road intersections among others in the transportation sector.

Initiation despite stiff opposition by the federal government of the first successful Independent Power Project (IPP) by any state government generating 260MW of electricity from Ikorodu to the National Grid.

Completion of such abandoned projects as Teslim Balogun Stadium and the new Government House at Alausa as well as finding a permanent solution to the erosion and perennial flooding of the Bar Beach by constructing an enduring shoreline defensive barrier.

Creation of 37 new Local Development Council Areas bringing the total number of Local Government Areas in the state to 57 in order to accelerate grassroots development. He successfully sustained and nurtured them to maturity despite the fierce opposition of the Federal Government that illegally withheld N24 billion of the state’s Local Government Statutory Allocation for two years despite a Supreme Court directive to the contrary.
In 2007, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu successfully handed over the mantle of the state’s leadership to Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who has continued to build on the firm foundation laid by his predecessor. In the just concluded general elections, Asiwaju Tinubu’s influence was a critical factor not only in his party’s retention of power in Lagos State but also its success in recovering the states it had earlier lost in the South West in the 2003 and 2007 elections.
For his excellent performance as the Executive Governor of Lagos State of Nigeria (1999 – 2007), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu received several awards.
These include

Best Governor in Nigeria for Y2000 by the Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce;

Y2002 Best Practices Prize in improving the living environment, awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works and the UN Habitat Group;

Y2000 Best Computerized Government in Nigeria Award by the Computer Association of Nigeria.

Citation by the New York based World Trade Association on June 12, 2002, as the symbol of progress in Nigria. The only other recipient in Africa was President Nelson Mandela of South Africa.

Y2003 Green Crystal Award for enhancing the value of the environment by Clean Up Nigeria

Winner of the Health Care Award for Y2002 as the producer of the best health service in Nigeria

Presidential Merit Award for technological development by the Nigerian Society of Engineers

Y2001 National Literacy Award for outstanding contribution to mass literacy in Nigeria

Y2005 and Y2006 World City Awards for exemplary performances in health care delivery, environmental renewal and youth development.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has won several awards for exemplary leadership qualities and commitment to humanity. Among these are:

One of the ten winners of Y2002 Outstanding Alumnus Award of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC); He was the first African outside North America to be accorded this honour

2001 distinguished Alumnai Award by his Alma Mata, Chicago State University

Distinguished Service Award for exemplary leadership by the Lagos State Economic Summit Group (LASEC)

Recognition for distinguished service to Nigerian women by the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS)

Lagos State University MBA Y2001 Merit Award for contribution to academic excellence in Lagos State

Certificate of commendation by the National Conference of Black Mayors

Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Society of Engineers

Silver Jubilee special award by the University of Jos for his commitment to the growth of the university

Exempary award for thoughtful leadership and outstanding public service by the Lagosians Club of Chicago

Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the Abia State University in recognition of his immense contribution to democracy, good governance and development of Nigeria.



Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Neocolonial Stupidity and Tribal Political Hypocrisy of Those Calling for US/UK Visa Bans on MC Olumo, FFK and Others

Neocolonial Stupidity and Tribal Political Hypocrisy of Those Calling for US/UK Visa Bans on MC Olumo, FFK and Others

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/577848-us-imposes-visa-ban-on-nigerians-who-disrupted-elections.html






Neocolonial stupidity is when the natives are still the puppets of their colonial masters.

Those calling on the governments of the United States of America and United Kingdom to place visa bans on those behind political violence during the 2023 elections in Nigeria need to read "The Wretched of the Earth" by Frantz Fanon.

Have we not witnessed political violence in America and Britain?
Have we not seen electoral malpractices in these so called developed Western countries?
Are they holier than us?

Which country has placed a visa ban on the immediate past President of America, Donald Trump who actually instigated the violent mob of his supporters to attack the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021?

