Video: Full Speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Address at the 78th UN General Assembly

Video: Full Speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Address at the 78th UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

 - UNGA 78, Sept. 18th - 26th, 2023.

United Nations General Assembly, New York, USA.

#PBATinUNGA #UNGA

Statement summary

BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of Nigeria, said that, while failures in good governance have hindered Africa, “broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress”.  Due to both longstanding internal and external factors, the economic structures of Nigeria and Africa have been skewed to impede development, industrial expansion, job creation and the equitable distribution of wealth.  If Nigeria is to fulfil its duty to its people and the rest of Africa, it must create jobs, a belief in a better future and lead by example.  “And we are doing so,” he stressed, detailing his Government’s removal of a costly, corrupt fuel subsidy and a noxious exchange-rate system.  “Other growth and job-oriented reforms are in the wings,” he added.

Welcoming partnerships with those “who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community”, he said that the question is not whether his country is open for business. Rather, he emphasized, it is “how much the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner”.  Direct investment in critical industries, the opening of ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of this cooperation.  He also underlined the need to affirm democratic governance as “the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people”.  Military coups are wrong — as is any tilted civilian political arrangement that perpetuates injustice — but he observed that the wave crossing Africa is not a demonstration in favour of coups. Rather, “it is a demand for solutions to perennial problems”, he said.

He went on to say that the West Africa region “is locked in protracted battle against violent extremists”, and — in the turmoil — “a dark channel of inhumane commerce has formed”.  Along that route, everything is for sale, and men, women and children are seen as chattel.  At the same time, mercenaries and extremists invade from the north with lethal weapons and vile ideologies.  While African nations will improve their economies and disband extremists on their turf, he called on the international community to strengthen its commitment to “arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa”.  Another important aspect of global solidarity is to secure Africa’s mineral-rich areas from pilfering and conflict, he stressed, noting that many such areas have become “catacombs of misery and exploitation” and that “the mayhem visited on resource-rich areas does not respect national boundaries”. 

He said that, at Nigeria’s door, foreign entities — abetted by local criminals aspiring to be petty warlords — have drafted thousands of people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources.  Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel violent enterprises, and Member States must deter their firms and nationals from this pillaging.  He also detailed the severe impacts of climate change on his country, stating that African nations will fight climate change — “but must do so on fair and just terms”.  Outlining several national measures, he said that continental efforts will register victories if established economies are “more forthcoming with public- and private-sector investment for Africa’s preferred initiatives”.  Stressing that Africa does not wish to “replace old shackles with new ones”, he said that the continent is not a problem to be avoided, nor is it to be pitied.  “Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future,” he said.

https://gadebate.un.org/en/78/nigeria

CONCLUSION

As I close, let me emphasize that Nigeria’s objectives accord with the guiding principles of this world body: peace, security, human rights and development.

In fundamental ways, nature has been kind to Africa, giving abundant land, resources and creative and industrious people. Yet, man has too often been unkind to his fellow man and this sad tendency has brought sustained hardship to Africa’s doorstep.

To keep faith with the tenets of this world body and the theme of this year’s Assembly, the poverty of nations must end. The pillage of one nation’s resources by the overreach of firms and people of stronger nations must end. The will of the people must be respected. This beauty, generous and forgiving planet must be protected.

As for Africa, we seek to be neither appendage nor patron. We do not wish to replace old shackles with new ones.

Instead, we hope to walk the rich African soil and live under the magnificent African sky free of the wrongs of the past and clear of their associated encumbrances. We desire a prosperous, vibrant democratic living space for our people.

To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.

https://www.channelstv.com/2023/09/20/full-text-president-tinubus-first-address-at-un-general-assembly/

Stephanie Linus, Robert De Niro, Tiffany Chen, Brendan Fraser and other Stars at 2023 Tribeca Festival

Stephanie Linus with other members of the Jury and Robert De Niro and other VIPs.

