Deloitte Report Examines the Future of Oil and Gas in the Middle East and Beyond

Oil and Gas in Nigeria. Photo Credit: Godwin Joseph Igwe.

6 Dec 2011 07:00 Africa/Lagos


Deloitte Report Examines the Future of Oil and Gas in the Middle East and Beyond

Deloitte Report Examines the Future of Oil and Gas in the Middle East and Beyond
PR Newswire

DOHA, Qatar and NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2011

DOHA, Qatar and NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) today released its third annual Oil & Gas reality check report at the World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in Doha, Qatar. The 2012 report examines how the oil and gas (O&G) sector could evolve in the coming year when considering the potential impact of trends that emerged in 2011—namely, Libya's evolving political landscape, Iraq's increased stability, Brazil's emergence as an industry player, the global push toward shale gas production, and the decoupling of gas and oil prices.

According to the report, the governmental changes in Libya will have a deep impact on how its oil industry functions, as well as the extent of its participation in the global market. In Iraq, the increase in stability and decrease in violence could help the government ramp up its oil production capacity, but the country's infrastructure may not be equipped to support an increase in production. Additionally, security concerns in both countries remain paramount.

"It is expected that an increase of output by non-OPEC nations will make up for rising demand in 2012—and while Iraq and Libya will undoubtedly play a major role in the global oil industry, both countries have obstacles to overcome that will likely have a major impact on the market in the year ahead," said Carl Hughes, DTTL Global Head of Energy & Resources.

According to the report, Brazil's entry into the global oil production market—after an estimated 50 to 120 billion barrels' worth of high-quality light sweet crude oil reserves were discovered offshore—has left Brazil's federal government, its states, the majority state-owned oil company Petrobras, and international oil companies all wanting a share. As the Brazilian government tries to determine how to maximize profit from these fields, the primary challenge that has emerged is how it can avoid jeopardizing the billions of dollars in investment needed to develop the fields, as raising taxes and royalties on the oil reserves could deter foreign investment.

The production of shale gas has already transformed the energy industry in the United States, and now a global push for the production of this resource has taken place, with Europe, Asia, and South America leading the pack. But according to the report, there is still inconclusive evidence of the potential effects that hydraulic fracturing, the process used to extract the gas from the tight rock formations, has on groundwater resources.

"The more emerging markets find shale gas, the more it will have an effect on the global gas industry," said Ken McKellar, Regional Leader, Energy & Resources, Deloitte Middle East. "Energy demand in the emerging markets is on the rise, making energy security a critical priority. Therefore, these countries are less likely to be concerned with the environmental consequences of hydraulic fracturing. Shale gas could change their fortunes and make them into net exporters, which many analysts expect the United States to be by the end of the decade."

The report also finds that oil and gas prices could decouple permanently, citing the globalization of natural gas, companies that increasingly specialize in all facets of the gas industry value chain, and the emergence of shale gas. Further, according to the report, oil demand will remain high, keeping prices on a steady incline. And with the globalization of natural gas, markets are able to set their gas prices based on market prices, not oil prices.

Among the other topics covered in the report are: labor issues faced by Canadian oil sands industry the American tight oil industry, the emergence of non-traditional consuming national oil companies, and WTI and Brent price gap.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte's approximately 182,000 professionals are committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

SOURCE Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

CONTACT: CONTACT: Sanuber Bilguvar Grohe, External Relations, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Tel: +1-212-492-3942, Mobile: +1-917-701-4867, sgrohe@deloitte.com; Nada Haddad, Communications, Deloitte Middle East, Tel: +961 (1) 748 444, Mobile: +961 (3) 457 301, nadahaddad@deloitte.com; Mark L. Robinson, Marketing Leader, Energy & Resources, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Tel: +1-703-251-4057, Mobile: +1-703-638-2162, mlrobinson@deloitte.com

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

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Kogi: The People Have Spoken!

Captain Idris Wada, the newly elected Governor Kogi State, Nigeria.


Kogi: The People Have Spoken!
~ By Ibrahim Usman.

‘The voice of the people is the voice of God’, that adage is from the Greek; the civilization which gave us democracy as we know it today, and the statement was speaking in defense of the principle which accords absolute respect to the decision of the people of a nation in choosing their own leaders for themselves. No more the time of imposition of emperors and kings upon a hapless citizenry, no more the passage of the mantle of leadership from one son to th~ e other within a royal dynasty, with absolute disregard to the will of the people. In this era, it is what the people want that matters and nothing more! That is why it is called democracy: government of the people, for the people and by the people. Where the will of the man on the street is not represented, it becomes an aberration!

The people of the Kogi state have gone to the polls to demonstrate their absolute power in choosing who will govern them. They have voted and the man they voted is Captain Idris Wada. For the rest of eternity, this truth can never be disputed. The people of Kogi has spoken; let their voice be respected as the voice of God, let no man be involved in a judgment that disputes honesty. It is the people we are talking about, here, their affairs and their future; we are not talking about a company that company that belongs to a board of directors, Kogi State does not belong to any political party or to any group of individuals. Let us stop behaving as if some people have government as their birth right and the government house as the father’s compound. Let us respect the throne of democratic leadership as the crucible upon which the people’s future is determined and let the rules of ascendancy be based on merit, without any unnecessary sentiments. Nigerians have grown beyond the politics of vested interests. It has failed us. It has created problems that threaten to destroy our nation. Nigerians are looking for leaders who will buy us a modicum of true progress, infrastructural development and a balance of our economic equations. Anybody who does not have what it takes to provide those should forget about contesting for a political office because Nigerians know.

The electorate has become well informed and wise and that wisdom is necessitated by a desperate crave for survival. You can no longer fool the Nigerian electorate of today, they know all the bio-data of every political contestant and they know who will govern them. So let us stop thinking in lines of self deception and face the truth, the electorate know what they are doing.

