The end of Osama Bin Laden

Nobody expected the breaking news of the death of the most dreaded Islamic terrorist Osama bin Laden announced by U.S. President Barack Obama after American Navy Seals shot and killed him in a compound in Abbotabad, a town of about 60 miles from the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday.


Osama bin Laden


But the end of Osama bin Laden does not mean the end of the Al Qaeda or the end of Islamic terrorism.

Over aged Nigerian Players in African Youth Championship Exposed

Over aged Nigerian Players in African Youth Championship Exposed

Cheating starts with lying.

In Nigeria lying is a way of life to make ends meet and to catch up the Joneses.

Couples shamelessly lie to cheat themselves.

Boyfriends lie to their girlfriends and girlfriends lie to their boyfriends in their two can play games of conceit and deceit to cheat themselves.

Politicians, pupils, students, scholars, professors and other professionals lie and cheat to succeed.

The most successful people in Nigeria lied and cheated their way to the top.
Nigerian soccer players are perhaps the worst cheats in the game. They lie about their ages to compete in both CAF and FIFA youth competitions. You see a young Nigerian who is almost 40 years old claiming to be less than 21 years and joining the Flying Eagles and playing in the African Youth Championship, FIFA U-20 World Cup or the FIFA World U-17 World Cup. But a former national soccer team star Adokiye Amiesimaka has been exposing them all. The following is Barrister Amiesimaka’s testimony on the current Flying Eagles team playing in the final of the 2011 African Youth Championship.

“The process for 2011 elections has been highly commended for being very credible. There have been a dramatic turnaround for the better, now we are getting there in politics but we are not getting there in sports. What do I mean? I’m saying that in politics, it used to be very bad, talking about rigging and all that. In football it has been very bad and it is still very bad.

This is 2011, why do we keep deceiving ourselves. Stanley Okoro, for instance, has no business in that team which everybody knows; he cannot be anything less than 33 or 34. Olarenwaju Kayode was also my player in the Sharks feeder team in 2002, he played alongside Fortune Chuwkudi, both of them were mates, he too cannot be less than 29 or 30. Abdul Ajagun was one of the highest goal scorers in the league. He was also in Command Secondary School in Kaduna or so, he dropped out of school in SSS2 in the 1990s and so cannot be U-20.

They have no business in that team, so why are we rejoicing and celebrating. We are not helping ourselves and our football, we are just cheating and ridiculing ourselves and then making nonsense of the whole thing. Even if other countries are cheating, let them cheat because of their ignorance, we know better than them.
Age grade teams are meant to help us develop a serious senior national team but we are not doing that. I passed through the age grade level, I played for my secondary school, played for the Lagos team in the National Sport Festival, I played for the national academicals team, and I played for the University and the senior national team. I went through a process and that is how it should be, that is the truth."

2011 Online MBA Apps

Via: Online MBA

The Real Heroes of the 2011 Elections in Nigeria

The Real Heroes of the 2011 Elections in Nigeria

The incumbent and reelected President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)) have been receiving accolades for the overall conduct of the 2011 elections in spite of the terrifying and horrifying post election violence caused by the allegations of electoral malpractices and recurrent acts of terrorism propelled by Islamic fundamentalism. But those who truly deserve the accolades are not Mr. Jonathan or Prof. Jega, but the patriotic Nigerian voters who thronged the polling booths to cast their votes regardless of the weather, risks of being attacked by unpatriotic political opportunists and their hired thugs. These millions of patriotic Nigerian voters in every state of the federation are the real heroes of the 2011 elections and the standard bearers of democracy and governance in Nigeria.