Nollywood diva, Stephanie Linus joined Hollywood icon, Robert De Niro, Tiffany Chen, Brendan Fraser and other top stars as the 2023 annual Tribeca Festival started on Wednesday June 7 in New York.

"It is such an exciting festival with many voices amplified, especially women’s voices. It has given a platform for both new and seasoned filmmakers to showcase their works. I am having a great time reviewing the shortlisted films and recommending winners for the 2023 Tribeca Festival, " said Stephanie Linus, the famous Nollywood star who is a member of the Jury.

Robert De Niro is being celebrated with a three-day event later this year to honor his 80th birthday. Mayor Eric Adams presented him with a key to the city. He founded Tribeca Film Festival in  2002. Photo of Robert De Niro from the Tribeca Festival. 

The stars were at the premiere of "Kiss The Future"  at the Tribeca Film Festival that runs from Wednesday, June 7 through Sunday, June 18.

A stirring testament to art’s enduring ability to cast light even in the darkest of circumstances, Kiss the Future follows an underground community that worked and created throughout the nearly four-year-long Siege of Sarajevo.

Sensing that a larger voice is needed, an American aid worker makes a longshot pitch to U2 to help raise awareness about the Bosnian capital’s plight. The band immediately agrees and begins a series of live satellite interviews with local Sarajaevans during their 1993 ZOO TV Tour in an effort to highlight the direness of the situation on the ground. After those mid-concert interviews end, the band pledges to play a concert in the city once the conflict comes to a close. And when U2 arrives to perform a long-promised concert, the show becomes a monument to the strength and resilience of the people of Sarajevo, and art’s capacity to inspire and unite.––Jason Gutierrez

The 2023 features program includes 109 feature films from 127 filmmakers across 36 countries. The lineup includes 93 world premieres, one international premiere, eight North American premieres, one U.S. premiere, and six New York premieres. There are 43 first-time directors and 29 directors returning to Tribeca with their latest projects. 41% (45) of all feature films are directed by women and, for the first time, more than half of competition feature films are directed by women at 68% (19). Additionally, 36% (39) of feature films are directed by BIPOC filmmakers, including two indigenous filmmakers.

This year’s Festival also includes a notable number of films directed by actors: world premiere of First Time Female Director by Chelsea Peretti; world premiere of Maggie Moore(s) by John Slattery; world premiere of Bucky F*cking Dent by David Duchovny; world premiere of Downtown Owl by Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater; world premiere of Eric LaRue by Michael Shannon; world premiere of Fresh Kills by Jennifer Esposito; North American premiere of The Listener by Steve Buscemi; New York premiere of Shortcomings by Randall Park; and more.

There are 53 documentary features across all categories including the world premiere of Marvel’s first original documentary Stan Lee by Tribeca alumnus David Gelb as well as world premieres from Academy Award winners and nominees including Julie Cohen, Waad al-Kateab, Morgan Neville, Sam Pollard, Rob Epstein, and Jeffrey Friedman. As an activist festival rooted in the foundational belief that art can inspire change, the 2023 Tribeca Festival showcases numerous documentary features that shine a light on the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as the silencing of artists in Iran.

For the third year, the Tribeca Festival continues its commemoration of Juneteenth through the “Expressions of Black Freedom” program, sponsored by Indeed, which includes a festival-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the world premiere of All Up in the Biz, a documentary about New York hip-hop legend Biz Markie, and the world premiere of Cinnamon, directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. and starring Damon Wayans and Pam Grier.

The 2023 “Spotlight+” category includes a series of live events that bring the film experience to life following each premiere. A performance from She Is The Music artists, curated by Alicia Keys, will follow the world premiere of Uncharted; Sara Bareilles will give a special performance following the world premiere of Waitress, the Musical - Live on Broadway!; the one and only Gloria Gaynor will perform following the world premiere of Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive; a conversation with Peabody Award-winning news anchor Dan Rather and director Frank Marshall will follow the world premiere of Rather; Gogol Bordello will perform following the world premiere of Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story; a songwriting masterclass by Indigo Girls will follow the New York premiere of It’s Only Life After All; a musical Q&A with Marc Rebillet will follow the world premiere of Songs About Fucking; and a group of dancehall legends will perform following the world premiere of Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall.