Captain Idris Wada is the candidate that Kogi People have been longing for and with his eventual election; they now heave a sigh of relief. The people of Kogi State know Captain Idris Wada thoroughly. His entry into the political race had the entire citizenry excited. He is a candidate with no excess political baggage. No history of political prostitution can be traced to his name, which is less than can be said of his political opponents. They know that he is an astute pilot who has been flying for 35 whole years. Pilots are very well trained to be absolutely careful, meticulous and articulate in their decision making, because while in flight, the slightest mistake could lead to a disaster. The people knew that Captain Wada will bring his the excellent attributes of his training as a pilot to the table that is why they went for him. In the whole of Africa, the only pilot who has ascended to the throne of leadership was Captain Jerry Rawlings of Ghana. He is the man who took Ghana from a state of decrepitude to a state of stardom; that is what Kogi people are yearning for in Captain Idris Wada and they have no doubt that he will deliver; they have no doubt that Kogi State will be an enviable state under captain Wada.

Already his campaign records are a proof of what the people are to expect from his government. Captain Wada’s campaign manifesto has no bogus promises that characterize the stupid political shenanigans of old Nigerian politicians. He came to the table with realistic promises. The people looked at him and knew that he was saying the truth. His rallies were absolutely devoid of any political intimidations; not for him the politics of thugery and intimidation; the evil that led to the growth of militias and Boko Haram in the country. His rallies were a breath of fresh air to the people of Kogi State. It was with joy that they went to the polls to elect their new child of promise. And why not? In his characteristic thoroughness, Captain Wada’s campaign trail blazed a new record with the importance accorded the masses. He gave so much detail to his grassroots politics that he toured all the 21 local government areas in the state and maintained a ten man election campaign team in all the wards.

This is only reminiscent of president Obama’s ‘Change We Need’ presidential campaign project in America and like the Americans, the Kogi People voted for Change, they voted for a renaissance, a paradigm shift, a breath of new life. They voted for the man who will solve their problems; Captain Idris Wada.

It is not only in Kogi State; Nigerians now vote for individuals whom they know will deliver them from their problems. They vote irrespective of Party affiliations and any other considerations apart from personal merit. Dr. Chris Ngige won a senatorial seat in Anambra State under the platform of ACN. Anambra State is a state dominated by PDP and APGA. But Ngige was voted as a result of his achievements as a governor while he was under PDP. So for the Nigerian electorate, the only yardstick is personal merit. The people cannot be fooled by the politics of mudslinging and smear tactics in which old time politicians are still using to their own detriment in the country. Perhaps, if Prince Abubakar Audu had channeled half the funds he invested in blackmailing Captain Wada, into true grass roots campaign, he might have achieved better results at the polls. Alas, he went the self destructive way of smear tactics and only succeeded in incurring the ire of the voting masses and giving, making them to sympathize massively with Captain Idris Wada. Anybody can be sick; infact, a man who was never sick does not exist! One begins to wonder at the lack of integrity and cheap opportunism of the UCH staff that would go as far as unearthing Captain Wada’s records for clandestine reasons! If truly they want to protect the masses, why didn’t they raise alarm over the fact that Captain Wada was a pilot with the wrong medical records? Will these people come out in court to defend these records and the implied negative effects which Abubakar Audu and co are alluding to? By the way, are medical records in hospitals not supposed to be sacrosanct and private, available only to other doctors for reasons of the patient’s well being? The staff of UCH who perpetrated this dastardly act should all be sacked; they are a disgrace to the medical profession! They have failed the Hippocratic Oaths they swore as medical doctors, they should be ejected from the medical profession.

Captain Wada was loved by the Indigenes because of his carriage, sincerity and honesty. His peers at the aviation support group, aided his campaign by partnering with CEDIO RURAL OUTREACH MINISTRY, a faith based NGO. The team went into the hinterlands of Kogi with over 13 doctors, 54 nurses and security personnel and logistic staff. They performed 43 eye surgeries, 131 difficult surgeries such as fibroid, appendectomy, lipoma, Hernia and many other surgeries. While Abubakar Audu and his cohorts were busy looking for blackmail secrets, Captain Wada and his supporters were busy reaching out to the grasss roots with free medical care, giving them a fore taste of what will come after his elections. Who is fooling who, why should the results at the polls surprise any right thinking person?

The gratitude must also be expressed towards the government of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris for creating a level playing ground for the elections and refusing to be influenced by politics of vested interest, intimidation, blackmail and corruption. Without this fairness, the will of the people would not have prevailed.

Congratulations Capt Idris Wada,
Congratulations the Governor Elect of Kogi State.

~ Ibrahim Usman writes from Okene, Kogi state.

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2012 Set for Intensifying Volatility and Unrest

RiskMap 2012 by Control Risks. The annual review and forecast of business risk for the year ahead. (PRNewsFoto/Control Risks)

5 Dec 2011 11:09 Africa/Lagos

2012 Set for Intensifying Volatility and Unrest

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011

-- Weak economic performance and rising inequality will continue to drive social protest worldwide

-- Cyber threats and online social media will become increasingly significant sources of business risk

-- Control Risks has identified five countries that offer good investment opportunities in challenging times

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Control Risks, one of the world's leading business risk consultancies, today launches RiskMap 2012, its annual review and forecast of business risk for the year ahead, including regional outlooks, and a rating of political and security risk in 173 countries.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/DC16711 )

International business faces intensifying volatility in 2012, driven from above by political instability and economic uncertainty, and from below by social protest and increasing scrutiny of corporate practices.

Many governments appear ill-equipped to manage severe economic challenges in 2012. Global growth prospects remain hostage to debt and political crises in the European Union and the US, and fast-growing emerging markets are not immune to potential recession. High, volatile food and fuel prices, meanwhile, will continue to aggravate social and economic tensions – especially in developing countries.