“Ultimately, it was the judgment on the fairness of the election process by the Nigerian people that is most important. The various international observer organizations have pronounced the elections as credible, but it was the words of a driver yesterday that appeared to echo the sentiment of most Nigerians, "We did it this time!"
~ William Strassberger, a Public Affairs Officer in the Bureau of African Affairs of US STATE DEPARTMENT

The President of Nigeria and Chairman of INEC had their glaring shortcomings in the most important challenge of the elections, SECURITY of the lives and properties of Nigerian voters. They both failed even when they were duly warned of the dangers before the elections. If one single Nigerian voter Adamu Bologi who is a devout Muslim could be so brave to dare to risk his precious life by confronting the ruthless marauding lunatics on rampage and using words of persuasion to appeal to them and succeeded in saving the threatened lives of his Christian neighbours in the conflagration of the post presidential election violence, then what stopped the well armed Nigerian police and army from preventing the murder of over 500 innocent Nigerians if they were doing their ultimate duty of policing the streets, guarding voters at the polling booths or polling stations and other places and making sure that there was no breakdown of law and order?




The Nigerian voters, and the hundreds of innocent citizens who sacrificed their precious lives in the post election violence are the real heroes we should celebrate and remember in the history of Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

Most Americans Not Willing to Pay to Read News Content Online

29 Apr 2011 16:34 Africa/Lagos


Most Americans Not Willing to Pay to Read News Content Online
Even fewer than said they would pay 15 months ago

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As businesses explore best practices for success in the changing landscape created by the Internet, some companies have discussed charging for access to online content that was previously free. Some media outlets have discussed doing this, and The New York Times recently began charging online readers who view over 20 articles per month. But there may be trouble ahead as a recent Adweek/Harris Poll found that a large majority said they would be willing to pay "nothing" per month to read a daily newspaper's content online (80%). Of the one in five who would pay, 14% said they would pay between $1 and $10 per month while very few said that they would be willing to pay between $11 and $20 (4%) or more than $20 per month (2%).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO)

These are some of the findings of a new Adweek/ Harris Poll, survey of 2,105 U.S. adults surveyed online between March 29 and 31, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

Interestingly, while online paywalls are becoming more common, fewer people say they would be willing to pay to read content online now, than said so in late 2009—20% say they would be willing to pay for a daily newspaper's content online today, compared to 23% who said so in December 2009.

Other findings of the recent poll include:





* Younger adults are more likely than those older to pay for a daily newspaper's content online—over a quarter of adults aged 18-34 say they would (26%) compared to between 15% and 18% of all other age groups;

* Men are more willing to pay than women are—a quarter of men say they would (25%) with 18% saying they would pay between $1 and $10 per month, while only 15% of women say they would pay anything to read a daily newspaper's content online; and,

* The more education a person has the more likely they are to be willing to pay to read a daily newspaper's content online—over a quarter of college graduates say they would pay (28%) compared to one in five people who have attended some college (19%) and just 15% who have not attended any college at all.


So What?

Currently several major publications charge readers for their content online including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and most recently The New York Times . Unfortunately it seems that as these companies are adapting to a business environment increasingly dominated by the Internet, their readers are slower to embrace, or are resistant to, certain changes, especially when it comes to paying for something that has been free for so long. This raises several questions and areas for more research, including: how many Americans rely on the Internet for their news content, how particular are Americans about what publication or source they go to for their news, and, how do people think that media companies with large online presences should pay for the work that they do.


Click here for the complete details.

Obama Reshuffles his national security team

President Barack Obama named CIA Director Leon Panetta as his nominee to succeed Robert Gates at the Pentagon, with Gen. David Petraeus chosen to succeed Panetta at the CIA. Jon Decker reports.

© 2011 Reuters



President Barack Obama and his security chiefs.


The San Francisco Chronicle provoked the White House after the paper posted an unauthorized video of a protest at a San Francisco fundraiser for President Obama last week. This could be connected to reshuffling of the security team since coverage of events at the White House is within the purview of national security. In such matters, the White House cannot be queried if national security is at risk. And posting an unauthorized video of such an event could be inappropriate. No reporter should be allowed to compromise or violate the security procedures of the White House as stated by Office of the Press Secretary on August 18, 2010.

Islamic Terrorism or Lunatic Muslims On Rampage?

Islamic Terrorism Or Lunatic Muslims On Rampage?