See full program on 
https://tribecafilm.com/press-center/festival/press-releases/tribeca-festival-announces-2023-feature-film-lineup

The Next Big Thing

 The Next Big Thing

Since 2014 I have been developing what will become the biggest and largest digital media network in the world and I have chosen to run with the vision Almighty God has shown me.
It is the greatest idea for the  digital media ecosystem.

I have shown only the MVP which will be a digital news media revolution in the history of modern news media in Africa.

My ultimate goal is the disruption of the  e-commerce and fintech industry by total decentralization of human interactions and transactions in every part of the world from the hand of everyone with a camera phone.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The CEO,
International Digital Post Network Limited,
Lagos, San Francisco, New York.

#ceo #digital #network #fintech #africa #commerce #news #lagos #sanfrancisco #newyork #communications #phones #transactions #payments

Film Adaptation of "My Best Friend's Bridal Shower"

The film adaptation of "My Best Friend's Bridal Shower" is coming soon by the author, Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.

Read the story on Okada Books 

http://m.okadabooks.com/book/about/my_best_friends_bridal_shower/43347

WARNING:

Any pliagiarization will end in  public disgrace to whoever dares to pliagiarize it in #Nollywood, #Hollywood, #Bollywood or #Mollywood.

Florence Yemi Fawaz: So Unforgettable

Florence Ibiyemi 'Yemi' Fawaz

So Unforgettable

Over twenty years ago, I was searching for a place on Adelabu Street in Surulere on the mainland of Lagos, Africa's largest megacity when I met the most beautiful model from Nigeria, Yemi Fawaz in her residence and restaurant, Double 4.  She was the 

first Nigerian international supermodel with a career from the 1970s to the 1990s. One of the pioneers of professional modelling in Nigeria. She was also a fashion designer, beauty promoter/consultant, actress, trade show organiser, chef, restaurateur, and deacon.

We became friends. I was attracted by her beauty and she was attracted by my honesty which she said was a rarity among majority of Nigerians. We became closer friends and she wanted me to join her in the management of her restaurant. But I couldn't do so, because I was a vegetarian who would not eat or sell meat to anyone. She thought she could change my mind. 

She did for me what nobody ever did when she hosted my only solo salon art exhibition that I did not prepare for. She cooked and served all our invited guests, but when she served me, I openly rejected the food of rice with stew and beef. 

"You know I don't eat meat. So, why did you give me a nonvegeterian food?"

She apologized. But she was not happy about it. We became closer. But my vegetarian life and refusal to run the restaurant with her made us to part ways before I left Lagos for Bonny Island on Rivers State in 2004. She had relocated to the United States of America before I left Lagos. She was still in America when I returned to Lagos in 2008. She returned later before she succumbed to colon cancer and passed on to eternal glory on February 20, 2019 at the Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. 

I can never forget Yemi Fawaz.

"Unforgettable

In every way

And forever more

That's how you'll stay."

- Nat "King" Cole.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

March 9, 2022.

Hurricane Irene frightens movie goers away from Cinemas

A view of a nearly deserted 7th Avenue near Times Square in Manhattan as Hurricane Irene closed in on the New York City area August 28, 2011. Hurricane Irene battered New York with heavy winds and driving rain on Sunday, shutting down the U.S. financial capital and most populous city, halting mass transit and causing massive power blackouts as it churned slowly northward along the eastern seaboard. Photo Credit: The Christian Post.


Who goes to the movies in a stormy weather?

Rentrak the leader in multi-screen media measurement reported that movie ticket sales dropped by 18.9 percent due to Hurricane Irene, as compared to the same weekend in 2010.

