Saturday, November 21, 2009
Taiwan Reacts to Reports on “Asians are Eating a Blackman”
The office of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan has reacted to the horrifying and terrifying pictures of “Asians are eating a blackman” published and circulated on the street in Nigeria and on the Internet. The Department of African Affairs said such inhuman acts will never happen in Taiwan.
The following is the letter from the Foreign Affairs Office of Taiwan:
Below is the text of the email sent to Nigerians Report on “Asians are eating a blackman”:
The following is the letter from the Foreign Affairs Office of Taiwan:
Mr. Chima,
In reply to your email dated 29 Oct. 2009, we wish to inform that it is much to us disgust to see those shocking series of photos been posted and circulated on internet per you indicated links. We wish to further inform that the alleged “Asians are eating a blackman” did not and will not happen in Taiwan. As far as how true the story was and when and where did it happen, we regret that we can not verify.
Best regards,
Department of African Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
為提高服務品質，以及瞭解您的看法，特製作以下問卷調查表，請惠於撥冗提供寶貴意見。
請您點選以下連結：
外交部部長信箱滿意度調查
Below is the text of the email sent to Nigerians Report on “Asians are eating a blackman”:
Hello,
To all those who are worried about the Chinese (asian) invasion of Africa, see how Asians are eating a black African man.
The next Asian food you buy between Cairo and Cape Town, Dakar and Dar es Salam can contain the flesh of your relative, check all the four links:
A http://www.camer.be/index1.php?art=6452)
B http://www.camer.be/index1.php?art=6452)
C http://geotool.flagfox.net/?ip=92.241.168.47&host=www.en-nayef.net
D http://www.en-nayef.net/forum/showthread.php?p=29036
Friday, November 20, 2009
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
19 Nov 2009 13:32 Africa/Lagos
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
WASHINGTON, November 19, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Africa
Chairman Feingold, Ranking Member Isakson, and Members of the Committee:
I welcome the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss our counterterrorism approach in Africa's Sahel region. I look forward to working with the Congress, and especially with this Committee, to identify appropriate tools to support the efforts of the countries in the region to improve their long-term security and constrict the ability of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and a variety of criminal networks to exploit the area's vast territory.
This hearing is very timely. While the security challenges in the Sahel are not new, several attacks in recent months against African and western targets have drawn additional focus to the situation. Key countries in the area, including Algeria, Mali and Mauritania, have intensified efforts to coordinate their activities against AQIM and address the region's short, medium, and long-term vulnerabilities. At the same time, we have consulted with African and European partners to identify areas where we can more effectively support regional efforts to improve the security environment in the Sahel over the long-term.
The United States can play a helpful supporting role in the regional effort, but we must avoid taking actions that could unintentionally increase local tensions
or lend credibility to AQIM's claims of legitimacy. First and foremost, we must be sensitive to local political dynamics and avoid precipitous actions which exacerbate long-standing and often bloody conflicts.
AQIM's ideology and violent tactics are antithetical to the vast majority of people in the region and the group's ability to mobilize significant popular support for its objectives has been largely frustrated. It has failed to build and sustain meaningful alliances with insurgencies and criminal networks operating in the region. In fact, AQIM's murder of a Malian military officer this summer, the unprecedented execution of a British hostage, and the murder of an American citizen in Mauritania may have caused some groups in Northern Mali to sever opportunistic economic arrangements occasionally established to supplement local groups' efforts to survive in the region's austere environment. By contrast, the perceptions of the United States have been generally favourable throughout the Sahel, even during periods when our popularity around the world declined. It is instructive that a 2008 poll involving 18 Muslim countries revealed that Mauritanians had the highest opinion of the United States.
The countries in the region continue to demonstrate the political will to combat terrorism and trans-national crime. They have explicitly stated that the Sahel's security is the responsibility of the countries in the region. They have not asked the United States to take on a leadership role in counterterrorism efforts and
have, in fact, clearly signalled that a more visible or militarily proactive posture by the United States would be counterproductive. We fully concur that the appropriate roles for the United States and other third countries with even more significant interests in the region must be to support regional security efforts while continuing to provide meaningful development assistance to the more remote areas. Moreover, we have emphasized that while the United States will do its part, the burden must be shared.
We recognize, however, that the security environment in the Sahel requires sustained attention to address a wide range of vulnerabilities and capacity deficits. There is insufficient capacity to monitor and protect immense swaths of largely ungoverned or poorly governed territory. The arid northern half of Mali alone covers an area larger than Texas. Niger is the poorest country in the world according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Mauritania and Mali rank near the bottom of the Human Development Index scale.
The vulnerability of the northern Sahel has not only led AQIM to seek out safe-havens in the region, but has also enabled the operations of a range of trans-national criminal networks. Criminal traffickers in human beings, weapons, and narcotics also exploit parts of the region. West Africa has emerged as a major trans-shipment area for cocaine flowing from South America to Europe. Narco-trafficking poses a direct threat to U.S. interests since the proceeds of cocaine
trafficked through the region generally flow back to Latin American organizations moving drugs to the United States.
