Monday, May 3, 2010

Your GPA Does not Determine Your Brilliance

Your GPA does not determine your brilliance


Every Nigerian knows that it is not easy to go to a federal or state University in Nigeria.


This topic just popped into my brain just because a couple of days ago, the degree results were released, those who passed, passed, and those who failed, failed. Those who graduated with a first class rejoiced, while those who didn’t do too well sulked…!


The thing here is that the fact that you made a 4.95 GPA doesn’t mean that you’re the most brainiest person in the school environment…it simply means that you simply have the greater ability of cramming what you read and giving it back to the lecturer during the examinations instead of reading to your understanding.


I think that I have come to realize that the reason why most students in “Nigeria” graduate with a lower grade other than the first class thingy is not because they don’t know how to read or cram! Let’s be honest with ourselves here, most of us bribed our way through the University. While others toiled day and night, yet they come out with nothing. And you begin to ask yourself why???


One of my lecturers who was among those that compiled the final year results complained that there was a case of mass failure in the last graduating set. He said among thousands of students, none graduated with a first class from the department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages! And those who managed to graduate with a second class upper narrowly escaped graduating with a second class lower grade! I was dumbfounded because I was cock sure that we had some real brilliant students in that department. My lecturer now asked a question that I think some of us have an answer to….he said, “is the problem with the lecturers or the students?”


I actually did think that the problem was with the lecturer because most of them come to class, speak a lot of jargons and leave, expecting a student with no prior knowledge of the course to actually grab what he/she is saying. And when you end up asking questions, they bark at you as if you don’t have a right to ask a question on something you obviously do not understand.


Let’s be honest here, that fact that BOY A graduates with a whooping first class doesn’t mean that he is better than BOY B who graduated with a third class or a pass!
I know of a guy who graduated with a clean first class, but guess what? He doesn’t know how to write an informal letter!!! Will you now tell me that he is better than his neighbor who graduated with a pass who knows all the elements of grammar both in the spoken and written form?


In Nigeria, we place so much importance on GPs that we actually fail to see what a youth has to offer to his country! We fail to give them the opportunity to display those thoughts and ideas that they have been nursing since their childhood years…rather we judge them based on a piece of paper (which obviously doesn’t end up determining one’s level of success in life).



Take a good look at Wole Soyinka! one of Nigeria’s finest literary writers. What did he graduate with when he was in the University of Ibadan, Oyo State? A THIRD CLASS! Yes! But he left the shores of Nigeria to study abroad and he came back with a first class certificate. Why? Their learning system is much more favorable than ours.
It’s no longer news that students bribe their way through to first class by having amorous relationship with their lecturers, both male and female while others simply pay their way through the university. At the end of 4 or 5 years, these students graduate with first class and second class upper honors while those who spent endless hours in the library, foregoing their social lives and burnt the midnight oil end up with the second class or pass! Yet they call it an educational system. At the end of their stay, the school offers them a readymade position in the departments or faculties to become lecturers while those who graduated with a lower degree end up on the streets hustling for their lives.

Then you begin to wonder how they want to reform or rebrand the educational system of the country.


Your GPA doesn’t determine your brilliance!
Feel free to prove me otherwise.


~ By Queen "Cynosure" Ebong



Saturday, May 1, 2010

Nollywood Reloaded

IJE movie Poster


Nollywood Reloaded

Nollywood actually crashed, but Nollywood is now reloaded with the resurgence of the trailer-blazers and the emergence of new kids on the block such as Chineze Anyaene whose film IJE, the Journey has redefined Nollywood and if she had submitted it for the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Kunle Afolayan would have been second best with his movie The Figurine.

Chineze Anyaene’s IJE has taken Nollywood to places Nollywood has never been before with official selection in 18 international film festivals and winning five major awards, including a coveted award for Best Picture and another one for Excellence in film making.

Mahmood Ali-Balogun's 35mm film Tango with Me is an ambitious psychoanalytical film with the major crew from Los Angeles, Hollywood; and over N80 million budget without sponsors.

Chico Ejiro, the Mr. prolific in Nollywood is about to shoot the most challenging movie in his career, Sunset in Darfur.
Zik Zulu Okafor is doing new movies of outstanding quality.