New York, Boston and New Haven in the Northeast were the most affected by the horrifying hurricane. But the overall theatrical box office sales increased by 3.9 percent from the beginning of the summer 2011 box office period.

The following is the full report of the impact of Hurricane Irene on movie theaters across the U.S.

2 Sep 2011 12:00 Africa/Lagos


Hurricane Irene kept most New Yorkers away from the theaters. Photo Credit: In Sing News



Rentrak Announces the Impact of Hurricane Irene on Movie Viewing Across Box Office, Home Entertainment and On-Demand Usage
—Movie Fans Not Deterred By Hurricane As Storm Activity Boosts Home Entertainment Rentals and Paid On-Demand Viewing During Severe Weather—

PR Newswire

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2, 2011

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ: RENT), the leader in multi-screen media measurement serving the advertising, television and entertainment industries, today announced the impact of Hurricane Irene on multi-screen movie watching behavior.

While movie theater ticket sales and in-theater viewing were negatively impacted in some areas of the Northeast as consumers could not travel to their local movie theater, at the same time many consumers added renting DVD and Blu-ray disc movies to their storm countdown preparations. Where electricity was intact, many consumers watched an increased number of paid VOD movies while stuck indoors due to heavy rain.

At movie theaters, Rentrak's Box Office Essentials™ reported that movie ticket sales dropped 18.9 percent due to the hurricane, as compared to the same weekend in 2010. While Hurricane Irene did dampen tickets sales this past weekend in the Northeast with New York, Boston and New Haven most impacted, theatrical box office sales are overall up 3.9 percent from the beginning of the summer 2011 box office period.

According to Rentrak's Home Video Essentials™, on Saturday, August 27, 2011 while Hurricane Irene moved its way up the Eastern seaboard coast, the number of DVDs and Blu-ray discs rented in the coastal states north of Virginia increased, ranging from 30% to as high as a 300% increase in physical media rentals in some instances. Once the effects of Hurricane Irene were starting to be felt north of Virginia late on Saturday afternoon and continuing into Sunday, then disc rentals dropped dramatically down to levels 20-40% below the weekend period prior to the severe weather activity (August 19 – 21, 2011).

Rentrak also reported information from its OnDemand Essentials™ service for On-Demand viewing via cable and other TV services, for paid movie content during the hurricane weekend period. Across the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Census Regions of the U.S., Rentrak saw a ten percent increase in transactions on demand for paid movie viewing usage for that part of the country.

"On Saturday, August 27th, while Hurricane Irene was hitting the Southeastern coastal states, people from states north of Virginia still had relatively good weather so they went out and rented a large number of DVDs and Blu-ray discs in preparation for being stuck indoors when Irene continued up the coast," said David Paiko, Vice President of Home Entertainment at Rentrak Corporation. "While it was logical that bad weather impacted movie-going in theaters in the same region, Hurricane Irene drove a significant increase in movie rentals across bricks and mortar locations, as well as a spike in paid VOD movie transactions."

The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Census Regions are made up of Main, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. No other region of the country saw this increase in VOD usage during this past weekend.

About Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak (NASDAQ: RENT) is a global digital media measurement and research company, serving the most recognizable companies in the entertainment industry. With a reach across numerous platforms including box office, multi-screen television, and home video, Rentrak has developed more efficient metrics to be used as database currencies for the evaluation and selling of media. Rentrak is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional U.S. and international offices. For more information on Rentrak, please visit www.rentrak.com.

