An appeal from Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales

An appeal from Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales
Today, I am asking you to make a donation to support Wikipedia.

I started Wikipedia in 2001, and over the past eight years, I've been amazed and humbled to see hundreds of thousands of volunteers join with me to build the largest encyclopedia in human history.

Wikipedia isn't a commercial website. It's a community creation, entirely written and funded by people like you. More than 340 million people use Wikipedia every month - almost a third of the Internet-connected world. You are part of our community.

I believe in us. I believe that Wikipedia keeps getting better. That's the whole idea. One person writes something, somebody improves it a little, and it keeps getting better, over time. If you find it useful today, imagine how much we can achieve together in 5, 10, 20 years.

Wikipedia is about the power of people like us to do extraordinary things. People like us write Wikipedia, one word at a time. People like us fund it. It's proof of our collective potential to change the world.

We need to protect the space where this important work happens. We need to protect Wikipedia. We want to keep it free of charge and free of advertising. We want to keep it open – you can use the information in Wikipedia any way you want. We want to keep it growing – spreading knowledge everywhere, and inviting participation from everyone.

The Wikimedia Foundation is the non-profit organization I created in 2003 to operate, grow, nurture, and protect Wikipedia. For ten million US dollars a year and with a staff of fewer than 35 people, it runs the fifth most-read website in the entire world. I'm asking for your help so we can continue our work.

Imagine a world in which every single person on the planet has free access to the sum of all human knowledge. That’s where we’re headed. And with your help, we will get there.

Thank you for using Wikipedia. You're part of this story: please make a donation today.

Jimmy Wales

Founder, Wikipedia

Donate Now


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Nigeria:Campus Girls, Big-Time Prostitutes

Photo Credit: African Movies Direct

Nigeria:Campus Girls, Big-Time Prostitutes

Read Full Report.


Poor Girl Regular Sex Campus Girls Unsuspecting Clients Campus Prostitution Dreaded HIV Campus Prostitution Ring Real Students Bad Student Professional Students University Women Innocent Girls Randy Lecturers Client Money Bonafide Students Prevent HIV

Our Country Would Be Great If We Do The Right Things

The prophecy is in our hands to determine what we would be. Our country would be great if we do the right things.
~ Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry



Most of us are fond of pointing accusing fingers at the Nigerian government and public officials we condemn and hang over allegations of corruption and other evils. But we are not better than them in our respective homes and workplaces, because we also indulge in our forms and ways of corrupt practices.

How do we treat our fellow Nigerians?

Most of the Nigerian employers who accuse the government of corruption have been found to cheat and exploit their workers by underpaying them and even not paying them salaries for months and years.

We treat our houseboys, housegirls, drivers, messengers and other servants like slaves and we then turn around to accuse the government and public officials of corruption. Are we not fooling ourselves?

Hypocrisy is worse than corruption.

Most of us do not pay our taxes and make frivolous excuses for not doing so.

Most of us cheat when we sit for various examinations.


We know how to find faults in others, but we have done worse things indoors and on the streets.

Let us DO THE RIGHT THINGS IN 2010.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

CAIR: Plane Incidents in Ariz., Mich. Raise Profiling Concerns

28 Dec 2009 01:36 Africa/Lagos

CAIR: Plane Incidents in Ariz., Mich. Raise Profiling Concerns

Passenger removals may be related to Christmas Day attempted bombing

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on airline passengers, crews and security personnel to avoid ethnic and religious "profiling" in the wake of the attempted bombing of a flight arriving in Detroit on Christmas Day.


CAIR made that call following two incidents in which innocent passengers were targeted based either on their national origin or on otherwise ordinary behavior.


In Arizona, two "Middle Eastern" men were removed from a US Airways flight in Phoenix and questioned by the FBI after another passenger overheard the men speaking in a foreign language. The men were questioned and released.


SEE: 'Middle Eastern' Passengers Removed from Plane in Phoenix
http://tinyurl.com/yfh7x5t



In Michigan, police removed a Nigerian passenger from a flight after he became ill and spent what others considered too much time in the aircraft's bathroom.