The Committee has asked how our counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel relate to our long-term goals of good governance, civilian control over security forces, and respect for human rights. The first priority President Obama has identified for our Africa policy is helping to build strong and stable democracies on the continent. This is essential in West Africa. In recent years, the region has witnessed two military coups in Mauritania, deeply flawed elections in Nigeria, and an undemocratic seizure of power in Niger. Our experience in the region has underscored the urgency of improving governance, strongly promoting the rule of law, developing durable political and economic institutions at all levels of society, and maintaining professional security forces under civilian control.
Meaningful progress in these areas is crucial to the success of ongoing efforts against AQIM and other criminal networks. The groups are drawn to areas where they can take advantage of political and economic vulnerabilities to safeguard their operating spaces and lifelines, cross borders with impunity, and attract recruits. They benefit when security forces and border guards lack the necessary training, equipment, intelligence, and mobility to disrupt their activities. Their cause is advanced when human rights abuses undermine the credibility of security forces. Terrorists and criminal organizations also take advantage of weak
or corrupt criminal justice systems unable to effectively investigate, prosecute and incarcerate all forms of criminals.
Underdevelopment in key areas represents a critical security challenge in the Sahel. The region is extremely diverse and the sources of insecurity in the region vary. In Northern Mali, for example, insecurity in isolated border areas and along traditional smuggling routes is perpetuated by unmet economic expectations and the lack of legitimate alternatives to smuggling or opportunistic commerce with criminal networks. Mali is one of Africa's most stable democracies, but its efforts to address insecurity in the northern part of the country are severely hampered by poor infrastructure and the inability to provide adequate service delivery and educational and vocational opportunities to isolated areas. This dynamic can become particularly problematic in cases where AQIM has provided small amounts of food and other consumables to generate good-will or at least tolerance from groups living in their vicinity.
Although AQIM's attempts to recruit in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahel have been largely unsuccessful, its limited successes in countries such as Mauritania can largely be traced to its ability to capitalize on the frustration among the young over insufficient educational or vocational opportunities. AQIM has also attracted recruits and material support from isolated communities or
neighbourhoods in Mauritania and elsewhere that lack alternatives to schools, media or networking centers that promote violent extremism.
The United States' primary instrument to advance counterterrorism objectives in the Sahel and the Maghreb is the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). TSCTP is a multi-year commitment designed to support partner country efforts in the Sahel and the Maghreb to constrict and ultimately eliminate the ability of terrorist organization to exploit the region. The rationale and overarching strategy for TSCTP was approved by a National Security Council (NSC) Deputies Committee in 2005. TSCTP originally included Algeria, Chad, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia; Burkina Faso was added in 2009.
TSCTP serves two primary purposes. The program identifies and mobilizes resources from throughout the interagency to support sustained efforts to address violent extremism in the region. It was understood when TSCTP was created that sporadic engagements without adequate follow-up or sustainment would fail to achieve meaningful long-term results in a region with a multitude of basic needs. The emphasis was therefore placed on key capacity deficits that could be addressed over a period of years. The program draws resources and expertise from multiple agencies in the U.S. government including the State Department, the Department of Defense, and USAID. As the threat levels, political environments and material
needs differ substantially among the partner countries, most engagements and assistance packages under TSCTP are tailored to fit the priorities of the individual countries.
TSCTP was also designed to coordinate the activities of the various implementing agencies. The coordination takes place at several levels. Action Officers representing the various agencies meet periodically in Washington to coordinate activities and share information. Representatives from Washington and AFRICOM also meet regularly with our Embassies in TSCTP countries. The first line of coordination and oversight takes place at our Embassies. While various assessments and inputs from throughout the interagency inform decisions regarding TSCTP programming, Chiefs of Mission must concur with all proposed activities. They are best placed to understand the immediate and long-term implications of various activities and are ultimately the primary interlocutors with the host countries.
Forming a definitive conclusion at this relatively early stage regarding whether our counter-terrorism approach in the Sahel is working is difficult, but we believe that we are making important progress. For example, TSCTP resources contributed to training and equipping more capable and professional security forces in Mauritania. We believe that our work with Mali to support more professional units capable of improving the security environment in the country
will have future benefits if they are sustained. Our public affairs teams and USAID are implementing a range of beneficial exchanges and projects in Mali and promoting outreach to communities potentially vulnerable to extremism in Mauritania, Chad, Senegal, and elsewhere.
The decision in 2005 to focus on long-term capacity-building rather than search for quick fixes was clearly correct, even more so given the limited absorptive capacity of these countries. Clear victories against the underlying security and developmental challenges in the region are unlikely to clearly announce themselves in the near term, but I am confident that a steady and patient approach provides the best opportunity for success.