The majority of those asking for visa bans on their fellow citizens of Nigeria are Igbos who accused certain political stalwarts of the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) of tribal bigotry against the Igbos in Lagos State, that became the Battleground of the 2023 presidential election and gubernatorial election. But the divisive political campaigns of demagoguery of the dominant Igbo presidential candidate, Peter Obi of the opposing Labour Party (LP) who exploited the angst of majority of Igbos against the Nigerian government caused the bitterness between the Igbos and Yorubas.
He deliberately stoked the embers of hatred against the APC by his call to action on his fellow Igbos in their largest locations in Lagos State to support and vote for him to win the presidential election on February 25, 2023. 
He also used the same political tactics in religious demagoguery for his fellow "Christians" to vote against the Muslim presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Muslim running mate, Alhaji Kashim Shettima Mustapha.
His divisive political campaigns provoked the APC and as they say: there's no smoke without fire.

The Igbos provoked the Yorubas to attack them in Lagos State during the elections.

The political hypocrisy of those asking for the visa bans is that they have ignored the fact that, the worst cases of violence during the elections occurred among their fellow Igbos in their own states in the south eastern region of Nigeria. But they have not included the name of any Igbo political stalwart or terrorist on their visa bans list.

All Igbos supporting the violent separatist groups attacking and killing people in the south eastern region of Nigeria are equally guilty of political violence against democracy. And they should be banned from entering the United States of America and the United Kingdom.


Monday, March 27, 2023

‘The Witness’, A Musical Stage Play on The Passion of JESUS Christ


"The Witness"

A Musical Stage Play that is sure to captivate audiences with its unique perspective on the passion of JESUS Christ.


This play is told from the point of view of Claudia, the only woman who spoke up for Jesus Christ. Through her eyes, we gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for the events that transpired. The Witness is not only a powerful story but also a musical play that promises to delight audiences with its moving performances and catchy tunes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been the opportunity to work with less privileged children who have a passion for theater. We have partnered with professionals who are training them and giving them exposure to the creative world. By supporting this production, you will not only be helping us to share this beautiful story with the world, but also helping to provide opportunities for these talented children.

In order to bring this production to life, we need financial support. We would be incredibly grateful for any contribution you can make to help us reach our fundraising goals. Additionally, we would be honored if you, your family members, and friends could attend one of our performances at Terra Kulture on either;

Friday, March 31, 2023 and Saturday, April 1, 2023. SHOW TIME: 3:00pm and 7:00pm each day.

Your presence would be greatly appreciated and would help to make this project a success.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We believe that The Witness has the power to make a real impact, and we hope that you will join us in bringing this important story to life.

Call Rosemary on Tel: 0802 312 4308 or Francis on Tel: 0816 979 5827 for seat reservation.

Regular Seat - N10,000. 

VIP Seat - N20,000.

VVIP Seat - N40,000.

Payment should be made to:

ORNAMENTS PRODUCTION LIMITED (FIDELITY BANK PLC)

ACCOUNT NO - 5610079924

Or on https://paystack.shop/the-witness-a-musical-stage-play

Sincerely,
Uche Cynthia Nwuka.


#JESUS 
#JESUSChrist 
#Christ 
#Easter
#Passion
#TheWitness
#drama
#musical
#play
#Claudia
#children
#project
#April
#saturday 




Sunday, March 26, 2023

In the Eyes of God: President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and His Detractors



Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Judgement Belongs To Almighty God


#God
#JESUS 
#Christ
#HolySpirit
#PresidentElect
#Asiwaju
#Tinubu
#Nigeria
#President
#history
#story
#judgement
#power
#books

Read my opinion on 
https://therhema.blogspot.com/2023/03/asiwaju-bola-ahmed-tinubu-judgement.html

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Bloody Bloody Hollywood

The Glamorization of Gun Violence by Hollywood  

Hollywood glamorizes gun violence in many action movies.  These extremely violent movies like "SUICIDE SQUAD" and "John Wick" have senseless scenarios of gun violence without intelligence.