SEE: Detroit-Bound Airline Passenger Was Ill, Not a Threat
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581232,00.html



"While everyone supports robust airline security measures, racial and religious profiling are in fact counterproductive and can lead to a climate of insecurity and fear," said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.


CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.


CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com


Source: Council on American-Islamic Relations

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper,
+1-202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; or CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina
Rubin, +1-202-488-8787, +1-202-341-4171, arubin@cair.com


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


Hot Topics
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Health Care Reform
Outlook for 2010
Holiday Health & Safety
Best & Worst of 2009
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10 Ways to Create a More Hopeful 2010 (and Most of Them are Free)

Play with a puppy (or kitten)" is just one of 10 ways to make your 2010 a more hopeful year. For the complete list of hopeful tips visit HopeIsInTheCards.org. (PRNewsFoto/Hope Is In The Cards) PHOENIX, AZ UNITED STATES

28 Dec 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos

10 Ways to Create a More Hopeful 2010 (and Most of Them are Free)

PHOENIX, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- 2009 was not an easy year. Here are a few ideas to help make 2010 a better year for you, your friends and family, and perhaps even the world.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091228/LA30365)

1. Let Someone Know You Care

E-mails and text messages are no match for a heartfelt, handwritten message. Mail a REAL card or note to someone, right now. And if you don't know someone who needs a lift, then simply write the word HOPE on the back of anything you mail.


www.HopeIsInTheCards.org

2. Shop Local

Pick three local businesses. Spend $50 with these neighborhood enterprises instead of a national chain. You don't add anything to your budget, and you help keep small businesses going.


www.the350project.net

3. Read To A Child

You feel great, the child feels great, you promote learning and education and it's just plain fun to do.


www.readingfoundation.org

4. Play With A Puppy (or a kitten)

A visit to your local animal shelter or pet store is all it takes. If you know your zip code, go online and find a fuzzy friend nearby.


www.petfinder.com

5. Get Inspired

Loren Gelberg-Goff's internet radio show, Loving The Life You're In, serves up a weekly dose of positive, upbeat tips and conversations with some of the world's most interesting guests and experts.


www.worldtalkradio.com

6. Thank A Soldier

These people put their lives out there to serve our country. Let them know you'll be happy when they're home again.


www.amillionthanks.org

7. Give Something Back

Ditch TV for one hour and serve a meal at a shelter. Drive someone to an appointment. Paint over some graffiti. That hour will be treasured far longer than any sitcom.


www.unitedway.org

8. Turn Everything Off For 5 Minutes

TVs, stereos, iPods, computers, lights, clocks, the heat....everything. The quiet, the thoughtfulness, the lack of buzzing....it does wonders.


9. Go Outside


There is something inspiring outside -- even if it's just a weed in a crack on the sidewalk. Think about it -- with nothing but rain and sunshine and the ickiest bits of dust and dirt, that weed broke through concrete! If a little plant can do it, so can you.


10. Spin


In your office chair. In the elevator when no one else is in there. Outside. Nothing so easy can make you feel so 8 years old again. And when you were 8, anything was possible.


It still is.

Have a happy, hopeful New Year.

www.hopeisinthecards.org

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091228/LA30365
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: ADD PRN#
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: HopeIsInTheCards.org

CONTACT: Russ Haan of Hope Is In The Cards, +1-602-318-8958,
russ@hopeisinthecards.org


Web Site: http://www.the350project.net/
http://www.readingfoundation.org/
http://www.petfinder.com/
http://www.worldtalkradio.com/
http://www.amillionthanks.org/
http://www.unitedway.org/
http://www.hopeisinthecards.org/

New York Plastic Surgeon Transforms His Practice Using Twitter Status Updates

28 Dec 2009 17:05 Africa/Lagos


New York Plastic Surgeon Transforms His Practice Using Twitter Status Updates

NEW YORK, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Oleh Slupchynskyj, Director of The Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey, recently started using Twitter, the popular social networking tool, as a means of disseminating the latest information in facial plastic surgery techniques, new products and beauty trends to his patients and anyone else interested in facial rejuvenation.