The global wave of social protest that erupted in 2011 is unlikely to subside, and may intensify. Global economic travails will continue to exacerbate the disparities in wealth, opportunity and political influence that provoked social protest worldwide in 2011. In particular, rising income inequality – in both developed countries such as the US and emerging markets like China – has emerged as a point of significant social tension. Social media – instrumental in demonstrations from the Arab spring to Occupy Wall Street – will continue to grow and mature as a platform for social and political action, including for targeting companies.

Richard Fenning, CEO of Control Risks, said: "The criticism of both states and markets by people across the world is posing the first major challenge to globalization in the 21st century.

"Companies will need to distinguish between malicious and hostile acts versus popular expressions of legitimate protest against authentic inequalities. This requires a greater understanding and interaction with stakeholders beyond shareholders, from local communities to governments; grasping the intense scrutiny they face through social media and its 'game changing powers'; and the potential for cyber-security and online attacks.

"The one indisputable lesson from 2011 is that planning for low-probability but high-impact events must be part of any strategic forecast. Organizations must develop ever more robust strategies to assess and mitigate exposure to changing security, political, social, operational and reputational risks."

The combination of economic uncertainty and social protest presents companies with a range of potential security, political and operational risks . These include:

* The growing significance of cyber and information security threats, arising from both criminal and 'hacktivist' groups, as well as the security and integrity challenges presented by pervasive online social media, which include data theft, fraud and reputational damage
* Rising prospects of government intervention in business through changes in regulation, tax policy or contracts, driven by mounting public hostility towards companies and investors as well as fiscal pressures
* Increased labor unrest stemming from trade unions battling wage and benefit cuts, as well as low-income workers – especially in emerging markets – pressing for better conditions, labor rights and personal dignity

In response to these issues, companies should focus attention on:

* Greater monitoring of the evolving public sphere, including through social media to provide a real-time barometer of public sentiment, as well as potential early warning of political, reputational or security threats
* Being more accountable to local communities and governments, as well as shareholders, customers and employees, through listening closely to their needs and concerns
* Recognizing that there are no easy solutions to systemic problems. The problems of global capitalism are more complex than merely higher wages or more benefits. They are also about personal dignity, fairness and legitimacy. These issues demand steady, long-term engagement, rather than a short-termist approach

In this highly challenging environment, Control Risks has identified five key states for investors to watch in 2012:

Colombia : Although security concerns persist, leftist guerrillas are on the back foot and security gains continue to open up new areas for extractive development. In 2011 the country won back its investment grade rating, while a long-delayed free trade agreement with the US will come into force in 2012, and President Santos continues to enjoy an overwhelming legislative majority.

Sri Lanka : Despite international criticism of the civil war against the LTTE, the Sri Lankan government's tight control of the security situation has made the island much safer. With recent offshore gas finds there will be renewed interest from foreign companies in licenses of oil and gas concessions in the Mannar Basin, expected in early 2012. Long term opportunities in delivering hydro power exist though the possibilities of other nations' firms contributing in the thermal power sector is limited by India and China's presence on the island.

Mozambique : Mozambique's stable political environment has encouraged a boom in offshore petroleum exploration where investors have been rewarded by significant discoveries of natural gas reserves. The development of a transport corridor to South Africa has also facilitated the development of the country's nascent mining sector and existing infrastructure shortfalls - a legacy of years of civil conflict - present ample opportunities for investors.

Libya: Over the coming years Libya will be able to finance wide-ranging reconstruction through sovereign wealth and oil revenues, providing substantial commercial opportunities across a range of sectors. While conducting business will undoubtedly remain complex with a legacy of corruption and inefficient bureaucracy complicated by emerging political risks, there is nonetheless significant potential for investors.

Bulgaria : Against the backdrop of financial uncertainty in more profligate EU member states, Bulgaria, with an expected 2011 budget deficit at 2.5% of GDP and public debt at 17.5%, clearly stands out. Although companies will need to take adequate measures to protect against risks stemming from pervasive corruption and organized crime, the country's relative fiscal and political stability, coupled with strong links to the EU, Russia, and Turkey, make it an attractive, albeit understated, investment destination in 2012.

For more information please contact:
Christopher Levy
+ 1 713 920 9414
chris.levy@control-risks.com

Kimberly Mikec
+ 1 202 449 3332
kimberly.mikec@control-risks.com

About Control Risks

Control Risks is a global risk consultancy specializing in political, security and integrity risk. The company enables its clients to understand and manage the risks of operating in complex or hostile environments. Through a unique combination of services, wide geographical reach and by adopting a close partnership approach with clients, Control Risks helps organizations effectively solve their problems and realize new opportunities across the world. www.controlrisks.com

SOURCE Control Risks

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New Christmas Book Reveals Long-Lost History of Santa Claus

The Man in the Cinder Clouds by Rick Daley. (PRNewsFoto/Rick Daley)

5 Dec 2011 11:07 Africa/Lagos

New Christmas Book Reveals Long-Lost History of Santa Claus
A Story-Within-A-Story You Have to Read to Believe

PR Newswire

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A young boy and his scientist father made an incredible discovery at the North Pole—an ancient book embedded deep within an ice core. Even more incredible is the story the book tells: the long-lost history of Santa Claus you never knew…and will never forget.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/CL71272 )

Such is the premise of The Man in the Cinder Clouds, a Christmas book by debut author Rick Daley. This origins-of-Santa story is a great holiday read for the whole family. Its mix of action, humor, and Christmas spirit keeps younger readers turning the pages, but The Man in the Cinder Clouds is not just a kids' book.

As one Amazon.com reviewer puts it,THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS is one of those middle grade books that the grown-ups get sucked into along with their kids. You think you bought if for your young reader but after you browse chapter one you just sort of... can't stop."

