Friday, March 26, 2010
Nigerian Born Star Chiwetel Ejiofor Chases Angelina Jolie in "SALT"
Nigerian Born Star Chiwetel Ejiofor Chases Angelina Jolie in "SALT"
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Nigerian born Britain's "first Black movie star" Chiwetel Ejiofor, OBE. who is still basking in the box office success of 2012 is playing another major role with Angelina Jolie (Evelyn Salt) in SALT, one of the most anticipated blockbuster films this summer. Phillip Noyce directed the film.
Chiwetel is a complete actor from the stage to the TV and to the cinema. His awesome talent is a testimony of his genius. His Nigerian father must be smiling at him from heaven with thanks to God for blessing him with such an accomplished son who is making his Nigerian Igbo people proud in the world.
Chiwetel was born on 10 July, 1977 in East London and began acting at 13 in school and for the National Youth Theatre. Steven Spielberg introduced him to a wider audience in Amistad and Woody Ellen made him one of Radha Mitchell’s suitors in Melinda and Melinda.
"Chewy" (his nickname among buddies) has proved his genius as a sadistic crime boss in Four Brothers and then as the Operative in Joss Whedon’s sci-fi flick Serenity that catapulted him to stardom on the silver screen.
Chiwetel Ejiofor confronts Angelina Jolie in "SALT".
In Salt Chiwetel plays Peabody, a young CIA counter-intelligence officer working for Winter, "the mentor of Evelyn Salt, an agent fingered as a Russian sleeper spy. Peabody in hot pursuit, she must clear her name and figure out the identity of the real spy". This is a must see thriller.
The première comes up on July 23.
Chiwetel Ejiofor and Liev Schreiber in "SALT"
THE PLOT OF SALT
As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who is Salt?" Written by Sony Pictures.
Director: Phillip Noyce
Writer: Brian Helgeland
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Release: July 23, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
14 U.S. States Go To Court Over Health Care Reforms and Democrats Receive Death Threats
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
14 U.S. States Go To Court Over Health Care Reforms and Democrats Receive Death Threats
14 U.S. states Tuesday March 23, 2010, filed lawsuits against the reform of America's $2.5trillion health care system. 12 Republican attorneys general and a Democrat James "Buddy" Caldwell of Louisiana filed a joint lawsuit that the legislation was a violation of state-government rights in the U.S. Constitution and would stretch the lean budgets of many states. The plaintiffs are from Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Idaho, and South Dakota. A Virginia's attorney general filed a separate lawsuit.
“I am confident the court is going to declare the new health care law unconstitutional,” said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum whose lawsuit is against the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Labor.
Vice President Joe Biden who whispered 'This is a big f****** deal' into President Barack Obama’s ear as he hugged him after the historic ceremony at the White House and the White House press secretary Robert Gibbs who tweeted: 'Yes, Mr Vice-President, you're right' will have more to deal with now that the majority of Republicans are fuming and threatening the life of many Democrats in Congress.
In fact 25 percent of Republicans think President Barack Obama is the Antichrist and a Muslim masquerading as a Christian.
A coffin was placed on the lawn of Rep. Russ Carnahan's home outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The Washington Post reported Wednesday the details of the Republicans backlash against the comprehensive health care reform law. The offices and homes of many Democrats have been attacked by vandals instigated by the Republicans since an Alabama blogger, Mike Vanderboegh prompted his readers to throw bricks at the windows of Democratic headquarters across the country.
The FBI and other security agencies are already investigating the threats against House Democrats. Blogs and online forums circulated invectives of protesters such as those of several GOP lawmakers who stood on the balcony of Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol last weekend holding up signs of "Kill the Bill" and Tea Party protesters yelling "No! No! No!" and one screamed, "Nancy, you will burn in hell for this!"
More millions of Americans will benefit from the reforms? See A Final Weekend of Whoppers?
