iREP and PAS Boost the Power of Story Telling in Nollywood

Michael Gozzard lecturing the participants during a session of the workshop.

One of the most recent stakeholders initiatives to improve the quality of film production in Nigeria was the 2011 iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Forum (iREP) collaborative workshop with the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the United Consulate in Lagos, on Story Telling, Scripting and Content Management, an industry clinic targeted at professionals within the various disciplines of film making.

Michael Gozzard, a multiple-award winning script writer and content manager from Hollywood was the instructor at the one week workshop held at the Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street on Victoria Island in Lagos. The interactive workshop ended on Friday September 2, 2011. Gozzard, who wrote and produced the famous Hollywood film, Pride took the 32 participants through intensive sessions on general introduction of the dynamics of Scriptwriting and Storytelling. The Participants were nominated by their various Guilds.

The Workshop is in pursuit of iREP’s commitment to encouraging Training and Manpower Development in the local film industry aside organizing Exhibitions and Conversations around the Nigeria and African film industry.


Michael Gozzard, Femi Odugbemi, Makin Soyinka and Bene Uche, Senior Cultural Officer with PAS.


iREP’s executives Makin Soyinka, Director of Lagos Film Office and Jahman Anikulapo, The Editor of The Guardian on Sunday with Michael Gozzard.

This is the one of iREP’s collaborations with various agencies of culture production and promotion to encourage flowering of artistic ideas and development of the culture sector. Other collaborations include with Ka-Yalema Productions, USA; DV WORX Productions, Lagos; Lagos Film Office; Goethe Institut, Lagos; Real life Festival, Ghana; Committee for Relevant Art, Lagos; Freedom Park, Lagos; Nigeria Film Corporation, NFC, Jos; Nigeria Film and Video Census Board, NFVCB, Abuja; Lifehouse Centre, Lagos; British Council, Lagos and others.


One of the participants, Hope Obioma Opara, Publisher of Supple magazine and President, Eko International Film Festival commending the workshop.

ABOUT IREP
iREP is a touring film festival established by three Nigerian culture figures (Femi Odugbemi, Jahman Anikulapo and Makin Soyinka) to promote independent documentary films and global awareness about the role of documentary films in deepening participatory democracy. iREP is conceptualized to create platform of awareness and expression for aspiring and practicing filmmakers who are creating socially relevant documentary films to positively impact our world.It is a co-promoter of the West African Documentary Film Forum with the REAL LIFE Festival based in Ghana/USA/France.
Some of iREP’s other objectives include creating a platform of awareness and expression for aspiring and practicing filmmakers, and providing a forum for people’s ingenuity to be showcased without prejudice to style or subject.
iREP’s maiden international Documentary Film Festival held in January 2011 over a period of one week with participants from Nigeria, Sudan, United States, South Africa, Germany and France. Preparation is in top gear for the 2012 edition, also on the conceptual theme: AFRICA IN SELF-CONVERSATION.

iREP has also been involved with a monthly screening programme around key Art and event Centres around lagos i.e Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos and LIfehouse in VI, Lagos — with plans to extend programmes to other major cities in the country. iREP, in collaboration with the Goethe Insitut lagos and the Nigeria Film Corporation, NFC, will this month begin a Monthly Film Screening/ Exhibition programme at the Nigeria Film Corporation Lagos Office, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos.

CONTACT:
www.irepfilmfestival.com; www.irepfilmfestival.blogspot.com
3 Oguntona Crescent, Gbagada Phase 1, Lagos Nigeria. P.O,Box 36 Surulere. T: +234 803 425 1963, +234 802 201 6495, +234 803 403 0646 E: info@irepfilmfestival.com

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Happy 51st Independence Anniversary Nigeria!

Nigeria is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.

Therefore, may the will of JEHOVAH God prevail in our beloved Nigeria
To overthrow the wicked and liberate the masses from the shackles of wickedness.
To let His light shine in every nook and cranny of our nation
For the whole world to see the manifestations of our good works and give all the glory to God our Maker and Owner, Who has given us the abundance of His infinite Grace to supply our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.



Happy 51st Independence Anniversary Nigeria!