This story-within-a-story reveals the origins of our most familiar Christmas traditions: from Christmas trees, stockings, and lumps of coal to jingle bells, the North Pole, and flying reindeer. Highly original and thoroughly entertaining, The Man in the Cinder Clouds will show you how Kris Kringle came to be known as Santa Claus. It wasn't easy.

A must-read for anyone who has ever believed in Santa Claus, regardless of age, The Man in the Cinder Clouds e-book is an excellent Christmas gift idea to accompany a new Kindle or Nook this year. The Man in the Cinder Clouds is also available in print through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other online retailers.

For more information, please visit www.cinderclouds.com.

IBSN-13: 978-1461091684
E-Book ISBN: 978-1-4392-9543-4

SOURCE Rick Daley

CONTACT: Media, Rick Daley, +1-740-879-3325, rjdaley101071@gmail.com

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





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AFRIFF International Film Festival Brings Hollywood-Style Glitz and Glamour To Lagos

Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji and Chioma Ude, the Founder/Project Director of AFRIFF International Film Festival on the red carpet at the closing ceremony on Saturday night of December 3, 2011, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

For the first time Lagosians saw the glitz and glamour of Hollywood-style stardom at the second AFRIFF International Film Festival from Wednesday November 30 to Saturday December 3, 2011. The colourful four-day event attracted both local and international celebrities.

The opening ceremony and closing gala and awards night at the prestigious Lagos Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island had all the glitz and razzmatazz of stardom. The red carpet glittered with Nollywood stars Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke and Kate Henshaw who looked younger and hotter at 40 and can hook any man any day. The Chairman of the Silverbird Group, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce looked fine in his black suit with the beautiful Lynn Whitfield, the Emmy Award winning American actress by his side, and one of his senior executives Mr. Alozie Uzoukwu, the Head of Entertainment at Silverbird Group stood nearby. All the members of the jury, including accomplished Nigerian filmmaker, photographer and writer Femi Odugbemi, founder of iREP International Documentary Film Festival, Eriq Ebouaney, Heidi Lobato and others were present. Other important dignitaries included Mr. Hope Opara, President of Eko International Film Festival, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, director of Tango With Me, Celine Loader and Mr. Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report, who is also the founder of the annual Eko International Film Festival and the new Screen Naija Open Air Cinema Festival.

The workshops and screenings were held at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas and Lagos Oriental Hotel. The inaugural edition in 2010 was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Founder/Project Director, Chioma Ude and Creative Director, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe appreciated all the filmmakers who submitted over 80 films in different categories of the film festival and also commended members of the organizing committee, partners and sponsors.

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Friends Africa Empowers SMEs on Workplace Policies for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The Friends Africa and Access Bank Plc organized a workshop on Workplace Policy Development on HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria for empowering companies to strengthen and develop workplace policies for the general health and welfare of workers. The workshop held on Friday December 2, 2011, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos.

The SMEs Workplace Policies Development program is an initiative of the Friends of the Global Fund Africa, delivered in partnership with Access Bank Plc. The program which was introduced in 2010 seeks to engage, train and assist African Small and Medium Enterprises in the development and implementation of Workplace Policies for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The program held its first successful series of workshop across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2010 reaching a target of over 250 SMEs spread across the North, East and South of Nigeria. The Workshops took place in Lagos (South), Enugu (East) and Minna (North).

In 2011, the program is targeted at reaching 2000 SMEs across Africa in Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana (Accra), Zambia (Lusaka) and Rwanda (Kigali). This is aimed at building on the successes recorded last year in Nigeria where 250 SMEs were trained and equipped on the development and implementation of Workplace Policies for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

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The Arrest Warrant for Defense Minister of Sudan is Good, But...

President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2011


RIGHTS GROUP CALLS NEW ICC ARREST WARRANT FOR SUDAN GOVT LEADER MODEST BUT INSUFFICENT STEP Seeks U.S. Leadership for True Justice in Sudan

(Washington, DC) – United to End Genocide President Tom Andrews released the following statement today in response to the International Criminal Court’s request for an arrest warrant for Sudanese Defense Minister General Abdulrahim Mohamed Hussein, for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur: “The ICC’s action is a modest but insufficient step toward holding perpetrators accountable for heinous crimes they have committed against the people of Darfur.

The fact remains that the worst perpetrators that are wanted by the ICC continue to commit these crimes with impunity and travel freely around the world.

Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir and his cronies continue to commit atrocities that have displaced more than 500,000 people from Darfur, South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei this year, and these attacks show no signs of slowing despite the ICC warrants against them. “Because of failure of the UN Security Council to act, only crimes committed in Darfur are allowed to be pursued by the ICC, leaving the mounting atrocities in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei beyond the reach of ICC prosecutors.

“The people of Sudan deserve the true justice that will only come when the Obama administration and international community stand up to Bashir’s murderous regime.

The Obama Administration must immediately impose strong sanctions on Bashir and other leaders responsible for attacks against civilians – not just in Darfur but everywhere atrocities are being committed.

The administration must also play a leadership role to forge UN Security Council action including sanctions, the deployment of a civilian protection force, an arms embargo for all of Sudan and an ICC investigation into the atrocities still being committed in South Kordofan and Blue Nile that will make it possible for all perpetrators to be brought to justice.”

###

The Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network are now United to End Genocide. The organization remains committed to its work to end the crisis in Darfur and bring peace to all of Sudan as well as to end violence in other areas of mass atrocities. The merger creates the world’s largest anti-genocide activist organization, with a membership base of hundreds of thousands of committed activists, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, more than 190 faith-based, advocacy and human rights partner organizations, and a network of institutional investors collectively representing more than $3 trillion in assets under management.