Republicans backlash against those who voted in favour of the Health Reform bill should not degenerate into violent attacks against lawmakers who agreed that the health insurance reform will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance, coverage for those who don’t, and will lower the cost of health care for millions of families, businesses, and ends the worst practices of insurance companies in the United States of America.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
University of Ottawa Comments on the Cancellation of Ann Coulter's Lecture
Ann Coulter
24 Mar 2010 21:27 Africa/Lagos
The University of Ottawa comments on the cancellation of Ann Coulter's lecture
OTTAWA, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, March 23, an appearance by Ann Coulter was scheduled on our campus, organized by the International Free Press Society Canada and the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute.
The University of Ottawa has always promoted and defended freedom of expression. For that reason, we did not at any time oppose Ann Coulter's appearance. Whether it is Ann Coulter or any other speaker, diverse views have always been and continue to be welcome on our campus.
Last night, the organizers themselves decided at 7:50 p.m. to cancel the event and so informed the University's Protection Services staff on site. At that time, a crowd of about one thousand people had peacefully gathered at Marion Hall.
"Freedom of expression is a core value that the University of Ottawa has always promoted," said Allan Rock, President of the University. "We have a long history of hosting contentious and controversial speakers on our campus. Last night was no exception, as people gathered here to listen to and debate Ann Coulter's opinions.
I encourage our students, faculty and other members of our community to maintain our University as an open forum for diverse opinions. Ours is a safe and democratic environment for the expression of views, and we will keep it that way."
Please note that this is the University of Ottawa's official statement and no further comments will be issued.
Source: UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
President Kikwete to Open the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa
President Jakaya Kikwete
24 Mar 2010 15:55 Africa/Lagos
President Kikwete to Open the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa
GENEVA, March 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- President Kikwete will welcome over 700 leaders to World Economic Forum on Africa meeting
Media accreditation – please register online at www.weforummedia.org
World Economic Forum on Africa convenes in East Africa for the first time
President Kikwete of Tanzania will welcome over 700 leaders from around the world to the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa. Heads of state include President Zuma of South Africa and President Pohamba of Namibia with several more expected to participate. Early confirmations include international figures Pascal Lamy, World Trade Organization; Robert D. Hormats, US Undersecretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs; Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs of India; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank; Linah Mohohlo, Governor of the Bank of Botswana; Babatunde Raji Fashola, Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria; Dan Plato, Mayor of the City of Cape Town, South Africa; and more as the meeting draws closer.
The meeting is the most exclusive multistakeholder gathering of leaders with a stake in the future of the continent. African and global leaders will convene under the theme “Rethinking Africa's Growth Strategy” at the World Economic Forum's first meeting in East Africa in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 5-7 May 2010. Media accreditation for the 2010 World Economic Forum on Africa is open. Should you wish to cover this event, please register online at www.weforummedia.org. The registration deadline is Monday 19 April 2010. As the number of accreditations issued will be strictly limited, we will not be able to accommodate late registrations. Please note that no accreditation will be granted on site.
The Co-Chairs of the meeting are Ajai Chowdhry, Founder, HCL; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, HCL Infosystems, India; Kuseni Douglas Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual, South Africa; Pat Davies, Chief Executive, Sasol, South Africa; and Joergen Ole Haslestad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Yara International, Norway.
The World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders (YGLs) convene this year at their Annual Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 2 to 7 May 2010 – the first time in Africa and the largest-ever gathering of Young Global Leaders. This event will enable YGLs to build a strong and diverse community, to engender a better understanding of the global and regional agendas, and to engage in initiatives to address specific challenges of public interest. Please read m ore about YGL task forces (PDF, 6 pages, 85 KB).
Source: World Economic Forum
The Future Of Nigeria Belongs To Those Who Will Never Give Up On Nigeria
President Barack Obama: "Michael Chima, Add Your Name To Mine"
President Obama signs the heathcare bill in the East Room of the White House. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press / March 23, 2010)
Michael Chima, add your name to mine
Michael Chima --
I'm writing to you on a great day for America.
This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.
The bill I just signed puts Americans in charge of our own health care by enacting three key changes:
It establishes the toughest patient protections in history.
It guarantees all Americans affordable health insurance options, extending coverage to 32 million who are currently uninsured.
And it reduces the cost of care -- cutting over 1 trillion dollars from the federal deficit over the next two decades.