The recognition that we must take a holistic approach involving multiple agencies was also correct. Efforts to improve interagency coordination and the vital coordination between our Missions and program managers in Washington and Stuttgart have been crucial. We continue to seek a balance between the financial resources for the development and diplomatic pieces of TSCTP and funding devoted to military to military activities. We will continue to work toward a balanced approach envisioned when the program was created.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Source: US Department of State
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
20 Nov 2009
14:13
Sasol Limited: Sasol Releases Its Sustainable Development Report
00:44
Rafael Lopez-Pintor Wins the IFES Baxter Award for Outstanding Service in Democracy Promotion
19 Nov 2009
15:54
Fort Carson Set To Receive 20 Additional GreenTargets(R) For Live-Fire Training
13:32
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
09:00
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
WASHINGTON, November 19, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Africa
Chairman Feingold, Ranking Member Isakson, and Members of the Committee:
I welcome the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss our counterterrorism approach in Africa's Sahel region. I look forward to working with the Congress, and especially with this Committee, to identify appropriate tools to support the efforts of the countries in the region to improve their long-term security and constrict the ability of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and a variety of criminal networks to exploit the area's vast territory.
This hearing is very timely. While the security challenges in the Sahel are not new, several attacks in recent months against African and western targets have drawn additional focus to the situation. Key countries in the area, including Algeria, Mali and Mauritania, have intensified efforts to coordinate their activities against AQIM and address the region's short, medium, and long-term vulnerabilities. At the same time, we have consulted with African and European partners to identify areas where we can more effectively support regional efforts to improve the security environment in the Sahel over the long-term.
The United States can play a helpful supporting role in the regional effort, but we must avoid taking actions that could unintentionally increase local tensions
or lend credibility to AQIM's claims of legitimacy. First and foremost, we must be sensitive to local political dynamics and avoid precipitous actions which exacerbate long-standing and often bloody conflicts.
AQIM's ideology and violent tactics are antithetical to the vast majority of people in the region and the group's ability to mobilize significant popular support for its objectives has been largely frustrated. It has failed to build and sustain meaningful alliances with insurgencies and criminal networks operating in the region. In fact, AQIM's murder of a Malian military officer this summer, the unprecedented execution of a British hostage, and the murder of an American citizen in Mauritania may have caused some groups in Northern Mali to sever opportunistic economic arrangements occasionally established to supplement local groups' efforts to survive in the region's austere environment. By contrast, the perceptions of the United States have been generally favourable throughout the Sahel, even during periods when our popularity around the world declined. It is instructive that a 2008 poll involving 18 Muslim countries revealed that Mauritanians had the highest opinion of the United States.
The countries in the region continue to demonstrate the political will to combat terrorism and trans-national crime. They have explicitly stated that the Sahel's security is the responsibility of the countries in the region. They have not asked the United States to take on a leadership role in counterterrorism efforts and
have, in fact, clearly signalled that a more visible or militarily proactive posture by the United States would be counterproductive. We fully concur that the appropriate roles for the United States and other third countries with even more significant interests in the region must be to support regional security efforts while continuing to provide meaningful development assistance to the more remote areas. Moreover, we have emphasized that while the United States will do its part, the burden must be shared.
We recognize, however, that the security environment in the Sahel requires sustained attention to address a wide range of vulnerabilities and capacity deficits. There is insufficient capacity to monitor and protect immense swaths of largely ungoverned or poorly governed territory. The arid northern half of Mali alone covers an area larger than Texas. Niger is the poorest country in the world according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Mauritania and Mali rank near the bottom of the Human Development Index scale.
The vulnerability of the northern Sahel has not only led AQIM to seek out safe-havens in the region, but has also enabled the operations of a range of trans-national criminal networks. Criminal traffickers in human beings, weapons, and narcotics also exploit parts of the region. West Africa has emerged as a major trans-shipment area for cocaine flowing from South America to Europe. Narco-trafficking poses a direct threat to U.S. interests since the proceeds of cocaine
trafficked through the region generally flow back to Latin American organizations moving drugs to the United States.
The Committee has asked how our counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel relate to our long-term goals of good governance, civilian control over security forces, and respect for human rights. The first priority President Obama has identified for our Africa policy is helping to build strong and stable democracies on the continent. This is essential in West Africa. In recent years, the region has witnessed two military coups in Mauritania, deeply flawed elections in Nigeria, and an undemocratic seizure of power in Niger. Our experience in the region has underscored the urgency of improving governance, strongly promoting the rule of law, developing durable political and economic institutions at all levels of society, and maintaining professional security forces under civilian control.
Meaningful progress in these areas is crucial to the success of ongoing efforts against AQIM and other criminal networks. The groups are drawn to areas where they can take advantage of political and economic vulnerabilities to safeguard their operating spaces and lifelines, cross borders with impunity, and attract recruits. They benefit when security forces and border guards lack the necessary training, equipment, intelligence, and mobility to disrupt their activities. Their cause is advanced when human rights abuses undermine the credibility of security forces. Terrorists and criminal organizations also take advantage of weak
or corrupt criminal justice systems unable to effectively investigate, prosecute and incarcerate all forms of criminals.