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Michael Jackson's Father Breaks Silence in Tell-All Documentary "Confessions of a Father"

2 Dec 2011 18:00 Africa/Lagos

Michael Jackson's Father Breaks Silence in Tell-All Documentary "Confessions of a Father"

Exclusive Documentary Slated for Release in 2012

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GPA Entertainment announced today the pending release of an exclusive documentary featuring 84-year old Joe Jackson, father of pop icon Michael Jackson and self-proclaimed architect of the Jackson family musical empire. Confessions of a Father is compiled from hours of interviews conducted over a two-year period. The feature-length film will offer a fascinating and chilling look at one of the most controversial fathers in show business history. Told from Joe Jackson's unique perspective, the film will cover the Jackson family history from the formation of the Jackson 5 through Michael's tragic death and the subsequent trial and sentencing of his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. The film's release is planned for 2012, as is the publication of "The Architect," Joe Jackson's autobiography from Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster.


Joe Jackson and Interviewer, Wendee Lee Curtis during an interview at the Palms, Las Vegas

Confessions of a Father is produced by Johnny West and award-winning producer George Paige, whose credits include "Michael Jackson...the Legend Continues," and scores of other TV programs and feature films. "For the first time, Joe Jackson lifts the veil and airs the dirty laundry, like it or not," says Paige. "If you think you know the Jackson history, think again."

Filmed partially on location at the Jackson family Havenhurst estate, the documentary will give viewers a never-before-seen look at Michael Jackson's personal theatre and the special room where the Jackson family and Michael's children were home schooled. "We filmed in Gary, Indiana too," says West, who also directed. "Seeing the Jackson house and hearing the voices of people who knew them before, during and after their rise to stardom sheds new light on this intriguing family."

Of special interest will be the newly uncovered audio recording of the Jackson 5 in their first ever studio session. "Big Boy" was recorded at Steel-town Records by Gordon Keith, who appears on camera to talk about guiding the dynamic young performers in those early sessions.

The documentary will have a theatrical release in 2012 before a nationwide home entertainment blu-ray and DVD release.

The trailer will be available shortly at www.jacksondocumentary.com.

Contact:

Irene Dean

Jane Ayer Public Relations

(818) 582-8481, ext. 501

irene@janeayerpr.com

SOURCE GPA Entertainment

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

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Shell Sells Stakes in Nigerian Oil Leases

1 Dec 2011 12:54 Africa/Lagos


Shell Sells Stakes in Nigerian Oil Leases

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, December 1, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

On November 30, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), (NYSE:RDS.A)(NYSE:RDS.B) completed the assignment of its 30% interest in two oil mining leases and related facilities in the Niger Delta. Total cash proceeds for SPDC amount to some US$488 million.

These divestments are part of Shell's strategy of refocusing its onshore interests in Nigeria and in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria's aim of developing Nigerian companies in the country's upstream oil and gas business.

"As we refocus our portfolio we are strengthening our position for the future," said Peter Voser, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell plc. "The improvement in the security situation in the Niger Delta coupled with continued progress on key projects provides the foundation for further investment and growth."

Shell has been in Nigeria for more than 50 years and remains committed to keeping a long-term presence there - both onshore and offshore. Through SPDC and its other Nigerian companies, it responsibly produces the oil and gas needed to fuel the economic and industrial growth that generates wealth for the nation and jobs for Nigerians.

Oil Mining Lease 26 was assigned to the Nigerian company FHN26 Limited, an affiliate of Afren plc, for an amount of some US$98 million (SPDC share). Oil Mining Lease 26 covers an area of some 480 square kilometres and is currently producing around 6,000 barrels of oil per day (100%) from two fields.

Oil Mining Lease 42 was assigned to Neconde Energy Limited, a majority Nigerian-owned consortium consisting of Nestoil Group, Aries E&P Company Limited, VP Global, Kulczyk Investments and Kulczyk Oil Ventures, for an amount of some US$390 million (SPDC share). OML 42 covers an area of some 814 square kilometres and includes the Batan, Egwa, Odidi, Jones Creek fields and related facilities. Operations had been shut down because of militant activity, but production from the Batan field resumed earlier this year and is currently producing circa 15,000 barrels of oil per day (100%).

Total E&P Nigeria Limited (10%) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (5%) have also assigned their interests in both leases, ultimately giving the buyers a 45% interest.

All approvals have been received from the relevant authorities of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Notes for editors

SPDC is the operator of a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (55%), Shell (30%), Total E&P Nigeria Limited (10%) and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (5%).

Cautionary note

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this release "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. "Subsidiaries", "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this release refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as "associated companies" or "associates" and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as "jointly controlled entities". In this release, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as "equity-accounted investments". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 24% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "objectives", "outlook", "probably", "project", "will", "seek", "target", "risks", "goals", "should" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory measures as a result of climate changes; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended 31 December, 2010 (available at http://www.shell.com/investor and http://www.sec.gov - opens in new window [http://www.shell.com/home/ExternalLink?SourcesiteId=investor&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F ] ). These factors also should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this release, 1 December 2011. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. There can be no assurance that dividend payments will match or exceed those set out in this release in the future, or that they will be made at all.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this release, such as resources and oil in place, that SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website http://www.sec.gov - opens in new window [http://www.shell.com/home/ExternalLink?SourcesiteId=investor&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov%2F ] . You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Enquiries
Shell Media Relations
International, UK, European Press: +44(0)207-934-5550
Shell Investor Relations
Europe - Tjerk Huysinga: +31-70-377-3996
United States - Ken Lawrence: +1-713-241-2069


Source: Royal Dutch Shell plc

NEWS EXTRA

1 Dec 2011

17:00 Intel, Publicis Groupe, and CEO/Chairs of DuPont and Desjardins Group Selected as Winners of 2012 WCD Visionary Awards

10:58 Statement of HE Dr Jean PING Chairperson of the African Union Commission on World AIDS Day

10:04 Canada Condemns Nigerian Bill Further Criminalizing Homosexuality.