To ensure a successful, stable transition, many of these changes will phase into full effect over the next several years.
But for millions of Americans, many of the benefits of reform will begin this year -- some even taking effect this afternoon. Here are just a few examples:
Small businesses will receive significant tax cuts, this year, to help them afford health coverage for all their employees.
Seniors will receive a rebate to reduce drug costs not yet covered under Medicare.
Young people will be allowed coverage under their parents' plan until the age of 26.
Early retirees will receive help to reduce premium costs.
Children will be protected against discrimination on the basis of medical history.
Uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions can join a special high-risk pool to get the coverage they need, starting in just 90 days.
Insured Americans will be protected from seeing their insurance revoked when they get sick, or facing restrictive annual limits on the care they receive.
All Americans will benefit from significant new investments to train primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, and the creation of state-level consumer assistance programs to help all patients understand and defend our new rights.
As I've said many times, and as I know to be true, this astounding victory could not have been achieved without your tireless efforts.
So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible -- all of you who refused to give up until the dream of many generations for affordable, quality care for all Americans was finally fulfilled.
So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:
http://my.barackobama.com/cosigner
Please accept my thanks for your voice, for your courage, and for your indispensable partnership in the great work of creating change.
History, and I, are in your debt.
President Barack Obama
CLICK HERE TO READ THE TRANSCRIPT.
Health Care Reform
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
23 Mar 2010
21:44
Health Insurance Reform Delivers on Promise of America
21:13
The Children's Aid Society Lauds Unprecedented Federal Support for Improving Children's Health
20:42
Betsy McCaughey: Government Control of Your Body
20:28
National Democratic Strategist Bob Weiner Discusses Healthcare, Political Aftermath, Obama Agenda in Radio Interview
20:04
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Hails Significant Provisions for Dementia Community in Health Reform Law
19:44
Mental Health America Hails Enactment of Historic Health Care Reform Bill
19:41
President Signs Health Reform Bill that Aids Small Business
18:11
Pelosi: 'Health Insurance Reform Will Stand Alongside Social Security and Medicare in American History'
18:02
Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on the Signing of 'The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act'
16:05
NASS Survey Finds Physicians Ready to Make Major Changes in Medicare Practices
13:28
PA Breast Cancer Coalition Encouraged by Passing of Health Care Reform Bill
13:00
Uninsured in Atlanta Area to Receive Help as Health Care Reform Passes
22 Mar 2010
21:13
Statement From 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Chairman Albert E. Dotson, Jr. Regarding the Passing of the Health Care Reform Bill
22:47
Health Care Reform Bill Will Also Improve Long-Term Care
18:27
Larsen Response to Healthcare Reform Passage - Individual Mandate Unconstitutional; Business the Big Losers
17:32
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George Hails Passage of Health Care Reform
17:20
Governor Rendell Addresses Health Insurance Reform
17:18
Introducing AIS's Health Reform Week
17:04
PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Health Care Reform
16:36
AAHSA Statement on Passage of Health Reform Legislation
16:15
Bauer Says the Only Remedy for the "Tragic Mistake" of the Health Care Vote Is at the Ballot Box
15:42
CCH Issues Briefing on Tax Provisions of Health Care Reform Legislation
15:09
AARP Applauds House Health Insurance Reform Vote
15:00
Pew Statement on the Physician Payments Sunshine Act
14:58
Small Business Advocate Statement on House Health Care Vote
14:38
NCPA Commends Pharmacy Provisions in House-Passed Health Care Reform Bill