Underdevelopment in key areas represents a critical security challenge in the Sahel. The region is extremely diverse and the sources of insecurity in the region vary. In Northern Mali, for example, insecurity in isolated border areas and along traditional smuggling routes is perpetuated by unmet economic expectations and the lack of legitimate alternatives to smuggling or opportunistic commerce with criminal networks. Mali is one of Africa's most stable democracies, but its efforts to address insecurity in the northern part of the country are severely hampered by poor infrastructure and the inability to provide adequate service delivery and educational and vocational opportunities to isolated areas. This dynamic can become particularly problematic in cases where AQIM has provided small amounts of food and other consumables to generate good-will or at least tolerance from groups living in their vicinity.
Although AQIM's attempts to recruit in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahel have been largely unsuccessful, its limited successes in countries such as Mauritania can largely be traced to its ability to capitalize on the frustration among the young over insufficient educational or vocational opportunities. AQIM has also attracted recruits and material support from isolated communities or
neighbourhoods in Mauritania and elsewhere that lack alternatives to schools, media or networking centers that promote violent extremism.
The United States' primary instrument to advance counterterrorism objectives in the Sahel and the Maghreb is the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP). TSCTP is a multi-year commitment designed to support partner country efforts in the Sahel and the Maghreb to constrict and ultimately eliminate the ability of terrorist organization to exploit the region. The rationale and overarching strategy for TSCTP was approved by a National Security Council (NSC) Deputies Committee in 2005. TSCTP originally included Algeria, Chad, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia; Burkina Faso was added in 2009.
TSCTP serves two primary purposes. The program identifies and mobilizes resources from throughout the interagency to support sustained efforts to address violent extremism in the region. It was understood when TSCTP was created that sporadic engagements without adequate follow-up or sustainment would fail to achieve meaningful long-term results in a region with a multitude of basic needs. The emphasis was therefore placed on key capacity deficits that could be addressed over a period of years. The program draws resources and expertise from multiple agencies in the U.S. government including the State Department, the Department of Defense, and USAID. As the threat levels, political environments and material
needs differ substantially among the partner countries, most engagements and assistance packages under TSCTP are tailored to fit the priorities of the individual countries.
TSCTP was also designed to coordinate the activities of the various implementing agencies. The coordination takes place at several levels. Action Officers representing the various agencies meet periodically in Washington to coordinate activities and share information. Representatives from Washington and AFRICOM also meet regularly with our Embassies in TSCTP countries. The first line of coordination and oversight takes place at our Embassies. While various assessments and inputs from throughout the interagency inform decisions regarding TSCTP programming, Chiefs of Mission must concur with all proposed activities. They are best placed to understand the immediate and long-term implications of various activities and are ultimately the primary interlocutors with the host countries.
Forming a definitive conclusion at this relatively early stage regarding whether our counter-terrorism approach in the Sahel is working is difficult, but we believe that we are making important progress. For example, TSCTP resources contributed to training and equipping more capable and professional security forces in Mauritania. We believe that our work with Mali to support more professional units capable of improving the security environment in the country
will have future benefits if they are sustained. Our public affairs teams and USAID are implementing a range of beneficial exchanges and projects in Mali and promoting outreach to communities potentially vulnerable to extremism in Mauritania, Chad, Senegal, and elsewhere.
The decision in 2005 to focus on long-term capacity-building rather than search for quick fixes was clearly correct, even more so given the limited absorptive capacity of these countries. Clear victories against the underlying security and developmental challenges in the region are unlikely to clearly announce themselves in the near term, but I am confident that a steady and patient approach provides the best opportunity for success.
The recognition that we must take a holistic approach involving multiple agencies was also correct. Efforts to improve interagency coordination and the vital coordination between our Missions and program managers in Washington and Stuttgart have been crucial. We continue to seek a balance between the financial resources for the development and diplomatic pieces of TSCTP and funding devoted to military to military activities. We will continue to work toward a balanced approach envisioned when the program was created.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Source: US Department of State
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
20 Nov 2009
14:13
Sasol Limited: Sasol Releases Its Sustainable Development Report
00:44
Rafael Lopez-Pintor Wins the IFES Baxter Award for Outstanding Service in Democracy Promotion
19 Nov 2009
15:54
Fort Carson Set To Receive 20 Additional GreenTargets(R) For Live-Fire Training
13:32
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
09:00
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
Muhammad Ali Documentary Voted for the 82nd Oscars
A remarkable documentary film Facing Ali on the greatest boxing legend Mohammad Ali has been voted for an Oscar in the Documentary Feature Category of the 82nd Academy Awards coming up on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre.
Vancouver director Pete McCormack’s Facing Ali chronicles the phenomenal life of Ali from his golden victory at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome to his great fights and victories in the ring and now that he is still showing his heroic spirit of endurance battling with
The director interviewed ten of Muhammad Ali's great opponents, including Sir. Henry Cooper, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Earnie Shavers and George Chuvalo. They recalled their most memorable moments with Ali in and out of the boxing ring.