Then some Nigerian young Turks of the film industry Faruk Lasaki, Didi Chika, Chike Ibekwe and others have been selected for the Babylon International film workshop and they were at the International Film Festival Berlin (February 16th-20th) and now preparing to show the clips of their film projects at the Zuma film festival in Abuja from tomorrow Sunday May 2, 2010, in Abuja.
The two filmmakers I have interviewed are Faruk Lasaki who is making a film on the Niger Delta, with the working title of Port Harcourt and Chike Ibekwe, whose film Letter to the Professor is featuring the lionized first African Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka. The budget for one of the films is over two million euros.


A Young Nigerian director has done thrilling film where the lovers were engaged in real live sexual intercourse. But it not indecency.

The real films are coming to take the Nigerian film industry to the next level in competition with the best in the world.
Not in quantity, but in professional quality.

This is it, Nollywood Reloaded.
CUT!

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima



Majority of Nigerian Workers Are Suffering on May Day


A Nigerian worker, the hero of May Day


Every May 1 is May Day, a holiday for workers all over the world to celebrate the dignity of labor and their achievements as white collars or blue collars. But majority of the workers in Nigeria have nothing to celebrate. In Lagos, the government workers are lamenting the woes of poor wages and the high cost of living caused by unchecked inflation and insecurity in the most populous city in West Africa.


In Lagos state, low income workers are among the most grossly underpaid workers in Nigeria. Their meager salaries or what I call starvation wages cannot even afford three square meals for a single person. The same poor wage from which an employee must pay house rent and other bills in the most expensive place to live in Nigeria.


The minimum wage in Nigeria is one of the lowest in Africa.
How can an adult live on a salary of N7, 000 – N10, 000 monthly when he or she needs about N500 for average three square meals daily?


The high cost of living in Lagos makes it impossible for anyone to even eat three square meals on a monthly salary of N10, 000. I have seen many secondary school leavers earning nothing more than N5, 000 monthly salaries!


Nigeria has the worst wage discrepancies I have ever seen in the world. These wage discrepancies are making majority of the most populous country in Africa poorer by the day. And poverty is the major cause of rebellion against the state as shown by horrifying and terrifying cases of rising crime, prostitution and other anti-social vices since there is no form of social security for the citizens.


There is no scholarship or social welfare for brilliant children of poor employees. So when their poor wages cannot be enough to pay the school fees of their children, they drop out and they simply send them to learn a trade. You see thousands of children and young adults who are hawking on the street or selling in the market when their mates from comfortable families are going to school. So, in most cases, the poor children of the poor workers cannot have good education and end up at the bottom of the social hierarchy where their parents were. The poor get poorer while the rich get richer as the children of high income earners end up going to better schools to have a better education that would guarantee better jobs and better wages. So, the vicious circle continues and perpetuation of social class disparities worsens the predicament of the poor.


The underpaid workers see the well paid or overpaid Nigerians as their oppressors and enemies of their progress. These glaring discrepancies and disparities have pitched the poor against the rich. That is why the get-rich-quick syndrome is gripping the poor. Frustration leads to desperation, because the indignities of poverty make them to have low esteem.


Better wages and social welfare benefits will improve the lives of the poor low income workers and eventually reduce criminal and vicious activities.


Those who ignore the needs of the poor do so at their own peril.


The minimum wage in Nigeria should not be less than N50, 000. Because, anything less than N50, 000 is nothing short of starvation wage.


Every worker should be well paid to enable him or her to provide for the family where the person is the sole bread winner. Social welfare and scholarships should be provided for the children of the poor wage earners so that their children will not end up as poor as their parents.


~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima



The Americanization of British Politics




30 Apr 2010 19:43 Africa/Lagos


The Americanization of British Politics

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the British election less than a week away, Americans may not have to wait until November to see which direction the political tide is moving in the United States. Voting results overseas may portend results here later, says David Coates, author of the new book Answering Back: Liberal Responses to Conservative Arguments, and a political science professor at Wake Forest University.

Coates, a former Brit, says the parallels between the U.S. and British elections are striking. "A moderately progressive Obama-like government is facing off against a party of compassionate Conservatives and a third party parading its concerns for individual liberty," Coates says. "Like voters in the United States next November, UK voters will be choosing between 'Big Government' and 'Big Society.'"