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World AIDS Day 2011: panel discussion at the African Union

30 Nov 2011 12:02 Africa/Lagos



World AIDS Day 2011: panel discussion at the African Union

ADDIS ABABA, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Invitation to the journalists

Journalists are invited to take part in a Press Conference organised by the African Union Commission (AUC) on the occasion of the Commemoration of World AIDS , tomorrow, Thursday 1st December 2011 in the African Union Headquarters.

World AIDS Day this year is about "Getting to Zero." Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.


The press conference will take place from 3:00 to 3:00pm in the Media Center of the AU Conference building, immediately after the Panel Discussion on the theme of the 2011 World AIDS Day.



Journalists are invited to cover the opening ceremony of the Panel Discussion and participate at the Press Conference at 3:00 – 3:30 pm.


Attached is the program of event on 1st December at the African Union Headquarters.

For more information, visit the AU website: www.au.int



DRAFT PROGRAM


World Aids Day Commemoration 2011

PANEL DICUSSION



December 1st, 2011, 2:00-5:30pm African Union Commission Conference Center


2:00 Introductions from Meeting Chairperson: H.E. Commissioner Bience Gawanas

2:15 World Aids Day Commemoration Speech: MrsJan Beagle UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director

2:30 ECA World Aids Day Commemoration Speech: H.E. AbdoullieJanneh

2:45 World Aids Day Commemoration Speech: H.E. Chairperson Jean Ping


3:00-3:30 Joint Press Conference- Media Room

Group Photo

Tea Break- Congo Hall


3:30-5:00 Panel Discussion on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission

Chaired by H.E. Commissioner Bience Gawanas

Presentation on Draft African Plan:Dr Benjamin Djoudalbaye


Panelists

UNAIDS: Deputy Executive Director, MrsJan Beagle

Minister of Health of Chad, Honorable Dr. TouptaBoguena

UNICEF Representative to the AU & ECA, Mrs. AkilaBelembaogo

SADC: Doreen SANJE

CSO/HIV Burundi : Mme. Consolée Kamaro,

5:00-5:30 Question & Answer Session

5:30-7:00 Reception by invitation

Source: African Union Commission (AUC)


1 Dec 2011 00:56 Africa/Lagos



Experts at Congressional Hearing Warn of Threat to U.S. from Nigeria-Based Boko Haram, Link to AQIM

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011

Cite danger of expanding terrorist ties across Africa's Sahel, flooded by Libyan arms

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a hearing today of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, experts warned that the Nigeria-based militant group, Boko Haram, is posing an emerging threat to U.S. interests and the U.S. homeland. The panel also heard compelling evidence that Boko Haram has established links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which is expanding a broad network of terrorist ties to militant groups across Africa's Sahel, including Somalia-based al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and members of the separatist Polisario Front based in Algeria.

"The U.S. intelligence community has underestimated the threat potential of terrorist organizations in the recent past," said a bipartisan report released at the hearing: Boko Haram – Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland . "Boko Haram's attacks are occurring at their greatest frequency since the sect emerged from hiding in 2010." The report warns, "AQIM is making a focused attempt to extend its area of operations and sphere of influence into the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa." An alliance between Boko Haram, AQIM, and other militant groups, the report concludes, could "prove costly for the stability of Africa, the Sahel, and American interests."

The hearing was convened by Representative Patrick Meehan (R-PA) and Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), respectively the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, who also authored the bipartisan report.

The report cites a recent warning by U.S. General/AFRICOM head Carter Ham that a potential alliance of AQIM with Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and other militant groups in the region "would be a very, very dangerous outcome" for the U.S. Recent news of Libyan arms smuggled to the Sahel and evidence of AQIM "outsourcing" abductions and other terrorist acts to Polisario members in Algeria add urgency to the threat.

Testifying at the panel, Peter Pham, Director, Ansari Africa Center, Atlantic Council, said "the fact that Boko Haram in recent months has been able to simultaneously expand its operations beyond its base in northern Nigeria and dramatically upgrade its tactical capabilities ought to be a wake-up call to both the Nigerian government and the international community." Of reported Boko Haram-AQIM links, Pham said "AQIM has a history of contracting out kidnappings to mercenary groups and disaffected groups in the region, including Polisario fighters." He cited Boko Haram, AQIM, al-Shabaab, and the Polisario as the most problematic militant groups in the region.

Lauren Ploch, Specialist in African Affairs, at the Congressional Research Service told the panel that "Boko Haram or AQIM may try to acquire weapons systems from former Libyan stockpiles, including surface-to-air missiles, which some reports indicate may be flowing south through Niger" and into Nigeria. She noted that Nigeria is one of only a few West African countries with direct flights by U.S. airlines to and from the U.S.

In a letter submitted to the Committee for the hearing, Robert Holley, Executive Director, Moroccan American Center for Policy, cited serious concerns "about the growing ties between AQIM and the refugee camps administered by the Polisario Front near Tindouf, Algeria," which "have become an obvious recruiting ground for AQIM and their allies like Boko Haram." He noted that AQIM's recent kidnapping of Western aid workers from the Polisario-run camps, reportedly with Polisario insider help, mirrors AQIM's hiring of Polisario veterans to kidnap Spanish nationals in 2009, which is documented by Mauritania court records.

** To view a video playback of the hearing, go to: http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-boko-haram-emerging-threat-us-homeland

The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. For more, please visit www.moroccoonthemove.com.

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.



SOURCE Moroccan American Center for Policy

CONTACT: CONTACT: Garth Neuffer, +1-202-470-2055, gneuffer@moroccanamericancenter.com

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

30 Nov 2011 19:11 Africa/Lagos



When it Comes to Risky Sexual Behavior, Americans Top the List
Durex Global Survey Data Released for World AIDS Day

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2011

NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Durex announced the findings of its 2011 Durex Sexual Wellbeing global survey -- and many of the implications are shocking. Among the more eye-opening observations is the fact that overall, U.S. men and women are practicing the riskiest sexual behavior in many measures. In fact, six out of 10 U.S. men and women (60 percent) didn't use any form of protection against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when they lost their virginity.