Many people have spoken and written on the addiction and obsession of Hollywood to the production of violent movies showing many idiotic and unrealistic scenarios of gun violence.

According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Guns kill more than 38,000 people and cause nearly 85,000 injuries each year. 

https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/gun-violence

Gun violence in the United States results in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries annually and was the leading cause of death for children 19 and younger in 2020. 

Regardless of the pros and cons debates and speeches on the Second Amendment (Amendment II) to the United States Constitution that protects the right to keep and bear arms, anyone who has conscience and intelligence will know that the most critical cause of human crisis is lack of rational analysis of every condition or situation in life. 

Recommended:

The Gun Industry's Lucrative Relationship With Hollywood

https://features.hollywoodreporter.com/the-gun-industrys-lucrative-relationship-with-hollywood/

The weapons effect is a controversial theory described and debated in the scientific field of social psychology. It refers to the mere presence of a weapon or a picture of a weapon leading to more aggressive behavior in humans, particularly if these humans are already aroused. Wikipedia

Filmmakers and executive producers and the entire film industry ought to have the conscience and intelligence to know the self-destructive actions and consequences of the promotion of gun violence in movies. And we must stop the production of such harmful movies.

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series.



Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Nigeria: These Are Our Streets and This Is Our Food!

These Are Our Streets and This Is Our Food!


A Celebration of Food
Discover a World of Flavors at the GTCO Food & Drink Festival: A Celebration of Food for Food Enthusiasts and Small Businesses

Indulge in a gastronomic adventure at the annual GTCO Food & Drink Festival, where you’ll explore the diverse facets of the food industry and connect with a vibrant community of food lovers, creators, and entrepreneurs. This exceptional culinary event showcases an incredible range of businesses involved in producing and selling delectable food-related items, all eager to share their passion with a discerning and cosmopolitan audience.

Mark your calendar for the ultimate foodie experience! This year’s festival takes place from April 29th to May 1st, 2023, at the GT Centre, located at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. Don’t miss this opportunity to savor mouthwatering dishes, discover unique culinary creations, and support small businesses in the thriving food scene.

Join us for a celebration of taste, innovation, and community at the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, where flavor knows no bounds and culinary dreams come to life. See you there!

Register on 
https://foodanddrink.gtcoplc.com

Monday, March 20, 2023

How Fake Dollars Stopped Me From Traveling To Dubai

In December, 2008 I was preparing to honour an invitation to Dubai for a literary forum by a Dubai Writers Club. So, I wanted to have enough dollars for the trip. But I ended up buying fake dollars near Balogun Market on the Lagos Island. I was left in shock and did not travel to Dubai again. 

 If I had gone to Dubai that year, I would have been having a different life today. Because the writers in the UAE would have occupied me with their literary projects.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Author of "In the House of Dogs", "Scarlet Tears of London", "Diary of the Memory Keeper" and other books.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

C


Sunday, March 19, 2023

What Matters Most in Filmmaking?

"What matters most in filmmaking is not the size of your camera, but the size of your imagination."

- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series,
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013.


Case study: Mami Wata: Directed by C.J. 'Fiery' Obasi.



Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, USA.

Mami Wata won the PRIX DE LA CRITIQUE Pauline S. Vieyra (African Critics Award) at the Special Awards Gala.Next, the drama received the MEILLEUR IMAGE (Cinematography Award) and finally the MEILLEUR DÉCOR (Set Design Award) at the Closing Awards Ceremony of the 2023 Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (Festival panafricain du cinéma et de la télévision de Ouagadougou or FESPACO) on March 4, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Complete list of winners of the 28the FESPACO
 