RENTB

Contacts for Rentrak Corporation:
Sallie Olmsted / Amanda Bialek
Office: 310-854-8124 / 310-854-8151
E-mail: solmsted@rogersandcowan.com / abialek@rogersandcowan.com

SOURCE Rentrak Corporation

Web Site: http://www.rentrak.com


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Prince Harry Returns to New York To Play in the Third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras at the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island in New York City. The two will go head-to-head on the polo field once again this June 27, 2010. www.vcseason.com PHOTO CREDIT: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan. (PRNewsFoto/Veuve Clicquot, Patrick McMullan) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES


2 Jun 2010 11:30 Africa/Lagos


Prince Harry Returns to New York To Play in the Third Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island on June 27th

The Star-Studded Social Event Once Again Will Benefit Prince Harry's Charity, American Friends of Sentebale

NEW YORK, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Veuve Clicquot Champagne is delighted to welcome back HRH Prince Henry of Wales to play in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, taking place on New York's historic Governors Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010. One of New York's most unique and glamorous daytime social events, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic once again benefits the American Friends of Sentebale, the U.S. arm of the global charity founded by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family and Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family, which aims to better the lives of the underprivileged, at-risk children of Lesotho, Southern Africa.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-b )


Prince Harry returns to New York to play in the third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on New York City's Governors Island June 27, 2010 PHOTO CREDIT: Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan. (PRNewsFoto/Veuve Clicquot, Patrick McMullan) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES

Bringing the thrilling world of polo to New Yorkers for this one day event, the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic offers spectators the chance to watch Nacho Figueras, captain of the Black Watch team and face of Ralph Lauren's Polo Fragrances, go head-to-head once again with Prince Harry in this much-anticipated match. There are two ways to join the VIP experience at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic: purchase a table in the VIP Marquee or buy a picnic ticket for a champagne lunch on the lawn. The event will also feature an area that is free and open to the public. In reverence to the long-time tradition, classic polo style is requested: women in hats; men in summer suits.


"We're honored to welcome back Prince Harry to the 2010 Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic," states Christine Kaculis, Director of Communications for Veuve Clicquot. "We're very pleased to once again support Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, through this unique and memorable New York occasion."


"We are delighted that the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic will once again be supporting the American Friends of Sentebale and our work with the most vulnerable children in Lesotho," says Kedge Martin, CEO of Sentebale. "Every day, at least 100 more children in this beautiful country have their lives devastated by the loss of a parent - having to drop out of school to become caretakers of their relatives, getting exposed to abuse, vulnerable to exploitation - the utter devastation of their childhood. Iconic events such as this are crucial to raising awareness and supporting our mission to make a real difference in the lives of the most needy children."


"I'm honored to meet Prince Harry on the field once again for this spectacular New York event," says Nacho Figueras. "This is a unique opportunity to bring my passion for the sport of polo together with the worthy cause of Sentebale, a charity very close to my heart."


In the historic setting of Governors Island, this month's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic promises to attract a fashionable crowd from around the globe and feature the glamour and excitement of polo - 'the sport of kings.' Certain to be as stylish and star-studded as years past, last year's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic drew over 6,000 public spectators and a VIP line-up of guests including, Madonna, Kate Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Chloe Sevigny, LL Cool J, Donna Karan, Lucy Sykes, Rachel Roy, Hilary Rhoda and Alex Wek, all cheering on Prince Harry and Nacho Figueras as they went pony-to-pony for a worthy cause.


"The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is a great celebration of the Island's historic connection to polo," says Leslie Koch, president of the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. "We are honored to welcome the event back to the island and thrilled that thousands more visitors will be able to enjoy a free afternoon of polo here."


This year, Veuve Clicquot partners with Union Square Hospitality Group, to turn spectator snacking into an unmatched dining experience. Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and culinary director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has designed a multi-course champagne lunch for the guests in the VIP Marquee along with a gourmet picnic luncheon for picnic ticket holders developed by USHG's catering arm, Union Square Events. In addition, an upscale snack cart will offer innovative mid-game snack options such as gourmet mini lemon whoopie pies, fudge cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting, Green Market famous pretzels and the famous Union Square Cafe mixed nut blend.


Spectators sitting on the public side can expect plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne bars and premium concessions from Union Square Hospitality Group's Blue Smoke and El Verano Taqueria, marking the first time Chef Floyd Cardoz's irresistible tacos will be available outside of Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.