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Spanish Sensation Cesc Fabregas Signs With PUMA®

Barcelona Midfielder Launches New PUMA Powercat 1.12 Football Boot



Herzogenaurach, Germany, 30 September 2011 /PRNewswire/ — PUMA announced today it has signed a long term partnership with Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Barcelona midfielder signing a multi-year contract with PUMA. Cesc will wear PUMA boots on pitch and will become another key performance icon in the sportlifestyle brand’s global football communication. Having unveiled, Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, PUMA is delighted to welcome Fabregas into a football family that also includes Thierry Henry, Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o, Mario Gomez, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Ibrahim Afellay, Lucas Barrios, Mikel Arteta and many more footballing stars.




Fabregas will lead the global launch of the new PUMA PowerCat 1.12, debuting the boot for the first time on-pitch this weekend when FC Barcelona play Sporting Gijon in La Liga. This new boot features the new PUMA 3D DUO Power Shooting Technology, applied to the kicking area on the inside of the boot. Having tested the boots in recent training sessions, the performance characteristics of the PUMA PowerCat 1.12 seriously impressed the talented young international.



Cesc Fabregas said; “I am very happy about this new partnership with PUMA and I am really looking forward to wearing the new PowerCat 1.12 on pitch this weekend. This boot gives me a lot of confidence to compete physically in midfield which is vital. I need a boot that I am comfortable with, that gives me the power and protection to play at my best. This has been a fantastic summer for me, signing for Barcelona and now for PUMA. This brand has a great attitude and has some very exciting plans ahead which make me feel privileged and excited to be an ambassador for many years to come.”

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA commented; "This is a very exciting time for PUMA right now and we are delighted to welcome Cesc Fabregas into our growing football family. Cesc is another fantastic addition to our sports-marketing portfolio and will be a vital asset in global football communication in the coming months and years. He’s a supremely talented young player, who has proven himself consistently in both club and international football. There’s no doubt there are big things ahead for Cesc Fabregas, both on and off the pitch.”






The PowerCat 1.12 features the new PUMA 3D DUO Power Shooting Technology, applied to the kicking area on the inside of the boot. Made from an innovative thermoplastic material with two different degrees of hardness, the boot has the advantage of being both highly responsive with extremely high rebound properties. The newly created PUMA 3D PST DUO technology enables improved grip on the ball through its exposed elements, and instead of absorbing the energy it increases the kicking power of the player. The kicking area employs a soft K-Leather while the lightweight microfiber material in the lateral quarter supports the midfoot and helps to keep the weight of the boot to a minimum.

For more information, visit www.puma.com or www.puma.com/football


PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.puma.com.


Media Contacts:
Tim Stedman, International PR, PUMA
Senior International PR Manager, Sport Performance
+49 151 1474 3148
tim.stedman@puma.com
Collette O'Neill
Junior International PR Manager
+49 151 4487 7496
collette.oneill@puma.com


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The Economist's James Astill Wins $75,000 Grantham Prize

2011 Grantham Prize Honors Excellence in Environmental Journalism

NARRAGANSETT, RI — September 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting presented The Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment to James Astill of The Economist at the 2011 Grantham Prize Awards Ceremony. Astill received US$75,000 for “The World’s Lungs: Forests, and How to Save Them,” a commanding 8-part special report on the state of global forests and the rising threats they face from human exploitation and climate change.



To research the series, Astill traveled to the forests of Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Uganda, where he interviewed many people trying to protect trees or destroy them. The report suggests the risks to tropical forests are extremely grave, but that the situation is not hopeless. Once forests are valued properly, Astill argues, they can be saved. But he warns that his new approach should not be considered optional: a future without extensive tropical and other forests is too dire to contemplate. To reinforce that message, Astill sought to impart some of his own sense of wonder at these precious ecosystems.

Grantham Prize Jurors described Astill’s report as “meticulously researched and a thoroughly reported series deserving acclaim for spotlighting forests as an often-misunderstood component of the international debate on climate change policy.”

“It is our great pleasure to recognize James Astill’s exhaustive coverage of the perils facing global forests and the innovative approaches toward conserving these critical habitats,” said Sunshine Menezes, executive director of Metcalf Institute and Grantham Prize administrator.