14:33
AARP Pennsylvania Key Vote News Alert: AARP Applauds House Health Insurance Reform Vote
14:22
Providence Service Corporation Comments on Health Care Reform Passage
13:11
USW Applauds Historic Step for Health Care Reform
07:13
AARP Applauds House Health Insurance Reform Vote
06:53
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Praises Historic Passage of Health Insurance Reform
06:42
AARP Idaho Key Vote News Alert
06:06
National Alliance for Hispanic Health President and CEO Applauds House Action, Calls on Senate to Pass Reconciliation Bill
05:58
Pelosi: 'Today, We Have the Opportunity to Complete the Great Unfinished Business of Our Society and Pass Health Insurance Reform for All Americans'
05:31
Catholic Health Association Congratulates Nation's Leaders For Enacting Historic Health Reform
05:27
APHA Applauds House Passage of Health Reform
05:09
PhRMA Statement on Health Care Reform
04:55
'A Monumentally Important Victory for Our Country'
04:06
Healthcare Reform: One Step Forward for America; One Step Back for Women's Rights
03:32
'A Small Step For Today. A Giant Step For Tomorrow'
21 Mar 2010
20:27
Rep. Fattah Says Small Businesses in Philadelphia Are Big Winners in Today's Healthcare Reform
17:07
CAIR: Muslim Congressman Called 'N**ger' by Tea Party Protesters
19 Mar 2010
20:55
Hispanic Groups Urge Congress To Vote No On The Health Care Legislation
19:57
APHA Urges House to Approve Health Reform
19:16
AARP Backs Health Reform Package: Would Deliver Needed Relief to Idaho
19:06
Judicial Watch: Slaughter Rule Unconstitutional
17:57
Majority of Physicians Express Unfavorable Opinions of Health Care Reform Plan
17:28
Tea Party Patriots Gather in Opposition to Government Takeover of Health Care
17:26
Letter Carriers Union Urges House to Pass Health Care Bill
17:22
Rep. Fattah Says Student College Loan Reform as Part of Healthcare Bill is "a Win-Win of Historic Proportions"
17:19
Family Research Council, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and National Right to Life Committee to Host News Conference Call Today at 3 PM ET
17:09
AMA Holds Telephone News Conference Today to Announce Position on New Health System Reform Legislation
16:42
Citing a BAD Bill and a BAD Process, RetireSafe Urges Calls to Congress to Stop the Health CARE Reform Bill
00:49
Statement on Ad-Campaign Attacking Congressman Bart Stupak
00:19
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Calls for Passage of Health Care Reform
18 Mar 2010
16:59
Idaho Enacts Health Care Freedom Act
16:37
U.S. Bishops Provide Resources Explaining Flaws in Senate Health Care Bill
16:11
Machinists Members Adamantly Opposed to Health Care Excise Tax
15:45
Frequent Users of the ER: Sick, Insured and White
13:00
Senator Coburn MD (R. OK) Engages Physicians on Sermo to Gauge Reaction to Healthcare Reform Bill
00:04
League TV Ad: Appointment of Congressman's Brother 'Suspicious Timing'
17 Mar 2010
22:03
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, the Nation's Top Union Leader, Joining Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William George, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Bloomingdale and Philadelphia AFL-CIO President Patrick Eiding in Leading Two Workers' Rallies in Downtown Philadelphia on Friday, March 19, 2010
15:56
Nation's Leading Voice of Doctors Develops Educational Ad
13:00
SBCA Urges House Members to Vote Against Senate Health Care Bill
16 Mar 2010
22:15
Hoffa on Health Care Reform: 'Time to Get This Done'
20:00
Statement From Larry Minnix, President & CEO, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, on the Beginning of the Reconciliation Process for Health Reform Legislation
16:25
U.S. Chamber Releases 10 District Polls Showing Voters Opposed to Current Health Care Proposal
15:04
Health Care Reform: Latest Employer Views Regarding Impact of Key Provisions
15 Mar 2010
18:20
Does the U.S. Need to Ration Costly End-of-Life Care?
17:14
LightSource Poll by KJT Group Shows Americans' Disdain for the Cost of Reforming Health Care
12 Mar 2010
18:06
What Real Health Care Reform Must Address
9 Mar 2010
19:57
Americans for Responsible Health Care Launch Radio Ads Targeting Seven Democrats, Warning 'The People Are Watching...'