The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
15 Documentary Features Continue in 2009 Oscar® Race
MEDIA CONTACT
Teni Melidonian
tmelidonian@oscars.org
November 18, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 Documentary Features Continue in 2009 Oscar® Race
Beverly Hills, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 15 films in the Documentary Feature category will advance in the voting process for the 82nd Academy Awards®. Eighty-nine pictures had originally qualified in the category.
The 15 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production company:
“The Beaches of Agnes,” Agnès Varda, director (Cine-Tamaris)
“Burma VJ,” Anders Østergaard, director (Magic Hour Films)
“The Cove,” Louie Psihoyos, director (Oceanic Preservation Society)
“Every Little Step,” James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo, directors (Endgame Entertainment)
“Facing Ali,” Pete McCormack, director (Network Films Inc.)
“Food, Inc.,” Robert Kenner, director (Robert Kenner Films)
“Garbage Dreams,” Mai Iskander, director (Iskander Films, Inc.)
“Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders,” Mark N. Hopkins, director (Red Floor Pictures LLC)
“The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers,” Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, directors (Kovno Communications)
“Mugabe and the White African,” Andrew Thompson and Lucy Bailey, directors (Arturi Films Limited)
“Sergio,” Greg Barker, director (Passion Pictures and Silverbridge Productions)
“Soundtrack for a Revolution,” Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman, directors (Freedom Song Productions)
“Under Our Skin,” Andy Abrahams Wilson, director (Open Eye Pictures)
“Valentino The Last Emperor,” Matt Tyrnauer, director (Acolyte Films)
“Which Way Home,” Rebecca Cammisa, director (Mr. Mudd)
The Documentary Branch Screening Committee viewed all the eligible documentaries for the preliminary round of voting. Documentary Branch members will now select the five nominees from among the 15 titles on the shortlist.
The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.
# # #
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards – in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners – the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.
FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
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Golf-a-holics Unite. Stay and Play for Free!
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers the Ultimate Golf Experience. (PRNewsFoto/Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Krause, Johansen) OJAI, CA UNITED STATES
19 Nov 2009 11:06 Africa/Lagos
Golf-a-holics Unite. Stay and Play for Free!
OJAI, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is offering the ultimate golf experience: stay and play for free. It's this simple: From November 29th through December 22nd, stay in a Shangri-La Room or Suite and you have completely unrestricted access to our golf course.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091119/NYFNST01 )
There are no strings attached, except of course, golf course availability!
Mark Greenslit, Director of Golf explains: "Golf courses are meant to be used. Ojai Valley Inn and Spa has been host to seven PGA Senior Tour events, and numerous private and charitable tournaments. Now, it's your turn! With this program, you can book golf on day one, stay overnight, and golf the second day as well. My goodness, if two are golfing, the cost of the room is more than covered by the savings in green fees alone. There are no extras for golf carts either."
Sculpted from the natural terrain in 1923 by renowned architect George C. Thomas Jr., this 18-hole course plays 6,292 yards with a par 70, rating of 71.0 and a slope of 132.
As an added bonus, those who book a suite will receive a complimentary 50-minute spa treatment at the world-famous Spa Ojai, ranked #1 in the world by Trip Advisor.
The Unlimited Golf Program goes on sale this week. Reservations can be made by contacting Ojai Valley Inn & Spa at 1.800.422.6524, or visit by booking online at www.ojairesort.com.
About Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Since 1923, vacationing guests have sought the tranquil pleasures of the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, an AAA Five Diamond property located on 220 tree-shaded acres offering an incredible golf course ranked as one of the finest in North America. Located 35 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is approximately 90 minutes north of LAX. Affirmed by its many prestigious awards, this legendary Inn is one of North America's unique hidden treasures. For reservations, call 1-800-422-6524 or visit www.ojairesort.com.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091119/NYFNST01
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
CONTACT: Veronica Cole, Direct: +1-805-640-2080,
Veronica_cole@ojairesort.com
Web Site: http://www.ojairesort.com/
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
19 Nov 2009 09:00 Africa/Lagos
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite industry challenges, the rising consumer demand from developing industry sectors will drive exponential growth in the Nigerian contact centre market. The outsourced contact centre segment, email and SMS services and the health and medical organisation (HMO) and the public sectors are expected to become key areas of market growth from 2009 to 2015.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.contactcenter.frost.com/), Nigerian Contact Centre Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $8.29 million in 2008 and estimates this to grow more than tenfold by 2015 to reach $114.45 million. The application segments covered in this analysis are vendors and system integrators.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.
"Nigeria is an emerging economy and the most populous country in Africa," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Jiaqi Sun. "The booming telecommunications and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors are driving the demand for contact centre services, while competitive labour cost structures are attracting offshore operations."