"We are very excited to partner with Veuve Clicquot. Our team looks forward to bringing our culinary viewpoint to this well-established, highly-visible and cherished New York summer event," says Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director for Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG).


Veuve Clicquot is excited to welcome back Piaget as the official timekeeper of the polo match. This year, the Swiss luxury watchmaker is creating a special limited-edition version of its Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph, inspired by the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. A favorite of celebrities and many of the world's top polo players, the specially-designed watch will feature the iconic 'Clicquot Yellow' on its signature sub-dials and will be designated 'New York' to celebrate the location of the world's most glamorous polo tournament. Only 10 will be produced and Piaget will award one to the winning polo team on June 27th. The remaining models will be sold exclusively at Piaget boutiques.


"Piaget has a long history with polo, so we are proud to commemorate our partnership with the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic by creating this very special timepiece," says Larry Boland, president of Piaget NA. "It's certain to become a collector's item."


The official luxury automotive sponsor of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is the Ferrari California. The newest V8 grand-tourer in the Ferrari product line up, the California, offers features that make this model the ultimately versatile sports car, from the retractable hard-top to its back seats, while being true to Ferrari's extreme performance and technological innovation. Ferrari is thrilled to offer VIP guests attending the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic luncheon the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive driving experience program.


Veuve Clicquot is delighted to have The Standard, New York as the official hotel partner of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. The Standard, New York is located in New York City's thriving Meatpacking District and is Andre Balazs' most recent property in his expanding collection of Standard hotels which includes The Standard, Hollywood, The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, and The Standard, Downtown LA. All 337 guestrooms and suites at The Standard, New York have breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. The Standard Grill, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant with Chef Dan Silverman at the helm, will be featuring a Veuve Clicquot champagne cocktail, The Near Side, in celebration of the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic for the month of June. Guests can book their room today at www.standardhotels.com. More information on event-themed hotel packages will be available on both the hotel's website and www.vcseason.com.


To ensure this year's polo fashion over-delivers on the glamour and red carpet drama, Veuve Clicquot has also teamed up with Ellen Christine Colon-Lugo, leading 'milliner to the stars' to get the women of New York 'hat ready' for this stylish event. Ellen Christine has had the pleasure of 'hat dressing' the likes of Penelope Cruz, Demi Moore, Beyonce Knowles, Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford and will be consulting and fitting of-the-moment polo appropriate hats out of her Chelsea boutique leading up to this year's Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.


In addition to purchasing a table in the exclusive VIP Marquee, Lunch on the Lawn picnic tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic are currently available for purchase. They are $250 per person and will provide access to all of the glamorous action, unlimited Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, a custom Polo picnic blanket, picnic basket and champagne flute, and a gourmet picnic lunch developed by Chef Michael Romano, chef/partner of Union Square Cafe and Culinary Director of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and its catering business, Union Square Events. In addition, picnickers will have access to custom Petanque courts, the famous French game made popular in the U.S. by Veuve Clicquot.


For additional event information, b-roll and/or still images of Prince Harry and/or previous Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic events, background on event partners (The Standard Hotel, USHG, Ferrari, Piaget and fashion experts Lucy Sykes and Ellen Christine Millinery), Sentebale and/or to arrange an interview with participating Veuve Clicquot representatives, Nacho Figueras, Chef Michael Romano and Ellen Christine Colon-Lugo, please contact clicquot@lsagency.com.


Always sip responsibly.

ABOUT VEUVE CLICQUOT

Veuve Clicquot has a long association with polo in England with the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup and now in the United States of America with the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, which kicks-off the Veuve Clicquot Season summer opening. The champagne house was established in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, and began to thrive when Widow Madame Clicquot took the helm 1805. Today its eponymous Yellow Label continues to be one of the world's most beloved champagnes. The Veuve Clicquot Season is an essential guide to the most exclusive social events and parties of the year across the country. For more information, please visit www.vcseason.com or www.veuve-clicquot.com.