James Astill’s journalism career flourished while based in Nairobi covering much of Africa for the Guardian newspaper and The Economist. He won several awards for his dispatches from a dozen African wars. After moving to Islamabad to report on Pakistan and Afghanistan for the same publications, he joined the staff of The Economist in 2004 as defense and security correspondent. In this role, he covered wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and global security. In 2007, he moved to New Delhi to be The Economist’s South Asian Bureau Chief, where he has reported on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He has a particular interest in the environmental consequences of India’s economic rise; he has written extensively on India’s inefficient use of water and climate change policy. Astill took leave of his beat in June and July 2010 to travel and report on the world’s forests. He has just recently moved to London, where he has been appointed The Economist’s Energy and Environment Editor.

The Grantham Prize honors outstanding coverage of the environment, and recognizes reporting that has the potential to bring about constructive change. The Grantham Prize was established to encourage high quality environmental journalism in all media, while drawing attention to the subjects of the prize-winning stories, increasing public awareness and understanding of environmental issues. The Grantham Prize is awarded annually to nonfiction work published or aired in the United States or Canada during the previous calendar year.

Established in 2005, The Grantham Prize for Excellence in Environmental Reporting is funded by Jeremy and Hannelore Grantham through The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and is administered by the Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography. The Grantham Foundation supports communication and collaboration in environmental protection, with an emphasis on climate change, while Metcalf Institute provides journalists with resources, tools, and field education to improve their reporting on scientific news and environmental issues.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of The Grantham Prize. Past winners of the prestigious Grantham Prize for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment are: a 9-person team from The Record (Bergen County, NJ) in 2006 for Toxic Legacy; Kenneth Weiss and Usha Lee McFarling from the Los Angeles Times in 2007 for Altered Oceans; an 8-person team from The New York Times in 2008 for Choking on Growth; Blake Morrison and Brad Heath of USA TODAY in 2009 for The Smokestack Effect: Toxic Air and America’s Schools; and author Alanna Mitchell in 2010 for Sea Sick.

For more information regarding The Grantham Prize, please contact Metcalf Institute, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI, at 401-874-6009. The official website of The Grantham Prize is www.granthamprize.org.

• www.granthamprize.org
• www.granthamprize.org/winners/2011-winner
• www.granthamfoundation.org
• www.metcalfinstitute.org
• Metcalf Institute YouTube Channel
• The Economist

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African Women Urged To Take Part in Good Governance

African woman talking at a meeting. Photo Credit: NAFI World.

30 Sep 2011 06:50 Africa/Lagos

African women urged to take part in good governance

JOHANNESBURG, September 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The 2011 Women's Platform for Action in Africa opened here at the Pan-African Parliament today. The Conference was officially opened by the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Dr Moussa Idriss Ndélé, who pledged the support of the Pan-African Parliament to women participation in peace negotiations and conflict resolution and decision making in Africa. “Even though awareness of women's vulnerability is widely shared by the world at large, women and young girls continue to be socially excluded from the point of view of security and insecurity,” he said.

African women were urged to take part in democratic processes, as part of efforts to promote peace and prevent conflict that affects women and children. This call was made by the former Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Mary Mugyenyi from Uganda, while addressing the 2011 women's platform for action in Africa with the theme “women, peace and security”, in a two day conference at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa

In her remarks, the former Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon Mugyenyi recalled that Uganda conflict lasted for about 24 years and that presently the country is enjoying relative peace. She said women are not represented in missions that are resolving conflict. Women, she cited, should try to “indentify the causes of conflict and also influence their government in terms of building good democracy in Africa”.

The Vice President of the High Communication Council of Chad Achta Saleh Damane emphasized that the theme for the conference is very relevant for the women in Chad, as they are working towards the democratic process after 30 years of war. She added that in 1996, Chad women established a women's union for peace which mobilizes women on women's issues and also plays an essential role in policy setting, promotion of culture and peace and also in applying mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution and social cohesion between different ethnic groups.

The Director General of Social Promotion at the Ministry of Social Protection of Colombia, Susanna Helfer Vogel, said Colombia has the largest population of internally displaced people in the world and the majority are women and children, and that one of the consequences of conflict is displacement.