Britain also is contending with many of the same issues that are facing this country - from the economic slowdown and unemployment to immigration and crime. "Will the Labour Government survive?" Coates adds. "It is the question of the hour, certainly for the Brits, and possibly even for us."

Coates says there are a number of other reasons why the UK election is important for the United States. For starters, Britain is a major NATO ally, with troops in Afghanistan. In addition, the UK is Europe's leading financial center, strongly linked to Wall Street.

"The links between our political parties and theirs are close and ongoing. Where the UK moves today, we might move tomorrow," Coates says.

Currently, the opinion polls are giving the Conservative opposition a single figure lead, but no matter who ultimately wins, the closeness of the election is indicative of the deep unpopularity of the Labour Party under Gordon Brown, Coates says.

"That unpopularity is partly a product of Brown's own poor performance as prime minister. But it also represents another chapter in a growing alienation with Labour that began with Tony Blair's decision to invade Iraq," Coates says. "It also tells us how deep the recession has been in the UK since the financial crisis struck in September 2008. British electorates traditionally reward governments for good times and punish them for bad. Times in the UK right now are very bad indeed. "

Since the last election in 2005, incomes are down, job insecurity is up, and debt and foreclosures have increased. Says Coates: "All New Labour's considerable achievements on the economic and social front - unbroken economic growth, reduced unemployment, less child poverty, bigger spending on health and education - have been swept away in 18 traumatic months."

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com/.

Source: Wake Forest University

CONTACT: Carol Cirulli Lanham, +1-336-758-5237, carol@sternersedeno.com,
for Wake Forest University

Web Site: http://www.wfu.edu/



PricewaterhouseCoopers Says M&A Activity to Drive Fundamental Changes in Global Automotive Industry in 2010




30 Apr 2010 05:01 Africa/Lagos


PricewaterhouseCoopers Says M&A Activity to Drive Fundamental Changes in Global Automotive Industry in 2010

Deal value soars to $121.9 billion in 2009, brought on by government equity positions in sector

NEW YORK, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive merger and acquisition (M&A) activity will continue to drive the fundamental changes necessary for the near-term restructuring and long-term sustainability of the industry, says PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. According to the publication titled, Drive Value -- Automotive M&A Insights 2009, the deal market will play a critical role as market participants pursue transactions with a focus on synergies, including cost savings and adding revenue to their business.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853 )

"The current deal environment is showing positive signs and presents a number of opportunities for both strategic and financial buyers who have access to financing," said Paul Elie, U.S. automotive transaction services leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

"Companies with stronger operating models and cash positions will likely leverage M&A to develop a competitive advantage through the consolidation of scale and expertise," emphasized Paul McCarthy, U.S. automotive strategy leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The publication highlights a variety of factors driving the deal market in 2009 and provides an outlook for 2010 and beyond:

Global automotive M&A activity

Automotive M&A deal value soared to $121.9 billion for 2009, up 286 percent from $31.6 billion in 2008. The increase in deal value was influenced heavily by the U.S. Treasury investment in the vehicle manufacturing sector, which occurred in response to a near collapse of the automotive industry. Players across the automotive value chain reacted as they sought capital infusions, shed noncore assets, renegotiated debt obligations and pursued mergers of necessity.

Despite the record high deal value in 2009, the total deal volume fell to 532 transactions, representing a three percent decline from an already weak 2008 level and its lowest point since 2004.

"As we look forward, companies are likely to increase their focus on growth and the traditional drivers of M&A -- driving economies of scale, acquiring technology and expanding their geographic and customer base," said Elie.

Automotive companies seeking long-term success will drive the deal market in 2010, by developing and executing strategies for sustainable growth and value creation.

For more information on PricewaterhouseCoopers automotive deal capabilities and to download PricewaterhouseCoopers' Drive Value -- Automotive M&A Insights 2009 publication, visit: www.pwc.com/auto.