"I believe that using Twitter connects me to my patients on a more personal level. It provides a fun, easy way to pass along information that I find useful or interesting," reports Slupchynskyj. He continues, "I want my patients to feel comfortable communicating with me, and I think that using Twitter can help breakdown the stereotypical coldness sometimes associated with the medical profession." Slupchynskyj's patients are not the only ones who benefit from this free and easy-to-use method of communication. In addition to informing his current patients, Slupchynskyj's tweets enable potential patients, or those just acquainting themselves with cosmetic procedures, to hear updates directly from a facial plastic surgeon in an anonymous forum. However, those that choose to follow Slupchynskyj anonymously may soon desire to become patients, as the Doctor also tweets offers for free, non-surgical rejuvenative treatments like Botox(R) and other injectables. For more information on how to follow Dr. Slupchynskyj on Twitter, please go to http://www.twitter.com/DrSlupchynskyj.


Oleh Slupchynskyj, M.D. is the Director and Founder of The Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey with offices in Manhattan and West Orange, New Jersey. Dr. Slupchynskyj is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology with training specific to the head, neck and face. He is named one of the "Top Surgeons" of 2009 by the Consumers' Research Council of America and is considered a face specialist. He is a member of the following Societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology, New York County Medical Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology Allergy, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. More information on his surgical techniques can be found on his websites, http://www.facechange.org/, http://www.rhinoplastysurgeonnewyork.com/ and http://www.africanamericanrhinoplasty.com/.


Contact: Catherine Pearson
Director of Business Development
212-628-6464
cathy@facechange.org

Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey
http://www.facechange.org/
44 East 65th Street, Suite 1A
New York, New York 10021
212-628-6464




This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.


Source: Aesthetic Institute of New York and New Jersey

CONTACT: Catherine Pearson, Director of Business Development, Aesthetic
Institute of New York and New Jersey, +1-212-628-6464, cathy@facechange.org


Web Site: http://www.facechange.org/

5,000 Web Sites Selling Prescription Drugs Outside of Pharmacy Laws and Practice Standards

28 Dec 2009 22:35 Africa/Lagos


5,000 Web Sites Selling Prescription Drugs Outside of Pharmacy Laws and Practice Standards

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On December 11, 2009, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy(R) (NABP(R)) reached a bitter-sweet milestone in its ongoing review of Web sites selling prescription medications. NABP now lists more than 5,000 Internet drug outlets as Not Recommended. These sites -- 96% of the total number of sites reviewed -- have been found to be out of compliance with pharmacy laws and practice standards established in the United States to protect the public health.


"There is a common misconception that prescription medications purchased from any Web site calling itself a pharmacy are safe," says NABP President Gary A. Schnabel, RN, RPh. "Patients have grown to trust prescription medications in the US because the manufacturing and supply systems are tightly regulated to ensure safety. What many patients fail to realize, however, is that when buying medications from unknown sources online, those safeguards vanish, and the odds of getting counterfeit or substandard medication rise substantially."


Of the 5,231 Internet drug outlets NABP had assessed since the May 2008 launch of its Internet drug outlet review program, 5,008 (96%) of the sites were found to be out of compliance with basic criteria for legitimate pharmacy practice and were posted as Not Recommended on the NABP Web site. Of the 5,008 sites listed as Not Recommended:


-- More than 75% (4,029) dispense drugs without a valid prescription.
-- More than half (2,762) accept a brief online questionnaire in place of
a prescription. To be valid, and to ensure patient safety, a
prescription must be based on a legitimate patient-practitioner
relationship that has included a face-to-face physical examination.
-- Nearly 25% (1,327) post a physical address located outside the US.
-- Nearly half (2,436) do not provide any physical address. According to
the World Health Organization, more than 50% of medicines purchased
over the Internet from sites that conceal their physical address are
counterfeit.
-- Nearly half (2,216) offer foreign or unapproved drugs. Because these
drugs are not subject to the quality and safety requirements of those
approved for sale in the US -- or even of those approved for sale in
other developed countries -- their safety and efficacy are unknown.
-- Nearly 20% (956) do not have secure sites that protect patients'
personal and financial information.