Frost & Sullivan anticipates that the government will introduce incentives and regulatory frameworks by 2013. This will also coincide with improvements in infrastructure that will boost the market.
The main challenges faced by market participants include a poor telecommunications infrastructure and limited commercial power supply. Moreover, there is no specific industry association to regulate the market.
"The limited availability of commercial power supply increases operational costs," explains Sun. "Insufficient bandwidth also inhibits the growth of contact centre services. The key factors to succeed in this market include enhancing the quality of customer services, seeking alternative means of power supply, and initiating employee training programmes."
Nigerian Contact Centre Market is part of the Contact Centres Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: South African Contact Centre Technology Market, South African Broadband Market Update, Angolan Broadband Market, and Nigerian IT Infrastructure Outsourcing Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com/.
Nigerian Contact Centre Market
M475
Contact:
Patrick Cairns
Corporate Communications - Africa
P: +27 18 464 2402
E: patrick.cairns@frost.com
http://www.frost.com/
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan
CONTACT: Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa of Frost &
Sullivan, +27 18 464 2402, patrick.cairns@frost.com
Web Site: http://www.frost.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
19 Nov 2009
15:54
Fort Carson Set To Receive 20 Additional GreenTargets(R) For Live-Fire Training
13:32
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
09:00
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
18 Nov 2009
15:15
Un nuevo informe descubre cuatro fuerzas que modelarán el futuro de la banca móvil
13:09
UN Carbon Markets Powering Green Energy Growth in Africa But Continent Still Lagging Far Behind Asia and Latin America / Green Electricity Conference to be Held in Nairobi, 23-24 November
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite industry challenges, the rising consumer demand from developing industry sectors will drive exponential growth in the Nigerian contact centre market. The outsourced contact centre segment, email and SMS services and the health and medical organisation (HMO) and the public sectors are expected to become key areas of market growth from 2009 to 2015.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO)
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.contactcenter.frost.com/), Nigerian Contact Centre Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $8.29 million in 2008 and estimates this to grow more than tenfold by 2015 to reach $114.45 million. The application segments covered in this analysis are vendors and system integrators.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at patrick.cairns@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.
"Nigeria is an emerging economy and the most populous country in Africa," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Jiaqi Sun. "The booming telecommunications and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors are driving the demand for contact centre services, while competitive labour cost structures are attracting offshore operations."
Frost & Sullivan anticipates that the government will introduce incentives and regulatory frameworks by 2013. This will also coincide with improvements in infrastructure that will boost the market.
The main challenges faced by market participants include a poor telecommunications infrastructure and limited commercial power supply. Moreover, there is no specific industry association to regulate the market.
"The limited availability of commercial power supply increases operational costs," explains Sun. "Insufficient bandwidth also inhibits the growth of contact centre services. The key factors to succeed in this market include enhancing the quality of customer services, seeking alternative means of power supply, and initiating employee training programmes."
Nigerian Contact Centre Market is part of the Contact Centres Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: South African Contact Centre Technology Market, South African Broadband Market Update, Angolan Broadband Market, and Nigerian IT Infrastructure Outsourcing Market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 35 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com/.
Nigerian Contact Centre Market
M475
Contact:
Patrick Cairns
Corporate Communications - Africa
P: +27 18 464 2402
E: patrick.cairns@frost.com
http://www.frost.com/
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Frost & Sullivan
CONTACT: Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications - Africa of Frost &
Sullivan, +27 18 464 2402, patrick.cairns@frost.com
Web Site: http://www.frost.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
19 Nov 2009
15:54
Fort Carson Set To Receive 20 Additional GreenTargets(R) For Live-Fire Training
13:32
US Department of State / Opening Remarks for Hearing on Counterterrorism in Africa (Sahel Region)
09:00
Contact Centre Services to Take Off in Nigeria by 2015, Finds Frost & Sullivan
18 Nov 2009
15:15
Un nuevo informe descubre cuatro fuerzas que modelarán el futuro de la banca móvil
13:09
UN Carbon Markets Powering Green Energy Growth in Africa But Continent Still Lagging Far Behind Asia and Latin America / Green Electricity Conference to be Held in Nairobi, 23-24 November
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
5 Facts About MTN Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria, November 18/Nigerians Report/ --
1. MTN Nigeria is part of the MTN Group of South Africa, which operates in 21 countries including Nigeria.
18 Nov 2009 07:01 Africa/Lagos
2. MTN Nigeria, the largest mobile operator in Nigeria with nearly 50 per cent market share.
3. MTN Nigeria has over 27 million subscribers as of June 30 2009.
4. MTN Nigeria is the most preferred GSM service in Nigeria.
5.MTN Nigeria has the best Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and services in Nigeria.