The Durex Sexual Wellbeing global survey, conducted annually since 2006, has examined the sexual attitudes and behaviors of more than 29,000 people across 36 different countries with a goal of identifying areas where safety and protection can be improved.

Durex, a global expert in sex and sexuality, released the survey data to support the 23rd annual World AIDS Day (www.avert.org) taking place on Thursday, December 1, 2011. The theme of World AIDS Day 2011 is "Getting to Zero," and the global community has committed to zeroing in on three targets: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The survey finds that people around the world are not being as smart as they could -- and should -- be in taking steps to be safer when having sex. And Americans are the biggest risk takers of all, according to the poll results.

So what did the Durex Sexual Wellbeing global survey find?

1. Six out of 10 U.S. men and women (60 percent) didn't use any form of protection against HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when they lost their virginity. This number is startlingly high when compared to the lower rates in other countries such as Mexico (49 percent) and Colombia (47 percent).
2. Among those who risked not practicing safer sex, the largest proportion of U.S. men and women (49 percent) say they were confident their sexual partner was free of STIs, although one in five (20 percent) of all those in a relationship admit they are unsure of their partner's experience.
3. And close to a quarter of all U.S. women (24 percent) who have taken a risk say it was a mistake they regretted.
4. U.S. men claim to have an average of 20 different sexual partners in total -- fewer than the men in Canada (27) or Australia (24) but more than in France (19), Britain (17) or Mexico (15).
5. Meanwhile, U.S. women have had 10 partners on average, the same number as women in Britain and France but more than in Canada (9) and Italy (8).

"It is of great concern to discover how many sexually active American adults are putting their health, and that of their partners, at risk," commented Kevin Harshaw, Marketing Director, U.S. Personal Care, Reckitt Benckiser. "The findings highlight how important it is to continue the efforts to inform and educate sexually active Americans of all ages.

The survey was commissioned by Durex, the world's No. 1 condom brand[1], which carries out a range of health promotion initiatives to encourage better and safer sex. It was conducted online in 35 countries and face to face in Nigeria by Harris Interactive among a total of 29,003 adults (aged 18+) in 36 countries between Sept. 6 and Oct. 3, 2011. The U.S. results had a base of 1,019 respondents. The complete survey findings will be released in March 2012.

For more information and statistics from the survey, please visit www.durex.com.

About Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) is a world leader in household, health and personal care. It is an FTSE top 25 company, and since 2000, net revenues have doubled and the market cap has quadrupled. Today, it is globally ranked first or second in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation—typically about 35 percent of net revenue comes from innovations launched in the prior three years. It has a strong portfolio led by 19 global power brands, which account for 70 percent of net revenue: Airwick, Bang, Calgon, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Finish, French's, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Scholl, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet and Woolite. RB people are at the heart of the company's success. They have an intense drive for progress and action and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in CSR, where the company has the most ambitious corporate responsibility program in the industry through its Carbon 20 initiative. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company employs about 25,000 people worldwide, with operations in more than 60 countries and sales in almost 200 countries. For more information visit RB.com.

About World AIDS Day

The theme for World AIDS Day, Dec 1, 2011, is "Getting to Zero." After 30 years of the global fight against HIV and AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets: "Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths." Progress towards meeting these targets has already started. Annual new HIV infections have dropped by 15 percent since 2001 and AIDS-related deaths have declined from 2.2 million in 2005 to 1.8 million in 2010. The achievements of individuals, communities and political leaders over the last 30 years are reflected in the impressive gains that can be seen today. However, getting to zero requires the global community to continue its commitment to universal access to antiretroviral treatment, to delivering HIV and AIDS education and to eliminating all forms of stigma and discrimination. Play your part in the global action against HIV and AIDS, take the AVERT AIDS Challenge and raise awareness by sharing it this World AIDS Day.

[1] Based on global Nielsen unit share data for the 52 weeks ending 1/1/11

Contact:
Cindy Tanenbaum
Euro RSCG Worldwide PR
917-538-1259
Cindy.Tanenbaum@gmail.com

SOURCE Reckitt Benckiser

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

30 Nov 2011 11:56 Africa/Lagos



Media Alert: Launch of the African Diaspora Marketplace / Western Union and USAID invite you to an online press conference to launch the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) II

ABUJA, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Western Union and USAID are going to held an online press conference on Monday, December 5th, at 13:00GMT (Time Converter), for the launch of the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) II.


African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) II (http://www.diasporamarketplace.org/) is the second phase of a successful initiative, which encourages sustainable economic growth and employment by supporting U.S.-based African Diaspora entrepreneurs. The ADM II offers grants to implement ideas for start-up and established businesses in sub-Saharan Africa in high priority, high-impact sectors, including agribusiness, renewable energy, and information and communication technology (ICT).


The Tony Elumelu Foundation, an African-funded foundation that promotes the competitiveness of the African private sector, is joining the ADM II partnership, designed to create entrepreneurial solutions to economic and social challenges.


In 2010, the African Diaspora Marketplace awarded more than a dozen matching grants of $100,000 each to winning business entries in seven countries.


WHO:

Barbara Span, VP, Public Affairs at Western Union from Washington D.C.

Jeff Jackson, Senior Private Sector Advisor, Africa Bureau at USAID from Washington D.C. .

Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation from Lagos, Nigeria


WHEN: Monday, December 5th, at 13:00GMT (Time Converter: http://bit.ly/v7XKqr)


Languages: English


How it works: This service is FREE and only requires a computer connected to the internet.


HOW TO JOIN: Simply click on this link to register: http://www.apo-opa.org/en/application?vc=WU


Contact: +41 22 534 96 97 – Email: sec.sg@apo-opa.org



Distributed by the African Press Organization for Western Union.