About the Transaction Services Practice

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services (TS) practice provides due diligence for M&A transactions, along with advice on M&A strategy and integration, divestitures and separation, valuations, accounting, financial reporting, and capital raising. With approximately 1,000 deal professionals in cities in the U.S., and a global network of over 6,000 deal professionals in 90 countries, experienced teams are deployed with deep industry and local market knowledge, and technical experience tailored to each client's situation. The Transaction Services team can be involved from strategy to integration and employ an integrated business approach to uncover the realities of a deal. The field-proven, globally consistent, controlled deal process helps clients minimize their risks, progress with the right deals, and capture value both at the deal table and after the deal closes. For more information, visit www.pwc.com/ustransactionservices.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

© 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100430/NY95853
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

CONTACT: Kristin McCallum, U.S. Automotive Marketing Leader,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, +1-313-394-6349, kristin.l.mccallum@us.pwc.com, or
Laura Schooler, PricewaterhouseCoopers, +1-646-471-3229,
laura.schooler@us.pwc.com

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



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
30 Apr 2010
13:36 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
28 Apr 2010
14:16 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
27 Apr 2010
20:35 Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General On the release of four UN police in Darfur
12:29 UNAMID peacekeepers released
26 Apr 2010
23:25 The Sudanese Have Spoken
12:24 Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
1 May 2010
05:01 Anthony Lake Begins Tenure as UNICEF's Executive Director

03:33 America's Sheriff, Joe Arpaio, Consumer Advocate, Bogey, Endorse Upstart Conservative Challenger Phil Liberatore; Challenger Promises Fight to the Finish to Defeat Incumbent Gary Miller
02:36 Noted Environmental Attorney Stuart H. Smith of Smith Stag Law Firm, New Orleans, Louisiana Is Concerned About a Catastrophic Failure of the BP Deepwater Horizon Wellhead and Fluid Control Systems.
02:01 Concrete, Immediate US Action Needed to Implement the Policy of Three US Presidents on the Western Sahara
01:55 La comunidad empresarial hispana responde a la divulgación de la propuesta de reforma migratoria presentada por el Senado
01:20 Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Oil Leak from Gulf Rig Explosion
01:00 American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Working With Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service to Help Seniors Stay Independent
00:24 MultiVu Digital Center Feed: U.S. Ambassador to the EU Says U.S. and EU are Aligned in Major Global Issues Such as Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Mid-East Stability and Climate Change; EU Shifts from Eurocentric to External Focus.
30 Apr 2010
23:58 Arizona American Water President Paul Townsley Celebrates Grand Opening of White Tanks Regional Water Treatment Facility With ADEQ Director
23:55 ADL Congratulates Associated Students of UC Berkeley (ASUC) Senators for Standing Firm Against Factious Anti-Israel Divestment Resolution
23:54 MultiVu Digital Center Feed: Secretary Clinton Confirms Alliance with Kuwait, Seeks Arab States Support for a Two-State Solution in the Middle East and Warns of Increased Sanctions Against Iran During a Joint Press Availability with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al Sabah
23:23 Tennessee Man Convicted of Illegally Accessing Sarah Palin's E-Mail Account and Obstruction of Justice




Friday, April 30, 2010

The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel, Celebrates $100 Million Renovation With Grand Suite Promotion




THE PIERRE NEW YORK, A TAJ HOTEL, CELEBRATES $100 MILLION RENOVATION WITH GRAND SUITE PROMOTION

New York, March 26 /PRNewswire/ — To celebrate the grand re-opening of The Pierre, the US flagship of Taj Hotels on New York's Central Park, The Pierre announced it is offering 40% off its newly renovated Grand Suites. Ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, with up to 2,000 square feet of space, these classic interiors offer magnificent views of Manhattan and Central Park, and residential-style pied-a-terres for discerning guests.





The 11 Grand Suites, two with terraces that can accommodate parties up to 30, are designed with custom furnishings, hand-crafted finishes and elegant details, such as rich silk and brocade fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers, hand-knotted carpets and Bang & Olufsen audio systems.




Following a meticulous $100-million renovation, The Pierre, now offers 189 redesigned residential-style guest rooms, including 39 suites and 11 Grand Suites, all featuring a quiet feeling of luxury and complemented by superb services personally crafted to attend to each guest’s every need.