Internet pharmacies listed as Recommended on the NABP Web site have been accredited by the VIPPS(R) (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) program or, for veterinary sites, the Vet-VIPPS program. These Internet pharmacies have successfully completed NABP's rigorous 19-point criteria evaluation and on-site inspection to ensure they adhere to the highest standards for pharmacy practice and patient safety.


"Patients looking to purchase medications over the Internet would be well-advised to consider who is on the other end of the transaction," President Schnabel says. "Virtually anyone with a computer and a bank account can sign on to become an affiliate of a rogue network, set up a Web site using a template, and start selling drugs online. Bearing in mind that these affiliate network programs are behind thousands of Web sites selling prescription drugs, it follows that the operators of most Internet drug outlets have no knowledge of or concern for patient safety."


Knowledge is key to protecting the public from these high-tech drug dealers. NABP continues to research Web sites selling prescription drugs and report its findings to state and federal regulators, and to educate health care professionals and the public on the dangers of buying prescription drugs online, thereby empowering patients to make informed choices. More information is available in the Internet Pharmacies section of the NABP Web site, www.nabp.net.


NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.


Source: National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

CONTACT: Larissa Doucette, Communications Manager of National
Association of Boards of Pharmacy, +1-847-391-4405, custserv@nabp.net


Web Site: http://www.nabp.net/

International Drug & Explosives Detection Firm IDenta Corp. Issues Statement Concerning Airplane Explosives

28 Dec 2009 16:00 Africa/Lagos

International Drug & Explosives Detection Firm IDenta Corp. Issues Statement Concerning Airplane Explosives

JERUSALEM, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IDenta Corp. (PINKSHEETS: IDTA) CEO Yaacov Shoham today issued the following statement concerning airplane explosives and the incident in Detroit last week.


Stated Shoham, "Concerning the airplane incident last week, (Northwest Airlines Flight 253) IDenta Alert Explosive Identification kits could have easily and accurately helped to identify the suspected substance, especially since, according to the news, the explosive was PETN, one of the standard and well-known explosives (already used in the past by terrorists). IDenta has IDenta Alert Explosive Identifiers available to identify all of the substances already known to be explosives. The IDenta test is an instant test, inexpensive, very reliable, safe, easy to use etc."


PETN is a stronger explosive than TNT which is the most standard known explosive, the effect of 1 kg of TNT = to 0.60 kg of PETN.


The airports in France are in the beginning stages of using IDenta Alert Explosive Identifiers and are the first to do so.


As previously released, two large International companies (connection established at the 2009 Explosives Detection Symposium and Workshop in San Diego) that are manufacturing electronic devices to detect explosives at airports, have inquired about and received information and samples of IDenta Alert Explosive Identifiers kits. IDenta expects to penetrate this very important market of airport security also. These electronic devices are being used extensively at airports and the two companies are looking to provide an inexpensive and reliable chemical explosive kit as a backup for the electronic devices. In our opinion IDenta Alert is the best kit to be used as a backup for the electronic devices for detecting and identifying explosives and illicit drugs.


However IDenta Corp. is already selling the IDenta Alert Explosive Identifiers for different Homeland Security and Army agencies around the world, and as we have released since the 2009 Explosives Detection Symposium and Workshop in San Diego, the penetration to the different agencies in USA is developing rapidly.


We want to emphasize that the new connections developed at the San Diego workshop are in addition to the DOD test.


We have been in the last few months in contact with the DOD officers to finalize the tests for IDenta's Alert Explosive Detectors. IDenta has helped them to develop and establish a special protocol how to use the explosive kits.


The DOD test is still in progress, and hopefully will be concluded positive in a relatively short period.


At The San Diego Explosive Detection 2009 Symposium and Workshop, in our opinion, we have been able to receive the best possible connections and exposure for IDenta's Alert Explosive Detectors.


Information concerning IDenta's Alert Explosive Identifiers may be found at www.IDenta.biz


Meanwhile, IDenta has already made all the changes requested by the still yet unnamed American agency (previous news release) and expects to have a signed agreement for the initial order of 100,000 Alert Explosive Identifiers very shortly.