Related News:
Acision Bolsters MTN Nigeria's Messaging Business With Next-Generation Messaging Solution
Acision soutient l'activité de messagerie professionnelle de MTN Nigeria avec une solution de messagerie de nouvelle génération
New Report Finds Four Forces Will Shape the Future of Mobile Banking
18 Nov 2009 08:00 Africa/Lagos
New Report Finds Four Forces Will Shape the Future of Mobile Banking
Governments, industry can make choices to increase financial inclusion in the next decade
LONDON, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The growing use of branchless banking, including mobile phone banking, is inevitable in most countries. But it's far less certain whether large numbers of the unbanked poor will use these alternative channels for financial services beyond payments, such as savings and credit. So says "Scenarios for Branchless Banking in 2020," a new report from CGAP, a microfinance group based at the World Bank, and the U.K.'s Department for International Development (DFID).
UK Minister for Trade and Development Gareth Thomas today said:
"The fact that many of the 2.7 billion people who currently don't use a bank will have access to branchless banking methods such as mobile phones and the internet by 2020 is a huge step towards financial inclusion for people in developing countries.
"The poor are kept in poverty when they are financially excluded. This means they lack safe places to save money, the opportunity to invest in their future and cannot reduce the risk of their savings being lost in natural disasters.
"As this report shows, governments and the private sector both have a huge role to play in ensuring investment is made to deliver technology-based financial services to billions of poor people."
The report sets out four scenarios on the future of branchless banking. In all four scenarios, the adoption and use of branchless banking services is forecast to be higher in 2020 than it is today. But in two of the scenarios, bursts of rapid acceleration are followed by periods of falloff or flatter growth.
"Mobile banking pioneers give us hope that millions of poor people, especially those living in rural areas, finally might be served by the banking system. That said, new business models and partnerships that provide the right incentives to banks and banking agents are vital if we are to move beyond simple payments and transfers to being able to offer other basic banking services, especially savings, that poor people need and want," said Elizabeth Littlefield, CEO of CGAP.
The report is the product of a six month scenario-building project that engaged nearly 200 leaders from the fields of technology and finance from more than 30 countries.
Snapshot of Branchless Banking Today
-- Financial inclusion is growing in most countries. This is often as a
result of the expansion of conventional banking channels, such as
branches and automated teller machines (ATMs);
-- Bricks-and-mortar growth is inherently limited by its cost. Branchless
banking presents a cheaper option but has only modest reach to date in
most countries;
-- Where branchless banking is occurring, several of the following
factors are usually at work: (i) industry belief in future
profitability; (ii) enabling regulatory change; (iii) a dramatic fall
in connectivity costs; (iv) the creation of cash-handling agents using
existing networks; and,
-- Current hype about the potential of branchless banking is running
ahead of reality. Massive sustained success in reaching the poor
requires more accurate insights on poor people's financial needs and
adoption behaviour. This is only now starting to become available.
Four Forces Shaping Branchless Banking for 2020
-- Demographic changes -- including a greater number of younger consumers
coming into the market and greater mobility at least within countries
-- will be favourable for the adoption of branchless banking;
-- Activist governments will play a greater role as regulators of the
financial sector, providers of social safety nets, and providers or
encouragers of the rollout of low-cost bank accounts and financial
infrastructure. This expanded role may be helpful for financial
inclusion;
-- While security concerns about cash crime will continue to drive the
adoption of electronic transaction channels, the rise of electronic
crime will affect consumer confidence and test the risk management of
financial providers; and,
-- Internet browsing via mobile phones will reduce costs of financial
transactions and enable new players to offer financial services.
CGAP and GSMA researchers have found that across Africa, Latin America and Asia, the number of people who do not have a bank account but do have a mobile phone is set to grow from 1 billion today to 1.7 billion by 2012. These "unbanked mobiled" individuals represent a compelling market opportunity for service providers.
Notes to Editors
The report will be released today at DFID in London. There will a live webcast on the CGAP Technology Blog from Washington D.C. on Dec. 1. Learn more at http://technology.cgap.org/.
The CGAP Technology Program is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
CGAP is an independent policy and research centre dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors. More at http://www.cgap.org/.
The Department for International Development is the UK Government's department that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty. You can find out more at www.dfid.gov.uk/.
DFID recently launched a Facilitating Access to Financial Services through Technology (FAST) project to support the introduction of "branchless banking" to mass-markets in developing countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh and Ghana. Pilot projects will be evaluated by teams of finance and technology experts and where appropriate help and promote increases in scale or spread to different countries.
Source: CGAP
CONTACT: Jim Rosenberg, +1-202-473-1084, jrosenberg@worldbank.org, for
CGAP; or DFID Press Office, +44 (0) 207 023 0600
Web Site: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/
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18 Nov 2009
09:33
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New Report Finds Four Forces Will Shape the Future of Mobile Banking
17 Nov 2009
20:22
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New Report Finds Four Forces Will Shape the Future of Mobile Banking
Governments, industry can make choices to increase financial inclusion in the next decade
LONDON, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The growing use of branchless banking, including mobile phone banking, is inevitable in most countries. But it's far less certain whether large numbers of the unbanked poor will use these alternative channels for financial services beyond payments, such as savings and credit. So says "Scenarios for Branchless Banking in 2020," a new report from CGAP, a microfinance group based at the World Bank, and the U.K.'s Department for International Development (DFID).