If there is anything the repressive Arab regimes of the middle east and north Africa and the traditional institutions in parts of northern Nigeria share, it is the deliberate misinterpretation of Islam to hold on to power while abusing human rights and dignity. There is often a convenient convergence of culture and the clergy to perpetuate this fraud on the people. In Saudi Arabia, less than 1,000 princes and members of the royal family control a country that earns about $1 billion every day when oil prices climb above 100 dollars a barrel.

~ By Salisu Suleiman
April 29, 2011 01:18AMT

Islamic Terrorism is is defined by Wikipedia as "a term for acts of terrorism committed by extremist Muslims for the purpose of achieving varying political and/or religious ends."

The history of Islamic Terrorism is as old as the religion of Islam and trying to separate the sheep from the goats as Mr. Suleiman has attempted is not as simple as ABC, because terrorism is an instrument of violent agitation for the realization of a cause, no matter the purpose and the question of its justification is subject to the interpretation of the terrorists and their apologists.


Osama bi Laden in a 1998 photograph

The gory images of the horrors of Islamic Terrorism have been haunting the world from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States since the 1970's to date The horrors have become recurrent nightmares in our lives. The history of humankind will not be complete without the inclusion of the atrocities of the Al-Qaeda of Osama Bin Laden.

FORENSIC FORCE: ‘Arab awakening' in Arewa? by Salisu Suleiman is on the website of the 234 Next on April 29, 2011 01:18AMT. It is worth reading, because it is perhaps the most critical analysis of the political crisis plaguing Nigeria of which the most recent is the last post election violence in some northern states after the disputed results of the presidential election of April 16, 2011. The lunatic fringe of Muslim youths revolted against the victory of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the southern state of Bayelsa, because he defeated their fellow Muslim and northern hero Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), a former military head of state.

You can also read my own report on The Causes and Consequences of the 2011 Post Election Violence in Nigeria.

~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima


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Royal Wedding and news around the world

The Royal Wedding of Prince William & Catherine Middleton on Friday April 29, 2011.


Prince William greets Kate Middleton as she arrives at the alter with her father Michael Middleton, prior to their marriage in London's Westminster Abbey, Friday April 29 2011. (AP / Dominic Lipinsk)

Innovative Thinkers From Across the Globe Awarded Grants

Philips Livable Cities Award: Left to right: Harry Hendriks, CEO of Philips Electronics, Sabrina Faber, Overall Winner and Richard Florida, Chair of Supervisory Panel.


28 Apr 2011 11:19 Africa/Lagos

Innovative Thinkers From Across the Globe Awarded Grants to Address Significant Challenges Faced by City Living

AMSTERDAM, April 28, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

- Philips Awards EUR125,000 to Help Make Cities More Livable

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has today announced the winners of the Philips Livable Cities Award, a global initiative designed to generate innovative, meaningful and achievable ideas to improve the health and well-being of city-dwellers across the world.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110428/452767 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20110428/452767-b )

The overall winner of the Award, announced at a gala ceremony held at the world famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, was named as Sabrina Faber from Sana'a, Yemen, for her idea 'Rainwater Aggregation in Sana'a'.

Sabrina's idea was praised by the supervisory panel for its unique approach to modifying existing structures in Sana'a to capture, filter and store rooftop rainwater. Through her scheme, Sabrina hopes to help solve the water shortages commonly experienced in the city during dry spells, whilst providing clean drinking water. This could potentially result in significant health benefits for the whole population.

Sabrina will receive a EUR75,000 grant from Philips to enable her to realize her vision.

Richard Florida, Professor, Author and Chair of the Philips Livable Cities Award supervisory panel, commented: "What really impressed us with Sabrina's scheme was the proposed execution of a relatively simple concept that will have such a significant impact on the lives of so many people across the city of Sana'a. We're looking forward to seeing her idea come to life and improving the health and well-being of the residents of Sana'a."

Two additional winners will each receive EUR25,000 for their practical, implementable ideas.