ABOUT IDENTA


Since 2003, IDenta Corporation has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the development of proprietary on-site drug, drug precursor and explosive detection kits. IDenta develops, manufactures and distributes products for both the professional and civil markets which consistently pass the highest qualifications and testing procedures of law enforcement and security agencies around the world.


Information concerning IDenta's entire product line may be found at www.IDenta.biz


DISCLAIMER


Certain of the statements contained herein may be, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations as of the date hereof, and the company does not undertake any responsibility to update any of these statements in the future.


For Investor Relations, lobbying interests or information concerning IDenta's products internationally or the development of new chemical detectors, contact: Yaacov Shoham, IDenta Corp., CEO, Tel: +972-52-6554487, fpi@drugsdetector.com, www.IDenta.biz.


For information about the Accutest® - IDenta products in the US, please contact: Mr. Eyal Golan, COO, JANT PHARMACAL CORPORATION, 16255 Ventura Blvd. #505, Encino, CA 91436, Toll Free: 800-676-5565, 661-478-0582 (mobile), golan@accutest.net, www.accutestIDenta.net.


Source: IDenta Corp.

CONTACT: Yaacov Shoham, CEO of IDenta Corp., +972-52-6554487, or
fpi@drugsdetector.com


Web Site: http://www.identa.biz/

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Northwest Flight 253
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
28 Dec 2009
16:00
International Drug & Explosives Detection Firm IDenta Corp. Issues Statement Concerning Airplane Explosives
01:36
CAIR: Plane Incidents in Ariz., Mich. Raise Profiling Concerns
26 Dec 2009
22:07
Nigerian National Charged With Attempting to Destroy Northwest Airlines Aircraft
20:07
Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
19:52
AJC Lauds Courage of Crew and Passengers on Terror Flight
01:54
Delta Air Lines Issues Statement on Northwest Flight 253

Hot Topics
New Year's Eve
Northwest Flight 253
Health Care Reform
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Holiday Health & Safety
Best & Worst of 2009
Holiday Travel

Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

Department of Homeland Security Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Transportation Security Administration) WASHINGTON, DC UNITED STATES

26 Dec 2009 20:07 Africa/Lagos

Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place -- for all domestic and international flights -- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on flights.


The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.


Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in."


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090402/DC93847LOGO-b )


Contact: DHS Press Office, (202) 282-8010


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090402/DC93847LOGO-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Department of Homeland Security

CONTACT: DHS Press Office, +1-202-282-8010

Latest Update:
Nigerian out of hospital after plane attack

Northwest Flight 253
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
26 Dec 2009
20:07
Statement by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
19:52
AJC Lauds Courage of Crew and Passengers on Terror Flight
01:54
Delta Air Lines Issues Statement on Northwest Flight 253

Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Was A Great Woman

Mrs. Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and three of her four children.

Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida would be remembered for many reasons, but the most remarkable was how she used her role as the First Lady for the empowerment of millions of Nigerian women in the rural areas as the founder of the Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman (BLP). The BLP programme launched 7,635 co-operatives, 997 cottage industries, 1,751 new farms and gardens, 487 new shops and markets, 419 women's centers and 163 social welfare programs in all the states and Abuja (FCT) in Nigeria and transformed the lives of the women for life.

Mrs. Babangida used the BLP for the social and political mobilization of rural women and increased the voter turnout in the December 1989 local government council elections in Nigeria and she also built an international center for women in development in Abuja.