ABOUT SENTEBALE


Founded in 2006, Sentebale's mission is to transform the lives of Lesotho's orphans and vulnerable children. Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal Family. Lesotho is a unique and beautiful country, but with extreme poverty and the third highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, it is a country in desperate need of help. With an estimated 400,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho, Sentebale works with grass roots organizations to identify, support and empower these children. Sentebale's name means, "forget me not," and is a reminder of all the children who need help in Lesotho. American Friends of Sentebale is a U.S. charity that promotes the health, welfare and education of the people of Lesotho, particularly its orphans and vulnerable children and supports Sentebale in its charitable work in Lesotho. For more information, please visit www.sentebale.org.


ABOUT GOVERNORS ISLAND AND THE GOVERNORS ISLAND PRESERVATION AND EDUCATION CORPORATION (GIPEC)


One of the most historic and iconic locations in New York, Governors Island sits roughly 800 yards off the southern tip of Manhattan. Polo was played regularly on Governors Island when it was an Army base and matches were played throughout the early part of the 20th century, with the last match being played just before World War II in September 1941. Veuve Clicquot brought polo back to Governors Island in May 2008, almost 70 years since it was last played on the island. The Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) is responsible for the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations for 150 acres of Governors Island. GIPEC seeks to bring life to Governors Island, making this island at the center of New York Harbor a destination with great public open space, as well as future education, not for profit and commercial facilities. Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 5 through October 10. For more information please visit www.govisland.com.


ABOUT BLACK WATCH


Black Watch is a world-class polo team which has won numerous tournaments throughout the United States. In 2007, Black Watch was the champion of the Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge and the winter champion of the Palm Beach Hall of Fame Cup. The team is captained by Nacho Figueras, professional polo player, face of Ralph Lauren's Polo Fragrances and model for Ralph Lauren's Black Label Collection. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/NachoFigueras.


MEDIA CONTACT:
Meryl Weinsaft Cooper
LaForce+Stevens
212.242.9572
clicquot@lsagency.com


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100602/NY13959-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN8,9
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Veuve Clicquot

CONTACT: Meryl Weinsaft Cooper, LaForce+Stevens, +1-212-242-9572,
clicquot@lsagency.com


Web Site: http://www.vcseason.com/

Win An all-expense-paid Trip to Washington, D.C., New York and Hollywood

About the challenge
Create a video short that completes the phrase “Democracy is…”
The Prize
• An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., New York and Hollywood.
• Gala screenings of the winning videos in Hollywood, New York and Washington
• Exposure to filmmakers and the U.S. film and television industry.
• Meetings with democracy advocates from government, media and civil society.
The Timeline
• SUBMISSION DEADLINE - MIDNIGHT GMT JANUARY 31, 2010.
• Challenge semifinalists will be selected on or about March 31, 2010.
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"Conspiracy of Lagos" Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life

Bisi Daniels, the Author

Conspiracy of Lagos Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life

“You don’t want the Hitler effect, do you?”

“No! The Bill Clinton effect,” she said, and shot him a knowing wink.

What is the Hitler effect in contrast to the Bill Clinton effect?

You have to read the Conspiracy of Lagos to find out.The latest novel of Bisi Ojediran (who is now writing as Bisi Daniels) is a clear departure from his thrilling novels on Peter Abel, the daring investigative journalist whose adventures have been chronicled in his previous novels. Conspiracy of Lagos is a romantic thriller, a political thriller and social documentary of Lagos rolled into one narrative novel.

Bisi Daniels’ novel, Conspiracy of Lagos is perhaps the first truly picaresque novel on the adventurous, dangerous and mysterious lives of those living in the mega city of Lagos, the New York of Nigeria. It is a socio-political romantic thriller that keeps you reading until the last word.Reading Conspiracy of Lagos is like watching a movie of the agonies and ironies of Lagos as experienced by Thomas Katta, the brilliant graduate of Sociology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), who left his humble life as a teacher in his hometown of Moso in search of better financial prospects in Lagos. But Lagos would change the life of the Johnny Just Come (JJC) as we call every newcomer in this awesome city.