FICTION FEATURE FILM
Golden Stallion of Yennenga: “Ashkal” by Youssef Chebbi (Tunisia)
Silver Stallion: “Sira”, by Apolline Traoré (Burkina Faso)
Bronze Stallion: “Shimoni” by Angela Wamai (Kenya)
– Best Performance by an actor: the whole cast of “Sous les figues” by Erige Sehiri (Tunisia)
– Best Actress: All the actresses of “Sous les figues” by Erige Sehiri (Tunisia)
– Best set design: “Mami Wata” by Fiery Obasi (Nigeria)
– Best editing: “Abu Saddam” by Nadine Khan (Egypt)
– Best Screenplay: “Le Bleu du caftan” by Maryam Touzani (Morocco)
– Image Award: “Mami Wata” by Fiery Obasi (Nigeria)
– Sound Award: “Ashkal” by Youssef Chebbi (Tunisia)
– Best Music: “Our Lady of the Chinese Shop” by Ery Claver (Angola)
– Special Mention of the Jury: “Regarde les étoiles” by David Constantin (Mauritius)
FICTION SHORT FILM
– Golden Foal Short Fiction: “Will my parents come to see me” by Mo Harawe (Somalia)
– Silver foal short fiction : ” A doll ” by Andriaminosa Hary and Joel Rakotovelo (Madagascar)
– Bronze foal short fiction: “Tsutsue” by Amartei Armar (Ghana)
DOCUMENTARIES
Golden Stallion feature documentary: “Omi Nobu/L’Homme nouveau” by Carlos Yuri Ceuninck (Cape Verde)
Silver Stallion feature documentary: “Nous, étudiants” by Rafiki Fariala (Central African Republic)
Bronze Stallion feature-length documentary: “Guardian of the Worlds” by Leïla Chaïbi (Algeria)
Golden Foal short documentary: “Angle mort” by Lofti Achour (Tunisia)
Silver foal short documentary: “Katanga nation” by Beza Hailu Lemma (Ethiopia)
Bronze Foal short documentary: “Kelasi” by Fransix Tenda Lomba (DRC)
Special Mention of the Jury: “L’Envoyée de Dieu” by Amina Mamani (Niger) and “Cuba en Afrique” by Negash Abdurahman (Ethiopia)
PERSPECTIVES SECTION
– Paul Robeson Award to the feature documentary “The Spectre of Boko Haram” by Cyrielle Raingou (Cameroon)
BURKINA FASO SECTION
– Best Burkinabe film: “Laabli l’insaisissable” by Luc Youlouka Damiba.
– Best Burkinabe hopeful: “Le Botaniste” by Floriane Zoundi


 



Saturday, March 18, 2023

The Political Hysteria of the 2023 Elections in Nigeria


The Political Hysteria of the 2023 Elections in Nigeria

The 2023 elections in Nigeria are becoming great stuff for historical epics on the political history of Nigeria; with the  good, the bad and ugly scenarios of human frailties and depravities.

Nigeria is what Nigerian are.

Majority of them are as dirty as their dirty politics of tribal bigotry, religious buffoonery and Machiavellian demagoguery.  

No Nigerian politician is a saint.

No Nigerian politician is incorruptible.

Everyone of them is either corrupt or a beneficiary of political corruption.

The 2011 elections were the worst in electoral malpractices and violence since 1999 to date.

The 2015 elections were also bad and bloody with "Rivers of Blood" in Rivers State.

I included the live reports sent to me by SMS in my book, "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream: My Eyewitness Account of the 2015 Presidential Election" printed in Raleigh, NC, USA and distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.


- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.


#NigeriaDecides2023

#presidentialelection

#gubernatorialelection

#Nigerianelections

#2023elections

#corruption

#politics

#history

#Nigeria

#Nigerians

#book

#Amazon

#Rivers


There Cannot Be Any Acceleration and Expansion of Digital Economy Without Biometric IDV

There cannot be any acceleration and expansion of digital economy without biometric Identity Verification (IDV) for all transactions.

-  Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The CEO, 
International Digital Post Network Limited.