The first President of the Pan-African-Parliament Ambassador Gertrude Mongella noted that equality could not be realized if there was no peace and development. “Is Africa free, independent and safe? Are women leaders going to let down Africa or say no to violence,” she added.

The opening ceremony was chaired by the Second Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. François Labelle, who said that out of 40 million displaced people in Africa, the majority are women and children.


Ms. Mary Njeri Wanjira, Executive Director of the Coalition on Violence Against Women and Ms. Thandi Modise, the Premier of Northwest Province in South Africa advocated peace and building alternative non-violent methods of resolving conflict. They argued for dialogue between heads of state in order to find a solution and hoped that this conference will put pressure on them to implement plans that will effectively protect women and children. “To this day, basic women's rights seem a distant dream for most African women,” Wanjira said. “Food insecurity, gender inequality, sexual violence, gender-based violence, traditional and political violence are a harrowing reality for millions of women and children,” she added.

Wanjira called upon women to work hard to take their position among the decision makers in their countries, rather than playing the victim's role. She warned from the post-election violence phenomenon, and from involving young boys in the armed conflict around the continent.

For decades, armed conflict has ravaged the continent and claimed the lives of millions. The United Nation's refugee agency estimates that at least 8 million people are displaced with 70-80 percent being women and children. With no assistance from government, they are vulnerable to the persisting violations.

Sexual violence is the most insidious of them all and is often used as a weapon of war, and as a form of ethnic cleansing. This includes rape, forced pregnancy, slavery and trafficking. An eye witness from Kenya, who was a victim of such violence during the post-electoral violence in 2009 stood before the house and shared her story. “They found me in my house during post-election; I got hit on my head and...There was something like 200 men who came to my compound...they raped me, after raping me they poured acid all over my body.” The armed men set her house alight then left her for dead.

Thandi Modise warned about the increased number of displaced women and children in Africa, which reached 13 million. She called upon civil society to play a role with their governments in solving these problems, and committing the government to the application of their commitments to eradication of sexual violence, rape and human trafficking in women and children. Modise called for women “to speak in a collective voice”, adding that more should be included in the peace deciding process. However she condemned those who are already in parliament but "fail to speak on behalf of women."

She observed the need to sensitize soldiers about the rights of civilians, as one way to reduce the challenges related to armed conflict. She noted that Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria have been able to reduce the incidence of violence against women, through education of people involved in armed conflict on civil rights.

Hon Marie Louise Baricako, the Chairperson of the Femmes Africa Solidarité (FAS), advised African women to form partnerships bringing together activists from civil society organizations, women in business and parliament to have a collective voice on issues affecting women. She also proposed the establishment of a select committee comprising women from each of the five regions. The committee will present a joint response on the concerns of African women to the Pan-African Parliament as well as to the African heads of state.

The President of the PAP Women's Caucus, Mavis Matladi appealed to African leaders to ensure that elections are peaceful and fair, to minimize chances of conflict that often lead to violence against women. “Women are the most affected during warfare because they are victims of sexual violence. Even long after the war is over, they still have the burden of looking after their families and those who are wounded,” she said. Matladi also called for better representation of women in national parliaments as well as in other leadership positions, where they can take part in decisions that could prevent war or mediate conflict.


Source: Pan-African Parliament (PAP)

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Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
30 Sep 2011
14:19	Bulletin du Bureau de Liaison du CTA à Bruxelles
06:50	African women urged to take part in good governance
06:30	US Secretary of State' Remarks With Nigerian Foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru After Their Meeting
29 Sep 2011
15:58	Eleven Women Scientists Announced as Winners of Elsevier Foundation OWSD Awards

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Google is the World's Most Attractive Employer

29 Sep 2011 05:00 Africa/Lagos


Google is the World's Most Attractive Employer

STOCKHOLM, September 29, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

Based on the preferences of over 160,000 career seekers, with a business or engineering background from the world's 12 largest economies, Universum releases the global talent attraction index: "The World's Most Attractive Employers 2011 [http://www.universumglobal.com/Top50 ]". The index, split in the business category - preferences from business career seekers - and engineering category - preferences from engineering career seekers - reveals the current level of attractiveness companies have as employers - and their potential to lead the world of tomorrow.