19:26
Ambiguous Language Could Drive Up Rather Than Curtail Health Care Costs
4 Mar 2010
02:05
DNC Chairman Kaine Joins President Obama in Calling on Congress to Finish the Job, Pass Health Insurance Reform
3 Mar 2010
22:41
Obama Proposes Health Care Bill Fully Funding Abortion
21:31
On Healthcare: Step Up or Step Out of the Way
21:29
Pelosi: We Will Move Forward on Health Insurance Reform, Including Best Ideas of Democrats and Republicans
21:11
DNC Chairman Kaine Joins President Obama in Calling on Congress to Finish the Job, Pass Health Insurance Reform
2 Mar 2010
22:45
President Obama Endorses Health Courts - A Concept Championed by Common Good to Restore Medical Justice and Eliminate Waste Associated with Defensive Medicine
1 Mar 2010
15:30
TV Ads Target House Members Who Voted for Obamacare
14:36
Broad Health Coalition Disappointed That Health Care Summit Yields Little Progress on Medical Liability Reform
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
As Corporate Mobile Device Programs Grow, So Do the Risks
23 Mar 2010 13:00 Africa/Lagos
As Corporate Mobile Device Programs Grow, So Do the Risks; Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Reduces Risks and Costs by Up to 25 Percent
WATERFORD, Wis., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Businesses today rely more than ever on cell phones and other mobile devices to stay connected in a global marketplace. However, according to employee mobility expert Runzheimer International, managing corporate mobile device programs can present significant costs and challenges often driven by lack of policy and expertise, inefficient processes, and inadequate management information. As a proof point, Runzheimer International's latest research shows that 73 percent of organizations are operating their virtual office programs without a formal policy.
Since many organizations today manage numerous wireless carrier relationships at a time with extremely detailed contracts and hundreds of pages of bills to review each month, the need for greater control continues to increase rapidly. The risk of errors and missed opportunity to optimize the management of contracts is high. An Aberdeen survey reports that it costs enterprises nearly 10 times more to manage wireless services and devices than wireline. The survey also indicates that this number will continue to grow, as 80 percent of respondents say they plan to increase their fleet of wirelessly enabled PDAs.
Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Services(TM) streamline the process of managing corporate mobile device programs, enabling organizations to achieve better service and cost reduction of up to 25 percent. On average, Runzheimer Mobile Watch customers have increased productivity with finance invoice reconciliation and cost allocation from 50 to 90 percent. Individual mobile device costs have been reduced by $100-$350 per year and service levels have decreased from two-to-three weeks to two-to-three days.
"Because of extreme complexity and an intensely manual process, uncovering expense control and service improvements in telecom expense management programs requires significant time and resources," said Greg Harper, president of Runzheimer International. "Our Mobile Watch Services provide corporations with the powerful combination of automation and consulting expertise to tighten policies and processes, resulting in better employee service and reduced costs."
Proven ROI for Companies that Take Control of Mobile Device Management
Johnson Financial Group (JFG), a full-service financial services company, faced challenges in understanding and effectively administering mobile devices. JFG maintained contracts with seven different wireless carriers and had limited guidelines for mobile device eligibility. A budget review identified mobile devices as a large and growing cost item. JFG implemented the Runzheimer International Mobile Watch Services to help take control of its complex mobile device program. Within the first 10 months of implementation, JFG's run rate of wireless spending declined by 23.5 percent and unit costs for mobile devices are now at or below best practice levels. The company has experienced improved asset management, reductions in billing errors and over-payments to carriers, and significantly shortened turnaround times for activating new lines and device receipt.
Runzheimer International's Mobile Watch includes a complete range of services, from expense optimization and order management to invoice automation and monthly reconciliation. The services also include consulting and management reporting relative to best practices. More information can be found at www.runzheimer.com.
About Runzheimer International
Founded in 1933, Runzheimer International serves 60 percent of the Fortune 500 and numerous government agencies. The company is recognized for providing innovative solutions relating to Total Employee Mobility®. Runzheimer International is the global leader in workforce mobility programs including business vehicle, logistics, business travel, corporate aircraft, employee relocation and compensation, and virtual office.
Source: Runzheimer International
CONTACT: Andrea Cousens of ABC Communications, +1-310-270-8903,
acousens@runzheimer.com, for Runzheimer International; or Kathy Sharo of
Runzheimer International, +1-262-971-2651, kps@runzheimer.com
Web Site: Runzheimer International
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Monday, March 22, 2010
Re: Armed Fulani Strike Again In Ekiti, Kill Police Corporal, Two Villagers Wounded
« #116 on: Today at 07:20:20 PM »
The photograph should be shown to the rampaging nomadic herdsmen on how modern livestock farming can make them richer instead of wandering about trespassing the farmlands of other states.