Manuel Rapoport, from Buenos Aires, Argentina was recognized for his 'Plaza Movil Street Park' idea. This would see Buenos Aires' streets temporarily closed to traffic during weekends and public holidays and portable playground equipment and benches used to convert them into recreational spaces for people of all ages.

James Kityo of Kampala, Uganda, will use his grant to develop his Shade Stands project. Waiting for transport under hot sun, or in torrential rain with no shelter is a situation that the people of Kampala know only too well. The Shade Stands will provide vital protection in particular for nursing mothers and babies, and the elderly.

Other finalists come from Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, the UK and the USA, representing a truly global picture of the solutions offered to city-dwellers across the world.

All eight finalists and their ideas for providing unique and original solutions were showcased and celebrated at the Award ceremony in Amsterdam. The event was attended by leading experts, dignitaries, and government officials from the Benelux region.

"We recognize the tremendous effort invested by both the winners of the Philips Livable Cities Award and the other finalists in developing their submissions. Philips is proud to be associated with the imagination and vision they have all displayed and offer our congratulations and thanks in the 2010-2011 Award's first year," said Katy Hartley, Director of the Philips Center for Health & Well-being and member of the Philips Livable Cities Award supervisory panel."

For 2011-2012 Philips is committed to building on the program's strengths to further recognize meaningful innovations which make a real difference to people's lives.

The winners will work with Philips and program mentors to help realize their ideas in their local communities.

Further Information:

More information about the winning entries and the progress of each project can be found by visiting http://www.because.philips.com/.

Information regarding The Philips Livable Cities Award is widely available in the social media space. For more information and updates on the initiative, including video coverage, interviews and live updates, please use the following resources:

- Social Media Release: http://bit.ly/fXpzhP

- Twitter: http://bit.ly/Livable-Cities-Twitter

- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/livablecities

- Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Philips-Facebook

- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=3159466

Notes to Editors:

About Philips Livable Cities Award

- The Philips Livable Cities Award is a global initiative designed to encourage people to develop practical, achievable ideas for improving the health and well-being of people in cities - ideas which can be translated into reality.

- The Award was open to individuals, community groups, NGOs and businesses.

- More than 450 ideas from 29 countries were entered into the competition.

- Entries are grouped into three categories, exploring how best to improve health and well-being in our cities:

- Well-being Outdoors: Initiatives that will help make citizens feel safe and secure in public spaces, or help create city identity and foster a sense of belonging;

- Independent Living: Initiatives that will help the growing number of elderly people living alone to feel secure and comfortable in a city, and/or enable them to live longer at home with the appropriate access to healthcare;

- Healthy Lifestyle at Work and Home: Initiatives that will support a healthy body and mind, whether through a person's surroundings or other essentials such as exercise, sleep and diet.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs about 117,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

Source: Philips

For further information, please contact: Marie-Helene Azar, Philips Corporate Communications Officer, Tel: +31(0)20-59-77426, Email: marie.helene.azar@philips.com

The Nomadic Fulani Woman in Nigeria

This is an itinerant nomadic Fulani woman who is a native herbalist hawking on the streets of Lagos in Nigeria. I met with her in front of my office on Thursday April 28, 2011. She allowed me to photograph her and she is just one of the numerous nomadic Hausa Fulani women who have been hawking medicinal herbs for decades.




About the Hausa Fulani people:

rimary language: Fulfulde (90% speakers)
Second language: Hausa
Third language: Tamajaq

Identity/Location
People Name: Fulani
Primary Language: Fulfulde
Ethnologue Code: FUE
Dialects: Kano-Katsina-Bororro (Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria), Bagirmi, Sokoto The Fulani people of West Africa are the largest nomadic group in the world.

Total People: 15 million Fulani with 100,000 Wodaabe
Urban Percent: 10% Fulani
Countries: Niger 1 million; Mali 1 million; Cameroon 700,000; Burkina Faso 500,000; Benin 230,000; Sudan 100,000; Togo 50,000; Central African Republic 25,000; Ghana 5,000; Nigeria 11 million. (Wodaabe: more than 40,000 in Niger and about 25,000 in Chad).