On the Business index, Google repeats the win for the third consecutive year, with KPMG keeping its second place and with PwC overtaking Ernst & Young to secure a podium finish.

"The talent market for business career seekers is being dominated by the professional services firms, known for being great places to launch a career, and by companies that offer a new working culture in a dynamic environment," says Lovisa Ohnell, head of Research and Consulting at Universum.

On the Engineering index, Google finds the way to the top spot for the third consecutive year, but now with IBM in the second position, relegating Microsoft to the 3rd spot on what seems to be a very strong competition for talent in the software industry - a battle being won by American companies.

"The software industry is highly dependent on its talent, hence the efforts to attract and retain the brightest minds. There's a new working-culture paradigm today - the relaxed & creative office - and part of it we owe it to this industry. Generation Y feels comfortable working in this environment and it's clearly reflected in the attractiveness of this industry." comments Carlo Duraturo, Global Account Director at Universum.


World's Top 10-Business



1) Google (1)
2) KPMG (2)
3) PwC (4)
4) Ernst & Young (3)
5) Deloitte (5)
6) Microsoft (7)
7) Procter & Gamble (6)
8) J.P. Morgan (9)
9) Apple (18)
10) Goldman Sachs (10)


World's Top 10-Engineering



1) Google (1)
2) IBM (3)
3) Microsoft (2)
4) BMW (5)
5) Intel (6)
6) Sony (4)
7) Apple (10)
8) General Electric (7)
9) Siemens (8)
10) Procter & Gamble (9)

In parenthesis is the company's position in 2010. For a full ranking go to http://www.universumglobal.com/Top50

About Universum

Universum is an international company specialised in employer branding. For more information go to http://www.universumglobal.com

Source: Universum Global

Contact: Joao Araujo, Phone: +46-856202781, E-mail: jfa@universum.se


This company's web site http://www.universum.se/


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Two Nigerian Female Scientists Win International Awards in Kuala Lumpur

Two Nigerian Female Scientists Win International Awards in Kuala Lumpur

Two Nigerian scientists from the University of Ibadan Janet Ayobami Ademola and Aderoju Amoke Osowole are among the 11 talented women scientists announced as winners of Elsevier Foundation OWSD Awards. The other winners come from the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each of them will receive a cash prize of US$5,000.

The following is the detailed report.

29 Sep 2011 15:58 Africa/Lagos

Eleven Women Scientists Announced as Winners of Elsevier Foundation OWSD Awards

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, September 29, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

- Outstanding young biologists, chemists, physicists and mathematicians recognized across the developing world

The Elsevier Foundation, TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) announced today that they are recognizing eleven talented women scientists from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for their research excellence. The announcement was made at the International Symposium on Women in Science and Engineering (WISE 2011) held in conjunction with the International Year of Chemistry 2011 and hosted by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) in Kuala Lumpur from September 29-30. Each winner will receive a cash prize of US$5,000.

"Once again, the standard of the winners selected for the OWSD Awards for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World has been outstanding. For us, this is not a surprise, as we are well aware of the excellent contributions that women are making to science," noted Professor Fang Xin, President of OWSD. "The aim of the OWSD Awards, therefore, is to honor the work of these young researchers, bringing it to the attention of the scientific and policy-making communities in their countries, and to highlight their successes so that they may act as role models to other girls and young women who might be considering a career in science."

Lubna Tahtamoouni, winner from The Hashemite University in Jordan said, "Over the years I came to recognize that it is difficult for women to do science since they have to juggle their career, marriage, motherhood and other social obligations. Winning such an award made me more confident about my decision of pursuing a career in science. Women need recognition, especially young women to give them that 'head start' and confidence. This award is celebrating women!"

Denise Evans, biological sciences winner from South Africa added, "It is important to highlight that women, even from developing countries, are doing great things - making breakthroughs, contributing to advances in medicine, science, chemistry and engineering - becoming leaders and experts in their field. It is important to acknowledge young scientists so that they may be motivated from an early age to stay in science and develop a career in science and research."