A particular treat for guests is dining at Le Caprice, which opened its first U.S. restaurant outside London in New York at The Pierre. Le Caprice has established itself as a social institution in London with its effortless style, coveted cuisine and well-heeled crowd.

Mirroring the London restaurant and maintaining its deep-seated commitment to the art world, Le Caprice New York houses a series of photographs of iconic sixties model Jean Shrimpton by legendary British photographer, David Bailey. Long-standing favourites from the London restaurant, such as Thai-Baked sea bass, will continue to appear within the newly designed New York menu.

Two E, a new bar/lounge in The Pierre, features classic cocktails and light fare in an Alexandra Champalimaud-designed space. Afternoon tea is served from 3-5 pm. Culinary selections include The Pierre Salad with langoustines.

Business groups hosting meetings and receptions at The Pierre may select from three new elegant boardrooms with state-of-the-art amenities that can accommodate groups up to 75. These business-centric rooms complement the hotel’s expansive social banquet spaces on the second floor that can accommodate private events for up to 1,500 guests.

Discounted Grand Suite rates begin at $3,900. For reservations, please call 1-800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre.

Conde Nast Traveller has put The Pierre New York, on the Hot List 2010 after months of research and suggestions from the magazine's correspondents across the globe.
Media Contacts:

US
Babs Harrison
Sheila Donnelly & Associates
Tel: +1 212 851 8425
babs@sheiladonnelly.com

UK
Mary-Clare Gribbon
Tel: +44 (020) 7 834 2349
mcgribbon@prco.com

Japan
Akemi ENDO
Tel: +81 3 3585 9688
endo@essendo.com

India
Swati Sundareswaran
Tel: +91 98675 54174
swati@vccpl.com



FIFA.com Predicts 5.5 Billion Page Views for 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)



30 Apr 2010 08:00 Africa/Lagos



FIFA.com Predicts 5.5 Billion Page Views for 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)

GENEVA, April 30, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- FIFA.com's first-ever Panini Virtual Sticker Album, presented by Coca-Cola, drives two million sticker swaps within two weeks of launch.

FIFA.com, the world's official football website, today, 29 April 2010, announced that it is expecting record site traffic for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making it the most visited football website in the world. The FIFA.com forecast is 5.5 billion page views, compared to 4.2 billion recorded for the 2006 event.

The site's popularity has been boosted by the launch of the FIFA.com's first-ever Panini Virtual Sticker Album, which is presented by Coca-Cola. Since its launch on Tuesday 14 April, the free application has generated 200 million page views and over two million sticker 'swaps'.

Every day, each collector receives a virtual pack of five stickers featuring the superstars and teams of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). The stickers can then be collected or traded with other fans all over the world.

Matt Stone, FIFA's Head of New Media, says: "Our official forecast of 5.5 billion FIFA.com page views could even be conservative given we received 4.2 billion PVs in 2006. The Panini Virtual Sticker Album has really ignited our online World Cup activity. We're delighted football fans are finding the application so engaging."

Fans can raise their collecting power by forming a group, but only individual collectors will be eligible for a prize draw (deadline 16 July 2010) to win one of a 100 keepsake hardcover printed versions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Sticker album, also produced by Panini.

About FIFA.com

FIFA.com, the world's official football website, is the online heart of football.

Recognised as the world's most authoritative football website, unrivalled for depth, insight and accuracy, FIFA.com reliably and impartially delivers the global football message across multiple digital platforms to an international community of millions of professionals and enthusiasts.

Constantly updated, FIFA.com (online 1995) offers the latest news, video highlights (with no cross-border restrictions on viewing), historical data, contact with the stars, behind-the-scenes access, and - through the free FIFA.com Club - a global meeting point for people who care about football.

In addition, FIFA.com supplies a one-stop shop for retail, event ticketing, accommodation and hospitality. Through serving the global football community it also delivers value to FIFA.com's commercial partners (Adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates, KIA, SONY, VISA) and World Cup sponsors (Budweiser, Castrol, Continental, McDonalds, MTN, Satyam, Seara, Yingli Solar).

In an average month, FIFA.com attracts approximately 5 million unique users and generates over 80 million page views. The 2010 World Cup is predicted to generate over 5.5 billion page views.