UK Minister for Trade and Development Gareth Thomas today said:
"The fact that many of the 2.7 billion people who currently don't use a bank will have access to branchless banking methods such as mobile phones and the internet by 2020 is a huge step towards financial inclusion for people in developing countries.
"The poor are kept in poverty when they are financially excluded. This means they lack safe places to save money, the opportunity to invest in their future and cannot reduce the risk of their savings being lost in natural disasters.
"As this report shows, governments and the private sector both have a huge role to play in ensuring investment is made to deliver technology-based financial services to billions of poor people."
The report sets out four scenarios on the future of branchless banking. In all four scenarios, the adoption and use of branchless banking services is forecast to be higher in 2020 than it is today. But in two of the scenarios, bursts of rapid acceleration are followed by periods of falloff or flatter growth.
"Mobile banking pioneers give us hope that millions of poor people, especially those living in rural areas, finally might be served by the banking system. That said, new business models and partnerships that provide the right incentives to banks and banking agents are vital if we are to move beyond simple payments and transfers to being able to offer other basic banking services, especially savings, that poor people need and want," said Elizabeth Littlefield, CEO of CGAP.
The report is the product of a six month scenario-building project that engaged nearly 200 leaders from the fields of technology and finance from more than 30 countries.
Snapshot of Branchless Banking Today
-- Financial inclusion is growing in most countries. This is often as a
result of the expansion of conventional banking channels, such as
branches and automated teller machines (ATMs);
-- Bricks-and-mortar growth is inherently limited by its cost. Branchless
banking presents a cheaper option but has only modest reach to date in
most countries;
-- Where branchless banking is occurring, several of the following
factors are usually at work: (i) industry belief in future
profitability; (ii) enabling regulatory change; (iii) a dramatic fall
in connectivity costs; (iv) the creation of cash-handling agents using
existing networks; and,
-- Current hype about the potential of branchless banking is running
ahead of reality. Massive sustained success in reaching the poor
requires more accurate insights on poor people's financial needs and
adoption behaviour. This is only now starting to become available.
Four Forces Shaping Branchless Banking for 2020
-- Demographic changes -- including a greater number of younger consumers
coming into the market and greater mobility at least within countries
-- will be favourable for the adoption of branchless banking;
-- Activist governments will play a greater role as regulators of the
financial sector, providers of social safety nets, and providers or
encouragers of the rollout of low-cost bank accounts and financial
infrastructure. This expanded role may be helpful for financial
inclusion;
-- While security concerns about cash crime will continue to drive the
adoption of electronic transaction channels, the rise of electronic
crime will affect consumer confidence and test the risk management of
financial providers; and,
-- Internet browsing via mobile phones will reduce costs of financial
transactions and enable new players to offer financial services.
CGAP and GSMA researchers have found that across Africa, Latin America and Asia, the number of people who do not have a bank account but do have a mobile phone is set to grow from 1 billion today to 1.7 billion by 2012. These "unbanked mobiled" individuals represent a compelling market opportunity for service providers.
Notes to Editors
The report will be released today at DFID in London. There will a live webcast on the CGAP Technology Blog from Washington D.C. on Dec. 1. Learn more at http://technology.cgap.org/.
The CGAP Technology Program is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
CGAP is an independent policy and research centre dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors. More at http://www.cgap.org/.
The Department for International Development is the UK Government's department that manages Britain's aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty. You can find out more at www.dfid.gov.uk/.
DFID recently launched a Facilitating Access to Financial Services through Technology (FAST) project to support the introduction of "branchless banking" to mass-markets in developing countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, Bangladesh and Ghana. Pilot projects will be evaluated by teams of finance and technology experts and where appropriate help and promote increases in scale or spread to different countries.
Source: CGAP
CONTACT: Jim Rosenberg, +1-202-473-1084, jrosenberg@worldbank.org, for
CGAP; or DFID Press Office, +44 (0) 207 023 0600
Web Site: http://www.dfid.gov.uk/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
18 Nov 2009
09:33
Acision soutient l'activité de messagerie professionnelle de MTN Nigeria avec une solution de messagerie de nouvelle génération
08:00
Un nouveau rapport indique que quatre forces détermineront l'avenir des services bancaires mobiles
08:00
Nuovo studio individua le forze che plasmeranno il futuro dei servizi bancari mobili
08:00
Nieuw rapport constateert dat vier krachten de toekomst van mobiel banken zullen vormen
08:00
Vier Faktoren laut neuem Bericht entscheidend für die Zukunft des Mobile Banking
08:00
Nuevo informe concluye que cuatro fuerzas darán forma al futuro de la banca móvil
08:00
New Report Finds Four Forces Will Shape the Future of Mobile Banking
17 Nov 2009
20:22
The Committee of Ten African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change Meet in Addis Ababa
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