Through a grant from the Elsevier Foundation [http://www.elsevierfoundation.org ], the OWSD Awards for Young Women Scientists from the Developing World were expanded to cover three disciplines in each region - Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Maths. The grant was made as part of the Elsevier Foundation New Scholars program, which supports programs for women scholars during the early stages of demanding careers in science and technology. After a rigorous review by the four regional OWSD committees, shortlisted candidates in each discipline were nominated and subsequently ranked by the regional vice presidents and Professor Fang Xin, the current OWSD president. The eleven winners include:


Region Subject Nominee Country Institution

Bangladesh
Biological Agricultural
Asia Sciences BEGUM, Mahfuza Bangladesh University

University of
Phys/Maths MOHANTA, Rukmani India Hyderabad

Chemical University of
Science SHAHEEN, Farzana Pakistan Karachi

ADERMOLA, University of
Africa Phys/Maths Janet Ayobami Nigeria Ibadan

Chemical OSOWOLE, University of
Sciences Aderoju Amoke Nigeria Ibadan

Biological University of the
Sciences EVANS, Denise S. Africa Witwatersrand

Chemical National Research
Arab R. Sciences ISMAIL, Nahla Egypt Centre

Biological The Hashemite
Sciences TAHTAMOUNI, Lubna Jordan University

GONZALEZ SANCHEZ, Instituto de
LAC Phys/Maths Maria Magdalena Mexico Astronomia

Centre for Genetic
Biological HERMIDA CRUZ, Engineering and
Sciences Lisset Cuba Biotechnology

Universidad
Silvina, Nacional de
Phys/Maths PELLEGRINET Argentina Rosario



Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister for Women, Family and Community Development in Malaysia says, "It is an honor for Kuala Lumpur to host such an award. Malaysia is and always will be committed to advancing women in science. The strength of our nation depends on empowering our women, and enabling them to believe that they are every bit as capable of succeeding in science as men. We are very pleased that the OWSD and the Elsevier Foundation share this vision and show us through their innovative programs that when women are given the right support, their capacity to succeed is limitless."

"We are proud to present the OWSD award to eleven extremely gifted young women working in different areas of science," noted Prof. Dr. Farida Habib Shah, Vice President of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, TWAS fellow and WISE 2011 conference organizer. "This award provides them with the recognition they deserve and a very special thanks must go to the Elsevier Foundation for making this possible. This award serves as a boost not only to their personal careers but also to the thousands of young women working in science across developing countries."

"We know from experience how important it is to fight the steady loss of talented women in science caused through lack of support during critical family building years, lack of networking opportunities and mentorship-or simply a lack of recognition and opportunities," David Ruth, Executive Director for the Elsevier Foundation, remarked. "Congratulations are in order to our eleven winners and the excellent research they have undertaken over the past years. Each of these scientists represents a powerful role model to colleagues and the next generation of women scientists in the developing world."

About OWSD

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is an international sister organization of TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world. OWSD is headed by eminent women scientists from the south, consisting of more than 3,000 members. The central role is to promote women's access to science and technology, enhancing their greater involvement in the decision-making processes for the development of their countries and in the international scientific community. Created in 1989, OWSD overall goal is to work towards bridging the gender gap in science and technology. OWSD uses its forum for intellectual discussions to assist in the development of national capabilities to evolve, explore and improve strategies for increasing female participation in science.

About TWAS

TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world, is an autonomous international organization, based in Trieste, Italy, that promotes scientific excellence for sustainable development in the South. Originally named "Third World Academy of Sciences", it was founded in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the South under the leadership of the late Nobel laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan. The Academy's strength resides in the quality and diversity of its membership - internationally renowned scientists elected by their peers. TWAS currently has more than 900 members from 90 countries, 73 of which are developing countries. It is administered by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and financially supported by the Italian government.

About The Elsevier Foundation

The Elsevier Foundation [http://www.elsevierfoundation.org ] provides grants to institutions around the world, with a focus on support for the world's libraries and for scholars in the early stages of their careers. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than 60 grants worth millions of dollars to non-profit organizations working in these fields. In January 2010, $600,000 in grants was awarded to 12 organizations selected for their innovation and potential for impact in the developing world and academic workplace. Through gift-matching, the Foundation also supports the efforts of Elsevier employees to play a positive role in their local and global communities. The Elsevier Foundation is funded by Elsevier [http://www.elsevier.com ], a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet [http://www.thelancet.com ] and Cell [http://www.cell.com ], and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect [http://www.sciencedirect.com ], SciVerse Scopus [http://www.scopus.com ], Reaxys [http://www.reaxys.com ], MD Consult [http://www.mdconsult.com ] and Nursing Consult [http://www.nursingconsult.com ], which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite [http://www.scival.com ] and MEDai's Pinpoint Review [http://www.medai.com ], which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier [http://www.elsevier.com ] employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC [http://www.reedelsevier.com ], a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).