About FIFA

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), an association governed by Swiss law, was founded in 1904 and is based in Zurich. It has 208 member associations and its goal, enshrined in its statutes, is the constant improvement of football. FIFA employs some 310 people from over 35 nations and is composed of a Congress (legislative body), Executive Committee (executive body), General Secretariat (administrative body) and committees (assisting the Executive Committee).

Source: FIFA

For more information, please contact: Matt Stone, Head of New Media, Email: matt.stone@fifa.org, Telephone: +44(0)7521-683-831



RCCG Pastor in Texas Reveals Satan's Army and Its Evil Tactics

30 Apr 2010 12:45 Africa/Lagos

RCCG Pastor Reveals Satan's Army and Its Evil Tactics

TEMPLE, Texas, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In his breakthrough religious nonfiction and spirituality book, "The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" (published by WestBow Press), Pastor Stephen Haastrup of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Texas exposes Satan's army and the myriad tactics he uses to influence people's lives. An accomplished pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Temple, Texas, Haastrup looks closely at Satan's strategies and then details the counter-tactics God wants Christians to implement in the fight against wicked spirits, principalities of power and all other entities that fight against righteousness.

"The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" discusses all aspects of life that affect churches and its faithful constituents. Haastrup addresses the subject of debt and God's teachings regarding debt. His book details what it takes to be a minister and covers the important role of leadership. It speaks to issues that can be a hindrance to the church ministry and also to the lives of people. And it lists a set of prayer points that targets areas of concern in people's lives and in ministry.

Geared toward those who wish to go beyond just sitting in churches and to those who are determined to make a difference in their church and in the ministry, "The Plans Of Our Enemy Have Been Revealed" helps Christian readers realize their work with God to help build a stronger church.

About the Author

Stephen Haastrup was born in Dallas in 1978 and was raised in Nigeria for 18 years. He gave his life to Christ in 1995. He fellowshipped in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry as an executive prayer leader and also worked in the drama department. Haastrup graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., in 2002 and fellowshipped in The Redeemed Christian Church of God as a youth teacher, Sunday school teacher, assistant to men's fellowship and leader of the drama team. Haastrup is currently a manager at Wal-Mart and pastors The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Temple, Texas.

About WestBow Press

WestBow Press is a strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, the world's premier Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) - the world leader in the fastest-growing segment of publishing. Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press will be evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. For more information, visit http://www.westbowpress.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Promotional Services Department
Tel: (866) 928-1240
Email: pressreleases@westbowpress.com



This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: WestBow Press

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department, +1-866-928-1240,
pressreleases@westbowpress.com

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



Thursday, April 29, 2010

World Economic Forum / Record Participation for 20th World Economic Forum on Africa

29 Apr 2010 15:18 Africa/Lagos


World Economic Forum / Record Participation for 20th World Economic Forum on Africa


DAR ES SALAAM, 29 avril 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Eleven African heads of state/government will take part in the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Dar es Salaam next week


Tanzania's President Kikwete to host the meeting, which will feature around 1,000 participants


Watch the video message with President Kikwete of Tanzania and Professor Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum on YouTube


Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 29 April 2010 – The World Economic Forum announced today that nearly 1,000 participants from 85 countries will participate in the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Dar es Salaam, 5-7 May 2010. President Kikwete will host the meeting, which this year explores the theme “Rethinking Africa's Growth Strategy”. President Kikwete said: “Africa is a continent full of potential. Africa has been growing despite the economic instability that is facing the world today. We will have the opportunity to examine the strategy of Africa for today to ensure that there is a better tomorrow.”


Richard Elliott, Associate Director, Media, Tel.: +41 (0)79 201 8127 E-mail: richard.elliott@weforum.org



Source: The World Economic Forum



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3 Great Sayings by 3 Great Black Men

"Speak truth, do justice, be kind and do not do evil."
-Baba Orunmila

"Cowardice asks the question: is it safe? Expediency asks the question: is it political? Vanity asks the question: is it popular? But conscience asks the question: is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular - but one must take it simply because it is right."
--Dr. Martin L. King, Jr


"If the enemy is not doing anything against you, you are not doing anything"
-Ahmed Sékou Touré