Thomas Katta’s 350 mile ride from the idyllic hinterland of his hometown Moso to the boisterous city of Lagos was not a smooth one as the bus he had taken broke down thrice on the way until he finally arrived Oshodi, the most dreaded motor park in Lagos at nightfall and thus began the nightmarish journey of his worst fears of the city that never sleeps. He was nearly lynched by a ferocious mob as he was mistakenly accused of stealing his own bag as he attempted to retrieve it from the thief. He ended up in a police cell that was like being cast in hell on earth as he was left at the mercy of the huge and terrifying thug, Kenny, a ruthless criminal with an existentialist philosophy of life. Kenny who was his terror later became his boss and mentor in political thuggery and robbery.

Thomas was later released from the police cell and he found his way to the ghetto of Ajegunle to stay with Mani Datatta, his buddy from university days. Mani was a promising guitarist who played at night clubs after his day job and he made Thomas comfortable and optimistic of the future until Mani was killed in a botched bus robbery. Thomas became homeless and had to become a bus conductor on the Ojota-Yaba route and slept in the motor park until the HomeCare Agency in Ikeja got him a job as a gardener in the palatial home of Chief Sola Adekunle in Victoria Island Extension. Chief Adekunle was a leading politician who later became the National Secretary of The True Nigeria Party (TNP). But Thomas did not stay long there, because he had to flee when the pretty and sexy Mrs. Moji Adekunle, the temptress became furious when he cleverly refused to sleep with her. He was later recruited by Kenny who had been hired by Chief Adekunle to kill him for lies Mrs Moji Adekunle framed against him. Thomas soon became a political asset to Chief Adekuinle’s party as the author of The New Lagos Manifesto that was instrumental in the election of Tunji Taylor as the new Governor of Lagos. Thomas Katta had to overcome the vicissitudes of the vicious circle of survival in Lagos in the midst of criminals and by unforeseen circumstances. He was a reluctant stooge of Kenny who was later killed during a bank robbery and later favoured by Mrs. Moji Adekunle who had become repentant and sober.

Thomas Katta’s most defining moment was when he returned the expensive wedding ring he had stolen to Mr. Ralph Mordy and broke down in repentance and then facing Mrs. Halle Mordy. He was now at the mercy of the couple he had joined Fanni to rob in Ikeja after the gruesome night of their botched heist in Ogba. Receiving the forgiveness of the Mordys marked the turning point for the redemption of Thomas Katta as they offered him a foreign scholarship to fulfill his academic ambition. And thank God for his rescue angel, Nancy Ojo whose commonsense and Christian faith reformed and transformed the life of Thomas Katta.

I have read Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel on sin and redemption, Resurrection and Bisi Daniels novel Conspiracy of Lagos has some precious moments of sublimity reminding me of the sober reflections invoked in Tolstoy’s last work.

The long testimonial sermon of the charismatic tall and handsome Pastor Peter Olutobi had echoes of the popular urbane and suave Lagos pastor, Paul Adefarasin.

I was wondering if a naturalistic depiction of Lagos would be realistic without the inclusion of the lingua franca of Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo spoken by the Area Boys and fringe elements seen on the streets and motor parks in Lagos. It would be contradictory for them to speak good English as they were portrayed by the author of Conspiracy of Lagos. The author told me that he deliberately did not use Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo, because most of his foreign readers do not understand Pidgin English or the Yoruba lingo.

Conspiracy of Lagos would be more appreciated when adapted for film production.

You can post your comments and reviews on Discuss "Conspiracy of Lagos".

The novel is available at the following bookshops:

1. Books4Everyone, Ikeja. Lagos.

2. CSS Bookshops

3. THIS DAY Media Centres

4. Glendora Bookshops and other major bookshops and hotels in Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerians Report.