Media Contacts
OWSD
Daniel Schaffer, Information Officer
+39 040 2240 571
schaffer@twas.org
http://www.owsd.net

Tasia Asakawa
+39 040 2240 516
asakawa@twas.org

Elsevier Foundation
Ylann Schemm
Elsevier Foundation Manager
+31 20 485 2025
newsroom@elsevier.com
elsevier@kaizo.net


Source: Elsevier


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Total Artificial Heart Patient Omer Bayrak Shines in Turkey

Total Artificial Heart patient Omer Bayrak visits the booth of the Turkish distributor for SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart at a medical meeting on Sept. 17, 2011. He is pictured with his three children, Zahide, 21 (left), Betul, 12 and his son Emre, 16.(PRNewsFoto/SynCardia Systems, Inc.)


29 Sep 2011 13:45 Africa/Lagos

Total Artificial Heart Patient Enjoys Spotlight as "The Only Man in Turkey Who Lives Without a Heart"

Omer Bayrak Takes Stage During Total Artificial Heart Session at Turkish Society for Artificial Organs and Support Systems Meeting

PR Newswire

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2011

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In May 2011, Omer Bayrak made headlines when he became the first patient in Turkey to be discharged from the hospital using the Freedom® portable driver to power his SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart. Since returning home to wait for a matching donor heart, Mr. Bayrak has been enjoying his new-found celebrity as "the only man in Turkey who lives without a heart."


From L to R: Dr. Erman Pektok, Total Artificial Heart patient Omer Bayrak, Prof. Dr. Deniz Suha Kucukaksu and Dr. Zumrut Tuba Demirozu, at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. (PRNewsFoto/SynCardia Systems, Inc.)

On Sept. 17, after almost 180 days of support with SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart, Mr. Bayrak attended the annual meeting of the Turkish Society for Artificial Organs and Support Systems (TUYOD). During a session about the Total Artificial Heart, he was invited to the stage and the audience asked him several questions. He responded that he was "doing really well and very comfortable with SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart." He also added that he is continuing his daily life with very few limitations, and has returned to work.

Mr. Bayrak is also currently featured on an eight-story tall billboard on Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul. In English, the billboard reads, "The only man in Turkey who lives without a heart but with an artificial heart. Florence Nightingale Heart Transplant and Total Artificial Heart Center."

Prior to receiving SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart, Mr. Bayrak had been suffering from congestive heart failure since 2001. Four years ago, he underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy and received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Last year, he was hospitalized 11 times for inotropic support.

For 15 days prior to receiving SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart, Mr. Bayrak had been in the cardiac intensive care unit. He was on the urgent list for heart transplantation but his cardiac function continued to worsen. As a result, on March 21, 2011, he became the hospital's first patient to receive SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart.

Three months later, on May 20, 2011, Mr. Bayrak was discharged from the hospital to wait for a matching donor heart at home using the Freedom portable driver, the world's first wearable power supply for SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart. The Freedom portable driver is CE approved for use in Europe and undergoing an FDA-approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study in the U.S.

SynCardia recognizes and thanks Ufuk Yaranli and Natura Medikal Urunler Ltd., the Turkish distributor for the Total Artificial Heart, for their commitment and on-going support of Florence Nightingale Hospital.

CAUTION – The Freedom® portable driver is an investigational device, limited by United States law to investigational use.

About the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart

SynCardia Systems, Inc. (Tucson, AZ) is the privately-held manufacturer of the world's first and only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart. Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, the Total is currently approved as a bridge to transplant for people dying from end-stage biventricular heart failure. More than 950 implants account for more than 230 patient years of life.