The security of the citizens of Nigeria is the responsibility of the state.
The present government has failed woefully and what can save Nigeria is a New government and not a new cabinet that is not really new.
If we have a good police force, there will be no trespassing of farmlands by nomadic Hausa Fulani herdsmen.
The government must teach them modern livestock farming and Alhaji Aliko Dangote would be wiser by helping his people instead of importing cement. What his people need most is not cement, BUT CIVILIZATION!
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME and not flying about in private jets when his primitive brothers NEED HELP URGENTLY.
What we are seeing is the systemic failure of the Sharia states.
Why should these herdsmen remain as primitive as their ancestors in the 21st century?
Ambassador Victor Gbeho, New President of ECOWAS Commission, Assumes Duty
Ambassador Victor Gbeho, new president of ECOWAS commission, assumes duty
ABUJA, March 22, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The new President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho on Friday, 12th March 2010 assumed duty at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, three weeks after his unanimous election by the 37th Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the 15 Member States.
In a familiarization meeting with ECOWAS statutory appointees and heads of directorates shortly after his arrival, Ghanaian-born Gbeho expressed delight at the opportunity of meeting the management team of the Commission. He said he was looking forward to a harmonious working relationship with the entire staff in order to accomplish the goals of ECOWAS and thereby improve the lives of the citizens of the ECOWAS Community.
Ambassador Gbeho said he was “bringing to the table my experience over the years and the energy that we can develop together”.
A retired career diplomat and politician, Ambassador Gbeho is taking over from Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, to complete Ghana's tenure as the chief executive officer of the Commission, following the latter's appointment as the General Secretary of the ACP in Brussels.
Ambassador Gbeho worked in the then Ghana Foreign and Commonwealth Service and later the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has served in various capacities at Ghana's Diplomatic Missions abroad as well as in the Ministry in Accra, Ghana.
Some of his postings include the Ghana Missions in China, India, Nigeria, New York (UN/USA), Germany, United Kingdom and Geneva (UN/Switzerland), holding such posts as the Deputy High Commissioner to the Court of St. James (U.K.), Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the European Offices of the United Nations in Geneva, with concurrent accreditation to UNIDO in Vienna, Austria, Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations in New York and concurrently accredited to Cuba, Jamaica as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
Ambassador Gbeho also held various positions during his tenure in Geneva as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the European Offices of the United Nations and was also concurrently accredited to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.
He is also bringing to the ECOWAS Commission his experience as a special peace envoy having been appointed as the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General in Somalia from 1994 to 1995 and between 1995 and 1996 Special Representative of the Chairman of ECOWAS in Liberia.
In Liberia, he exercised political oversight and responsibility necessary for the implementation of the agreements reached at the Akosombo Talks and the subsequent Accra Clarification Talks for the return of peace to the war-torn country.
In that respect, Ambassador Gbeho worked closely with the then ECOWAS Secretariat and ECOMOG. He also led the ECOWAS Team that negotiated the Status of Forces Agreement with the Government of Charles Taylor in 1996.
Source: Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS)
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
22 Mar 2010
15:07
Ambassador Victor Gbeho, new president of ECOWAS commission, assumes duty
15:07
Ministers Adopt Plan for Implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms, Call for Ratification by Member States
13:34
African Experts Showcase a Major Drive to Double Rice Production in Response to Burgeoning Consumer Demand / Coming 2 Years after a Catastrophic Rice Crisis, a Major Scientific Congress Focuses Debate on Rice Trends and New Research Directions
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President Barack Obama Speaks on Historic Health Care Reform
President Barack Obama's Statement on the historic approval of legislation providing healthcare to more Americans than ever before.
For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.
Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:
Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.
Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.
And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.
But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.
It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.
It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.
And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.
This is what change looks like.
My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.
This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.
Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.
We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.
Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.