Source: Western Union


30 Nov 2011 06:46 Africa/Lagos



West Africa / Ericsson and Sony Ericsson partner to run competition for application developers in West Africa

ABUJA, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Ericsson Gives West African developers a global stage


• Ericsson and Sony Ericsson partner to run competition for application developers in West Africa


• Local developers are invited to submit innovative ideas and mobile applications


• Application entries will be automatically registered for the global competition with a chance to win a €15,000 cash prize.


Ericsson (http://www.ericsson.com) in partnership with Sony Ericsson has announced plans to run a regional competition for application developers on the Android platform. The competition titled ‘Apps for Africa' is to run under the aegis of the 2012 Ericsson Application Awards (EAA 2012) - an ongoing annual competition for application developers worldwide organized by Ericsson Research.


Logo: http://www.apo-mail.org/ericsson.jpg


‘Apps for Africa' is designed to promote the development of innovative ideas and mobile applications from a variety of environments and situations peculiar to the region. These are expected to enable new opportunities for people to collaborate, innovate, learn, care and participate in more efficient ways that positively impact our environment.


This competition is an amazing opportunity for local talent to showcase their capabilities in the global community of innovators and developers said Gary Dewing, Country Manager of Ericsson Nigeria “It reflects our reflects our ambition to use technology to change lives for the better”.


Members of the winning teams in each region will each receive a Sony Ericsson Xperia phone, while teams in second place will receive Business Experience Packs (incl. Sony Ericsson MW600, office pro, McAfee, and a micro USB cable).


Jorgen Berg, Head of Market Unit Africa at Sony Ericsson comments, “Our objective for Sony Ericsson is to be the preferred choice for Android devices by delivering the most entertaining smartphones and adding value to people's lives. We are thrilled to run this Android Application Competition which will bring about innovative solutions to enrich the user experience of our Xperia handsets.”


The competition is open to students and to small and medium sized enterprises in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Interested developers in are required to register teams of two to four people online at www.ericssonapplicationawards.com/apps-africa-west before February 01, 2012 and submit either a video of idea or an Android based application that addresses the theme and makes use of at least one Ericsson Labs API (e.g. Mobile Location or Text To Speech) before February 28th, 2012.


The competition will be rolled-out across Sub Saharan Africa in November. All application submissions will be automatically entered into the global competition - EAA 2012 - ‘Apps for the Networked Society', for the chance to win a €15,000 cash prize.


Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Ericsson.



Notes to editors:


About EAA 2012 - Apps for the Networked Society


The EAA 2012 awards themed ‘Apps for the Networked Society', will run till May 2012, the competition provides a unique opportunity for developers to gain exposure within the telecommunications world and a chance to reach out to customers via Ericsson's distribution channels in addition to the opportunity to win the latest top of the range Sony Ericsson phones and €15,000 in prize money.

More information on the Ericsson Application Awards: http://www.ericssonapplicationawards.com


Guest Blog from one of the 2011 winners: http://ericssonapplicationawards.com/team/blog/guest-bloggers-eaa2011-winners-team-hipsnip


News release announcing 2011 years winners: http://www.ericsson.com/news/110622_app_awards_244188810_c


Interviews on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPEaD8sd3Pg


What's in my kitchen application demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g1xYGmpDrQ&feature=youtu.be


Our multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: http://www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room


Ericsson (http://www.ericsson.com) is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the “prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 180 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.


http://www.ericsson.com


http://www.twitter.com/ericssonpress


http://www.facebook.com/technologyforgood


http://www.youtube.com/ericssonpress


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Ericsson Corporate Public & Media Relations

Phone: +46 10 719 69 92

E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com


Ericsson Investor Relations

Phone: +46 10 719 00 00

E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com


Source: Ericsson


30 Nov 2011 05:13 Africa/Lagos



Nigeria urged to halt bill banning same-sex relationships

LONDON, November 30, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Amnesty International today reiterated its call on Nigerian authorities to scrap a harsh bill that if passed into law would attack basic rights and criminalize relationships between people of the same gender.


Nigeria's Senate passed the “Same-Gender Marriage” bill today. It will now go before the House of Representatives for approval, after which it will be sent to the President.


By broadly defining “same-sex marriage” as including all same-sex relationships, and targeting people who “witness”, “aid” or “abet” such relationships, the bill threatens the human rights of a large number of people.


“Nigeria's House of Representatives should show leadership and uphold the rights of all in Nigeria by rejecting this reprehensible bill,” said Erwin van der Borght, director of the Africa Programme.


“If passed, this measure would target people on the basis of their identity, not merely their behaviour, and put a wide range of people at risk of criminal sanctions for exercising basic rights and opposing discrimination based purely on a person's actual or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity.”


Under the bill passed by the Senate today, an individual in a same-sex relationship could face criminal penalties of up to 14 years' imprisonment, an increase compared to the earlier draft. The bill also seeks to impose up to 10 years' imprisonment and a stiff fine on anyone who “witnesses”, “aids” or “abets” same-sex relationships.


Amnesty International and other human rights organizations previously outlined a range of concerns over the bill's potential human rights impact.


It would place a wide range of people at risk of criminal sanctions, including human rights defenders and anyone else – including friends, families and colleagues – who stands up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people in Nigeria.


Individuals could face imprisonment based on nothing more than their actual or assumed sexual orientation or gender identity, or stemming from allegations about their relationship status or consensual sexual conduct.


Amnesty International also raised concerns that the bill would contravene Nigeria's efforts to prevent HIV transmission by driving people already suffering stigma for their identity or consensual sexual behaviour still further underground.

“This bill would have a chilling effect on a range of civil society organizations and events while inciting hatred and violence against anyone suspected of practicing same-sex relationships, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people,” said Erwin van der Borght.

“By aiming to single out and deprive the rights of one group of people, this bill threatens all Nigerians by violating the country's Constitution and international human rights obligations.”


Source: Amnesty International

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