Similar to a heart transplant, SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart replaces both failing heart ventricles and the four heart valves. It is the only device that eliminates the symptoms and source of end-stage biventricular failure. The Total Artificial Heart provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 liters per minute through both ventricles. This high volume of safe blood flow helps speed the recovery of vital organs, helping make the patient a better transplant candidate.

In March 2011, Fast Company magazine ranked SynCardia #20 among the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies "for giving mobility to artificial heart recipients." Also in March, the longest running health and wellness series on public television, "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind," produced a 30-minute program featuring SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart. View here

For additional information, please visit: http://www.syncardia.com
Like SynCardia on Facebook
Follow SynCardia on Twitter – @SynCardia
Connect with SynCardia on LinkedIn

SOURCE SynCardia Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Don Isaacs, Vice President of Communications, SynCardia Systems, Inc., +1-520-955-0660

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


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8th Abuja International Film and Video Festival Ends Tomorrow

The 8th Abuja International Film and Video Festival will end tomorrow 30th of September 2011. The festival opened last Tuesday September 27th at the Silverbird Entertainment Centre with screenings, exhibitions, networking and seminars.

The Festival was founded in 2004 by the most traveled Nollywood celebrity couple Fidelis and Temitope Duker, who are both filmmakers.


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Mouka Donates Relief Products To Esema

Mouka B: L-R: Head of Commercial, Mouka Limited, Mr.Jude Abonu,CEO/Managing Director, Mouka Limited, Mrs. Peju Adebajo and Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Mrs. Olufunilayo Aduni Olayinka during the donation of 50 Units of Mouka Mattresses and Pillows to Ekiti State Management Agency at the Mouka Headquaters in Lagos

Mouka Donates Relief Products To Esema

Lagos; September 27, 2011: The Managing Director of Mouka Limited, Mrs. Peju Adebajo has said that for government to achieve its vision of progress and development, it must open its doors to meaningful partnerships, useful collaboration and constructive engagement with the private sector.

Mrs. Adebajo made the submission at the company’s corporate head office in Lagos during the donation of 50 units each of mattresses and pillows to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ekiti State as part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR), adding that the occasion not only an indication of Mouka’s commitment to the support of Ekiti State, but also part of its vision of adding comfort to the lives of Nigerians.

While saying that sleep problems constitute a global epidemic affecting up to 45% of the world’s population and sleep deprivation significantly impact physical, mental and emotional health, in addition to affecting work performance and personal relationships. “Mouka Limited recognizes these issues and this explains why Mouka has championed the cause for wellness in Nigeria”.

Receiving the products on behalf of Ekiti State Government, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olayinka commended the efforts of the company to have decided to present these beddings to State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for the victims ravaged by various natural disasters to assist them.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Olayinka added that the people is the central focus of Ekiti State government, stating that the government is willing to partner with the private sector to ensure that the citizens are motivated to be at their best. “Being healthy is not only determined by absence of sickness, but by living a sublime life that is of an acceptable human standard”.

Mrs. Olayinka implored all tiers of government to be proactive by ensuring that there are relief materials for victims of disasters ranging from fire, flood and storm before they occur. She however urged other corporate organizations and well-meaning Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate Mouka Limited and always think about the people in the communities where they do businesses and take seriously to being socially responsible.


About Mouka Limited
With production facilities in Lagos, Benin and Kaduna, Mouka Limited is a leading Nigerian manufacturer of polyurethane-based products. A highly successful commercial enterprise with a pan-Nigeria supply chain, the company now has a strong share of the household and industrial foam market in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region. The ‘Mouka’ brand has indeed become synonymous with quality in these markets. Founded in 1972 by the Moukarim family which retained a 100% stake in the company until 2007, Mouka Ltd currently employs over 1000 persons across its various locations. The company’s positive impact on people and the environment continue to grow. Through its corporate and institutional efforts, and using its Mouka Academy, the company is a major contributor to the social and economic landscape of Africa’s most populous market.

The Moukarim family divested some of its equity to Actis, an international private equity firm, which acquired a 67% stake of Mouka Ltd, in 2007. The Actis acquisition has paved the way for a new management team and enabled the injection of modern production technology and more efficient manufacturing techniques, tools and processes.

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