For her great feat in sustainable human development, Mrs. Maryam Ibrahim Babangida was honoured with the highly coveted Africa Prize for Leadership in 1991.
Among the laureates of the Africa Prize are the great Nelson Mandela, former President of the Republic of South Africa, who won the prize in 1994 and Jerry John Rawlings, the former President of the Republic of Ghana who won it in 1993 and the others include the following great men and women:
2006 - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia.
2003 - Meaza Ashenafi, Founder, Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association.
2003 - Sara Longwe, Gender consultant, Zambia.
2001 - Amelia Jacob, Co-founder, SHDEPHA+, Tanzania.
2001 - Bishop Dennis H. de Jong, (1931-2003)Integrated AIDS Programme, Zambia.
1998 - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda.
1998 - Celina Cossa, Founder and Leader of the General Union of Agricultural Cooperatives.
1997 - Joaquim Chissano, President of Mozambique.
1997 - Joyce Banda, Founder, National Assn. of Business Women of Malawi.
1996 - Amadou Toumani Touré, Former President of Mali.
1996 - Chief Bisi Ogunleye, Founder, Country Women's Association of Nigeria.
1995 - H. E. Sam Nujoma, President of the Republic of Namibia.
1995 - Mrs. Joyce F. Mungherera, National Executive Director, YWCA - Uganda.
1993 - Father Nzamujo Godfrey, Director, Songhai Project, Benin.
1992 - Mrs. Graça Simbine Machel, President, Foundation for Community Development, Mozambique.
1992 - Dr. Ebrahim M. Samba, Africa Regional Director, World Health Organization.
1991 - Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai, Founder, Green Belt Movement, Kenya.

1990 - Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria; founder, Africa Leadership Forum.
1990 - Dr. Esther Afua Ocloo, (1919-2002) Founder and first chair, Women's World Banking.

1989 - H. E. Dr. Ketsumile Masire, Former President of the Republic of Botswana.
1989 - Dr. Bernard L. Ouédraogo, President and founder, the Naam movement, Burkina Faso. Co-founder, International Six-S Association.
1987 - H. E. Abdou Diouf, Former President of the Republic of Senegal.
1987 - Professor Thomas R. Odhiambo (1931-2003).

Maryam's Death: General Babangida’s Statement

Sun Dec, 27 2009

Maryam Babangida passes on at 61 in US

With total submission to the Will of Allah, we humbly announce the passing away of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and amiable friend Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

A statement from General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s family announced today that Maryam passed on early this morning at the age of 61, after a protracted illness.

The former chairperson of the Better Life for Rural Women during her husband's years in office had been hospitalised at University of California Los Angele's (UCLA) Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Los Angeles, United States.

She died beside her husband, General Babangida who has been at her bedside in the US hospital till her death. Mrs. Babangida's condition worsened months ago.

Born on November 1, 1948, she had fairly humble beginnings in her hometown of Asaba where she received part of her early education before moving up North to Queen Amina College, Kaduna for her Secondary education. She went on to graduate as a Secretary at the Federal Training Centre, Kaduna and later obtained a diploma in secretaryship from Laselle University, Chicago, USA as well as a Certificate in Computer Science from the NCR Institute, Lagos.

On September 6, 1969, two months before her 21st Birthday, she got married to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (then a Major). Their marriage has been blessed with four children: 2 boys, Mohammed and Aminu and two girls, Aisha and Halima.

Apart from a brief stop at a career in her line of training, before and shortly after marriage, Mrs. Babangida remained a full time housewife, establishing and nurturing the home front until her youngest child had fairly come of age.

Considered to be one of the greatest women in Africa today, Maryam made that significant sacrifice in her staunch belief that the family unit is the most crucial factor in the quality of society and of mankind and that the woman is the central anchor of the unit.

By 1983, she however was again ready for an active career, beyond the confines of the home front when her husband became the Chief of Army Staff on December 31st that year. She became the President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA). It was during her twenty-month presidency that her leadership qualities were first unfolded to the public as she mobilised her colleagues to embark aggressively on public spirited ventures which included building schools, clinics, women's multipurpose training centres and child day care centres.

An incisive thinker and passionate lover of nature, gardening, birds and home decorations, she is "a poet's dream" and with disarming charm and an admirable deft blend of winning wit, quiet confidence and child-like grace, she has brought the institution of first-ladyship out of the closet to active participation in nation building.

Signed:

(For and on Behalf of the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Family)


Malam Ibrahim Ismaila

Special Assistant to General I.B. Babangida

December 27, 2009

Download press statement here: Maryam Babangida passes on at 61 in US